Going to Grace - our original style icon

Well dear Readers,
today we got our tickets for the event we have been waiting for - The Grace Kelly Exhibition in Bendigo.
We trekked up to Bendigo once before for a lovely fashion event and found the trip daunting. This time we've planned a little better. Trip up there on the train and pre-booked tickets so we shouldn't have to struggle through the crowds.
We've heard the Runaway Bride is actually opening the event. Will be interesting to hear what she has to say as she never got to meet her mother in law.
Grace was certainly something, so we have high expectations for this event.

Ciao from B&G

Channeling Ines as a Style Icon

Dear Readers,
as you know once we reach a certain age our style icons diminish or let us down in some way or other. How do we covet the style of our gurus, when they've gone all weird or lost style direction?
Take Madonna for instance - don't want to go down the gaunt path too.
Well for us it just has to be Ines de la Fressange. She has it. Simple and Chic - yes we know she is also Parisian - another advantage. Interestingly we've also been re-thinking white jeans and there she is too - back in the white jeans as is her daughter. Intergenerational dressing??
Ciao for now - off to find those jeans!

Christmas Shopping complete.

Time to start the reading binge.

Here's a list of titles to start with. Holidays are definitely for relaxing, of course a good book is a great starting point. Bella & Grace are putting the Christmas shopping frenzy into completion mode and heading for the sofa with the book pile.

Ciao from B&G

Bargaining for Christmas

Dear Readers,
it's been a while, but life has been eventful. Travelled all the way to Europe and back and didn't manage to Blog once! Now we are fully into the dreaded Christmas shopping mode and all the retailers who are telling us we must come spend with them. Well for us, we are going to be very creative this year. All of the gift buying will be done at outlets where ever possible. Why pay full price? Sorry retailers - there are just too many of you with all the same things on offer. Our Bible for finding these outlets is usually Missy Confidential. Sometimes we are let down, but mostly we are delighted and the fun really is in the chase. Today we got along to the Bloom Cosmetics sale at Bloom HQ in Richmond. You can still get along there tomorrow, so don't miss out. It's cash only, but is great for stocking up on Kris Kringle goodies and another few lip glosses for yourself. Don't forget to add your name to the mailing list while you are there as they seem to have these sales a couple of times a year and they are worth it every time. Well off for a cup of tea, after all that excitement.

Ciao from B&G

 



Anna Hoffmann - A range we'd overlooked!

Dear Readers,
either this label just got a whole lot better or we've overlooked this one in the past. Anna Hoffmann Designs are just gorgeous. Relaxed casual, but Euro style fabrics and finishes. The website doesn't really do her work justice. The new season's range isn't yet up on the website too, so this is tricky if you want a decent preview. We went along to the store in Albert Park. Definitely worth a look, for something just a little better, but not finished like it just came out of the Souk in Tunisia.Anna Hoffmann Design Take the time for a look at this range yourself, here's an example below.  

Ciao from B&G

The Cream every home needs

Dear Readers,
not often will you see such obscure product recommendations from us, but when it comes to making your pantry shelves look interesting then, this one just has to be added. Just really not sure what it will be used for, but felt it was a necessary purchase when we recently visited our favourite mecca - Mediterranean Wholesalers in Sydney Rd. Must ask one of the mature Italian ladies next time what they think about this product, you know, does it really work?



Ciao from B&G



Golden Syrup - must have!

Dear Readers,
can you believe this? The icons of style & grace recommending something so yummy & gooey and possibly not even good for you! You really do need a tin of this in the cupboard. It's been off the shelves in Oz for years and has now appeared again in fine food stores. This is absolute heaven for the most indulgent breakfast treat. Plus in this tin, it looks gorgeous on your pantry shelves, so style still comes into it.

Ciao from B&G

The new project - The Spotty Blouse

Dear Readers,
well, have searched high and low in Melbourne town for a lovely spotted blouse with a tie front - just can't find the right one. You know how it goes, wrong colour, wrong texture, bad fabric, too expensive. So we've decided to take matters into our own hands literally! Off we went to The Fabric Store in Fitzroy and the project has officially commenced.  Yes - you are right - it will involve effort and it will involve risk - sewing. Have this photo of the fabulous Giovanna wearing exactly the desired blouse. She is such an inspiration.  Wish us luck.

Ciao from B&G

The Quest for the Perfect Orange

Dear Readers,
desperately seeking a quest for something that is likely to be a fad in a very short while. You know how it is? Sometimes, you get this great vision and it just can't be fulfilled in our time, then lo & behold it pops up next season. Had that moment a few seasons ago when seeking some nautical style navy trousers. One "helpful" shop assistant replied when we inquired - "it's not a high fashion colour darling", looked down her nose and sashayed back to her online game of solitaire! Boy how wrong can you be, just a little ahead of the game that's all.
Well for now, it might be a last resort to a sewing machine for a sleek pencil skirt in a beautiful burnt orange to be teamed with a sleek shirt and cute clutch. Hope to share some pics if this comes off!

Ciao from B&G



Orange

Dear Readers,
the icon of style has got to be all about Orange - here you can see it in creation.
Enjoy!

Stil in Berlin: At the studio: Sarah Illenberger: This is the illustrator Sarah Illenberger in her studio, only hours before her newest paper-sculptures were to be picked up to be installed...

Suede Wedge Espradilles

Dear Readers,

have had these tucked away in the wardrobe since the visit to Europe two months ago. Now Spring has arrived out they come. These have got to be worth every penny - they are just soooo comfortable. You feel like you are wearing slippers - if of course we knew how that actually feels! Finally time to get the toes out and seek some sunshine. We're teeming these with capri pants or some cute skinny legs in denim. Yippee. Let's hope this perfect weather continues and we get them out again next weekend.

Ciao from B&G

 

How did Bella & Grace like Jane Eyre today?

Dear Readers,
yesterday it was off to the matinee for a lovely look at the latest interpretation of Jane Eyre. Now you could criticise us for watching another period drama, buy hey who wouldn't when it is so beautifully portrayed. Haven't seen or read this great classic for quite a few years, so it was a great re-visit. You just forget how beautiful some of the language really is. The Australian Jane does a fantastic job - she really is plain Jane, but has the sharpest intellect to win over our Mr Rochester.   Keep an eye on a few characters you've seen before from the Tudors. This time everyone manages to keep their clothes on, with just a hint of loveliness through the nape of the neck and a fine profile jawline. As you would wish it is beautifully framed in a cold damp moor - perfect!

Ciao from B&G

Dots Giovanna

Coveting Dots just like Giovanna

This weekend it's all about the dots. Have been coveting this with a pencil skirt for some time. The lovely Giovanna steps out in the dots all the time. Challenge for us in downtown Melbourne is really finding the right dots - size, colour, fabric, style. May just have to resort to getting out that sewing machine once and for all, or is it another trip to Roma?

Ciao from B&G



What's the next best thing to going to Paris on the weekend? Making some Laduree Macaroons of course!

Dear Readers,

everyone thinks they have the best place for Macaroons in town and we all have our favourite flavours. Really, you've just got to get your style right and learn from the best - Laduree. We recently got this beautiful book from that famous establishment, so now we are ready to create our own. Sure will be cheaper than the airfare. It's the next best thing to flying to Paris for the weekend - create your own Afternoon tea treat. We are really over the cupcake extravaganza Melbourne is in the grip of. Try these instead - so many yummy flavours and delicate little things too, with the best fine china you can buy. We've got a tip on how to create the Antique collection of china - more on that next time - off to try another batch.

Ciao from B&G

Bella & Grace waiting in style at the Myer Mural Hall

Well Dear readers,
 today with all the other thousands we tripped around town to Melbourne Open House. This pic was taken in the foyer area to the Myer Mural Hall - a lovely place to wait before being ushered into the main event, perhaps even sipping a Pimms or two. These cosy sofas are seriously cool, just the place for a stylish pause.

Ciao from B&G

Bella & Grace getting ready for Melbourne Open House

The other exciting thing to plan for right now is to be a tourist in your own city. We love this annual event and the chance to get into so many hiddens gems in Melbourne. Over 75 venues now is a little daunting, so we'll aim for some of the ones we haven't seen in past years - like Bishopscourt. Got the walking shoes primed and ready to go. Don't know if we trully have the talent to enter the photo competition but we'll give it a go anyway. Last year the highlight was the underground Power station in Russell Place. Imagine walking over that site for so many years and never knew it even existed. Some people would have probably spent their whole working lives down there, oblivious to the world above.

Ciao from B&G



Bella & Grace are getting ready for the new season

Well dear readers, here we are in the middle of a cold grey Melbourne winter and now the shops are beginning to put their dogs to the rack at the back of the store and load up the windows with all the bright shiny new range. Bit hard to get enthusiastic right now, but luckily for us our recent trip to Europe has us already thinking ahead. What to throw - or retire from the wardrobe, what to introduce and what to reinvent??
So far - the nautical stripes are definitely going to the revitalise list - so crisp when the sun starts to shine, but good for the transeasonal transition. Got an updated Trench in Zara, so good to go with a little warmth without looking like we are going off to another funeral in the Melbourne black. Now for some new comers to the collection. A Maxi skirt and some brogues?? Here's some to consider for starters. Leaning toward the brogues quite heavily, but the skirt - still looking for the right cut and combination. The skirt is from Seed Femme and the Brogues from ASOS.

Ciao from B&G

Back in town after the European Summer trip

Hi again readers,
the Bella & Grace culture decided to slip away to a warmer location and headed over to the European summer. It was simply lovely to bask in the long daylight hours with the soft gentle heat of Europe. Heaps of good people watching available too. Very productive observations. Whilst some are in the fashion shows of the major cities we were in the streets, parks and cafes observing the style of summer.
Have to say we are not too eager to adopt those 80's throw back primary brights, but feel much more eager to review the updated Sloan or preppie look. A modern twist to a former style. Lots of white jeans - yes we know - but well cut with skinny legs and a navy school blazer. Brogues for girls too, but with a softer sole.
Here's a great snap of one of the locals who epitomises the style. Pity he had to keep smoking during our observation time. Never mind, we've all got a little something we can improve on.
All in all a very worthwhile trip with lots of inspiration for the coming season here.

Ciao from B&G





What's a great way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon in Melbourne?

Dear readers,
today we took the best option for a rainy day and headed off to the movies. Didn't like our chances with something called The Hangover part...., so we chose a french film - Incendies.
What a great movie with a completely unexpected twist. Really take the time and head out to a Palace Cinema for this one. It is fairly brutal in parts and leaves you quite conflicted. Are they better off knowing or not knowing? Loved the music too - especially the bits from Radiohead.
Here's a link http://www.hopscotchfilms.com.au/films/out-now/incendies-movie/ but the description is very two dimensional and the film is certainly far from on it. Based on the description alone you could chose to miss this one - don't - give it a go.

Havppy viewing

Ciao from B&G



Saturday Hunting & Gathering at its' best!

Hi all,
today we've been off to the warehouse sales - very productive day it was too!
As a result we're loving a new hat for winter. Now we are channelling Evangeline from the House of Elliot in this one. Bargain at $20 on sale at Coussinet. Sign up and you can go too, next time there is a sale. Found this one on the Missy Confidential list. Popped over to Country Road just in case they had any little bargains for us too. Got a great swing knit in Olive green - will look just gorgeous with a pencil skirt and a smart pair of heals. Best of all was the jacket we had been looking for to match a pair of trousers snapped up last month. Thanks to a lovely 50% sale - got the jacket for $90. Now have a great new winter suit - sure no one will know it is last season's - it's a classic and the cut is still very much this season. We are such bargaining finding little fashionistas and like always - continue to show Good Grace. Love spreading that dollar a long way for a lot of return - fun hunting and gathering today!

Ciao from B&G