Daring Barbara

Image by Claudette Griffiths - artist/ photographer. I feel like spring itself with my new haircut and colour. Wishing everyone all things radiant and fancy this weekend. Since you asked - couture trench by Manuela von Haldenwang.

Nothing Tastes As Good As A Summer Read

What I'm thinking:

Every outer event has its inner meaning.



What I'm reading: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys which was set in Jamaica in the 1830s. A thousand thanks toInstitute Le Rosey for thinking of me on my birthday this year and for this brilliant read which was inspired by Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Laced with passion, lust, obsession and the loneliness that comes with raging emotions.



"I looked at her and I saw her face crumple up as she began to cry. We stared at each other, blood on my face, tears on hers. It was as if I saw myself. Like in a looking-glass."



What I'm cooking: Spicy chicken tagine with apricots, rosemary and roasted ginger, sauteed spinach with orange and almonds, chickpea salad with onions and paprika.



What I'm listening to: Car doors opening and closing, the distance bark of a dog, the almost unbearable noise of high-pitched voices, a child crying.



What I did before noon: Painted life on canvas in solitude.



What I'm longing for today: The Caribbean Sea but I have the twin-nippled mountains here to comfort me. Image: taken at my balcony in the setting sun. What are you currently reading besides fashion magazines;-)

Olivia Palermo In Valentino

Image by Tamu McPherson.

The Tall Dancer

For the dancers amongst you. I purchased this piece at an auction in April. I adore shoes and fashion as many of you know, but I am in love with dancing and art. This tall dancer made of exotic wood is the underneath of the understory of gracefulness and the aesthetics. I do hope everyone is happy and bouncing;-)

Image: Tall Dancer, 1930, Hagenauer, Vienna.

A Girl As Mad As Birds...

1. Describe your personality
As mad as the hummingbird

2. What's your public style
I'm still trying to define it...


3. Private Style
Barefoot elegance

4. How do you handle boredom
Boredom is unfamiliar to me


5. Happiness is...
Freedom, love and philosophical contemplation


6. What do you do for relaxation
I play the violin, meditate and flirt with nature

7. Which forms of exercise do you enjoy most
Riding, walking, ballet, polo, rowing

8. Name two philosophers you admire
Friedrich Nietzsche and Epicurius

9. What keeps you grounded
Dancing and cooking

10. What keeps you motivated
The gravity of Life

11. Fashion tip
Be a leader not a follower

12. I write beacuse....
I'm in love with Words and their meanings.

Images: Hummingbird and myself before dinner wearing long silk skirt.

Manolo Blahnik Heels And Other Fancies

Images taken at the weekend: 1830 Emerald and Diamond brooch, Manolo Blahnik satin heels, Coco Chanel DVD, One of my favourite books, The Unquiet Grave by Cyril Connolly, Sunshades, Mandragore by Annick Goutal and 1920s Vintage silver purse.