Wandering Around Bastakiya

On my second day in Dubai, I went on a private tour around the city that I booked through travel agency, I Can Fly. The tour lasted around 4 to 5 hours and included most of Dubai’s tourist spots that are located around the city center. I promise to tell you more about it on my next post. But for now, let me share with you my OOTD photos taken at the beautiful Al Fahidi Historical District or Al Bastakiya.

The Bastakiya quarter is the last stop of the city tour so I can definitely say they saved the best for last. It’s a welcome scenery, considering Dubai’s relentless drive to becoming one of the most modern cities in the world. In fact, if not for Prince Charles’ visit to Al Bastakiya upon the suggestion of British architect Rayner Otter and his recommendation to preserve the district, what’s left of Al Bastakiya would’ve been demolished by now. What a waste that would’ve been! Currently, Al Bastakiya is one of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites and one of the few places in Dubai that harks back to a bygone era. It was established during the 1890s by well-to-do textile and pearl traders from Bastak, Iran so most of the structures here still have their trademark high walls to ensure the wealthy families’ privacy. Inside lie beautiful courtyards that are cooled down by wind towers built atop the high walls (to serve as an early air conditioning technique). Now though, most of these houses have been converted into boutique hotels, cafés, art galleries and quirky little shops–all of which maintained their old world charm but infused it with more character and flavor. Surely, it’s not difficult to see why this is my favorite stop of the tour. It’s a great place to get lost in. And trust me, there’s a high chance you’ll literally lose your way around this mini maze of narrow streets and towering walls. But at least, you’re lost in a picturesque melting pot of art, culture and history. Not to mention, food here is awesome! My tourist guide practically had to drag me away from this place!

More of Bastakiya on my next post!

Chanel earrings | Zara top | Topshop culottes | Gorjana necklaces | Proenza Schouler bag | Stella McCartney flats

78 Responses to “Wandering Around Bastakiya”
  1. Hira

    Fab pics! And love those culottes! Did you have to take a special permission to shoot in these alleys?

    Reply
  3. Katrin Tuaño

    Oh my!! 2 of my new favorite colors in this outfit post! Love navy blue and marsala ♥ And I love how these colors didn’t look nautical. Love how you paired it with minimal accessories. I love how the colors pop in your minimal background (which also paired your accessories). I just love everything in this outfit post ♥♥♥

    Reply
  4. Lyn Suarez

    Hi Ms. Camille,

    May I know the camera that you’re using in taking your photos (especially your OOTD/OOTN photos)and what application/software do you use for editting (ONLY if you’re just using one? :) I would also like to have a “dry run” blog but I don’t know what camera is good for blogging.

    Thank you so much, Ms. Camille :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Mine is Canon 5D Mark III and I use Adobe Photoshop. You don’t have to invest in a hardcore professional dSLR though. There are plenty of other good ones like mirrorless cameras. Sony, Panasonic and Fujifilm have nice ones :)

      Reply
  5. Maica

    Did your mom took all of these photos? Because if she did, wow! She could be a photographer too! :) I laughed hard reading your post here that your tourist guide had to drag you away from that beautiful place, I guess she got a hard time pulling you out there. LOL! XD You’re so pretty! :)

    Reply
  6. Justine

    Hi ms camille! I became an instant fan of yours once I discovered you on IG! And was inspired to try blogging also! Hope you can check it out! It was a dry run though.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Awww thanks Justine! :) Dry run is better than not trying at all! :)

      Reply
  7. maebs

    Love your outfit you look like miss prim and proper. (most of the time naman) :)

    Reply
  9. Brian

    Glad you came back safe noona camille! And again, you still look stunning noona! Keep safe and love lots!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie

    I love those culottes! I was actually thinking about ordering them from Topshop yesterday. Culottes are sooo flattering on everyone.

    I’m a style blogger from NYC chronicling my adventures in the city. Check out sustenanceandstyle.com or instagram.com/stephaniexzhang for the fun! Also looking to collaborate with other bloggers :)

    Reply
  11. Shoppaholic

    Love the outfit. Will it look good on someone short? What do you think?

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      If you’re slender and your torso is shorter than your legs, I think so! :)

      Reply
  13. Janine May Coo

    Love the culottes. Really nice shot. It enhances the classic ambiance of the place. By the way Camille, may I ask what filter do you use or how do you make such high quality-looking pictures? Thanks. :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I edit my photos on Photoshop :) I think the quality depends on the camera and lens :)

      Reply
  17. Kyu

    Hi, Ms. Camille! Your jumpshots are so perfect you look like you just float. Ahaha! I really like these colors – so deep and rich. :) I really love how your OOTDs look so classic.

    Reply
  18. Donald Calloway

    You’re fully accessorized and looking lovely as ever. Enjoy Dubai. I was there in 1991. I’m sure it looks nothing like it did then.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Donald! Dubai is developing so fast, it keeps changing! :)

      Reply
  19. Donald Calloway

    You are fully accessorized and looking lovely as ever. Enjoy Dubai. I was there in 1991. I’m sure it looks nothing like it did then.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Donald! Oh my, it doesn’t for sure! Dubai is developing so fast!

      Reply
  21. Team Camille Co

    We adore your style so much! And we can’t wait to read more from your Dubai trip! <3 Hugs and Kisses!

    Forever supporting you ;)

    PS: We emailed you something in your message@itscamilleco.com account. Please please please check it out. I can no longer emphasize the "please" it's important for you to notice it. But it really is important, i mean for the project.

    Ps: Sorry for being makulit na. Desperation calls for desperate moves. Haha

    Love you forever miss cams! ♥

    Reply
  24. Cheryl

    went to Dubai last summer but never visited this area :(… Now I know and maybe on a next trip i will. Love those pants too :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Cheryl! :) You should definitely add this to you itinerary next :)

      Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Stephanie! Yes, I wore these shoes so much during my trip :)

      Reply
  29. Jamie

    I love your outfit! Looks so comfy yet very stylish! Was wondering whether or not you tiptoed in the last pic? haha :)

    Reply
  30. Charleen

    It is a beautiful place! We went there for our fieldtrip, ang sarap nung sweets hehe!

    Reply
  31. Molly

    This is my favorite place in Dubai by far. A great spot for OOTDs :p I felt creepy on the last photo because it’s just your feet floating samahan pa ng pointed shoes. I dunno why :D

    Reply
  33. Mary Ann

    Your Dubai ootds shouts ‘comfy’ Miss Camille. Those are my types, really. You look very decent and classic. Although they are loose, you still look fantastic and beautiful. That’s your natural power Miss Camille! xoxo

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Mary Ann! As a tourist, I made sure to dress properly as a sign of respect and dress comfortably so that i can explore more. :)

      Reply
  37. Clariss

    What a beauty! Heritage places are always beautiful-destructed or not :) Your outfit complements the place too! Another great thing I learned from you is to search for the place I’m going to visit so that I can choose my outfits beforehand and pick what will suit the place :) it was a very great tip!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Yes! Make the most out of the beautiful scenery by making sure you dress appropriately :)

      Reply
  38. jozar

    your outfit reminds me of a samurai. so cute but unique! love your necklaces..

    Reply
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