La Pâtisserie des Rêves

In a city, like Paris, where bakeries and pastry shops are in abundance it is difficult for one to stand out in the crowd. ‘La Pâtisserie des Rêves’ is one that does and it lives up to it’s name ‘the pastry shop of dreams’. The design is fun, creative and candy coloured. It has a gallery like feel to it with pastries being showcased under counter-weighted bell jars arranged on refrigerated slate tablets. The interior design is as much a delight for the eyes as are the cakes and pastries themselves. So when next in Paris treat yourself!

  

All images via La Pâtisserie des Rêves 

Fleur

Fleur is the latest venture from renowned florist and event stylist Fleur McHarg. Located in a quiet part of Armadale, Melbourne a visit to Fleur's boutique is a not only a visual treat but the smell is heavenly. The concept store is both original and innovative with the most divine selection of flowers and plants. Fleur offers event and wedding styling as well as childrens' parties and a beautiful offering of fresh flowers in store. When in Melbourne - why don'y you treat yourself.

The Millswyn

Restaurant Review
Fresh, light hearted and playful – the Millswyn is a new French style Brasserie in Melbourne. Famed interior designers Hecker Gunthrie have fitted out the café and restaurant with a minimalistic Nordic feel. After being inspired by a review in a magazine I popped in to have lunch and check it out. Set directly across from the lovely Royal Botanical Gardens the Millswyn takes over from Lynch’s which was one of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants. The Millswyn takes on a new tempo with its bright white café, tiled walls and high marble benches. The restaurant by contrast followed a darker palette. My lunch was light and simple making the most of fresh, seasonal produce. Definitely worth calling in on.

Nine - The Movie

Nine - The Movie

Synposis:

Famous film director Guido Contini struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as he engages in dramatic relationships with his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent, and his mother.

My review:

I am a big fan of Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman and everyone else in the movie for that fact. I love dancing & singing so if you are into musicals, like I am, then it's sure to be a hit. Kate Hudson's 'Cinema Italiano' song & dance is a real highlight however it's Marion Cottilard that proves to be the real surprise with great acting and a great voice.

Nine - The Movie

Kate Hudson singing Cinema Italiano

Kate Hudson doing her number

Penelope Cruz

Kate Hudson

Cinema Italiano

Donna Hay's General Store

On a recent business trip to Sydney I was lucky enough to find myself with a few hours to spare on a sunny afternoon. So I jumped in a cab and headed off in search of Donna Hay's General Store. I found the quaint little corner shop in a quiet street in a leafy suburb of Sydney. My trip was well worth the effort as I armed myself with brown paper bags piled high with gift boxes full of cupcake cases, decorations, party things, yummy treats to eat and anything else that took my fancy. It was an expensive visit and it was very awkward getting all of my purchases on the plane but I had waited a long time to get there so I was determined to make it worth my while!

Donna Hay's Corner Shop

The front counter

Shelves of lovely surprises

Some of the cute finds at the General Store

Donna outside her shop

The store fit out

My Donna Hay purchases

Where a Girl Goes

After reading up on Christina Re's new stationary shop and cafe I dropped in one afternoon. It's really out of the heart of things in Collingwood and would probably be more suited to Armadale but it's well worth the trip. It's a real delight with it's mix of retro glamour and sophisticated shabby chic styling decorated in pinks, greens, creams and blues. The paper section is heaven, particularly for any brides-to-be and there's lots of another pretty things to   tempt you. I sat at a big communal table with a cup of tea and one of those gorgeous cupcakes while I flicked through the latest imported fashion magazines. The attention to detail is fantastic so I hope it does well for her.

Stationary Designer Christina Re

Christina in her store

Where a Girl Goes

Vintage Style Fit Out

Stop for morning tea

Tempting Treats

Valentino - The Last Emperor

Synopsis:

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is an intimate fly-on-the-wall exploration of the singular world of one of Italy's most famous men and provides a first-time glimpse into Valentino's world of bygone glamour. Filmed over the course of two years, the crew shot over 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his longtime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. The resulting non-fiction film is a portrait of an extraordinary partnership - the longest running in fashion - and is a story about a master confronting the final act of his celebrated career.

My Review:

This a highly entertaining & funny film as well as providing an amazing glimpse at behind the scenes look into the workings of a couture fashion house. Valentino was one of the last designers to bring elegance, glamour & feminine style to the catwalk. An absolute must see for fashion enthusiasts. 

Valentino - The Last Emperor

Valentino at his final showing

Valentino at his Signature Red

Valentino Red on the catwalk

Valention Fragrance

The final showing

Vintage Valentino