Love my Books

Was in Brisbane all day Monday buying for Spring Summer 2010/2011. Gorman, Morrison, Rebecca Thompson, Jac + Jack and Rabens Saloner.

A hectic day indeed, but I did have enough time to pop into Folio Books on the corner of Albert & Mary Streets. It is one of my favourite destinations in Brisbane as they have the most fabulous array of design, fashion, and art books along with an great fiction section.

Couldn't resist and picked up The Bedside Book of Algebra (are you laughing Jacs), and The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, which is absolutely magnificent. Helps to satisfy my fascination with YSL.

I am always amazed at how many books I would love to own. A whole room lined with book cases and overstuffed couches would be my heaven.

www.foliobooks.com.au

New Edition to the Family

Yesterday saw the arrival of a beautiful little girl for my gorgeous brother and sister-in-law. We are all so excited and I cannot wait to meet my new niece, Georgiana Mary Gwyneth Sanders.

One of the most exciting things about welcoming new babies into our family, is all of the lovely little presents I get to buy for them. For very special little editions (like Georgie), I will head straight to Tiffany.

This little present is already on it's way. It is just too much for words.

I was a little distressed to find that the classic Tiffany & Co rattle (Trey's gift to Charlotte on Sex in the City, is no longer available! Why would this be?)

Madonna and Dolce & Gabbana

Love the Spring ad campaign for Dolce & Gabbana featuring Madonna. A series of nine black and white shots by photographer Steven Klein.

She looks buxom, gorgeous and real! As a result I have had Madonna on high rotation in the store this week.

Check out wmag.com/go/classics for more images.

Strangetrader

Popped into Byron Bay on my way home yesterday with one destination in mind, Strangetrader. When we were children we headed to Byron Bay at least once a year for various surf carnivals and at that point in time the ice-cream store (In The Pink), was the most exciting place to visit.

Strangetrader has now taken over that role (although I still popped in for a delicious ice-cream). With a genuinely eclectic mix of homewears and jewels, if you are not close by check out the website. I loved the Mustafa jewels, beautiful handcrafted pieces from Istanbul.

www.strangetrader.com

Walnut Patent Leather Ballet Flat

The winter collection of ladies Walnut ballet flats arrived this morning. Very exciting.

The trusty flats have arrived in luscious purple, navy or black velvet. But the patent leathers are the ones to see!

Be sure to call or pop in as soon as possible to grab these gorgeous numbers. They most difficult decision will be which colour to choose. Black with black, charcoal and black or my favourite, the nude and black. For $89.95 a pair I think we may be able to quantify more than one.

London and New York in one Magazine

I first read about this in the November Vanity Fair (page 116). My friend Jacs and I think this is such a fabulous idea, and the February issue is out now. Makes purchasing whilst flipping through the pages super easy with links directly to the suppliers. I keep my credit card in a separate room when I am flipping through each month, sometimes the few minutes it takes to retrieve it makes me think out my purchase.

www.lonnymag.com

"Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings"

One of my favourite things to do in the store is to wrap my books and parcels to be posted in brown paper and then tied with twine. What a delightful thing to receive in the mail. A little more classic than a postpac!

So I was interested to see in Country Road's homewear department yesterday bowls of black twine. I'm not a huge fan of black, but it looked great on display.

Surf and Sand and a little bit of French Chic.

Headed to Alexandra Headland on the weekend to watch the Nutri Grain Iron Man Series. What could be better than spending Sunday on the beach watching fit healthy young men, wearing next to no clothing, making their way around the cans. Add the surf, sun and sand and you have a fabulous combination. All I needed was a cocktail.

My hidden agenda was to make a quick trip to Peregian Beach. I love it there.

Two reasons for the quick drive. Croissants and a cafe latte at the little french patisserie. The pastries are sublime and they are the best croissants I have had since being in Paris. One thing that I find intriguing each time I visit is the chic lady behind the counter writes your order on the marble bench takes your name and then tells you to sit. Such a novel method, so simple and delightful.

The other attraction for me is Otilly & Lewis. I have been quite obsessed with this store for years. The amazing range of French Canvas is simply beautiful, and I dream of the day I can upholster my whole house in the fabulous designs.

www.otillyandlewis.com.au

New Store Bag

The latest addition to my Belinda's Store bags arrived today. I only do a very limited run of each bag, so in a sense they are becoming collectors items for my lovely customers.

The bag features a beautiful sketch from Pia Rupert an amazing creative director. Thank you Pia, the sketch is so Belinda's Store.

If you would like a little sketch for yourself you can contact Pia - piarupert@yahoo.com.au

iomoi

Have just ordered as much as I possibly can from this fabulous US based website. And hooray, they ship to Australia.

I love "The Bag", the monogrammed cards, the paperweights, the colours, the patterns.. I can't believe I have only just found this.

http://iomoi.stores.yahoo.net

British Vogue

I love British Vogue, it is one of my true monthly luxuries. Sitting and becoming completely absorbed in the wonderful world of Vogue. I was delighted to read this lovely little definition yesteday...

Quantifiable: Used to justify a purchase instead of using the tired price-per-wear equation. eg, "in terms of the happiness this seasons Jimmy Choo Zebra Ponyskin shoes brings to my soul, in terms of the admiration that I will garner, the purchase is utterly quantifiable."

Fabulous. Another way to justify our purchases!