What Harpers Bazaar said:

Romance revisited: Fall in love with style at beautiful Sydney boutique Johnston & Bell

The most vibrant storefront on Darling Street in Sydney's Balmain marks out a quiet achiever, and - whisper it - one which recognises the eternal appeal of good value. The cerise-walled boutique has been doing a roaring trade in stunning tops, dazzling accessories and, well, darling dresses since founder, Jenny Bell, relocated her design business from London more that a decade and a half ago. But you don't have to to be anywhere near Sydney to shop Johnston & Bell's on-trend elegant lace and punchy plaids, as the label is now available at selected boutiques across Australia. It would be a shame not to experience the colourful Balmain store at least once, however.

What Vogue said:

Johnston & Bell is the go-to boutique for all things pretty, feminine and dazzling – without the eyebrowraising price tag. Jenny Bell, the owner and a former London designer, aims to have pieces in store that women of all ages will fall in love with. "The range has nothing to do with age and everything to do with expressing your personality and charisma," says Bell.

One of her biggest fans, Sydney foodie Simmone Logue, pictured here, agrees. "Jenny and I have been retail neighbours in Balmain for 15 years. Jen has a whimsical, magical kind of approach to fashion. The dress I'm wearing in the shot is just divine and fits me like a glove. There are some really soft, feminine pieces in the new collection – and they won’t burn a hole in your pocket," says Logue.

Click to enlarge

Chandon Dress $175
Available as shown and also with black background skirt.
Sizes 8 - 14. Photography by John Marmaras.