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Dr Nussaibah Younis is a peacebuilding practitioner and a globally recognised expert on contemporary Iraq. For several years, she advised the Iraqi government on proposed programmes to deradicalise women affiliated with Islamic State. She studied at Oxford, Durham and Harvard universities, and has a PhD in international affairs.
Younis has published op-eds in the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian and the New York Times. She was born in the UK to an Iraqi father and a Pakistani mother, and lives in London. Her debut novel, Fundamentally, was shortlisted for the Women’s prize for fiction in 2025 and is published in paperback on 12 February.
What’s the last treat you bought for yourself?
The Rosalee dress with a bustier bodice from Alice + Olivia. It’s a stunner.
Rosalee maxidress
Where do you buy your food from?
My local butchers and greengrocers because I’m bougie AF.
What’s the best present you’ve given?
I made my best friend at university a hamper filled with all her favourite things in the world. It took me weeks to put together. In retrospect, I was madly in love with the girl.
… and the best present you’ve received?
A vintage lambskin Chanel cross-body handbag with gold hardware. The knobhead had a lot of making up to do.
What’s your favourite online store?
Mytheresa. I’ve found some gorgeous designer pieces on there at discounted prices.
What’s your favourite bricks and mortar shop?
Selfridges. It always has something I want.
What’s the gadget you use most often?
My Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones. I wear them when I’m writing, and it makes me 60% less likely to murder my extremely noisy neighbours.
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
What’s the purchase you regret the most?
My Christian Louboutin Miss Z patent leather 100mm stilettos. I can barely walk three steps in them.
Miss Z patent leather 100mm
What’s the thing/s you get delivered?
Kitchen roll and a sack of jasmine rice.
What would you buy with £20 – and £200?
With £20, I’d buy a Nando’s quarter chicken (leg piece, medium spice) with chips and corn on the cob. I’m a cheap date. With £200, I would buy a silk bolero from Rixo.
Rixo Amara silk top
What’s your ‘saved search’ on eBay/Vinted?
I’m forever looking for a pair of black patent leather mary jane heels to replace a pair I bought in 2008 and wore into the ground.
What item do you buy on repeat?
My Chanel foundation. I go for Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear in the shade BD51.
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear foundation
How do you make your coffee at home?
I don’t drink coffee, but I like my Coca-Cola Zero ice cold.
What’s your biggest splurge?
I love to look banging at a literary prize ceremony. When my novel, Fundamentally, was nominated for six literary prizes, I bought many evening dresses. No regrets.
And what everyday item do you scrimp on?
When I took time off work to write my novel, I swore off taking Ubers to save money. Now that I’m in the habit, I still take the bus.
And what’s your greatest vintage find?
The Armani dress I wore to the Women’s prize ceremony. I nabbed it for £80 from a vintage shop in Notting Hill.
For more, read How I Shop with Jo Malone and How I Shop with Ben Fogle
Fundamentally will be published in paperback by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on 12 February (£9.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
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