Walli-to-Wallah

In anticipation of my Indian voyage, Meg shared a fantastic article to familiarize myself with every wallah from Kashmir to Kerala. Wallah, or the feminine form walli, is a catchall term for people of a certain occupation, such as dudhwallah [milkman], subziwallah [vegetable man], and so on. These well honed entrepreneurs dominate the bustling streets with their perfected trades, services and smiles.

Juice Wallah

Dabbawallahs [lunch box delivery]

Band Wallah

Phul [flower] Wallah

Dukaan [shop] Walli

Recycle Wallah

I can't help but think this would make another darling calling card title — what kind of wallah/walli are you?

[photos by Meena Kadri.]

Mighty Mighty

Last Friday's Soul Train flashback got everyone amped, so why not have another dance line send us into the weekend?

Photo Op

The Islamic Arts Museum—my favorite building in all of KL—is featuring Steve McCurry's latest photography exhibition, A Common Faith: Travels Through the Muslim World. In addition to being up close and personal with his famous Afghan Girl, McCurry's documentation of India sent me over the moon.

...as if I needed more reasons to fall in love with the country.


In less than one month I'll live out all Bollywood fantasies as I roam the crowded, dusty streets of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, and I have no doubt this will be my immediate expression upon landing:

Suit Up

Shanghai Rummy is my favorite weekly activity, hands down. We drink copious amounts of wine [and when we're feeling especially frisky, Gin & Tonics], gamble with the equivalent of 5 cent pieces, take a mid-game snack break and shoot the bull for hours on end. I'm loving this mischief so much I think my calling cards should read:

Courtney Barton

[Honest] Card Shark

[1] Hassy Scarf via Even Cleveland; [2] King and Queen of Hearts Stamps; [3] Cayenne Stripe Skirt; [4] Aniseed Skirt; [5] Esther Platform Pump; [6] Petit Sucres; [7] Poker Swizzle Sticks; [8] Gin Rummy Glasses; [9] Lucky Beggar Coin Purse.

All Aboard

I may be a child of the '80s [slap bracelets, Atari's Pitfall!, Punky Brewster et al.], but it was the classic Seventies' Soul Train that ruled my youth. If I had a nickel for every groovin' dancer I tried to emulate in those solo dance offs...

Mane Event

It comes as no surprise that I take my haircuts seriously. I once traveled great lengths [you may recall that hair-raising antic] for a man with incredible shear talent, and I'd be a repeat offender if I didn't move 9,400 miles from Corvette. Luckily for those who are closer—or as determined as I once was—Corvette has opened Graceland, a Brooklyn salon that will unlock its magic January 21st. Book now or forever hold your peace.

[photo by John von Pamer via T Magazine.]

Feel at Home

We've been in Kuala Lumpur for 10 months and while our length of stay is uncertain, I'm feeling the itch to create more of a home and less of a rental. The barren walls no longer feel modern, but rather naked, the milky marble floors are growing colder by the day, and our spiritless space needs layering and spunk. I'm on a new mission to warm things up because this temporary attitude is wreaking havoc on my home's personality; she needs to come alive — just like Melbourne's Fenton & Fenton.


See more of Fenton here.

Heads or Tails

This kaleidoscopic Hermès Spring/Summer ad actually makes me feel good about living in year-round heat. But on the flip side, I hope it brings warmth to my stateside friends who haven't seen hide nor hair of the sun. Happy Weekend and stay toasty!

[photo by Paolo Roversi, via The Beauty File.]

Mouth-Watering

I have a love-hate relationship with prototypical Chinese/Asian furnishings. While I adore wedding chests and Ancestral paintings, I despise trite red lacquered anythings. This photo from Hotel Pulitzer [via La Dolce Vita] has me eating my words altogether. I'm now in hot pursuit of partnering fiery monstrosities to convert into my own mouth-watering bar.

Sparks Fly

The holiday sparkle doesn't seem to be fading, which suits me just fine. I'm embracing the light and believing it's entirely appropriate to wear sequins, metallics and blinding accoutrements all day, every day.


[1] Omelle Alberta; [2] Piet Ring; [3] Crab Shell Necklace; [4] Stepping-Out Tee; [5] Sequin Mesh Blouse; [6] Banker Horse Cuff; [7] Metallic Beacon Purse.

Dog Whisperer

Clearly I overlooked another picturesque career that would lead to many drool-worthy tails tales. Dog photographer Erin Vey makes me second guess my initial statement that travel photography must be one of the best gigs around. Canines or Caravans—which subject would you prefer?

Going Places

Being a travel photographer must be the greatest—and most riveting—job on earth. The work of Bangkok-based Brent Lewin tempts me to catch the next flight out, camera and guts in tow.

Goody Two-Shoes

There's something about a pair of new shoes that gets me up and running. Mere days after bidding adieu to the yesteryear, I've decided these are just what the doctor ordered to get my toes tappin' into the wide open spaces of 2010.

Latticed Oxfords: For running the streets and still feeling like a lady. Extra bonus points for the woven metallic leather that dandily feeds my magpie addiction.


Soaring Pistachio Platforms: For happening nights after the sun settles when a sturdy heel is needed to navigate dungenous sidewalk potholes—and because a celadon shoe is pretty irresistible.