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.

Other than a tiny opal –– a Christmas gift from Jason –– I wear nothing on my wrists. Over the years, I have worn a bunch of Bahia Bands, evil eyes, a diamond tennis bracelet and friendship bracelets a plenty, but these days I keep it very simple. But I am tempted by this understated, delicate gold bracelet. Inscribed with the names of my three plums, I can see myself putting it on, and never taking it off.

Bobo Choses is one of my favourite kid lines. This season in particular,  ‘Der Blaue Reiter,’ is blooming amazing, with nods to artistic giants like Matisse, Picasso, Pollock and Hockney. Bold shapes and jubilant colours are splattered on pint size pants, rompers and bloomers. Lucky for me, the collection comes in big girl sizes, too. This skirt, Miro-meets-Miyake, is gorgeous, and the Matisse blouse is a walking-work-of-art. I’ll buy them both. The girls can take my hand-me-downs.

With three children home from school this week, and Jason flat out with flu, it’s all a bit bonkers round here. I am thankful for brilliant and boosting friends who take care of my kids, and me, at the drop of a draped turban.