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

Next Spot for weekend hunting & gathering?

We just love planning our next spot for hunting and gathering. You have to be really patient with this stuff and make a day of it - coffee stops, lunch and all!
We're thinking this weeking we'll have a try at the Willow Warehouse sale. You just never know! Last weekend's efforts were certainly successful, so hope we have the same luck this weekend.
As it gets closer to the end of financial year we find lots of good bargains come our way and we once more shop with our motto - NPR. Never pay retail - unless you really are desperate and just absolutely can't wait or it's just so special you'll never see it again. We love spreading our retail dollar as far as we can and count the bags as we load them into the car!
Remember to go with an open mind and be prepared for nothing more than a good day out and lunch with a few friends. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Ciao from B&G