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I attended Fordham University’s Manhattan campus graduating with a degree in economics. I was born in Pittsburgh,PA. I spent most of my youth on a farm in northeastern Pennsylvania where I rode horses, played in the trees and begrudgingly helped my mother with her extensive vegetable and flower gardens. I am now an avid gardener, fanatic DIYer, proud mom of two amazing young men and wife to an adoring husband. Living in a funky 1960’s brick contemporary on ten acres in Vermont I have ample opportunity to dig in the dirt and get out the power tools! Oh yes, can’t forget to mention we have a pet pig named Ponyo.
Designing, coordinating and creating have always been my passions. Over the years that passion has taken many forms, from retail merchandising, wedding coordinator, party planning, boutique owner, and now the enchanting world of antique french textiles. So, I have started the treatment! I’ll start with the main results. There was just huge, purulent inflammation. Of course, I had depression. I tried not to leave the house and had no one to communicate with. And so, after reading the instructions at http://sixated.com/buy-accutane-online/ , I began to take 10 mg pills every day in the evening and had a pretty good result already in 3 weeks! My conclusion on Accutane is the following: I completely got rid of acne, but the treatment still lasts. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found vocation that allows me to be creative in so many ways. My garden at home in Vermont modeled after a classic for potager “kitchen” garden. I designed and built this little beauty myself! That includes hand digging the sod, setting the posts, cutting the raised beds and making the fence. Early morning sunlight in my studio. Yummy pile of pillows and textiles! HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Eclectically Sporty. I live a very active lifestyle, travel quite a bit, love the outdoors and want to be comfortable. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? No rules. I dress for myself. I wear things that make me happy, feel good and are appropriate for the task at hand. Whether that’s getting up at 5am to spend the day truffling for textiles in Provence, gardening, painting, hiking, shopping or happy hour! Photo of me preparing arrangements for a show at Topnotch in Stowe, Vermont. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY? Wow asking a girl to pick just one! I think if I had to choose one it would be one my hair. Does that count? I love it because it has a mind and personality of its own. People always remember the hair. Other accessories I love are statement necklaces and bracelets. You will often find a piece of antique fabric wrapped around my neck. Most often it is a piece I have cut from a curtain panel that has the bobble trim still intact. I also adore my now “vintage” collection of classic designer pieces acquired in my 20’s when Bendels, Bergdorf and Barneys where my go to department stores and gluten was good for me! In France on a buy trip. Scarf is a piece of 19th century cotton fabric with Napoleon 111 white barrel tassels. . WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS? I know this is probably really boring but I love black, grey’s and earth tones popped with a bit of white, denim or floral print. DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE? Not unless my hair counts! Scarf – Toile du jouy ruffle from a curtain panel . WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS? I like to have fun with my clothes and accessories. I don’t take them or myself to seriously. Thanksgiving in NYC 2017. DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE? My Grandmother Mabel. She was an amazing woman! Tall, gorgeous, always “dressed” yet somehow understated. I think that was because she really understood what she liked and what worked for her body type. Mabel at the track, my grandparents had race horses. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM? Believe it or not I wash my face the same way I did in high school. Buff puff and Neutrogena bar. For moisturizers I use an arsenal of Lancome products. I love the Genifique Youth Activating serum and could not go without the Energy De vie cooling eye gel it really does battle those nasty dark circles! WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50? Make time to care for yourself! I find this to be truer with each passing year. The more I can do on the preventive side of care the better I feel and the happier I am. DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY,OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES? No rules, no rules to break! My favorite black pants. Cropped ruffle pant from New York designer Vivienne HU, Marc Fisher boots and Athleta turtleneck. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE AND OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES? I have been a huge fan of Athleta since its inception a decade ago. We are lucky enough to have a retail store here in Vermont. I still prefer to shop in person when it’s possible. In NYC Saks and Bloomingdales are my easy one stop shopping spots. They both have great lingerie and shoe departments as well as lots of fun small designers and of course all the classic big names. Unfortunately, many of the wonderful boutique shops that I used to frequent in Soho have long since closed. I now rely on my annual buying trips to Europe to fill in those special unique wardrobe finds. I also love to incorporate many of the wonderful vintage clothing pieces I find in France as well as creating my own up-cycled designs embellished with my antique textiles. White denim jacket I embellished with a 19th century cotton ruffle trim. Pair of jeans embellished with 19th century ticking and rustic silk covered wooden tassels
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW? Ugh This is a tough one. But yes , when I am being “good” and following my own advice about preventive care I try to follow the food guidelines laid out by my acupuncturist to reduce inflammation in my joints, elevate mood and improve sleep. And yes, it works amazingly well for me! This includes eliminating gluten, dairy, processed foods, sugar and other mucus forming foods. I follow this only when I am home. Life is too short not to go to your favorite Italian restaurant in NYC or eat whatever you want in France! For exercise I walk or hike at least 2-3 miles most every day. For me getting outside each day is essential. In the winter I love to do a few laps around the field on my snowshoes or fat bike. When traveling I look for local hikes or just spend hours exploring every path or side street I can find. DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S? Kimchi, dark chocolate and red wine. In reverse order!
No, not one in particular. There are too many to love!! I hand wash all my textiles! Here Early 20th century French wash bucket with fabulous 19th century bird curtain panel.
My website info
Ebay store
Etsy store
INSTAGRAM:
claudiabarber_french_textile_
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There you have it!
Another INTERVIEW with another GORGEOUS WOMAN who has PASSION and a ZEST for LIVING!I found CLAUDIA on INSTAGRAM and as soon I saw she had PONYO I was in conversation with her!We shared tips and tricks in fact she sent a video on PIG TRICKS because I saw PONYO doing CIRCLE EIGHT through her legs and wanted MISTER B to copy his GIRLFRIEND on the EAST COAST!
So, far NO LUCK but I have-not been consistent either!
I think PONYO is the CATS MEOW!
By the way she is 8 years old!
SO the older woman!!!
BANKSY is FOUR years old as of Christmas Day!
I can also say I purchased TWO of CLAUDIA’s bags, one will be a gift I THINK!!!!
IF I CAN PART WITH IT!
CLAUDIA is having a SALE at the moment!
YOU might want to head to her website above!
Remember these are one of a kind HANDBAGS.
NO ONE WILL HAVE ANOTHER ONE LIKE YOURS!
They are BEAUTIFULLY MADE and the perfect size for ME THE WOMAN who needs to go smaller so my arm does not become BULKED UP on one side!
She has sewn pockets on the inside and has a zipper pouch with a small tassel on the other side!
What is it that we carry around in OUR BAGS that makes them so HEAVY?
All I really need is credit cards, drivers license and cell phone!
Perhaps, Kleenex,lipstick and some TUMS TOO!
I know you know the DRILL by NOW but for those of YOU who are NEW to my BLOG I do this post in tandem with a girlfriend Cindy Hattersley so now YOU MUST POP OVER THERE TO SEE WHO SHE HAS LINED UP FOR AGELESS STYLE!Just click on her name and UP UP AND AWAY YOU GO!!!
If you are able LEAVE A COMMENT on AGELESS STYLE for these LOVELY LADIES or GENTS who so kindly answered our questions and spent time sending us PHOTOS! I think they would be flattered!Cindy and I too love to hear from YOU as that way we know WHO IS OUT THERE READING!I just spoke with and old friend from FLORENCE, ITALY this past weekend and I had NO IDEA she was reading my BLOG!I told her “GEORGINA COMMENT once in awhile!!” That way I will have your email in front of me and will write back and check in from time to time!I guess I should SHARE MORE of my ITALIAN STORIES HERE………would that BE of interest to YOU ALL?
A BIG THANK YOU TO CLAUDIA and CINDYS “VICTIM” this month!
WE COULD NOT DO THESE POSTS WITHOUT YOU!
One last comment here.
I was DEVASTATED by the passing of KOBE BRYANT as my MOTHER LOVED HIM SO!
She had a photo from the newspaper on her refrigerator and named her FEMALE PERSIAN CAT
KOBE after him!
SHe loved the fact he had spent time in ITALY growing up just like her SON IN LAW!
MY HUSBAND or as you know him THE ITALIAN.
MY mother was a BIG SPORTS FAN!
UNLIKE MYSELF!
BUT I DID GET HER LOVE OF ANIMALS and BEAUTIFUL THINGS!
It’s been TWO years since she passed and I find myself thinking about her most every day!
cindy says
Claudia
I love your style! You are our kind of girl! I can’t wait to pop over to your website. I am pretty sure I will get into trouble there. Thank you so much for letting us feature you. You inspired us all!
claudia says
Thanks Cindy! Such a treat to be featured and wonderful to be making new acquaintances and connections!
Dinnerpartyguru says
Loved this post. Claudia you are VERY interesting and your piggy is precious. Your fabrics are just outstanding resulting in exquisite products. I will definitely order something ~ now just to limit my buying ~ oh never mind life it too short! Let the buying begin!
claudia says
Thank you!
Life is defiantly to short not to allow yourself things that bring you joy!
xoxoxo
Kimberly says
Claudia is a true inspiration. Such a wonderful childhood. Loved the pics of Mabel and Ponyo, the kitchen garden, her fashion and of course the french textiles. Popping over to check out her website now. Another fabulous “VICTIM” Elizabeth.
After the month we all have had sending light and love to all.
XOXO, Kim
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU KIM!
SPRING is on its way!!!!!!!!!
I shall pick some DAPHNE for YOU TODAY!
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Lisa White says
Loving the Claudia embellishments not he white denim jacket and jeans!!!!! I am thinking about what I can embellish…as I have several pieces ripe for embellishments. Just pick up some gorgeous fabric and perhaps trims….go to tailor…and VOILA…ala Claudia! When I saw Ponyo…I knew…she is the Soul Sister of our Garden Goddess Contessa! Of course, that kitchen garden was another clue! Great post…as always!
LA CONTESSA says
CLAUDIA does these!GO to her website and see header……..I bet you could send her your garment?
AT least with DENIUM she does!
Chime in here CLAUDIA!!!
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claudia says
Yes I do custom work with my textiles on jeans skirts and shorts. I am sure I could do anything! Feel free to contact me for more info. Have fun with it if you try it on your own!
xoxo
Best
Claudia
1010ParkPlace says
Why have I not discovered Claudia until now? Thank you, Elizabeth, for remedying this. Like Claudia, I love her style and like Claudia, I’m passionate about antique textiles. I’m sure she’s familiar with the ones at the Paris Flea Market. Elizabeth, tell me about your mother’s ring!! xoxox, Brenda
LA CONTESSA says
A GIFT FROM ME TO HER ON HER 91st. BIRTHDAY!
NOT REAL BUT BIG AND FABULOUS!
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claudia says
Hi Brenda
So glad to find a fellow textile lover! Yes I do know the Paris Markets:) I mainly shop the smaller markets in the south of France. So many wonderful little villages to explore and treasures to find! Best part of the job!
xxoo
claudia
classic casual home says
Brilliant work with the antique French fabric and white denim jacket!! Very fun post!!
Mary Ann
claudia says
Thank you Mary Anne ! 🙂
Ms. Mary says
Nice post! My favorite picture is the garden (no surprise!)
Sending hugs. <3
LA CONTESSA says
I MUST EMAIL YOU AGAIN!!
ANTIQUE SHOW has begun……..THREE years ago I was in NASHVILLE with YOU!
XX
Nancy Schaller says
Claudia oh how I love your style! I love the way you took that white jean jacket and made it so beautiful. I did not see the purses. I was wondering the price if you get a chance maybe you could e mail me. You are stunning and just have overall great taste! Nancy
claudia says
Thank you so much for all the praise Nancy! The bags are on my website and on my esty page. My website will take you to all http://www.claudiabarber.com ‘link to bag page directly https://www.claudiabarber.com/for-bags
Feel free to email me if you have any questions!
[email protected]
xoxo
Claudia
Josephine Floyd says
Another great post Thankyou Claudio , and Elizabeth for introducing such interesting women.
Argh France our second home can’t wait to return and browse again and buy inappropriate large items to carry home on the 26 hr long haul flight
Thankyou ladies bless you !!!
Caroline Walker says
Another uplifting interview with a woman of style and a love of living. Thank you, dear Contessa, for bringing these women to our attention and the opportunity to share in their lives.
LA CONTESSA says
It certainly is MY PLEASURE!
THRILLED YOU ALL ENJOY AS MUCH AS I LOVE DOING IT!!
XX
kim says
Wow love this and her! What amazing women you always find. I love her style- her hair and the cool scarves and materials she uses! Nothing like a good antique textile. I never thought about wearing them, but now I may. Claudia’s garden is gorgeous. She’s inspiring in every way. Thank you for bring her to our attention. The piggies need a hook up!! Lol.
LA CONTESSA says
NO HOOK UP EVER…………CAN YOU IMAGINE TRANSPORTING MISTER B?!!!
MY WORSE NIGHTMARE!
I adore how she tosses a PIECE around her neck!!!
XX
kim says
By the way so sad about Kobe. Thinking of you and your mom. Cannot believe it’s been 2 years. Next week it will be 5 years I lost my mom. This time of year is sad a bit for me.
LA CONTESSA says
WOW FIVE YEARS………I remember that like it was yesterday!
BIG HUGS
XX
Holly Boyle says
Claudia is adorbs and yes, her hair is an accessory. I would love to have that halo! Love her things on Etsy and now a follower on IG. Thank you for sharing her story!
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU for reading and commenting!I fear now there will be more competition on ETSY for HER ONE of A KINDS!!!
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Robin says
Very cute. Bella figura!! You always find such great women. Thanks Claudia!! As always, adore La Contessa!
LA CONTESSA says
MILLIE GRAZIE!
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Sandra Sallin - Apart From my art says
Well, I’ve subscribed to everything of Claudias’ I could subscribe to and visited her Ebay and Etsy sites. What a delightful and creative person. I love the way you deal with your hair. Pretty fabulous. Love your neck scarves. Not sure if you sell those. But you’re the real deal and I admire your style and verve. Would love to know even more about you. Hoping I’ll find out more in your blog. What a great find Elizabeth, and I’m not even talking about the pig.
La Contessa says
Hang with Me and We will have a ball!
I know pigs and cats areNot Your Thing!But we have plenty of other areas to investigate and Explore!
I say we head East to meet up with her and explore the East Coast!
Xx
claudia says
Hi Sandra thank you for the complements! Very humbling 🙂 Not currently selling the scarves but thinking perhaps I should!
Just followed you on IG look forward to staying connected!
Best
Claudia
Taste of France says
I love how she adds antique touches to make classics like jeans unique.
Claudia reminds me of the Gustav Klimt paintings of Judith, with her curly black hair.
I know what you mean about your mother. My computer wallpaper is a picture of my mom and dad so I see them every day. They died three weeks apart, after very long and fruitful lives. It’s been four years and I still cannot believe they are gone, like I should be able to pick up the phone and call them.
Loree says
I love the antique touches that Claudia adds to her clothes. It makes them very chic. Pinto is very cute. Would love to see a photo of her and Banksy together.
I did not know your mother loved sports. I’m like you. I don’t care for it, although I will watch a game of European football if I’m in the mood and it’s a big match like the World Cup. One thing I could watch all day though is figure skating. They make it look so easy.
LA CONTESSA says
DON’T THEY!!!!I was a ballet dancer /student for years we were not ALLOWED to ICE SKATE because it uses the wrong muscles and turn in position!I tried it twice and never got off the ice!PONYO IS ADORABLE!!!
For those of you reading this LOREE lives in MALTA an island over yonder and takes GREAT PHOTOS of the old cities and landscapes of her BIRTH ISLAND!Married to an AMERICAN I might add.Search for SINCERELY LOREE on instagram!
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LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE SO RIGHT!
KLIMT PAINTINGS of JUDITH!
SORRY yours went so close together………..they say that happens.
I have told THE ITALIAN he is not allowed to go before me!I have made that very clear!
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Pat says
Oh man, I want to hang out with Claudia in Vermont! I think we’d have a blast.
LA CONTESSA says
I THINK YOU MIGHT BE RIGHT!Didn’t you work at her college?
Nice seeing you yesterday!
XX
judith says
What a fun person you are featuring, Elizabeth! I appreciate her obvious zest for life. Many women would stress over hair like that, but Claudia makes it a true part of her own fashion statement, which reveals a great deal about her creativity and imagination. She is so inspiring to me. Perhaps it is a typo, but a kitchen or vegetable garden is known as a potager. Portage is when you are carrying a boat or canoe across land.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU!
I have FIXED THAT!
SHE DOES SEEM LIKE A VERY FUN PERSON FROM OUR DIRECT MESSAGES ON INSTAGRAM AND OUR TELEPHONE CHATS!
XX
judith says
She actually reminds me of you, Contessa! You both have such confidence in your own unique styles. We should all be so fortunate.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU!
XX
Lisa the Sequinist says
What a lovely read this was! I loved learning about her and her enthusiasm for all things beautiful. I adore her style, even though it couldn’t be more different from my own. She has IT in spades. Thank you for this article, Elizabeth. xx
LA CONTESSA says
SO, yesterday I am CVS or RITE AID……… they all look the same to me these days and they have SEQUIN CUPS!!I think I need to go back and investigate further for you as I was chatting with another friend……..they were boxed up so couldn’t see too well for like TEA or COFFEE!!!
THANK YOU for reading and I agree it was a FUN READ!YOU TWO have the economics background!XX
Robin says
Claudia,
Fantastico Elizabeth featured YOU! You have great style, and a joie de vivre, much like our Contessa. As one naturally curly to another, you wear it well, and is a statement!!
Thanks cara Contessa, for sharing Claudia.
Baci baci from Umbria
LA CONTESSA says
MY PLEASURE!
THATS RIGHT YOU TOO HAVE THE HAIR!!!!!!!
CIAO BELLA!
XX
Diana Amato says
I adore Claudia’s verve and passion for Life through all her creative endeavors. What a great pick me up for the week! I love Vermont, as I’m an East Coast girl at heart!. Nothing like following your passions and living your life honestly and true to your heart. Great read this morning!
Tanti Baci,
Zingara
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU now I must call YOU!!!
XX
lisa thomson says
What a fabulous lady, Claudia is. Ageless indeedy!! Love that she loves her hair. I don’t know why, but so many of us have a hard time accepting our natural crown (hair). Very inspiring lady. Love the textiles and her garden. Oh! And her pet pig!!
Also, yes, your Italian stories are always of interest!! The photo of your mother is so beautiful!!
p.s. I read this post yesterday but got lost in Claudia’s links and didn’t get back. So, came back to comment 😀 xx
LA CONTESSA says
THAT IS VERY UNDERSTANDABLE!!!
THANK YOU for coming back to ADD YOUR TWO CENTS!!
I LOVED YOUR BLOG POST TODAY!
XX
D. A. Squires says
Loved meeting Claudia and her fabulous fashion designs… the vintage textiles made me swoon (esp. the bird pattern being hand-washed in the French wash bucket : ) My husband’s brother has farmhouse in Ludlow, VT–there is no place like New England! And her garden is perfection, as is her sweet girl Ponyo. I, too, got lost looking at her sites… how fun that she will embellish jeans (and adore the ruffled white blouse : ) Merci beau coup for another amazing woman featured in the pantheon of Ageless Style Heroines… this series is like Wonderland : ) XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
I so appreciate your time here and you leave such LOVELY COMMENTS!
IT IS A SMALL SMALL WORLD.I would imagine CLAUDIA knows LUDLOW!!
DO YOU CLAUDIA?
Vermont is NOT that BIG!
I have yet to see New England except for Cape Cod.
Must put on BUCKET LIST!
XOXO
Katie Clooney says
Thank you, dear Contessa, for introducing us to another fabulous lady! That garden!!!! It should be on the cover of a magazine. I love Claudia’s style as well as her gorgeous hair. Now I am running over to her site to check out those darling bags. Thanks again, for the introduction to another smart, stylish lady.
LA CONTESSA says
MRS. CLOONEY how is the MISTER?
Running around LAKE COMO like a BEL UOMO?
Do check back with her as she is in your neck of the woods……..KINDA!
I can see you and SISTA with a HANDBAG of HERS!!!
XX
Pipistrello says
Ciao Contessa, mmm… delicious linens to pore over! I do like what Claudia is doing with those pom-pommed textiles, it’s a great idea to adorn one’s person with them. There are always surprises to be found about your pages. Such variety among the Ladies with Style! And who’d have thought there’d be another portly pig owner for you to befriend? … That’s such a fun photo of your beloved mother, too!
Baci bella xx
LA CONTESSA says
Hello Gorgeous !
POM-POMMED textiles and PIGGY’s what could be MORE INTERESTING!
Perhaps, your BLOG POST this week on The silver tapestry’s!!!????
Claudia,has an eye for color and must have a lot of patience to make those handbags!
I wonder if she learned to sew from her Mother as well too?
Hope all is well in Sydney, Australia !!
Baci back at ya and your ITALIANO!
XX
Rosemarie says
CONTESSA – Wow great blog and it wasn’t done in person! She’s done so well following her passions and is so creative! We should all follow our passions.
Love all the textiles – so many would be hard to part with. The white denim jacket is absolutely beautiful. More people should enhance their jackets.
Seeing the pics of her garden I can hardly wait for spring to start planting.
Happy that another pig found a loving home = what a life for it.
LA CONTESSA says
OUR PIGGIES have NO IDEA how a REAL PIGGY LIVES!
THEY are spoiled rotten!BUT they give so much BACK!
Claudia, actually shovels the snow in the morning for PONYO to take a brisk walk outside!
That is LOVE!
XX
Juliet says
Contessa! I adore Claudia and ran immediately to her Instagram and Etsy store. I see some fabrics that might be lovely at Snowberry down the road. The way she embellishes clothing with beautiful remnants is fantastic. And, her pottage! Reminds me of the fabulous (but not real) garden created for Diane Keaton’s character in It’s Complicated. And, a pig too! Home run! xo
LA CONTESSA says
WE STRIVE TO PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!I know your busy moving into the NEW ABODE!
Hope to see you soon!
XX
Kathie Truitt says
Claudia- I cant wait to peruse your blog and website! Love, love, your style and the way you live life!
Eugenia Russell Hargrove says
Elizabeth,
WoW! Another fabulous interview with gorgeous Claudia. I love her she personalizes her style with accessories from beautiful textiles. You two have some much in common – passion and zest for living.