After publishing her memoir, Nefertiti Street, Australian author Pamela Bradley was on assignment in Dubai and took some time to talk about her alter ego and her wardrobe.Here at the Stray Thread we have started a photo series of interesting and inspired style from the streets of Dubai. As an esteemed author with a true feminine spirit we are honored to have you as our first Thread Collective participant. So tell us who is Pamela Bradley?Pamela Bradley is the me that was for many years a high school teacher; a writer of text books and the mother of three adult sons. It’s the name I presently write under and use for public speaking engagements.I heard you introduce yourself as Zelda. Who is she?Zelda is that inner essence that I’ve had since I was a child when I used to dress up as Indians, gypsies, witches and other weird characters. She’s kind of the actress or creative person inside me that I have neglected to a certain extent but who has always been there. Zelda is the person that takes me on my solitary travels and urges me to go outside my comfort zone. I think that Nefertiti Street really illustrates who Pam was, and who Zelda wants to be.Can you tell us a bit about what you are wearing today?I’m wearing a pair of very comfortable black silk jersey pants topped with an animal print kaftan I bought in Souk Madinat Jemeirah. I have always liked animal prints but sometimes they are a bit over the top for my short stature. I love the way this one hangs and lengthens my body and the print gives the impression of an animal skin draped over my shoulder. The attached beading resembles some of the jewelry I usually wear.What inspires the way you dress?Well I try to have a bit of individuality and look for things that resonate with my desire to be more flamboyant and that are in line with my lifestyle. I love the ‘ethnic’ look and would love to find a gypsy-like style.Is there something that you don’t leave home without?I would never leave home without a collection of scarves to wind around my head or wrap around my neck and drape over my shoulders. I think scarves around my head suit me and are very Zelda-ish. Also, I would never leave home without my chunky costume jewelry, especially large hoop earrings and I love hats. I have several caps I picked up in ParisWhat rules your shopping decisions?I am not a very good shopper and I find it difficult to find clothes that suit me. I have rules that I stick to according to my body shape, colouring and personal comfort. I can’t stand a high neckline, stiff collars and classic shirts. I try to find clothes in a variety of earthy autumn colours, soft textures. I love very relaxed, flowing fabrics like silks and crepes. I won’t buy anything unless I try it on and even then I may not get it right.Who or What influences your style?I once admired a former friend’s flamboyance. Even though she moved in high society, she did not follow convention and did her own thing fashion-wise with tremendous confidence,.Where do you typically find the best clothes and accessories?I usually find great stuff at weekend markets and ethnic boutiques. I have found that the more stylish clothes with the best fit for my body type come from France or Italy.Do you have a style philosophy?Yes, I think that for so long I dressed for the Pamela in me but really I always wanted to be Zelda, the comfortable and flamboyant free spirit. I feel I have to express myself with the way I dress or I can’t work; I can’t write. But sometimes I worry that I don’t have the confidence to wear the things that I really want to.