Serifos House, Greece

It is that time of year again, when it's chilly outside I start revisiting blogs that feature very gorgeous holiday pads in southern Europe.  Very keen on this one.  It's been in the press a lot, but just in case you missed it, thought it worth posting a few shots.  It is Paola Navone's, house in Serifos, one of the Cycladic islands in Greece.  The view!

All shots via Simplicity Love

A Sydney Inner West Foodie Tour

As you may have gleaned by some of our previous posts, we do love a good eating moment!  As home is Sydney's inner west, we have no shortage of great places to eat. Just in case you are in the hood or planning a visit, thought we should start sharing our favourites with you. Here's our first instalment.

Osteria di Russo & Russo, Enmore. A newbie to Enmore Road, and I think my personal favourite.  Exceptional modern Italian food made from scratch, and often with a bit of a twist. Love that they play vinyls. There is a great local crowd. Take care with the homemade Limoncello!  Must book, super popular!

Bloodwood, Newtown. Love it!  Can't book, so if it's the weekend make sure you get there at 6 to get a table.  Fantastic wine list and classic cocktails, they do a wonderful basil infused gin and tonic.  Food is gorgeous, rhubarb red leaf salad, socca (chickpea pancake) and bbq ribs.  Great atmosphere and very funky waiting staff, all waiting to be discovered and shipped off to LA for their big break!

Bon Appetit.  Will update again soon!  And of course, we do have a few fantastic Indian eats too.

Inky Indigo

As you know we are of course massive fans of indigo at Read+Bell, even as I type and eat my belated lunch I have a very lovely Anokhi indigo napkin on my lap.  What's not to love about that amazing deep blue. Whether its from India, Japan or Bali,  real indigo has a depth which can't really be replicated, it's a bit like 35mm film vs digital, nothing beats the real thing!  Inspired by a very cute J Crew padded bolero, we have had made gorgeous jackets in some very funky indigo fabrics we picked up on our last trip. The one I have been loving is the the zig zag indigo, fantastic layered over a grey marle long sleeved tshirt, jeans and boots. We also have it in a dot and fan pattern. 

Images via The Society Inc and French by Design.

Our trip to India....

Can't believe we have been back from fabulous India for nearly three weeks!  It is always such an intense experience and coupled with catching a bit of a virus, it has taken us a bit longer to reaclimatise to life back in Sydney!  We are though now firing with nearly eight cylinders and back on deck!

It was as usual a fantastic trip and we have some gorgeous pieces on their way as we write.  Look forward to vintage Banjara clutches and bags in great new sizes and designs.  The finest woollen scarves adorned with sequins and glitter (love a bit of bling). Hand dyed ombre woollen scarves. Hand loomed and embroidered tassel silk/cotton scarves. The scarves come in gorgeous pink, navy, taupe, charcoal and chartreuse.  We also have some super soft fine wool ponchos and ombre navy cotton ponchos.  We are also madly assembling beads with vintage coins, hands of protection, happiness pendants and tassels. Some very cool Indigo padded jackets, the spotty ones are very funky. And this is just for winter. Team these with our white cotton embroidered shirts and tunics, we will all look the part!

For summer, our blockprinters are madly printing onto fine cotton voile a fantastic palette of grey, navy, pink and aqua. Not only are we doing dresses and tunics this year, but some pants and a few other surprise pieces.

Have to share where we stayed in Delhi.  Accommodation in Delhi is always a challenge, but we think we have finally found a place that suits and is a good price. It is located in Hauz Kas,  a bit of a travel from central Delhi, but worth it as there are lots of great little places to eat, shop and hang out. The hotel is owned by a Japanese woman and a French man, and the aesthetic really reflects this; it is a simple light filled space with accents of pastel pinks, greens and blues and fantastic artwork.  There is a great cafe, art gallery and spa as well. www.therosenewdelhi.com/.

Love Jaipur, how can you not.  Discovered a great new bar/restaurant in the grounds of Narain Niwas Palace Hotel called Palladio...super chic.  Here are a few pics!  You should also check out a new place called Jaipur Modern, very groovy cafe and shop.

Tory hanging out at Palladio with vintage Banjara clutch.

Stay posted for May Trunk Sale details - May 1-4 at our studio.