gypsetting...

The Mignot Sisters in Sayulita Mexico - ultimate gypsetters!

Jade Jagger - gypsetter

‘Gypsetting’ “an approach to life that fuses the wild and unconventional ethos of a gypsy with the sophistication and speed of the jet set. It’s a lifestyle that crosses high and low - a surfer who is also a fashion designer, an artist who traded the go-go New York City art world for Bali’s low key tropical shores, a jewelry designer who would rather work out of a town in Mexico than in the uber-chic Saint-Germain-des-Pres.”

First coined by by Julia Chaplin in her book ‘Gypset Style’ (Assouline, 2009) it is a term regularly read about in glossy magazines and it is somewhat of a buzz word.

I must admit, I'd never heard of gypsetting until the other day and well, just perhaps..... I have found my calling life!

FIONA : someone who is essentially a bohemian nomad, albeit one with luxurious taste. FREEDOM!!!

Gypsetting is about thriving on the search for new living paradigms.

In the book, Chaplin tells of the Mignot family and their trans-continental/trans-oceanic adventures. In all of these stories, it’s about creating reality and populating it with scenery and characters that are glamorous by way of their boldness, individuality and artfulness.

The book is full of stunning images and makes a wonderful coffee table book.

The reality check of course, is that you need stacks of $$ to live the gypset lifestyle. The other thing that would bother me about gypsetting would be the inevitable implosion of hangers on, which in the end would destroy it.

How about an 'eco friendly' form of gypsetting - but alas in our quest to reduce carbon footprints we would end up staying put which would signal the end of 'setting' of any description!!!

Gypset Style $45 from Amazon

incredible india....

I am back!

My trip to India was incredible and in the coming days I hope to share with you a little of what I have been up to...it was a fleeting visit but a lot was achieved! I have found the workshop where I will produce my prints, I have instigated the process of making the block prints and fingers crossed in a couple of weeks I will have the first samples !!

Rajasthan oozes vibrance with senstational colours, smells and an energy like no other... all the people I met were so friendly and eager to assist and passionate about their country..India is certainly buzzing and there is something highly addictive about this wonderful country...

art in motion.....

A little something for the petrol heads amongst you!

Look at the attention to detail and the stunning colours of these vehicles! Wouldn't it be great if more people chose to let loose their creativity on their cars!!

In India it is said that different regions have different styles and that buses and lorries are identified by their art work..but probably most famous of all are the lorries of Pakistan which are pieces of art in motion....

on my way.......

on my way....to the land of:

colour

block printing

markets

Sorry for the absence - I am back now, having moved house, put my life in storage and upped sticks leaving my beloved Argentina behind.......Ohhhhh, how I hope to return there soon BUT it does depend on a couple of things - lala moon's success being one of them....

Soooo with all this said & done...It is one giant step into the unknown; with a flight to India next week to get the ball rolling & the launch of the website imminent. All VERY exciting BUT very daunting!

To whet your appetite and to inspire here are some images of the things that I will exploring further in Rajasthan...

I have my block print designs ready to go and I can not wait to see these techniques being practiced & I can not wait to get exploring the markets - to have my senses awoken to the rich, exotic and truly exuberant 'India'.

Images courtesy of Elle Decor India, Pacific & Rose & flickr.

f&v....finca valentina

Argentina is 'home', and whilst I am heading off for a while very soon, Argentina will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Argentina to me epitomises a 'world in one country' - the diversity of the terrains and cultures from N to S and E to W never ceases to amaze me. I will never tire of this land.

Two years ago I fell upon, quite by accident, Finca Valentina - a beautiful home come B&B in Salta, Northern Argentina. I feel blessed with this discovery. The home owners Fabrizio and Valentina, have since become dear friends and whilst it will be a while before 'I' get back to visit Salta, I really recommend anyone who is thinking to go to Salta to stay at least a night with them!!

Valentina's attention to detail is second to none and she has incredible style and flair. If anyone is looking for inspiration this is the place to go! It is where rustic and comfort go hand in hand.

Valentina and Fabrizio are the perfect hosts as they share their home and immense knowledge of the Salta region with you...

For further details visit their website or call (+54)93874523490

wish list........shepherd's huts

Who said you had to travel a long way, to get away??!

I love the idea of having a shepherd's hut as my hideaway - and it needn't be more than a few meters from my front door to give that sense of escapism.

Historically of course, the shepherd's hut offered a very different type of escapism, allowing the shepherd sanctuary from the driving rains and freezing temperatures as he tended his sheep for long periods of time. Widely used throughout England and Wales in the latter centuries the hut was a basic structure with a corrugated iron roof and windows either side to allow the shepherd to keep an eye on his flocks. It would have been simply furnished with a small stove to keep him warm.

Today the choice of decor and style of hut is all about comfort and part of the fun is deciding how you would like to put your personal touch to your new home BUT at a cost...... Sadly, they are not cheap.

For further information have a look at The Shepherd's Hut Restoration Company, Plankbridge based in Dorset the setting for Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd... or Artisan Shepherd's Hut who have some stunning ideas.

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to purchasing your own hut but, you like the idea of escaping and experiencing a couple of nights under the stars there are various places that now offer this getaway - In Devon you can stay at Sellerswood Farm, near Lyme Regis on the coast or why not try Hill Farm which is in Southam, Northants.

Images borrowed from Hill Farm, Artisan Shepherd's Huts, Cotsworld Shepherd's Hut and Plankbridge

bon voyage...

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