Trust me to go to St. Pete, land of neon visors, flipflops and printed shirts, and find the only Rachel Comey dress in town. Twig is singular in St. Pete in that it journeys beyond beach wear and boho baubles, with Antipast socks, Ace and Jig tops and Album di Famiglia cashmeres. The Rachel Comey, deco inspired with an elegant crescent moon print, whispered to me from the rack. “Buy me, buy me –– I’ll look so good with responsible underpants.” I couldn’t resist. I won’t wear it with flipflops, but barefoot on the beach would be divine.

My daughter Iole is named after a beautiful and brave ancient Greek princess, who fled the clutches of Hercules by leaping from a palace  window and using her skirt as a parachute to freedom. I love her daring, resourceful spirit. Anytime I see an extraordinary skirt, I think of Iole. But could she fly in it? This one that my friend Bianca sent me last night, may not be billowy enough for flight, but those big, colourful stripes are certainly daring and bold. I think that certain pieces of clothing  –– a beloved dress, a well-cut blazer, and an extravagant skirt –– can give a girl confidence and courage. After all, this story wouldn’t be nearly as enchanting if Iole were wearing a tight-fitting toga.