Wolf and Willow - Designing a Super Natural Life

Project Pretty House: Decoupage Hearts

Remember decoupage, darlings? I do. But gee whiz, mine never looked this good! Give the gift of good company to those long-forgotten treasures in your china cabinet with these heart-shaped decoupage plates by John Derian. With a ridiculously extensive range of equally fabulous platters, coasters, paperweights and other weird and wonderful wares, it's terribly hard to choose a favourite. Why, they are all just so gorgeous! Who would have thought this little wallflower of a craft technique could look so very delightful?

Fashion Fancies: I Love Lily

I love Lily Cole, not just because I'm (not-so) secretly obsessed with red hair, but because she possesses the kind of old-world beauty I adore. She reminds me a little of my favourite vintage icon, Bette Davis. These luscious photographs from French Elle are a perfect example. She looks as if she's stepped right off the silver screen and onto the page, don't you think? Loving the smoky effects (but not the cigarette!) And I'm so learning how to set my hair like that.

Vintage Icons: Evelyn Tripp

From her very first appearance on the cover of Vogue in January 1949, Evelyn Tripp graced over 40 covers throughout the 50s until the late 60s. With her dramatic features and wasp-like waist, Evelyn exemplified the high glamour of postwar American fashion. In an era when the tightly pursed lip was de riguer, it was rare to find a photo of this stunning model with such a big smile (which is why I love the first photo the most!) Ms Tripp also bears a remarkable resemblance to one of my high school friends... I wonder if she'll see it too?

Field Journal: A Little Literary Update

So I bet you're all wondering what happened to my Lofty Literary Goal, right? That is, my dream of writing a novel and a children's book. Well, I'm certainly not as close as I would like, but I've begun my research and set up a writing desk. I spent a few long, lovely hours at the library on Sunday and returned with an armful of books on different subjects - including one on string theory. It doesn't exactly relate to my novel, but my inner nerd just couldn't resist! 

I've also started a literary book club and have been doing some freelance writing for other blogs and magazines, as well as some television and book projects. It's nice to turn my attention to books and writing, after so long simply designing. Even if my progress is slow, I'm thoroughly enjoying the process and looking forward to spending this winter working on my novel. For now, sit tight and enjoy this beautiful image by Yvette Inufio.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." - Mark Twain

Etsy Love: Nice Pins, Brooklyn Rehab

My latest love is funky Brooklyn Rehab with its curious array of vintage inspired objects and jewelry. I'm especially enamored with these delightfully peculiar pins and this swanky silver spoon necklace. I would never have found them if not for Etsy's nifty Suggested Shops function, which has provided me with endless amusement since I discovered it! Check it out for yourself.

Vintage Icons: Sophia Loren

It's hard to imagine this voluptuous bombshell was ever referred to as a "toothpick", but that's just what her friends nicknamed her in high school. Of course, Sophia grew up to be an international star and an icon of her era. With her feline eyes, wild hair and impossibly hourglass figure, it's easy to see why this Italian temptress was most famous for her devastating effect on men.

"A woman's dress should be like a barbed wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view." 
- Sophia Loren

Sweetness in Store: Weekend Sale

Ooh, how exciting! All Wolf and Willow clothing and toys are on sale this weekend only. Everything in store is 30% off, which is rather neat, don't you think? Yes, it's the perfect time to nab that gorgeous little item you've been admiring. From hand-embroidered Pony Pinafores to Retro Playsuits, it's fun to dress your babies in style. Enjoy, darlings!

Field Journal: An Australian Art Mystery Solved

Like a real-life Nancy Drew adventure, the mystery of Rupert Bunny's stolen painting, the Girl in the Sunlight, has finally been solved - right here in my hometown! Unsolved for over twenty years, the case was cracked just a few days ago, after a recent exhibition inspired a secret tip-off. Painted during the Belle Epoque, Girl in the Sunlight depicts a woman reading in a garden under a white parasol. The original owners are delighted to have found her again. Known for his beautiful impressionist scenes of ladies at leisure and nymphs at play in the Australian landscape, Bunny is one of my favourite Australian artists. Here are two of his best, A Summer Morning and Pastoral.

Vintage Icons: Jean Patchett

With her truly iconic look, sweet almond eyes and darling little beauty spot, Jean Patchett was the face of the 1950s. Gracing more covers than any other model, she defined the fashions of that glamorous era. Throughout the Fifties, when my father was just a little boy, Jean's signature smile emblazoned the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Glamour. The latter once reported that when Jean wasn't in front of the camera, she spent her days "just sunbathing and making her own clothes". How nice!

Field Journal: Checking the Post

Dearest friends of Wolf and Willow. For my latest Field Journal assignment, I'd like to ask you all a question or two... and to spoil you all for contributing, I will randomly pick a winner from the comments to receive a little gift. I'd like to know what are your favourite posts here at Wolf and Willow, and what would you like to see more of? Do you like reading about my Fashion Fancies or Vintage Icons? Or would you like more free patterns and inspiration boards? I'll be checking my post box just like Holly Hobbie here until the end of the fortnight. Can't wait to hear from you!

Fashion Fancies: Carnivàle Couture

I've always been fascinated by stories of mysterious traveling circuses, of gypsies and fortune tellers, trapeze artists and cabaret dancers. I was devastated when the television series Carnivàle was cancelled after only two seasons! Perhaps that's what attracted me to this photoshoot for Marie Claire Italia, with it's luscious soft-focus photography and tea-stained colouring.

Etsy Love: Roberta Grove Vintage

Fellow treasure hunter Jannay of Robert Grove Vintage says she's been collecting lovely old things for as long as she can remember. And I'm ever so glad she has, because today, her charming store is filled with things I adore! Just like Jannay, I love nothing more than to stumble upon an old forgotten object, take it home, clean it up, and give it a new life. From books and spoons to candlesticks and dishes, you'll be sure to find a gem.

Flickr Fun: Dreams of Flying

1. the book collection, 2. bubbly, 3. nubes vintage, 4. angel horse

Vintage Icons: Ginger Rogers

Now, just how gorgeous is Ginger Rogers? I just love these photos of her, don't you? I've never seen tartan look so glamourous, have you? And to think she was discovered after winning The Texas State Charleston Dance Championship when she was but a teenager! I'd love to get hold of her paper doll book. Just imagine what fun it would be to play dress ups with Ginger. Lovely!

"When two people love each other, they don't look at each other,
they look in the same direction"
- Ginger Rogers

Beautiful Blogs: We Heart It

Hi, my name is Nancy and I'm a blogoholic. I recently forced myself to close a handful of accounts due to the overwhelming amount of digital upkeep. Like lonely dilapidated mansions, some of them were feeling a tad neglected. But this one, I just couldn't let go. It's my lovely new We Heart It page! Just look at some of the prettiness on my heart... bunny rabbits and vintage film stills, soft light and polaroid photos, all my favourite icons. Oh yes, I HEART this. And I couldn't let go...

"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) 
i am never without it, anywhere i go you go, my dear..."
- EE Cummings

Etsy Love: Longing for Lace

I think it's time we spoiled ourselves with a little Etsy love, don't you? Sometimes, it just feels nice to have something new and pretty for no other reason than for a little pick-me-up. I've become quite fond of these lovely necklaces and earrings by White Owl, with their delicate lace flowers and leaves.

Vintage Icons: Bette Davis

Legend of the silver screen, Bette Davis was as fiesty and flirty as she was fabulous! 
A liberated woman in a world dominated by men, she created a new kind of screen heroine. What an incredible inspiration she was, and still is, with her sassy attitude and angelic features. Bette Davis, we love you!

"To fulfil a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labour, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy."
- Bette Davis

Fashion Fancies: Velvet Loves 60s

How cute is this Sixties inspired shoot for Velvet Magazine? Houndstooth vest? Check. Pigtails? Check. Rose-coloured glasses? Check. And finally, back eyeliner à la Brigitte Bardot? Check. Plus, as if all that retro styling wasn't enough, model Alana Kuznetsova seems to be channeling Veruschka a little too, don't you think?

Flickr Fun: Lavender Ice Cream

1. i wonder how much it would take to buy a soap bubble, if there were only one in the world, 2. purple veins, 3. untitled, 4. the secret is in the silence

Vintage Icons: Grace Kelly

Last weekend, as I often do, I found myself longing for a far less modern world. I'd been watching old episodes from TV's Golden Age, you see, and secretly wishing I could return to "the way things were". I guess that's why these Vintage Icons posts are always among my favourites each week, and Grace is no exception.