Celebrity fashion stylist Anita Patrickson has dressed some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities—-everyone from Emma Watson to Miranda Kerr, and Rachel Bilson. Having been raised in South Africa, educated in London and traveling the world, this celebrity stylist has explored around 40 countries and speaks four languages. After relocating to Los Angeles, she started work as the Assistant West Coast Editor for Allure Magazine, styling celeb covers like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, and Katherine Heigl. Keeping her career well-rounded, she’s worked on several successful campaigns including The Vampire Diaries, Target, Covergirl, Nike, Pantene, Proactiv, AG Jeans, Rolex and has worked with big-time studios like Paramount, Warner Bros., as well as the CW Network, and you may recognize her from one of her appearances on  “America’s Next Top Model” .

We caught up with Anita to discuss the latest fashion trends, and dish on her expert travel experience and find out more about her stunning career.

You have worked as a stylist, TV personality, brand ambassador, spokeswoman and a curator! Tell us about your career!
I feel very lucky that in this day and age, one’s career has no ceiling. We are all able to do so much and take on such varied opportunities. Everything I do, though, is really knitted together through the under current of elevating one’s life and taste level.

How did you first decide to start a career in fashion?
I actually fell into styling. I wanted to be a journalist and when I needed a job, it happened to be with a fashion magazine rather than hard hitting news. From there, I found that I loved being on set and creating a story visually through a photograph and clothing. I loved the idea of working for myself and styling really was the organic next step.

Working with Conde Nast as an Assistant West Coast Editor for Allure Magazine and working with celebrities like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Katherine Heigl, give us an insider look at your typical day.
Working at a magazine, especially in the much smaller West Coast office, you are able to get your hands dirty in so many different areas of the magazine. From doing beauty write ups to helping produce shoots to assisting on covers. I will be forever grateful that I learned my discipline from the best of the best during my time at Conde Nast.

After your time at Conde Nast, you started your freelance career as a stylist dressing celebs including Rachel Bilson, Emma Watson, Julianne Hough and Emmy Rossum. What was it like to have the freedom to work for yourself?
Honestly, there are pros and cons when it comes to working for yourself. The highs are way higher and of course the same goes for the lows. It takes a more entrepreneurial type of character to make it work. There is also no ‘off’ button, even when you are on holiday, you cant just leave an ‘out of office’ message on your email. You have a level of responsibility to yourself, your clients and of course to your assistants and your team that rely on you to keep the work coming in and them in turn being able to pay their rent. So it’s definitely not something to take on lightly. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. It suits my personality to be my own boss.

What is your favorite part about styling covers and editorial shoots for magazines like Instyle, Lucky, Vanity Fair and Esquire?
My favorite part of styling cover and editorials for amazing magazines is the level of talent that I am surrounded by. I find it very inspiring being surrounded by the best photographers in the world. The strongest talent being shot, the most creative and technical hair and make up artists. We have access to the most talented designers and as a team we are able to come up with something really special and unique.

Tell us about how you became a Spokesperson for Harper’s Bazaar!
I have always been the biggest fan of Harpers Bazaar. It’s such an incredible mix of high fashion and intellectual journalism. When they asked me to come on and do some work with them, I jumped at the chance and we’ve built up a great relationship ever since.

You love to travel and have explored around 40 countries, what are some of your favorite travel destinations and why?
Africa is my home and so of course that is one of my favorite continents. The Masai Mara in Kenya is pretty spectacular. If you have never been on a safari then I highly recommend you add it to your bucket list immediately! There is no better spot to get one’s perspective back into check. Victoria Falls on the Zambian / Zimbabwe border is breathtaking. Marrakech has to be one of the most exotic cities in the world. Honestly, this is such a hard question for me, I really cannot think of one place I have been to that hasn’t been fascinating on some level. Europe for its history. Rome, in particular, is thrilling to see. America for its spectacular National Parks. Yellowstone I found especially beautiful. Parrot Cay for its serenity.

We heard you speak four different languages! Which languages do you speak and what are your biggest tips for learning different languages?
I used to speak four languages but I have to say I think I am getting increasingly rusty! The best way to learn a language if you don’t live in a country where you are forced to use it, is to immerse yourself fully and try to use it daily, watch movies in that language, read magazines and books. Label things around the house by putting keycards on objects.

What are your best tips for packing for vacation?
When packing for a vacation, try to pack items that are neutral in their color palette. The more things go together, the more options you have. Add your prints and pops of color with scarves and belts. Don’t give yourself too many options for dressing up. You never wear them all and it’s a waste of space and time trying to figure out what to wear when you should be at the bar having a mojito. Always pack a few extra ziplock bags and never take jewelry (like your grandmother’s engagement ring) that would be the end of the world if you lost it.

What are people surprised to know about you?
I dress like a complete bum around the house or when I am not going out. Sweatpants, t-shirts and slippers…

For more info, check out her website at www.ask-anita.com.

Photo by Guiliano Bekor