Jet set – A slice of cool-girl wanderlust

Saira Arshad is a Canadian expat, who has been working in Kuwait for the past five years as a primary school teacher, and has recently relocated to Dubai. Her love for the city comes from its different cultures and people.

Saira is a self-proclaimed nomad who loves to travel, take lots of pictures and shop – sometimes all at once! Shopping for her is such a treat and she goes all over to do it. Dubai is such a hub for shopping and a true fashion mecca!

ALSO READ:

Your go-to online retailer may have just signed their first hijabi model

Dubai is part of Gucci’s diversity and awareness initiative

What draws you to each destination you travel to?

Nothing too specific really; the chance to step out of my comfort zone and be immersed in the unknown excites me and ignites a desire to just go and get lost, explore a new place, and live in the moment. To me, travelling means new experiences and the chance to connect with people from all walks of life. And, without sounding too cheesy, to smile at more people, give more hugs, and spread more love into the world, which genuinely makes my heart and soul smile!

Saira Arshad

Which country have you visited and felt like you could live there?

Haha, every country! My mum can vouch for this one; each time I come back from somewhere, I’m always telling her I could move to such-and-such place and see myself settling there for a while. To which her forever reply is: ‘Saira, you always say that!’ Every place I’ve been fortunate enough to visit has had a favourite part for me for some reason or another, from hearing the call to prayer echo between the mosques in Istanbul, to walking through the beautiful chaos of Chandni Chowk market in Delhi, to eating fresh samosas wrapped in newspaper on the streets of Kathmandu… there’s always been a reason to fall in love with a place and make it my favourite.

Saira Arshad

What inspires your style?

I enjoy having my own personal sense of style, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it works for me. My style is inspired by the desire to remain modest yet still look somewhat put together and stylish in my own way. I enjoy putting different colours, prints, and pieces together, which may be slightly unconventional, but if I tend to like the way it looks, I’ll go with it. Comfort and practicability are also important; I need to be able to function in whatever I’m wearing.

Saira Arshad

Where do you feel most at home?

Any place my mum is or where I have internet connection so I can be in touch with her. #Homeiswheretheheartis and my mum is my heart!

Saira Arshad

For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook 

Images: Supplied