Birdy & Me : Illustrations & Musings by Kelly Smith

elle girl JAPAN

2012-02-02T13:30:00.008+11:00

A little while ago I was asked by ELLE Girl Japan to do

a few illustrations for their article on celebrity fragrances muses,

each girl being the epitome of what that fragrance represents.

Blake Lively is "it-girl" Chanel, Alexa Chung's sophisticated vintage chic

echoes Bulgari, Nicole Richie's breezy LA style encapsulating Escada,

and Sting's über cool offspring Coco Sumner

representing the ultimate hip chick for CK One.

This was SUCH a fun job, not only because I was drawing

gorgeous girls wrapped around perfume bottles

(what illustrator WOULDN'T love that one!?)

but because it's my first foray into Japanese magazines,

something that i'm so excited about as I happen to think

the Japanese are pretty much the bees knees when it comes

to beautiful, cute and colourful design!

I came back from my last trip to Tokyo so unbelievably excited

and am happy to report that i'm heading back over the Easter break.

So, thank you ELLE Girl for the amazing opportunity to contribute

something to the crazy beautiful, colourful world of Japanese print!

I MAY have also recently worked on something a little bit spesh

that fits into this category but more on that later.... ;)

P.S I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Hello Sandwich

for helping me to get my hands on a copy of the mag.

Please check out her blog as she is one EXTREMELY talented lady!

I could peruse it for hours...

dancing SHOES

2012-01-31T21:17:00.004+11:00

I felt I had neglected my poor little blog so much that I just had

to sneak a little illo post in.

January has been such a crazy month - spent working on

brand new and exciting ventures,

attending gorgeous weddings, catching up with old friends,

celebrating birthdays!

These Tony Bianco heels are literally

THE perfect neutral heel for all of these Summer festivities.

(Okay, maybe not so much for the working...

but definitely the dancing up a storm!)

You can't tell from the illo but the colour is Saddle -

a stunning tan suede that goes with everything.

I can't wait to fill you all in on all of the new work i've been doing,

and an exciting little venture that I shall be revealing very very soon.

Hope you can forgive the tardy posts.

I promise 2012 is going to be full of illustrated goodness!

SALE

2012-01-06T13:31:00.005+11:00

Because January signifies the start of a (hopefully amazing)

new year, and also happens to be my birthday month,

i've decided to take a huge 25% off everything in my etsy shop

between now and midnight, 15th Jan AEST.

It's nice to have a little spring clean to make room for new prints!

(Like the newly added 'Couture' A4 print set featuring

McQueen, Chanel, Givenchy and Dior.)

To take advantage of this discount just purchase as you would

and then enter code - PARTY2012 - upon checkout.

www.birdyandme.etsy.com

Happy shopping!

new YEAR new ILLUSTRATION

2012-01-02T12:06:00.012+11:00

Kicking off 2012 with a new illustration for UK bridal magazine,

You & Your Wedding.

Etiquette Emergency is a Q&A section in which readers write in

with last minute questions pertaining to their big day.

This particular one revolved around menu options and how best

to cater to such a large and diverse group of people.

The answer - try a buffet or set up quirky food stations.

This little lady is serving up ice cream.

I hope you all had a great NYE!

I'm already beyond excited about what 2012 will bring both in life and work.

L'AVION GIVEAWAY UPDATE

A huge congratulations to Julia Jones who was the lucky

winner of the L'avion giveaway as determined by random.org.

Lookout for a special present in your letterbox, Julia!

Thanks again to all who entered.

Rest assured that there will be more L'avion surprises in store so stay tuned.

so long 2011 + THANK YOU

2011-12-24T11:17:00.005+11:00

To all of you, everywhere, whatever you celebrate/believe in,

I hope you have an amazing time over the next few weeks.

Enjoy the sunshine or the snow.

2011 has been such a crazy/exciting year and I thank you

for supporting me and leaving your comments on this little blog.

It means alot.

I think 2012 is going to be a pretty great year,

there is already so much that I can't wait to share with you.

For now though, I am off!

I shall be enjoying prawns and chocolate, sunshine and wine.

(Not to mention ripping through what Santa has left under the tree for me this year.)

If you want to stay updated on goings on/works in progress

I have re-started my facebook 'Birdy & Me' page HERE.

The old one was deleted when I deleted my FB account.

But it's back. Sans all my followers, for which i'm sorry!

I hope you forgive me and re 'like'.

We will also be drawing the winner of the L'avion competition

in the next few days and will reveal the winner in the new year.

You still have a few hours to enter - entries close tonight at 5PM AEST.

Goodluck!

Well that's it for 2011!

LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN!

Over and out.

Image source: instagram/birdyandme

it's a JOLLY CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

2011-12-19T09:50:00.012+11:00

UPDATE :

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

A BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

THE WINNER TO BE REVEALED SOON.

HO HO HO - Happy Monday all!

With only SIX sleeps 'til Christmas, Jo Scahill of L'avion and I have decided

to treat our lovely blog readers and facebook fans

to a special Christmas giveaway!

This sweet little bundle consists of one of the 'Plume' scarves I illustrated

for L'avion's 'Flora & Fauna' collection,

as well as the accompanying L'avion limited edition print featuring

the stylin' thumbelina ladies from the scarf.

(Total value $250.00.)

All you have to do to be in the running is:

Like & share L'avion's facebook

page with your friends HERE and leave a comment on this post!

(You don't need to have a blogger account. Just select Name/Url to post.

Be sure to include your email address so that we can contact you!)

The winner will be drawn using random.org on

Christmas Eve at 5:00pm AEST

and one special someone will receive a lovely present in the New Year.

Goodluck!

christmas WISHLIST

2011-12-16T08:39:00.007+11:00

I was asked by the gorgeous Amanda of Here Comes the Sun

to contribute my Christmas wishlist to her blog.

She's graciously allowing me to share it with you guys too!

I've been meaning to do one of these for a few weeks now,

so thanks to Amanda for the nudge.

I must confess I have some sneaky insider knowledge that

I am actually getting one or two of these things, so YAY!

But, should Santa happen to be reading my blog today

(HI SANTA! *waves*)

these are the things that would have me shaking with excitement

to see under the tree this year.

1. TRENERY "Ikat" print dress.

2. PRATTEN Eel skin tri-fold wallet in Green.

3. MOLTEN STORE "Oh Stevie" raffia clutch.

4. SAMANTHA WILLS "Distance & Time" cuff in Gold.

5. FRIDA PLUMM "Alba" platter.

6. MAXWELL & WILLIAMS "Kimono" teacup & saucer.

7. BAILEYS IRISH CREAM & FERRERO ROCHERS

8. DAVID DOWNTON print.

9. DIOR COUTURE by Patrick Demarchelier.

10. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Blu-Ray.

So, number 7 isn't exactly a gift - but it's a definite must for us

at Christmas time. It isn't Christmas without a cold glass of Baileys

and a Ferrero Rocher or five.

What are you hoping to unwrap these holidays?

Only 9 more sleeps!

P.S A HUGE THANKYOU to those of you who purchased prints for your

loved ones (or yourselves) during my sale! It is now all over, and i'm happy

to report that "Bloom" has now SOLD OUT in A4. Wow.

You guys are amazing.

yoko and liam FOR H&M

2011-12-13T09:05:00.007+11:00

New illo for H&M Life.

As with the previous post I did here,

this was done for the Life section of H&M's website;

a sort of online magazine/newsletter style area where they post

articles & news.

The article behind this illustration is called 'Unlikely Style Icons.'

I was asked to illustrate Yoko Ono and Liam Gallagher of Oasis.

Chalk and cheese if ever I saw it :)

Yoko is all about the monochromatic, sharp tailored suits and little hats,

and Oasis are, of course, all about the Glastonbury grunge.

Hope you like!

Still so crazy to see my work sitting on H&M's website underneath

the genius of Alexander McQueen.

So surreal.

zanita COLLABORATION

2011-12-07T09:54:00.009+11:00

So thrilled to get the chance to work with one of my blogger pals

- the INSANELY talented photographer, Zanita, on this mini editorial

featuring Chic stunner Jacqueline.

Zanita is part of Harper's Bazaar's Style Network and has been

posting exclusive mini-editorials for about a month now.

I've always hoped to get an opportunity to work on something with her,

and here it is. A sneaky peek of it anyway!

Lots of peonies, butterflies and hummingbirds.

To view the full shoot head over to the Style Network HERE.

You should definitely check out Zanita's blog while you're at it.

ALWAYS awe-inspiring.

www.zanitazanita.blogspot.com

P.S Thank you for all of your comments on my L'avion collaboration.

I'm so excited about it and glad you all like it.

Don't forget to take advantage of their 20% discount until Dec 16th.

My Christmas print sale is also still going in my etsy shop.

20% off everything til Dec 15th.

That's alot of sales :)

Happy shopping!

l'avion ILLUSTRATED SILK SCARF

2011-12-05T09:07:00.005+11:00

I am SO happy to finally be posting about this project.

A few months ago I collaborated with the gorgeous Jo Scahill of

L'avion on a silk scarf for her 'Flora & Fauna' range, out now.

I was one of three artists, including Sarah Hankinson

and Spiros Halaris, working on the collection.

My brief was everything and anything feathered and blossoming, so

we came up with this idea of Thumbelina sized girls lazing amongst

enormous flowers (and one tiny peacock.)

I can't even express how much I loved working on this job.

Such a dream!

I'm so sorry for the photo overload.

I don't normally post so many, but these scarves are so detailed

and beautifully printed that it's hard to show it all in one image.

NOW FOR THE (EXTRA) FUN PART!

As a special treat, Jo is extending her Christmas Family & Friends discount

offer to my blog readers, so please enjoy 20% off everything in the L'avion store

until Midnight, 16th of December!

You will also receive free postage within Australia on purchases over $100!

Click HERE to shop my scarf and others.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

We thought it would be really nice to create a super limited edition print

of the girls in the scarf, which you can find either in my etsy store

or on the L'avion website.

There are only 20 of these available so get in quick if you would like one!

If you are buying from my etsy store please use the code:

LAVION

to receive the 20% discount.

The print and scarf would make a really gorgeous gift for someone this Christmas.

I really hope you all like it.

I have already been wearing mine!

illustration for H&M

2011-12-02T11:14:00.003+11:00

I've been extremely lucky to work with the AMAZING

super-chain H&M on some illustrations for H&M Life

which exists in a sort of online-magazine/newsletter format on their website.

It's updated every day with various articles, observations and H&M tidbits.

I was so excited to finally see the first one go live, I had to share a screenshot.

It also seems slightly fortuitous that it should sit next to images from

My Fair Lady, Clueless and Grease, all of which make up part of the

very long list that is My Favourite Movies Of All Time! Score!

I hope you like it! It was definitely fun to draw accessories for a change.

Have a good weekend everybody!

And don't forget, if you're in the market for an artistically themed

Christmas present, my 20% off sale is still running in my shop.

Just enter code XMAS2011 upon checkout.

Easy :)

P.S Stay tuned for a very special post on Monday!

I've been dying to share this so can't wait.

breakfast at TIFFANY'S & A CHRISTMAS SALE!

2011-11-30T12:08:00.008+11:00

So this is the second in my little film series I started back here with Midnight in Paris.

The next fashionable siren of the silver screen was

undoubtedly going to be Miss Golightly!

There are going to be a couple more but time is always standing in my way.

But for now I hope you enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany's.

It's also a very timely post as I have FINALLY chosen new

paper stock for my prints and updated my etsy shop with a few newbies,

including Midnight in Paris and Bloom.

You can find these new prints (and a SALE!) HERE.

instyle HOT LIST

2011-11-22T10:08:00.010+11:00

I spent a few weeks a while back working on a series of illustrations for

InStyle UK's December issue, in which they list the best of the best for 2011!

Think Mossy's wedding, Pippa's bum, pleated skirts, Beyoncé, Adele,

nude pumps, designer iPad covers, D&G stars and more...

SUCH a fun job!

(DREAM job actually when it involves Kate Moss in her wedding dress.)

I had hoped to have the actual magazine in my hands to take some snaps,

but as you know international mail can take its time.

I'm hoping it arrives soon as i'm curious to find out which one of the

5 limited edition covers I will receive!

The newsstand cover is Cheryl Cole, but various designers have contributed

their own, including Diane Von Furstenberg and Roberto Cavalli (pictured).

P.S You might notice I managed to get an illustration of

Diane Kruger's October cover in there ;)

What a sneak.

SCORPIO

2011-10-31T11:30:00.004+11:00

Quick post to get back into the swing of things!

Here is the latest illo for Girlfriend's Girlstrology page;

the lovely Scorpio.

You may notice that we've steered away from the scorpion connotations.

Formal season is coming up for teenage girls everywhere, so we

wanted to celebrate this special time for them

with a party-frock illustration!

A big Happy Birthday to all of the Scorpio girls out there.

You can find the illo in the November issue of Girlfriend,

out now, with Dakota Fanning on the cover.

I hope you all had a good weekend!

soaking UP SOME RAYS

2011-10-17T07:35:00.007+11:00

I mentioned in a few of my last few posts that i'm on off holidays soon,

well- it's today in fact!

For the next two weeks my blog will be a little deserted but I will

be regularly updating again when I return.

In the meantime, if you want to, you can follow me on Instagram

to see any little pictures I take while i'm away.

(Like the ones above of the Summery beauty that has been

getting me excited for my hols!)

Username: birdyandme

Have a nice couple of weeks everyone!

beach culture for SHOP TIL YOU DROP

2011-10-13T08:45:00.010+11:00

I had the suuuuuper fun job of working with Shop 'Til You Drop

on a series of paper doll-esque illustrations for a beach tribes story inspired by

the style of 5 gorgeous celebs;

Erin Wasson, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Katy Perry.

Each of these ladies has such an individual style that is celebrated here.

Which tribe do you belong in?

I think i'm somewhere in between Nicole and Gwynnie.

You can find these ladies and their outfits

(10 whole pages of girls and clothes to cut out!)

in the November issue of Shop 'Til You Drop

with the stunning Rosie Huntington-Whitely on the cover.

Have to say this issue is really gearing me up for my sunny beach holiday;

so much Summery goodness inside.

Hope you like!

style stalking for INSTYLE UK

2011-10-10T10:14:00.005+11:00

I had the privilege of working again with InStyle UK for their

November issue on this piece by fashion features editor Victoria Moss on

the occasional style cross-overs that occur in the offices of a fashion magazine.

It's inevitable that we will bump into a friend or colleague sporting

almost the same outfit, but it's how our individual style changes an item

that is the focus of Victoria's article.

This particular piece focuses on THAT pleated midi-skirt that is now

showing itself on Aussie shores, and has been a staple in the wardrobes

of a lot of British women over the last Summer.

I had so much fun working on this. I myself have a few pleated/midi skirts

sitting in my wardrobe waiting for the sun to come out so that they may too!

It's currently raining where I am so it's kind of odd to be writing about

any form of Summer trend.

But I'm off on a sunny beach holiday next week

so will be bringing those babies out to play!

InStyle UK's November issue is on sale now with the beeeeeautiful

Rosamund Pike on the cover.

(Have had a slight girl crush on her ever since I saw Pride & Prejudice!)

Happy Monday everyone - I hope you all had a great weekend!

in BLOOM

2011-10-07T13:59:00.009+11:00

Pencil, watercolour & digital colouring.

A little personal piece I've been working on this week.

(With the beautiful Fei Fei and roses from my room as inspiration!)

I've been having alot of fun playing around with collage lately -

as you may have noticed from my last few personal illustration posts.

I think it'll be here to stay for a little while.

I think it adds a little something extra to the basic illustration.

What do you think?

I still need to post the film posters that have been inspiring this change!

Happy Friday everyone - enjoy your weekends!

illustration now FEATURE

2011-10-05T22:14:00.005+11:00

I'm so excited to post about this - it has been so hard keeping it a secret.

I received my copies today so can finally share with you that my work is featured

in TASCHEN's new volume of Illustration Now! (Vol.4)

I remember one of the first big coffee table books that I bought myself

when I was studying at art school was the first volume of Illustration Now!

so to actually be featured inside one is such a dream!

I'm also happy to sit alongside 3 fellow Aussie illustrators that I admire;

Chrissy Lau, Kerrie Hess and Kareena Zerefos.

There are some amazing illustrators inside and I can't wait to pour over it

with a big cup of tea and discover some new illustration loves!

Happy Wednesday - I hope it was a good one!

daydream lily X ELEMENT EDEN

2011-09-28T09:49:00.009+10:00

My good friend, and blogger extraordinaire, Liss Winnel

- who we all know as the gal behind the beautiful blog Daydream Lily -

has collaborated with Element Eden on her second capsule collection and I LOVE.

I was beyond excited for her when she worked on her first, but I think i'm even

more excited about it this time around if it's possible.

This particular collection is just so absolutely her.

Those of you that visit her blog regularly will recognise

alot of the trinkets and furniture in these photos as Liss' own.

Aside from being over the moon for her,

I actually LOVE everything in the collection.

So dreamy.

(I have my eye on that pink camera which is actually a special collaboration

between Holga and Element Eden for the Daydream Lily collection.

I hear Liss' own photographs appear on the box!)

Watch a super pretty video for the collection below:

For more info head over to Daydream Lily or Element Eden.

Clicky Click.

Credits:

Model: Christina Rose / Viviens

Photographer: Ali Mitton

Stylist: Liss Winnel

LIBRA

2011-09-21T15:05:00.003+10:00

Quick post of my newest illo for Girlfriend's Girlstrology:

The lovely Libra.

As the exam period is fast approaching we went for a school-themed

take on the star of scales.

After all, life itself can be a balancing act, so to all of the Librans out there,

whether you're at school or elsewhere, I hope you have a happy birthday

and manage to juggle a little bit of fun with your more pressing duties!

The October issue of Girlfriend is on sale today,

with the Queen B herself, Leighton Meester, on the cover.

For a peek inside the issue, as well as other fun bits and pieces

visit their website here: www.girlfriend.com.au

midnight in PARIS

2011-09-19T11:12:00.005+10:00

Pencil & Digital Colouring

I've been admiring alot of vintage film poster artwork lately during various

movie marathons (mainly involving musicals and kids films from the 80s!)

I kind of miss the whimsy and creativity that came with the illustrated posters.

That kind of collaged aesthetic that pulled out various elements and characters.

I may post my favourites sometime this week as there are many!

But needless to say they have inspired me.

I've been working away on this illustration of Woody Allen's new film

for the last month or so in between jobs and whatnot.

I think mainly to pass the time before it's finally released here in Aus in October.

(I feel like i've been waiting foreverrrrrrrr)

But also it's hard for me to pass up a chance to draw Miss Marion.

I mean, what can be more amazing than the golden age of Paris in the 20s

as seen through the eyes of Woody Allen?

Not to mention it stars Owen Wilson and the M-Bomb Cotillard.

Click play below to view the trailer:

I hope you all had a good weekend!

the divine MISS M

2011-09-08T12:32:00.006+10:00

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior at the premiere of Contagion in NYC.

Flawless.

Image/Getty

kate winslet BY MARIO TESTINO

2011-09-07T12:33:00.006+10:00

Kate Winslet photographed by Mario Testino

for Vogue US July 2005

In anticipation of Kate's upcoming V cover,

photographed by Mario Testino and styled by Carine Roitfeld,

I wanted to post my all-time favourite Winslet/Testino collab.

I still remember picking this issue up in Poland of all places!

My little Polish souvenir :)

I hope you like as much as I do!

UPDATE:

Kate Winslet photographed by Mario Testino

for V #73 Fall 2011 - The Heroes Issue

lions, crustaceans & virgins OH MY

2011-08-30T16:10:00.009+10:00

Eeek i've been a bit lax in posting my Girlfriend Girlstrology starsigns lately!

So here we go in a Wizard-like bombardment.

Virgo, Leo and Cancer!

Happy Birthday to all of you, past, present and future.

I promise to be more on the ball.

Virgo is currently on newsstands now in the September issue of Girlfriend.

I also wanted to post this little snippet above from July's Letter from the Editor.

Girlfriend editor, Sarah Cornish, was diagnosed with Cancer last year,

and has decided to leave the magazine to focus on getting well.

I was saddened to read her final letter, but also so touched to have been mentioned.

I want to wish her the very best, along with all of the positive energy I can muster.

I hope you can send her the same :)

diana FERRARI

2011-08-17T10:39:00.006+10:00

I've been meaning to post about this for a while now,

but I have been a bit slack with my blog of late!

I recently worked on some illustrations for Diana Ferrari's new website.

It was so much fun to draw a pair of shoes for a change!

I think I need to illustrate more objects in the future.

You have no idea how many bags and perfume bottles I have in my possession!

These beautiful heels are called 'Pearla' and available now.

You can also find the printed 'Cindy' dress in stores and online.

I hope you like!

Happy Wednesday-Hump-Day.

new WORK

2011-08-07T14:10:00.007+10:00

I recently completed some new personal works which will be available

exlusively at Signed + Numbered gallery in Melbourne from next week.

I really love working on these little series'.

I used to draw alot of animals and wild little things with my ladies

but since I started working commercially it's been mainly portraits

and fashion pieces.

So it's so fun to take some time out to draw the stranger little ideas

that pop into my head sometimes! :)

I also thought I would take the opportunity to post some more

'progress' shots as another thing I get asked about alot is how much of my work

is digital and how much is hand drawn.

As you can see here, it is pretty much all hand drawn or painted, but each element

is scanned into the computer and, if i'm creating background or patterns,

I then play around with things digitally.

(Pencil is always hand-drawn.)

This:

Becomes this:

Which becomes this:

I find that there's a little more freedom to experiment this way.

If you don't like something you can delete it and you haven't ruined

your original drawing!

Hopefully these pics give a little bit more of an insight into how I work,

without giving away too many of my secrets ;)

The Swan Queen and Jungle Queen are available

in both A4 and A3 sizes, in editions of 15, exclusively at

Signed + Numbered

Shop 4/155 Greville St,

Prahran, Melbourne.

- or online at -

www.signedandnumbered.com.au

D&G

2011-08-01T17:11:00.009+10:00

I had this pic saved in a folder marked 'To Draw' for like a year!

I finally got around to sketching it over the weekend.

It's nice to work on some random fashion pieces again!

I love the graphic aspect of these two outfits.

The black and white is perfect for me, and the bows are such a cute touch.

Natasha and Maryna also happen to be two of my fave models.

I've added in some progress shots as I sometimes get asked how big I draw.

As you can see I draw SMALL! Always A3 or A4.

I find I lose perspective when I try to draw on a large scale.

I have so much admiration for those who can!

It's an eye thing. Some of us have an eye for up close detail and others are

amazing at standing back and creating brilliant and huge works of art.

I'd actually LOVE to do a massive piece one day, but so far every attempt

has failed dismally.

You can also see from the little pencil scribbles, how many different pencils I use.

Lots of light, lots of dark!

Anyway! I have added this little sketch to my Etsy shop.

I accidently splashed this so there's a tiny mark on the left hand side,

but it will be hidden by a matte board once it's framed :)

Also, just a reminder that there is still 20% off EVERYTHING until WED!

Enter the code WINTER2011 upon checkout to apply discount.

To view click here:

www.birdyandme.etsy.com

kirsten IN BLOOM

2011-07-29T21:53:00.005+10:00

Literally just saw this cover and nearly died.

I'm speechless.

I adore Kirsten Dunst, I adore ELLE UK,

and this subscriber cover for the September 2011 issue

is just about the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

I just wanted to post it so I can look at it every time I need to update my blog.

It's just so Kirsten - and also so reminiscent of Luxe in The Virgin Suicides.

Stunning.

Image: Scanned by Mackers79

Kirsten Dunst photographed by David Slijper

winter SALE

2011-07-28T10:51:00.008+10:00

I've been doing a little bit of experimenting over the last couple of weeks.

I wasn't sure whether to post them all or not, I might later on.

But in the meantime i've added a couple of the original illustrations to my shop.

I don't do this very much as I usually scan the drawn elements of my work

separately and create the final artworks as digital finals, however these are different.

So if you've ever wanted an original then here you go!

Rose of the Wild is probably my fave - I might re-work her down the line.

I'm also planning on doing a series of Audrey illustrations.

Eliza is the first of three. Will post more on those soon!

At any rate - they are now in my shop.

And seeing as it's the end of the financial year and all I decided

to have a Winter sale and take 20% OFF everything!

So if you would like to buy a print or original head to

birdyandme.etsy.com

and enter the code WINTER2011 upon checkout to apply the discount.

I hope you've all had a good week.

abbey lee ILLUSTRATED FOR PORTMANS

2011-07-13T11:21:00.008+10:00

I was so lucky to be asked again to illustrate for Portmans' window displays.

They are always so much fun to work on, but this time I was especially excited

as the current face of Portmans is, of course, the gooooorgeous Abbey Lee Kershaw!

Dying.

So while the gang have been busy shooting Abbey Lee in LA for the next

campaign, the windows currently feature my illustrations of her

in the start of the late August/early Spring line.

I hope you guys like.

It was so much fun to do!

Happy Wednesday Hump-Day!

P.S HUGE thanks to the lovely Bec Winnel for taking these snaps

of the Melbourne Central store for me.

I used Instagram filters on them btw!

marion for DIOR

2011-07-08T16:20:00.007+10:00

Just stumbled across these brand spaking new ads for Christian Dior's

new Miss Dior bag featuring my favourite lady Marion Cotillard,

photographed by Mikael Jansson.

Can you even BELIEVE she had only had her baby like 2 weeks before shooting these?

Super woman.

Had to post - it's just been so long since I saw her in anything.

Am dying that Midnight in Paris isn't coming out in Aus until October 20.

Seriously.

Image Source: WWD

cecil beaton's FAIR LADY

2011-07-07T11:02:00.010+10:00

I've been meaning to post about this book for a few years now!

By far the best find i've EVER had at a second-hand bookstore,

(First edition 1964 - $16 - OH yeah!)

Cecil Beaton's Fair Lady is a hard-back collection of diary entries

written by Cecil during the filming and on the set of My Fair Lady,

which just happens to be one of my all-time favourite movies.

Most people would know Cecil's work as a photographer,

he was such an inspiration to me when I was studying,

but he also designed the sets and costumes for the film.

* Only a true visionary could have ever come up with that Ascot scene! *

The book also includes little sketches of various costume ideas,

along with photographs from fittings and tests with the gorgeous Miss Audrey.

I seriously love it so so much, I hope you enjoy these little snaps.

megan PERKINS

2011-07-06T11:36:00.010+10:00

Photography by Sean Fennessy

I'm totally loving this stunning new enamel range from jewellery designer, Megan Perkins!

The Honeycomb Cluster is my absolute favourite - that palette is perfection.

I went to Art School with Megan and her jewellery was so gorgeous even then,

but it just keeps getting better and better.

I'm feeling really inspired by geometric patterns and shapes, and bold block colours

at the moment, so when I saw these I just had to post.

If you're keen on these beauties head to her website here for stockists

or her facebook page for more up to date info.

1. Honeycomb Cluster Necklace 2. Honeycomb Cluster Necklace II

3. Blossom Necklace 4. Poppy Brooches

blink BEAUTY

2011-06-24T10:03:00.005+10:00

Sometimes when you work on commercial illustrations,

it takes so long for the final product to come out (whatever form that might be)

that you completely forget about it!

I worked on this illustration back in March,

but only just thought to check the website and there it was looking at me :)

This illo was for a beauty parlour called Blink in the US,

and I loved working on it so much.

I was given a really open brief and just a few stylistic notes to work to.

The client wanted a really classic illustration, almost Audrey Hepburn-esque,

that would still look contemporary and fresh to appeal to their client base.

My thought was to go for a really clean, vintage beauty look.

Full, shaped, eyebrows, well defined eyes and a strong lip.

And of course, no one can resist a large bushel of pink and red posies!

I really hope you like it, it's definitely a recent fave.

If you happen to be reading this from Minnesota -

then go visit Brook and Christina

at Blink for some pampering! :)

Enjoy the weekend everyone x

sun SPLASH

2011-06-21T13:13:00.008+10:00

Sun Fei Fei photographed by Cuneyt Akeroglu

for V#65 Summer 2010

I'm drawing Fei Fei at the moment and can't get enough of her.

So I felt like posting this GORGEOUS editorial of her in Hakaan.

The use of watercolour/india ink is so effective against the graphic shapes

of the clothing, and I LOVE how the splashes almost morph into her figure.

Notice the flecks around the ends of her hair?

Seriously stunning.

P.S I just got told that I've been listed in Fashionista's

Ten Best Fashion Illustration Blogs amongst Danny Roberts,

Garance Dore, Sabine Pieper and Pippa McManus!

I'm SO honoured!

If you want to take a little lookie at everyone click here.

AWESOME.

GIRLSTROLOGY

2011-06-15T11:05:00.010+10:00

Taurus & Gemini

for Girlfriend Magazine May, June 2011

I'm a little bit late in posting these as I worked on them before I went away

so that I didn't have too much catching up to do when I got back!

But here are Miss Taurus and Miss Gemini,

the latest illustrations for Girlfriend mag's Girlstrology page.

I think Gemini is my fave of them all so far.

Clearly I love anything with feathers so maybe it goes without saying? :)

I know this post is a bit unusual compared to how I usually do it.

I've been trying to think of slightly different ways to post my work

(which is what I LOVE doing on here of course)

that might deter the not-so-respectful from doing the wrong thing with it.

I've had a bit of trouble with image theft lately, as have alot of others.

BUT - i'm finding photos might be a super fun way

to post new work on here! (Like the above I took on Instagram.)

I'm totally addicted to Instagram at the moment - an iPhone app

that i'm not sure exists elsewhere or not???

But if you have an iPhone I highly reccomend you look it up.

It's just so much fun! And so many awesome people to follow.

My username is birdyandme if anyone is interested!

P.S Happy Birthday to all the Taurus' and Geminis!

couture REVIVAL

2011-06-13T13:03:00.004+10:00

One of the jobs I worked on earlier this year that I was most excited about

was a series of illustrations for UK magazine The Hub.

I got to illustrate several of my absolute favourite collections,

including Chanel S/S 10, Alexander McQueen S/S 11 and

THAT pearl encrusted Givenchy that Natasha Poly wore

in the S/S 11 collection.

I have to say, this was one of my favourite jobs ever - purely because

I got to draw something that I love so much.

It's literally mixing business with pleasure!

Not to mention the fact that this issue of The Hub is pretty damn amazing.

It features one of my FAVOURITE illustrators of all time,

David Downton (who also did the cover illustration),

Christian Louboutin, Anna Dello Russo, David Bowie, Miuccia Prada.

Marc Jacobs, and more illustration work from Cecilia Carlstedt

(another of my all time faves!)

To view a behind-the-scenes vid from The Hub's 'Renaissance' shoot

click here - it's too beautiful to miss.

I hope you're enjoying the long weekend.

I'm sorry for being so quiet around here lately.

Things have been a bit hectic since I got back from my trip.

But lots to share over the coming weeks and months!

let's send leeloo to BERLIN!

2011-06-05T11:36:00.013+10:00

Most of you who visit my blog regularly will be familiar

with Leeloo as they usually tend to be involved whenever I mention

exhibitions i'm participating in, or some amazing market i'm going to!

(Like Drawn From Fashion or Finders Keepers)

But, for those who don't know, Leeloo is run by Angela and Renee-Anne,

and what started as an online store has blossomed into a force of creative domination!

Aside from running the store and market stalls, the girls are constantly

creating and curating various exhibitions, work as occassional stylists,

and ALSO run a second store of vintage clothing, called Twin Set.

Seriously, they do EVERYTHING, and they're amazing at it!

So, this is where I show you something so super cute you won't be

able to help falling in love with Ange and Renee.

See?

The girls are trying to raise funds to get to the Hello Etsy! conference in Berlin

this September, and they need a little bit of help.

Trust me when I say that no two people can make better use of the information

and WADS of inspiration they'll find there.

It will benefit the Australian indie Art & Design community to no end.

So please please please watch the vid, and if you think it's cute (which you will)

click HERE to go to the page the girls have set up for their endeavour.

Not only will you help them on their way to acheiving their goal,

but for every various amount you donate you get a little something

for your trouble; like goodie bags, prints,

Leeloo store discounts and one off vintage items.

(Even for as little as $10! Bargain!)

XxX

Image credit: Sean Fennessy

JAPAN

2011-05-29T12:32:00.024+10:00

Illustrated store window by Nobuhiro Hirasawa

(Will have to post more of his amazing work!)

Shinjuku Goyen

Rockabilly dancers in Harajuku

(3 groups were going at once it was so good!)

Hello Kitty smarties at Kiddyland!

Totoroooooo

Studio Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Coffee from the Straw Hat Cafe, Ghibli Museum

Hono Bono

Cranes in Hiroshima Peace Park

Arashiyama

Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama

Teahouse in Arashiyama

Deer in Nara. These guys were seriously in love.

Beautiful canvas bags by Nabe,

Kyoto Market at Chion-Ji Temple.

Stall detail, Kyoto Market

Clay planter, Kyoto Market

Pink scooter, Gion

Maiko (Apprentice Geisha), Gion

Evening view of Disney Sea - BEST PLACE EVER!

I'm back!

So here's the obligatory photo overload.

I took over 1,500 photos so it was hard to whittle them down.

I could quite easily do one post each on all of the amazing food we ate,

all of the super cute and pretty things I bought,

not to mention the general beauty of Japan in general.

There is literally just so much to do and see,

and after 2 packed weeks we barely even touched the surface!

We had the best time, and I have to say i'm almost

sad to be back home. I've had just over a week to adjust

and I still feel like I miss it.

Everything just seems to be 10 x more fun in Japan.

I almost don't want to mention it, however I think it's

nice for people to know how things are going over there.

The Japanese have to be the most resilient, patient, generous,

polite, and SWEETEST people I have ever met.

They seem to be picking themselves up and getting on with life

in the most positive way that they can,

with a big smile on their faces!

There are still alot of fundraising efforts to help the people

affected in the north, so if you'd like to help out in any way,

please visit the Red Cross here.

I am SO glad we went ahead with our trip.

I actually can't wait to go back!

P.S

Please could I ask that you don't re-post these images without permission,

as they are all our personal memories from our trip.

But I of course wanted to share some with you! :)

Thanks x

well my bags are PACKED

2011-05-04T15:46:00.006+10:00

...i'm ready to go.

I COULD post the cast of Armageddon singing this for you,

but I won't.

I thought I best say goodbye as i'm off to Japan for a few weeks!

My little blog will be silent for a while, but i'm sure i'll have SO

much to share with you when I get back!

I'm so excited to see and experience everything, having heard

nothing but how beautiful and amazing a place it is from everyone who visits.

And the FOOD, oh my. I'm hungry already!

I also just heard about THIS Alice in Wonderland themed

restaurant in Tokyo. It is going to BELONG to me.

So that I still earn some sort of semi-income over the next

couple of weeks - i'm taking 20% OFF EVERYTHING in my etsy shop.

Just head to birdyandme.etsy.com and enter the code MAY2011 upon checkout.

Please bear in mind though that items won't be posted out until the end of the month.

But if ever you were after something, now would be the time! :)

I've also just sent off some new A3/A4 prints of the 'Bunny' girl below,

which will be available exclusively at Signed & Numbered.

Visit the website, or head in store at Greville St in Melbourne.

Well, that's it from me for now.

Over and out!

xxx

P.S I couldn't find direct image sources for these pics,

so if anyone knows who they belong to let me know so I can credit!

Cherry Blossoms found here.

HOP

2011-04-24T09:36:00.007+10:00

Happy Easter Everybunny!

I hope you're all having a nice holiday.

I'm currently working my way through the last half of this cake

that my mum made on Friday:

YUM!

art INSPIRATION

2011-04-08T09:14:00.017+10:00

I am crushing so hard on these artists at the moment.

I just wanted to share.

What artists are you all currently loving?

Happy Friday everyone - enjoy the weekend!

whispers & ANARCHY

2011-04-04T12:26:00.005+10:00

She rose above the surface,

This creature from below,

Whispering softly of the anarchy,

On mans heart she would bestow.

I was thrilled to be asked to take part in Mimco's blogger

campaign to promote their new season collection 'Whispers & Anarchy.'

I can't walk past a Mimco store without going inside, and I very rarely

leave empty handed. So this was a no brainer really.

The concept behind this latest collection is kind of amazing.

Picture if you will an otherworldly being, drifting between past, future and present.

She learns to adapt to her surroundings, yet her bold accessories set her apart from the rest.

Each of us was asked to choose one piece from the collection to interpret as we wished.

As you can see I went for the S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G 'Dandy Princess' necklace,

dripping in gun metal and pearls, with just the daintiest hint of a ribbon and bows.

I thought my girl could have emerged from the sea, a futuristic mermaid.

(In my imagination, the world sinks and we all live under the sea.)

Like Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid, this beauty crawls

to the shore, intent on stealing the heart of a handsome stranger.

See Mimco's interpretation, and a futuristic Nicole Trunfio dance

through the streets of Paris, here:

Big thanks to Mimco for asking me to be apart of this.

I hope you like my spin.

sadako FUNDRAISER UPDATE

2011-04-04T11:52:00.005+10:00

I just wanted to post a little note to say a huge

THANK YOU to EVERYONE

who ordered one of my 'Sadako' prints over the last few weeks.

I will be making my donation to Red Cross at the end of today

so if you would still like to purchase one to raise funds please do so

by the end of day by clicking here to order:

www.etsy.com/sadako

There are only 15 left, and together we've raised over $700 so far!

If you would like to make a donation to the Red Cross Japan Relief fund

directly, please visit their website here:

www.redcross.org.au/japan2011.htm

P.S All prints purchased so far have been mailed as of last Friday,

so you should all receive them very soon.

UPDATE

I have just made a donation of US$700 on the button

to the Australian Red Cross' Japan/Pacific Disaster Appeal.

Thank you so much to everyone for your help and generosity.

ARIES + DRAWN FROM FASHION

2011-03-24T13:28:00.008+11:00

Happy Birthday Aries people!

I hope you like the newbie for Girlfriend's Girlstrology.

I think this is my fave illustration i've done for GF so far.

You can find her in the April issue with the gorgeous

Leighton Meester on the cover.

In other news, it has come around quickly, but

the Drawn From Fashion exhibition is finally here!

Opening this Saturday, 29th March

at the Melbourne Finders Keepers markets,

it features brand new work from a bunch of awesome

Aussie artists - all taking inspiration from past LMFF runway shows.

I was a total dummy and forgot to take a photo of my finished piece,

but I CAN tell you it is A2 in size, uses pencil, pastel and watercolour

and uses this colour palette:

Intriguing? Maybe not so much as a proper sneaky peek,

but it's the best I can do under the circumstances.

So if you'd like to take a look you literally HAVE to go to the show :)

I hope you can make it.

I've seen a few peeks of the work so far and it's AMAZING.

Please visit the website for artist profiles and more information:

www.drawnfromfashion.com.au

XxX

P.P.S

I know i'm being spammy again

but only have 18 Sadako prints left!

Please please please help me sell the last so we can make

a big contribution to the Red Cross Japan Relief Fund.

People have been so generous so far, and there's only the tiniest way to go.

Click here to purchase:

www.birdyandme.etsy.com/sadako

Thank you Thank you Thank you

ageless beauty for IN STYLE UK

2011-03-21T14:51:00.007+11:00

I was asked by the lovely Adele from In Style UK

to work on this illustration of four ageless style icons

for a story on the resurgence of the more mature woman

in the fashion industry today.

You can't open a magazine without the beautiful eyes of

Claudia Schiffer, Kristen McMenamy or Helena Christensen

staring back at you, and Viv Groskop's article explores why.

But for that you'll need to pick up an copy of the April edition

with Gwyneth Paltrow on the cover!

As for the illustration we focused on these four amazing women.

From L-R:

Anna Dello Russo -

Current editor-at-large of Vogue Nippon

and one of the most adventurous dressers in the world.

If anyone knows how to have fun with fashion its Anna!

(Have to give snaps to the lovely Jenn of LeFashion for

letting me use her photograph of Anna from NYFW as inspiration!)

Elle McPherson -

Is any introduction necessary?

Arguably the most famous body in the modelling industry.

And she's STILL got it (as witnessed on the runway of Louis Vuitton!)

Flawless.

Julianne Moore -

The muse of Tom Ford and face of Bulgari.

You can always count on Julianne to bring something interesting

to a red carpet event. I absolutely adored her in this pink

Lanvin gown at the 2011 Golden Gloves.

Lauren Hutton -

Before Lara Stone, Vanessa Paradis and Georgia Jagger,

there was Lauren Hutton.

Her gap is her trademark. Truly truly stunning.

It was such an honour to be given such beautiful women to illustrate;

I had so much fun working on it.

Thanks Adele!

P.S Thank you SO much to everyone who has helped out

with my Japan fundraiser!

I'm over halfway there now, so if any of you would

like to buy a print - please visit this link:

www.birdyandme.etsy.com/sadako

50% of every sale is going straight to the Red Cross.

Please help spread the word.

XxX

sadako for JAPAN RELIEF

2011-03-17T13:46:00.013+11:00

www.birdyandme.etsy.com/sadako

I'm sure, like me, alot of you are watching the news from Japan

as it unfolds - and feeling totally and utterly helpless.

The people in the north of the country have been completely

devastated, and the millions of others in the surrounding cities

including Tokyo are left feeling frightened and unsure of what's to come

as they experience ongoing aftershocks.

While all alot of us can do is hope for the best, and send them

all our love and support, there is one way you can help and that

is by donating to the Australian Red Cross' Japan appeal.

One way I hope to help, is by releasing a new print

and donating 50% of the proceeds straight to the Red Cross.

Especially given the story behind Sadako and her Paper Cranes.

*PLEASE NOTE*

This means that $20 from every sale goes straight to Red Cross.

Fees, Production and Postage costs come out of the remaining 50%.

If you would like to purchase one PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Please keep your eyes out for more lovely ways you can donate,

and follow me on twitter to re-tweet this info.

Every little bit helps and we need to raise as much as we can asap!

Thank you.

To everyone in Japan - stay safe!

:::::::::::::::::::: UPDATE ::::::::::::::::::::

Have sold 21 copies of 'Sadako' already and raised over $400!

Only 29 to go! :)

A special shout out to everyone who has bought a print so far.

You're all AMAZING and I thank you x

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

sadako AND THE PAPER CRANES

2011-03-11T17:43:00.011+11:00

I'm not sure if anyone else was taught about Sadako Sasaki in primary school,

but I remember we used to sing a song about her, and her paper cranes.

Sadako was a Japanese girl who developed leukemia

after the bombing of Hiroshima.

In Japan, there's an ancient belief that if you create 1000 paper cranes,

you are able to make a wish.

Sadako's wish was to get well, and so she started to fold.

Sadly, she didn't quite get to 1000, and never got to make her wish.

Her family, however, finished off the paper cranes,

and buried them with her.

A monument stands in Hiroshima, dedicated to Sadako,

and school children, vistors, and well wishers

leave paper cranes for her every day.

"This is our cry, this is our prayer

May the crane of peace fly everywhere."

I think it's a beautiful story,

and such a lovely idea, that it inspired this drawing.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that i'm off to Japan in May?

I'm so excited to get over there.

I will definitely pay a visit to Sadako's monument.

I might even try to make a paper crane out of a print of this drawing?

Enjoy your weekends.

XxX

UPDATE:

Oh my god!

I literally only just heard the news of the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan.

I did not mean to be insensitive in any way at all by posting this when I did.

This is absolutely horrible, and i'm really feeling for everyone right now.

Be safe.

living DOLL

2011-03-03T10:44:00.006+11:00

Amanda Seyfried photographed by Mikael Jansson

for Interview March 2011

I post alot of celebrity portraits from Interview.

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of celebrity and fashion

they are up there with the absolute best!

I totally adore these images of Amanda Seyfried from the March issue.

If there was a physical being that personified Rapunzel it would

definitely be Amanda - what with that HAIR!

I love the balance between doll-like whimsy and sexy.

It's soft and playful, yet so edgy and strong.

Love love love!

On another note - thanks to ALL of you for your comments

over the last few days.

I'm honestly so humbled by them, and so happy when I read them.

Love that we all had such similar picks for the Oscars Best Dressed too!

xxx

OSCAR PICKS 2011

2011-03-01T22:43:00.005+11:00

I thought i'd do something a bit different this year,

and illustrate my top 3 looks from the Oscars 2011!

So here they are.

Absolutely loved loved loved these ladies!

My jaw literally dropped when I saw Cate Blanchett.

Words cannot express just how much I LOVED her in this gown.

Hope those of you who watched it enjoyed the Oscars.

Yay for Natalie and Colin!

I've had such a soft spot for Colin Firth since he played

Arsey Darcy in Bridget Jones.

He was incredible in The King's Speech as Natalie was in Black Swan.

Definitely a year of deserved wins.

Who were your picks for best dressed?

PISCES

2011-02-24T12:23:00.005+11:00

The March issue of Girlfriend came out yesterday,

featuring my new illo for Girlstrology.

Say hello to Miss Pisces!

I hope you like her big fish :)

(That's a great movie btw)

Happy Birthday to all the Pisceans out there!

On a side note -

I bought a bunch of charcoal pencils yesterday,

along with some new drawing paper,

so i'm keen to start experimenting with a different style!

If they turn out okay I might post some of them.

I was thinking of doing some mini print/card sets so hopefully

these will work out well for what I want to do :)

teeny weeny feature in FRANKIE

2011-02-21T16:06:00.004+11:00

Hooray hooray - im in frankie today!

Except they forgot to credit my illustration...so no one will ever know.

Haha.

Unless they visit my blog. In which case 'Hooray - I'm in frankie!'

I'm not alone in my love for frankie, and i'm fairly sure it's every Aussie

illustrator/designer/creative's goal to one day be featured inside those

perfect pages of goodness.

So, regardless of no one actually knowing that i'm it - i'm over the moon!

Come Fly With Me is representing Leeloo's 'Drawn From Fashion' exhibition

in the mag, and hopefully a good example of what you'll find at the show.

Not everything will be a fully fledged fashion illustration, but more taking

inspiration from various creations from LMFF designers over the years.

So you may see tulle and silk-clad girls whistling to birds, or silhouttes,

or abstract interpretations.

I, for one, am excited!

Hopefully it won't be long until everyone can start sharing some of these works.

net-a-porter

2011-02-17T17:50:00.003+11:00

SO excited was I to be asked to illustrate one of the key trends for

Spring/Summer 2011, as predicted by Net-A-Porter, the plain white tee.

Even more excited was I to find out that the illustration was to be published

in their first ever printed publication!

I absolutely adored the paper-doll like concept for the page,

with the idea that a crisp white tee can be a staple in any outfit;

perfect for Spring/Summer when paired with any one of the stunning skirts,

as depicted here, by the likes of Christopher Kane, Jil Sander,

Roksanda Ilincic, Erdem and Moschino.

This was truly a dream job. What illustrator doesn't love the idea of

playing paper fashion dress ups?

A big thanks to Jo and Nieal for the opportunity!

I hope you all like.

For those keen to cut-out-and-keep their own little lady the magazine

is available to buy from Net-A-Porter as of today.

The beautiful design that is synonymous with N-A-P continues throughout

the book - and you'll find everything you love about the website and more.

Namely the best of S/S 2011 as modelled by the super gorgeous Alexa Chung

and the always amazing Anna Dello Russo!

As an admitted mag-a-holic i'd say it's a must have.

XxX

drawn from FASHION

2011-02-09T11:12:00.007+11:00

So I had the GREAT pleasure of designing the poster for the upcoming

Drawn From Fashion exhibition, presented by Leeloo in conjunction

with the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The exhibition features the work of an amazing line up of Australian

artists, all taking inspiration from fashion photographs from the

LMFF archives.

Quite a few of my buds are involved so i'm really excited to be a part of it.

The show will be on display at The Finders Keepers markets in Melbourne

on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th of March so pencil it into your diaries kids!

I'll post more about the show as it gets closer to the date,

but for now I just wanted to show you all the poster and fill you in on the deets!

Visit the Drawn From Fashion website for more info on all the artists.

Happy Wednesday Hump-Day to you all!

AQUARIUS

2011-02-08T13:14:00.005+11:00

Here's my latest little horoscope for Girlfriend's Girlstrology page!

Miss Aquarius (my starsign!)

It's funny illustrating your own starsign; especially seeing as

Aquarius is the 'water bearer' and generally represented by a jug.

I wanted to make sure I did something pretty and girly,

while still representing that watery element.

Hopefully my fellow Aquarians like it?

While there's only about a week left for you to enjoy this,

I hope you all had/have a happy birthday!

P.S I also just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone who follows my blog.

I just noticed that a bundle of new people have recently followed - so hello!

keira inspired by ELLE

2011-02-01T20:11:00.006+11:00

I've been in such a productive mood lately -

have just finished up two really amazing jobs that I can't wait to share

with you all - and so I used some spare time today to work on

a personal illustration just for myself!

As soon as I saw Keira Knightley on this subscriber cover for

the March 2011 issue of ELLE UK I just HAD to draw it.

I think it is literally perfection.

Her pose, her hair, her face, the lighting, the Tom Ford jumpsuit. Everything.

Am seriously loving ELLE UK's covers of late.

I also felt like experimenting a little so pulled out the pastels.

I have to say it was so nice to be able to do my own thing,

and so spur of the moment too :)

I hope you've all been great, and to those of you who bid

on the artworks in our Art4Heart auction, our sincerest thanks!

All lots have now closed.

We've yet to work out the final tally, but we know we've raised

over $4,000 in donations to the QLD Flood Appeal.

You're all unbelievably generous.

XxX

art 4 HEART

2011-01-18T09:15:00.008+11:00

::::UPDATE ::::

Lot 2 goes live today! (Sunday)
I have an original sketch and two limited edition prints up for grabs.
There's also some really gorgeous works from the likes of
Bec Winnel, Kat Macleod, Lilly Piri, Kelly Thompson, Kate Banazi and more!
Head over to the website to make your bids - this lot closes on the 27th!
www.art4heart.com.au

A HUGE thank you goes out to all those who bid for the works in Lot 1.
We reached bids over $2,400 which is incredible!
Fingers crossed we can do as well with Lot 2.

Happy Bidding!

XXX

I'm sure all of you are more than well aware of the impact that the recent

floods in Queensland have had on both the country and the people.

For those of you outside of Australia who may not have heard about it;

as you can see from the before & after shot below of Ipswich, these flood

waters have just devastated the communities they invaded.

Image Courtesy the ABC

The people of QLD are in much need of help, both physically and financially

to restore their townships and their homes, and in some cases their entire lives!

So this is where we step in!

A group of Aussie artists have banded together to create a little collective

named Art 4 Heart to auction of our work, with all proceeds

going directly to the Queensland Flood Appeal.

There are some AMAZING artists involved in the cause, as you can see from

the list above, and it's a great opportunity to purchase something beautiful

and donate to those in need at the same time.

Art 4 Heart will hold the auctions in two lots, the first beginning

at 10AM today and running until 5PM 22/1.

The second lot will begin at 10AM 23/1 and run until 5PM 27/1.

For more info please visit the website at:

www.art4heart.com.au

If you just want to donate, even the smallest amount helps.

For more info head to the QLD Flood Relief Appeal:

www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

If you're bidding - goodluck & thank you!

XxX

agyness for FLARE

2011-01-12T08:58:00.004+11:00

Sooo excited to post about this!

I've been so lucky to work with some really amazing clients both in Aus as well

as overseas, but it's such a dream to be able to work with fashion magazines.

So when a magazine like Flare gets in touch

to ask if you could draw a portrait of Agyness Deyn for an ongoing

series of it-girl star sign features - it's pretty much perfection to me!

You can find my illustration of Aggy in the Feb issue

out now with the lovely Nina Dobrev on the cover.

(Is anyone else secretly obsessed with The Vampire Diaries?

I.AM.ADDICTED.)

Hope you like!

general PANTS

2011-01-11T10:39:00.006+11:00

Love working with the General Pants team!

This time i'm working on a teeny series of images for their e-newsletters

and online content.

I always love drawing guys as I so rarely get the opportunity to!

I hope you like young Johnny and Erin here - photographed by Chris Laing.

To shop the look head to the GPCo. website:

www.generalpants.com.au

Hope you all had a great weekend!

XxX

CAPRICORN

2011-01-02T12:16:00.009+11:00

Happy New Year!

Heading straight into 2011 with some new work to share :)

I've just started working with Girlfriend magazine on a series

of illustrations for their monthly horoscope pages.

To all the January babies out there - I hope you like Miss Capricorn!

You can find her in the January issue with the gorgeous

Samantha Harris on the cover:

For those outside of Aus - Girlfriend is a teen magazine,

full of gossip, clothes and boys (of course) but one that also spreads

a really positive healthy vibe to the teenage girls of Australia!

So it's really nice to be apart of it.

I hope you've all been enjoying your holidays,

i'll be getting back into the swing of things very soon so will

have lots of fun stuff to post!

XxX

happy HOLIDAYS

2010-12-23T13:15:00.007+11:00

' Star Girls' photographed by Mario Testino

UK Vogue December 2010

Just a quick post to wish ALL OF YOU a safe & happy holiday!

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog, and for your kind

words and support this year.

I'm so looking forward to spending a few weeks away from my computer

and hopefully getting to refresh and re-inspire!

Here's hoping 2011 brings on the good times for all of us!

Catch you in the New Year :)

portmans CHRISTMAS

2010-12-15T12:22:00.009+11:00

I've been itching to post about this!

I've been spending the better part of the last few months working

again with Portmans on something super special for their Christmas windows!

All can finally be revealed now as they have finally gone up.

Pictured here is one of the Portmans windows at the Hobart store.

You can also see some of the illos used in the Christmas catalogue.

I had SO much fun working on these illustrations!

I was allowed alot of creative freedom which was amazing,

but together with the team at Portmans, we came up with something

that I think really brings something new to the traditional idea of Christmas.

It's very feminine, soft and pretty, but with just enough of a festive sparkle!

Pretty much a dream job for me as i'm something of a Christmas freak.

I hope you all like!

Some stores will be more decked out than others, but pop down to your

local Portmans to take a look at our illustrative take on the party season!

You might even find something for the stocking while you're there ;)

P.S You may have heard the news by now...that Abbey Lee Kershaw

has just been signed as the new face of Portmans! Um....SQUEAL!

Exciting times ahead....!

curvy 7

2010-12-10T16:36:00.009+11:00

I've been lucky enough to be featured in the new edition of Curvy this year! Yay.

For the first time ever, the book has been co-curated by Parisian graffiti artist, Fafi,

alongside Collette founder Sarah Lerfel, and art directed & designed by Deanne Cheuk.

(Oh my!)

The 2010 edition features some amazing female artists, and some of my

personal faves, including Garance Dore, Courtney Brims, Fafi,

Kelly Thompson and Bec Winnel.

To snag a copy of this year's book head over to the newly launched website

curvy-world.com and while you're there you can even check out artist profiles,

interviews and other fun bits!

P.S For those of you in Hobart, I'll be having a stall at The Market

@ Masonic Temple this Sunday, 12th Dec from 10-3pm!

If you're around please stop by, say hello, you might even like to

purchase a Christmas card or print!

There'll be some gorgeous stalls there so it'll be well worth the effort.

For more info head to The Market's website at www.themarkethobart.com.au

I hope you all enjoy your weekends!

bambi THE DESERT FOX

2010-12-04T19:36:00.010+11:00

When I saw these ridiculously stunning shots of Bambi N-W for StyleStalker's

new Desert Fox collection I was just itching to illustrate one of them!

Photographed by the insanely talented Zanita Whittington,

there's such a sexy yet vulnerable vibe to the images and clothing that I love.

As a model, Bambi can be so edgy and raw, yet feminine and fragile

all at the same time. Seriously f-ing love her!

It was so much fun to try to capture that in a drawing - I hope you like.

HUGE thanks to Rachel, Sue-Ann and Z for letting me partake

in this big love-fest of gorgeousness! x

To check out more from the lookbook visit Zanita's site at

zanitazanita.com or shop the looks at StyleStalker HERE.

I hope you're all having a great weekend.

More news and fun to come!

Xxx

so CHIC

2010-11-30T12:38:00.003+11:00

Audrey's BACK!

I've missed her little face since last watching her in Coco Avant Chanel.

This AMAZE-BALLS portrait of her is by Satoshi Saikusa for So Chic magazine.

LOVE.

In other news I have added a 15% discount to all items

in my shop up until December 15th.

To apply enter the code XMAS2010 upon checkout.

Visit www.birdyandme.etsy.com for more.

Will be back with news very soon including info about an

Art & Design market i'll be involved in in December.

(Tiny flyer in the sidebar)

In the meantime enjoy your week :)

XxX

tasmanian LIFE

2010-11-22T15:41:00.005+11:00

I was very kindly asked to participate in the new 'fashion' issue of

Tasmanian Life magazine by my sweet friend Grace,

one of the magazine's journalistic contributors.

Unfortunately she took ill around the time of deadline and our story

couldn't be used. However the editor of Tas Life, Claire Andrews,

managed to find some time to write this sweet little piece for me just in time!

Thank you Claire.

I was particularly happy to see them choose my 'Vanessa' illo which

some of you might remember was based on an insanely gorgeous

shot by the fabuloso Zanita!

If you click on the image it should open up large enough for you to read.

Otherwise you can find Tasmanian Life in most newsagents.

(I assume perhaps Borders or Magnation for the rest of Aus.)

Hope you all enjoyed a sunny weekend!

frockshop/grazia UP LATE

2010-11-17T16:02:00.010+11:00

I was recently asked by the lovely girls at Frockshop to come up with

an illustrated design of the ultimate 'Frockshop Girl' that could be

screenprinted onto limited edition tote bags to be gifted away in-store!

Frockshop are part of Grazia's Up Late shopping event in James Street

tomorrow night, and as such will be giving away one of these special bags

with every purchase over $100!

(I heard a dirty rumour they're also chock full of goodies!)

AND - another not so dirty rumour - they also have a SIGNED copy of

'Influence' by Mary Kate & Ashley to give away. Hello boys!

It was fun and weird - but mostly fun! - to work in a more basic style

of illustration. Obviously so much of my work revolves around shading and detail

so to pare that down to minimal line work was really tough.

But we got there in the end and i'm happy with how she's turned out!

Hope you like the progress shots.

In addition to the tote I have also created a small print run of the

Bunny Girl illustration I created for the wall of the boutique earlier this year.

Some of you enquired about the availability of this print, and so here they are!

There are only 20 available so if you can't make the event

yet are still interested in purchasing one of them head over to

the website at Frockshop.com and flick the girls an email or phone call.

If any of you are Brisbane-based an in the vacinity of James St tomorrow night

I suggest you head on down to the Grazia Up Late event from 5-9pm.

Boutiques/Designers taking part include Sass & Bide, Collette Dinnigan,

Kirrily Johnston and Camilla and Marc's Camilla Freeman-Topper!

There promises to be some super exclusive sales and entertainment.

For more info head to Frockshop's blog at FrockshopStyle.com

- there's also a short Q&A with me if you're interested.

XXX

deck your WALLS

2010-11-15T08:58:00.005+11:00

* Glass candles and bird from Country Road.

It's crept up on us a little, but my favourite time of year is nearly here!

I managed to find some time to create a new illustration for the festive season.

My thought was that alot of us love to have artwork on our walls, so

why not create a special print that you can bring out every December

to compliment your Christmas trimmings!

'Vixen' will be available both as a limited edition print of 25

AND a Christmas card pack.

To purchase simply visit my shop here:

www.birdyandme.etsy.com

Please note that cards are only available in packs of 5
and are not for individual sale.
Limited to 3 packs per customer as they are being printed and packaged by my little own self, so numbers are limited.

I hope you all had a great weekend, enjoy the rest of your week!

I will hopefully have some more updates for you this week - Yay!

heaven & HELL

2010-11-08T08:58:00.011+11:00

WOW. I haven't posted for like 2 weeks.

What have I been doing with my life?

I promise promise promise new work is coming soon.

I've been working on alot of exciting new projects which

luckily I don't have to wait too long to share!

In the meantime - HOW amazing are these shots by Olivier Zahm

of the Heaven & Hell at the Standard Hotel Halloween bash?

Do you spy the M-Bomb in there? She looks incredible.

Source: Olivier Zahm / purple-diary.com

GAINSBOURG

2010-10-25T15:37:00.011+11:00

Some of you may not know alot about the life of Serge Gainsbourg.

But you sure as sh*t would recognise the names of the ladies in his life!

Jane Birkin anyone?

Brigitte Bardot?

Charlotte Gainsbourg?

I thought so.

(Okay, so Charlotte is his daughter.)

But his romances with both Brigitte and Jane are at the centre of the new biopic,

Gainsbourg, which opens nationally on November 4th.

Based around the life of the notorious French singer, poet and actor,

the film explores his life from his early years in 1940s Nazi-occupied Paris,

the fantasy world that drove his inspiration, the great women he loved and lost,

and most of all the music that made him a legend.

To find out more about the film watch the trailer below:

Hopscotch have so kindly given me 5 preview passes for the coming weekend

(Oct 29 & 30th)

to give away to the first 5 people to email me with their postal information!

I've been hanging out for so long to see this and I think you're going to love it too.

UPDATE: All passes now gone!
Thanks so much to Hopscotch and I hope all enjoy the preview!

XxX

JEAN

2010-10-20T09:52:00.003+11:00

Whenever I say the word 'jean' I think of baby Gene from Mad Men.
Obviously i've been watching too much TV and this is clearly not a portrait

that i've done of baby Gene, but rather a fictional character
created by UK magazine Company to incorporate into their Diesel advertorials.
Jean is both a mini-magazine and the name of the Diesel-clad
lass who guides you through the ins and outs of this seasons denim trends.
(It's also my middle name...Oooo)
It was quite fun to work on this job!
It's interesting to see the blend between advertising and editorial.

I think the only place we can get Company here in Aus is at
Borders or Magnation, if you're interested!
This is the Oct 2010 issue.

- ALSO -
If anyone is interested in reading a little Q&A with me
pop on over to Chronicles of the Fashion Cupboard,
a sweet little blog run by a group of gals working in the fashion industry.
One of which being Hayley Bonham, who I worked with on the ROC campaign
a few months back. (Refresh your memory HERE)
We chatted via email and she came up with this interview.
Click HERE to read.

Happy Wednesday Hump-Day to you all!
XxX

beth EMILY

2010-10-12T09:57:00.009+11:00

Birdies by Beth-Emily

Fellow Tassie illustrator, Beth-Emily Gregory has made the top 3
finalists in Visual Communication for the
Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA) this year.
I would so love to see her win - i'm a huge fan of her birdies.
For a Tasmanian artist the prizes are invaluable.
We're a little out of the way down here, which makes having a physical
presence at events, workshops, client meetings and even internships
pretty difficult without a little help.

Beth ALSO has a little somethin' somethin' to do with the big
collaboration I mentioned in an earlier post.
We shall be doing fun things together in the not so distant future,
so please please please, if you like her work as much as I, send a vote her way!

CLICKY CLICKY HERE.

X

arise MAGAZINE

2010-10-04T09:41:00.005+11:00

Quick post today!

The sun is shining and I want to get outside :)

I wanted to share this illo I did for UK magazine, Arise,

which accompanied an article about jewellery designer, Chris Aire.

I was directed to incorporate a 1940's Hollywood theme,

very silver screen, very glamourous.

I hope I pulled it off!
The jewels themselves were photographed and placed over my drawing.

If anyone wants to track down the mag itself, it's issue 10,

with the gorgeous Alek Wek on the cover!

RIP tony CURTIS

2010-10-01T11:24:00.006+10:00

Some Like it Hot

(1959)

One of my all-time faves.

R.I.P Josephine

birdy and me FOR PORTMANS

2010-09-23T10:36:00.010+10:00

I'm a little late in posting about this, as I wasn't sure when exactly

the windows would be up, BUT it is all out in the open now so huzzah!

A while ago I collaborated with Australian store Portmans on a series

of images for their Spring 2010 window and store displays!

It was SUCH good fun, and an asbolute joy to work with the lovely Sarah

from Portmans to come up with these images!

I think it's so exciting and encouraging when large companies

take an illustrative approach to a new campaign.

It was also nice to be able to include so much of myself and my own aesthetic

into the images - hello birdies :)

I think our visions meshed really well and i'm so happy with how it all turned out.

These pics are from the Portmans store in Chadstone, Melbourne.

I love the ribbons - so much pretty.

If you would like to check the displays out in person, head down to your local

Portmans store and while you're there you can browse through all of the beautiful

goodies that the Spring collection has to offer.

I hope you all like!

P.S Thanks again for all of your lovely comments on the Cleo article.

CLEO

2010-09-20T14:35:00.008+10:00

I am over the moon today!
A few weeks ago I did a little interview with the lovely Nicole Elphick
of Cleo Magazine for a spread she was putting together about fashion illustration.
I had no idea at the time, but found out today when I saw the pages,
that I have been featured next to my fave of all favvies, Kat Macleod!
She is seriously my idol.
I would gush about her all day if you let me.
I just wanted to say that, because when I was at Art school I would moon
over her gorgeous illustrations, I even interviewed her for a school project.
So it's a really nice feeling to find yourself featured with someone
who has been such an inspiration to you and your work.
Happy days today, kids! Call me Richie Cunningham.

If you would like to read the interviews (also feat. Janelle Burger), pop out
and grab a copy of the October 2010 issue, with Taylor Swift on the cover.
It's plastic-bagged but I can guarantee there are some s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g editorials
inside! You even get a free French Connection t-shirt dress! Yay!

I hope you all had a great weekend.
XxX

signed AND NUMBERED

2010-09-10T10:38:00.008+10:00

Finally posting the 'animal' series I've been working on for a while now!

You may remember On The Prowl and the sneaky peek of Bad Bear

but here they all are- completed, printed and ready to be sold

at the very new (and super exciting) Signed + Numbered gallery in Melbourne.

I'm so happy to be apart of this great new gallery space!

The concept of Signed + Numbered is that every print - across the board -

is the same AFFORDABLE price, regardless of who created it!

Images have been loaned or created exclusively for the gallery to be available

as limited edition prints in one of two sizes - A3 or A4.

(The above are available in A3 in editions of 10!)

Some really amazing artists are involved so I think it's insanely exciting.

Head down to Greville St to find exclusive prints by artists such as

Rebecca Wetzler, Kareena Zerefos, Miso, Rik Lee, Jordan Clarke,

Catherine Campbell and Sean Morris.

Signed + Numbered opens on Saturday 18th September.

For more info click the flyer above!

I hope you like my contributions!

(I'll also have I'm With the Band available as the A4 print)

XxX

P.S I just noticed I have hit over 1500 followers on this blog!

Sincerely, I thank you! You guys are awesome! XXX

Sweet SPRING

2010-09-03T11:15:00.007+10:00

True Romance

Daria Werbowy photographed by Paolo Roversi

Spring has officially SPRUNG my friends!

It's the most beautiful Sunny day here in Tas.

Megsy (my puppy) and I have been playing outside in the dewy grass

all morning and just generally enjoying the sunshine.

These shots of Daria encapsulate everything that Spring is to me.

It's floaty, romantic, and sweet.

Like a breath of fresh air!

They're also very inspiring regarding a certain collaboration

i'm starting to work on with another Tasmanian artist.

(That's a hint! Research research.)

We're hoping to have an exhibition sometime over the Summer,

so fingers crossed everything pans out.

I hope you've all had a lovely week!

Happy Spring!

A3 PRINTS HAVE ARRIVED!

2010-08-25T11:17:00.009+10:00

I thought this reveal might be a little more exciting but i've

been talking it up for so long that I think it's lost it's magic.

But ANYWAY....finally finally finally, after many tragic printer mishaps

A3 prints are available in my store!

I have new images that I have been saving especially

and these will be available in editions of 10 in both A3 and A4 sizes.

The remaining 8 x 10s will stay in the shop until they sell,

but once they're gone they'll be gone forever and this new

system will be here to stay!

So at the moment there are 3 new prints available as seen above:

Fendi S/S 10, Come Fly With Me, Christian Dior HC 10

I'll add more depending on how well they sell.

So if you would like to buy either fashionista or a babe with a bird

click HERE : www.birdyandme.etsy.com

XxX

P.S I'm getting a puppy on Sunday and I thought i'd pre-warn

that there may be a puppy post on the horizon as she is so

f-ing cute I just want to squeeze her face off!

P.P.S Prints are not this contrasty in real life. It's just the photo!

They look very much like the original illustrations.

POP goes the new WEBSITE

2010-08-17T08:39:00.016+10:00

www.birdyandme.com.au

After many long hours of contemplating how best to make this idea work

my new website is finally up and running!

(Thanks to the prowling illo which was the cherry on top)

I've always LOVED pop-up books so I really wanted to try

to do something similar with my website.

I have this Alice in Wonderland book

with the most insane pop-up artwork inside it!

It's seriously incredible and sometimes I wish I was 8

so I could really appreciate it.

I remember looking at the construction of pop-up books

back at Uni but i'll be buggered if I remember how to do it.

So (VERY) sadly, I had to construct this little baby both digitally

as well as physically.

I think it worked out alright?

As long as it looks like a pop-up book i'm happy!

I've included some images that I absolutely love

as well as some newbies I found today for this post.

Pop-up gold if you ask me.

Seriously just amazing.

The two last images are technically not pop up but I had to include

the work of Jeff Nishinaka. Absolutely stunning!

Paper art just has to be my all time fave.

Benja Harney for Harper's Bazaar Sep '09

The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle

Kees Moerbeek for Neiman Marcus' 100th Anniversary

Jeff Nishinaka - The Lion King / Jeff Nishinaka for Barbie

on the PROWL

2010-08-11T09:57:00.006+10:00

Pencil & Watercolour

(My buddy Sophie again, looking totally HAWT. Raow)

I've been working on this illo for sooo long now and i'm so glad I can finally share it!

It's not every day that I get to do my own thing and actually like the result!

So this illo is another part in the animal series I mentioned a few weeks ago.

(Remember Bad Bear?)

I had this idea for a series when I was at the zoo a couple of months ago

and i've been working on them slowly ever since.

I hope they'll all turn out as well as this one.

It's hard sometimes to translate an idea into a good illustration.

Sometimes it's just an epic fail, but fingers crossed!

Anyway i've been promising A3 prints for a while now,

and after a bit of trial and error they're finally here!

I'll be uploading new prints into my shop over the next day or so and they'll

be available in editions of 10 in both A4 and A3!

Excitement.

The image above will be available exclusively through the soon to be opened

Signed + Numbered

but i'll share more about that later!

Happy Wednesday Hump-Day to you all!

SOPHIE

2010-08-02T14:34:00.005+10:00

Pencil & Digital Colouring

Little illo from a photograph I took of my gorgeous friend Sophie.

Finally my 'geek chic' shot!

We borrowed some glasses (thanks Stacey!) that I thought

were probably Nanna's hand-me-downs,

but hilariously turned out to be frames that you could

ACTUALLY choose for your lenses. Today.

These were the smaller of the pairs believe it or not!

LOVES IT.

Things are still busy busy busy,

but A3 prints are only days away!

More fun things to follow.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

xxx

ooh AAH

2010-07-27T10:05:00.018+10:00

Marion Cotillard photographed by Mikael Jansson

for Interview August 2010

I don't know if anyone outside of Aus will understand this rhyme?

Ooh Aah I lost my bra, I left my knickers in my boyfriends car!

Not entirely appropriate for schoolyard rhymes,
but I find that majority of the things I remember
from school rarely are!
It just jumped into my head when I was doing this post.
Random.

So I did warn you guys I would probably post these.
And here they are!
Probably my fave Marion shoot for aaaaaages.
This is how she should be styled ALWAYS.
The hair, the brows, the corset.
It's just perfection.
I am, however partial to pants, but i'll forgive the lack of those
in this one instance, because the images are just too too beautiful!

Thanks for your comments on the bad bear below!
Can't wait to finish the series.
XxX

P.S My 'Buy 2 Get 1 Free' print sale is still going!
Buy anything in the shop and receive a FREE open edition print.
www.birdyandme.etsy.com
X

bad BEAR

2010-07-24T11:43:00.004+10:00

Pencil & Watercolour

Quick post today!

Sneaky peek of an illo i'm working on at the moment

for an upcoming print set for a new Melbourne gallery.

It's going to be a really fun space so I can't wait to share

the whole series with you and post more when the gallery opens!

Thinks girls and animals - which i haven't done for a while! :)

In other news I have a few really exciting jobs on the go.

and i'm reeeeally looking forward to sharing them with you.

The next few weeks are going to be full on though, to say the least.

So apologies in advance if I fail to update my blog much.

I'll try to keep posting though.

Also - I'm having another sale in my etsy shop.

Buy ANY print and receive a free Open Edition print.

All you have to do is make a note of which one you would like

when you're completing you're order and i'll add it in!

I'm ...THIS... close to producing A3 prints. Just ironing out some kinks.

But I'd love to try to move some of the 8 x 10's before that happens.

So if any of you have been eyeing off a print, now's the time :)

www.birdyandme.etsy.com

Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!

XxX

carey MULLIGAN

2010-07-20T17:12:00.012+10:00

Carey Mulligan photographed by Mikael Jansson

Sorry for the lack of posts last week.

I've been away for a few days!

So I wanted to share these pics with you for the longest time.

For those who have not seen An Education yet, please please do so!

I think it was one of my favourite films of award season.

So visually beautiful in its 60s aesthetic, and Carey Mulligan

gives such a ripping performance. I was totally smitten with her.

While i'm not completely in love with her Mia Farrow style crop,

I am absolutely besotted with this photo shoot

and it actually looks perfection in it.

I picked up this issue of Interview

(for which the shots were taken)

and it reminded me I needed to post it!

Interview print the best celebrity portraits in my opinion.

Tied with New York Times' T Style.

I've posted a number of their shoots on my blog.

Recurring theme i'm noticing!

Marion Cotillard is featured on the August cover so I feel

I may be posting those images as well :)

Mikael Jansson is a genius!

Hope you love Carey's shoot much as I do.