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