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