Wolf and Willow - Designing a Super Natural Life

Vintage Icons: Anne Baxter

Tending to play shy, innocent types in Westerns and Dramas of the 40s and 50s, Anne Baxter starred alongside other vintage icons such as Bette Davis and Judy Holliday. She's so young in this photograph, I imagine it might have been taken at the start of her career (somewhere around seventeen?). I love her beautiful eyelashes and charming smile - not to mention that va-va-voom vintage bathing suit!

"It's best to have failure happen early in life. It wakes up the Phoenix bird in you so you rise from the ashes."

Inspired By: Alison Scarpulla

Partly inspired by my latest obsession with moody shades of fuschia, plum and violet, I'm utterly spellbound by Alison Scarpulla. Her enchanting photographs remind me of exotic Russian fairytales of gypsy spells and magic. It's inspiring me to start working my novel again! Ooh, to much inspiration, too little time! I'll have to content myself with gazing and imagining for now, I guess.

p.s. There's more spellbinding goods in her Etsy shop here.

Closet Update: Paper Planes

I never do this, but it's nice to do a post just for fun sometimes, isn't it? You see, this is exactly what I'm wearing to the M.I.A. concert tonight! Maybe you'll see me there? Ha! Now, I would have loved to pair this funky little dress with some shoe boots or studded sandals, but you know, dancing requires sensible shoes and dancing is what I'll be doing, right?

1. Venus Rising Dress 2. Ridin Solo Purse 3. Tangerine Dream Polish 4. Larissa Flats

Moodboard: Sunlight, Sugar + Spring Flowers

I thought I'd share this little moodboard I created for the Spring Palette Challenge going on over at Colette Patterns, where you'll find lots of Spring sewing inspiration, patterns and tips. Be sure to check out the other delightful guest palettes too and join in the fun. I've enjoyed it so much, I think I'll make this a regular feature. What do you say to that, darlings? Oh, did you say 'yes, please'? Well, in that case, welcome to the very first of my new 'Moodboard' series. Hooray for prettiness!

1. Vintage Wallpaper 2. 'Cherry Pie' Dress 3. Fall Sunset 4. Pink Balloons 5. Cupcake

Fashion Fancies: Snow White

Morning sweethearts! Couldn’t resist sharing these pics from W Korea, as I just love her snowy white hair. I have a feeling it will be one of this year’s hottest hair trends, don’t you? And I think I’ll even give it a go in winter when my tan has faded. Here’s hoping my hair doesn’t fall out from all that bleach. Oh, and the makeup is pretty stunning too!

January Giveaway: $50 Voucher for Marigold Jewellery

Hello lovelies! Today, I have a little surprise for you! Ooh, I love a surprise, don't you? Together with the lovely Shelbi of Marigold, I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to win a $50 voucher to spend on anything your heart desires from her Etsy store. Created for mermaids, dreamers, and chocolate-eaters (to name but a few), you're sure to find a little treasure of your own. Simply comment below with your favourite item from the shop, and ta-da, you'll be entered in the draw.

psst... for extra chances to win "like" this post on Facebook or tweet "i heart marigold" @wolfandwillow.

Style Me: Easy Tiger

1. La Perla New Venus Briefs 2. Moschino Cropped Frill Bolero 3. Armani Sequin Print Clutch 4. Billy Bride Orin Smoky Topaz Ring 5. Kate Spade Moonlit Garden Studs 6. Thread Social Jacquard Bow-Belt Shorts 7. ModCloth Retro Vintage Bracelet 8. Jimmy Choo Cosmic Sequin Pumps 9. Chloe Sequin-Embellished Crepe Dress

Vintage Icons: Mary Jane Russell

I rather fancy you'd be hard-pressed to find a more striking and iconic fashion model during the New Look era than Mary Jane Russell. Truly, in the late forties she was the face of New York, with her long neck and elegant features. These are some of my favourite photos of her. Not only for the exquisite dresses, but for those adorably playful kitties, of course!

Fashion Fancies: Midnight, Sequins & Kitten Nails

I was leafing through a few Emporium mags last weekend, when I stumbled upon these glossy black beauties. I'm a little smitten with sequins right now... they're always a favourite when I'm feeling a little fancy, and they always remind me of New Years Eve, all sparkly and bright. I guess, sequins could be considered "vintage" too, which is nice. The classic sequin shape hasn't changed much in all these years. And don't you just love those beautiful black-tipped kitten nails. Gorgeous!

Fashion Fancies: Lace, Frills & Lipstick

What can I say? It's really no surprise that I'm in love with Twin Set. I mean, let's see now... pretty sleeves, lacy trims, frilly details, vintage florals. Only everything I ever dream of in an outfit. Not to mention that delicious shade of fuschia pink lipstick and the Lolita sunnies... And don't you just love the pretty peonies and shabby suitcases? Oh, look at me, I'm gushing. Heaven!

Inspired By: Alexandra Valenti

I'm not sure how I first stumbled upon the work of Alexandra Valenti... no wait, I think I was looking for turbans for a fashion piece! I took one look at these mystical, dreamy photographs and fell in love. They have such a beautifully faded, seventies feel that sets off the bohemian textures and colours. Most of my favourite pieces in his folio are for fashion label Sisters of the Black Moon, who have some seriously epic vintage coats, skirts and dresses.

Etsy Love: Bee Vintage Upcycled Loveliness

I can't remember how I stumbled across Bee Vintage Redux... perhaps on a happy browsing trip through my Etsy favourites' favourites? Either way, I've developed quite a soft spot for this little Etsy shop with all it's upcycled loveliness. I love the thought of precious, once-loved vintage pieces being given a new life. Yes, I'm completely smitten.

Vintage Icons: Joan Crawford

Shooting to stardom as a flapper in the 1920s, Joan Crawford went on to star in a series of 'rags-to-riches' films. In real life, she was often cast as the underdog too, fighting to 'make good' in a man's world. It's an idea that appealed to many women of the Depression. Not only was she beautiful, but she was tough! This was a woman with real charisma, who carried herself with panache. It's really no wonder she became a Hollywood icon. I mean, just look at those 'knock-em'-dead' eyes!

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell." - Joan Crawford

Fashion Fancies: Pedal Pretty with Cycle Style

Okay, so if you've been following my tweets, you'll know I just found a glorious vintage bicycle on eBay which I'm restoring to her former glory and yes, I am totally in love with all things bicycl-ey! Why, just yesterday I cycled down to lunch on pineapple rice with Miss Sarah, my design friend from Toffee magazine. She has a gold bike, called Goldie, and mine is lavender; her name is Trixie. But what I'm missing is a pretty matching helmet like this one from CycleStyle.

p.s. Do you recognise this gorgeous Australian bloganista?

Heart This: Falling for Fifi

Hello! We are cute pins by Fifi Lapin and Nancy could not resist posting about us for your viewing pleasure today. From top to bottom, we three stylish bunnies are sporting; a grape juice coloured Fifi sweater, a mint green chiffon dress and a dashing drummer hat set off with a harlequin clutch. We are très cute, no?

Heart This: Dainty Trinkets by Blue Balloon

Today's Etsy Love crush is Blue Balloon with her dainty little jewellery I just can't help but covet. My favourites are this resin blackbird ring, set on a Victorian-style filigree base, and this sweet shiny deer brooch. The way these shots are styled is pretty spesh too, don't you think? Lovely lace curtains and crumbly vintage books... simply heavenly!

Fashion Fancies: Petals & Prints Charming

This pretty fashion shoot from Australia's own Covet Magazine was just so bright and cheery, simply looking at these pages was an instant pick-me-up! I can almost smell the Spring-time perfume in the air, can't you? Of course, the sugar-coated candy-stripe wallpaper and my current obsession with clashing prints had a little something to do with my choice today too. Enjoy!

Vintage Icons: Sally Field

After that last post, I'm still in the mood for something vintage and summery. You too? Well, in that case, today's Vintage Icon is just the ticket! Who could forget Sally Field as Gidget in 1965? I know, I know, Sandra Dee was the original, but the telly series was pretty cute too. And I just love this cheery photo of Sally with her sweet smile and cute pink bikini. Gee, I wish my hair looked that nice and girl-next-door-ish after a swim.

"For 15½ years my life was a complete and total ick. But then  I fell in love with two things. Jeff, my Moondoggie and surfing."

Flea Market Finds: Sixties Spring Patterns

Darlings, I know I've been neglecting you. What with Toffee magazine launching in just five sleeps, and my art exhibition coming up, I've found it so hard to keep up my regular posting schedule. So, in the hopes that you'll forgive me, here's something extra special. Look what I stumbled upon at an Adelaide thrift store on Sunday... isn't she beautiful? Oh, I found so many wonderful things, but this nifty 1960s pattern book, tucked away amongst some dog-eared Woman's Day magazines was my very, very best find! I hope you enjoy admiring the pretty dresses as much as I do. Aren't the sweetheart necklines just fancy?

Etsy Love: Pretty Little Things

I'm feeling extra girly today... can you tell? I know, how unusual! Well, I guess it comes as no surprise then that I have a little Etsy crush on Tamar today - if for no other reason than the delightfully fancy, vintage feel of these snaps! Pastel pink, eggshell blue, glorious floral wallpaper, lace... it all just make me so happy. Such pretty styling for even prettier wares. It's time for a pot of rose tea, methinks.