SUMMER 13 TRUNK SALE .... Thurs 31/10 - Sun 3/11

The invitations have arrived for our Summer Trunk Sale.  Very excited.

We will be selling our current summer clothing range, 15-20% off, as well as last years range at heavily reduced prices (nothing over $20).  We will also have reductions on discontinued quilts and cushions.

New delivery of vintage bags and pom pom scarves.

Soooo much to look forward to!

And there's more......Proseccos in the courtyard on Thursday evening.  Would love to see you.

Thurs 31/10 - 3pm to 8pm
Fri 1/11 - 9am to 4pm
Sat 2/11 - 9am to 4pm
Sun 3/11 - 9am to 3pm

63 Brandling Stree (entry via side lane, Allen Ave)
Alexandria

Turkish Meze and Frocks in Yamba

This morning the path to Sevtap Yuce's gorgeous cafe Beachwood in Yamba, was strewn with pink and white rose petals.  A daily treat while on beach holiday here is eating at Sevtap's.  Her food is clean, simple, seasonal and inspired by her homeland, Turkey. Gorgeous.

An added bonus, is the divine Ralph Lauren inspired shop next door, Belinda's Store. Always fabulous, especially if you are searching for the perfect Christmas party frock.....and yes, I have indulged!

Not only is the surf fabulous here but the food and frocks are too.....the perfect summer holiday!

WIN A $200 READ+BELL VOUCHER and update your spring wardrobe

To celebrate our new range we are giving you the chance to win a READ+BELL $200 VOUCHER.  All you have to do is like us on Facebook.

We will randomly select the winner on Wednesday October 2.

Good luck.

The new range is here......

And it's gorgeous!  We are thrilled.   A divine palette of navy, pink and emerald printed on the finest Indian cottons. We shot the range with the beautiful Kate a few weeks ago down on Sydney's northern beaches.  Our photographer, Helen Coetzee, www.helencoetze.com did a fabulous job.  A few pieces are already selling out, so best to get in early!  We now include free shipping on all purchases made via our website www.readandbell.com.

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Happy Independence Day India

Indian Independence Day observed annually on August 15,is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from British Rule on 15 August 1947. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC)India attained freedom.

Have a fabulous day India.  Gandhi rocks!

Craving for a warm retreat....

It's that time of year, when a little break somewhere warm is very tempting. Stumbled across this pad today.

Originally a humble finca located in a beautiful conservation area on the Ibiza island it is owned by a Danish couple. It's an incredibly simple space, with clean lines, minimal furnishing and a few ethnic finds brought back from India, Bali and Marrakech.

The perfect place to unwind. Casa Hananja.

Images via French by Design

Great spaces....

What we love.

High ceilings.

Fabulous Tilework.

Bertoia.

Blue.

Velvet.

Orange.

Suzani...of course.

More blue.

All these shots are via http://jamaicabyles.blogspot.com.au/

The perfect retreat in Whale Beach...

One of our lovely customers, has just listed their studio apartment with Airnb. Perfect for the weekend escape, it is truly the most fabulous place to unwind and reconnect.  "Wedge House" named after the legendary surf break, was designed by leading Australian architect Peter Stutchbury.  It sours high above the ocean and enjoys fabulous views.  Only 400m walk to the beach and surf and only minutes away from the restaurants, cafes and gorgeous shops in Palm Beach and Avalon.  Well done Kim, you've done a great job, and we are thrilled you have used a Read+Bell quilt for the bedroom space.

Winter Sale.....25% off everything ordered online.

We are having a snap winter sale. Everything in our online store is 25% off (ends June 30).  It is a great time to buy one (or two) of our gorgeous 100% wool throws, a new bedcover, a warm scarf, a padded jacket....

Just click onto our store, select your product and type "winter" in the blank box marked discount code.  25% will be deducted from the total.  STAY WARM!!

Autumn 13 Trunk Sale; Thurs May 2 - Sunday May 5

How time flies, it only seems like yesterday we had the summer trunk sale!  We have moved it a bit earlier this year, nearly all our pieces have arrived from our trip in February, we can't quite believe it ourselves!  And....it is going to be held in our new studio in Alexandria.  After living in very temporary digs for nearly 2 years....oh, how quickly the temporary starts to feel permanent, we have finally moved.  It's a great space, there are three studios, that all open up onto a shared courtyard.  We think it was an old cord factory. The last two weeks have involved endless cleaning, painting and sorting......nearly there.

Would love to see you.  We have made the dates and times a bit more user friendly as well.  To see all the details click here READ+BELL Invitation.  Lots of scarves; bamboo, wool, silk, pom poms, some fabulously unique vintage clutches and bags, vintage and velvet cushions, our new hand block printed kantha quilts,  divine woollen throws,  jackets in fabulous fabrics,  beads with tassels and happiness pendants and amazing necklaces made from old silver coins we have threaded onto silk.....

Pink tropicana quilt....looking fabulous!

Thanks to The Urchin Collective for choosing a Read+Bell pink tropicana quilt for her daughters bedroom makeover.  Looks great.  Who wouldn't want to sleep there!

Funky new clutches....

Aren't they gorgeous, and very funky.  We only have a few and each one is unique. Email us info@readandbell.com, and we can send you some shots.  Prices range from $45 to $125, depending on size and materials.

Marigolds and generally gorgeous flowers in the Pink City

We are back in Sydney, and already missing the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur.  It really gets under your skin.   We had a fantastic trip.  The weather was divine, 23 during the day, dropping to about 15 at night.  Definately the best time of year to be there, if they would move the Jaipur Literature Festival forward a month,  it would be perfect.

We are having some beautiful fabrics made up into our dresses and tunics, we have chosen a palette of navy, white, watermelon and a touch of emerald.  Printing has started.  We also found some gorgeous one off pieces; fabulous clutch and shoulder bags, more Bengali scarves in new designs, some truly divine throws for winter and vintage Indian silver.  Will keep you up to speed as they arrive.  Loving all these marigolds and flowers.  In a very  Beatles inspired "Love You to" moment, couldn't help but wear them sometimes!

FYI, Marigolds are the sacred herb of Hinduism.

Leaving on a jet plane......

Very busy here at Read+Bell central organising our next trip to India.  As soon as school is back, Anne and are off, first available flight out to Delhi.  Really looking forward to it.  We have a packed schedule catching up with existing artisans and suppliers, as well as meeting new ones.  Our shopping list grows by the day, especially our own personal ones, I am still searching for the elusive silk kantha throw / bedspread in the perfect colour way for my bedroom as well as some silk ikat for cushions.

Loving these old travel posters, from the days when a trip overseas was a truly, exotic and rare experience.....especially to India.