SARA ET LE FRENCHIE

It's been a couple of years since our last collaboration, but I recently had the pleasure of working with the crazy talented Zanita Whittington again!

Our latest venture features the always stunning Sara Donaldson of Harper & Harley, a whole lot of paint splatters, and Archie the French Bulldog. Hence the Parisian spin on the title of this post! Isn't he just the cutest?

I had so much fun getting messy with these images.

To see behind the scenes footage of the shoot, check out episode 7 of Fashion Bloggers which is airing on the Style Network in Australia, along with E! in the US, UK and Asia.
You can also read more about Zanita and her vision for the shoot in her interview with Lucky Magazine here.

Credits:
Photography: Zanita Whittington
Illustration: Kelly Smith
Model: Sara Donaldson & Archie
Make-Up: Christabel Draffin
Hair: Frankie Endersbee
Styling: Sara Donaldson

CHRISTMAS LUST-HAVES

When it comes to Christmas, wishlists used to be so simple.

As kids we'd climb onto the local shopping-centre-Santa's lap and rattle off a long list while ticking off a handful of fingers representing all of our must-have toys; Barbie, Barbie Car, Barbie Dream House...et all.

However, as we get older this tradition gets a little harder. We no longer have the Big Fella in Red to divulge our secret yearnings to, and the price tag of each item also seems to grow along with our age.

So, instead of must-haves, we'll call them lust-haves; the items we'd ask for if Santa's budget was priceless - you know, if he was sitting on a gold throne with a diamond grill in his mouth.
Because when it comes to WISHlists, it's all about the dream, right?

I've also included a few fashionably affordable (read: more likely to appear under the tree) items!

Clock-wise from left:

1. Prada Candy Florale, EDT - PRADA
2. YSL Monogramme Mock-Croc Bag, SAINT LAURENT
3. Sacré-Coeur Silver Vase, LOVESTAR
4. Puss 'N' Boots Sunglasses in Smoke + Silver, PARED
5. Illustrated 'Merry Christmas' Cards, BIRDY & ME
6. Printed iPhone 6 Cover, LANVIN
7. Rockstud Heels, VALENTINO
8. 34 Blvd Candle Holder, DIPTYQUE
9. Classic Sheffield Watch, DANIEL WELLINGTON*
10. 'How to be Parisian' Book, RANDOM HOUSE

*You can also save 15% AND gain free shipping at danielwellington.com right now with code:
"holidaybirdyandme"

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A CHRISTMAS SALE

A big guy in a red suit famously once said "Ho, Ho, Ho!"
'Tis the catch-cry of excited gift-givers the world over at this time of year, generally accompanied by a jolly disposition and a rosy cheek.

Christmas is my all-time-favourite holiday (have we gathered that get?)  and it's happening in exactly ONE MONTH. Yes, that's RIGHT.
To celebrate, and encourage, this merriment, I'm taking 25% off EVERYTHING in my shop until Dec 1st.
That includes my 2014 Christmas cards! Woo hoo! Just in time to get those holiday greetings sent off to overseas pen pals.
As an added extra, every print order placed between now and Dec 15th will include a FREE card. Gift sorted!

Shop now using the code XMAS2014 at: www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

To ensure delivery by Christmas, please refer to the following order cut-off dates:
Australia - Dec 15th
International - Dec 5th
(The option for International delivery will be temporarily disabled after this date)

WHAT'S THE TIME, MR.WELLINGTON?

It's like the game. Get it?!

Already a huge fan of my tan/silver Classic Sheffield Lady, I've just added the black/silver to my collection, thanks to the lovely gang at Daniel Wellington.
As you might already know from previous posts, my wardrobe is fairly monochromatic at the best of times.
After wearing only silver for so long, I delved into the world of alternate metals and became a bit of a gold/rose gold convert.
However, with my recent Saint Laurent purchase of the Cassandre monogramme in mock croc and silver, this watch is now my new best friend!
I live for my new bag, affectionately known as "Cassie," and she accompanies me on most excursions these days.
Until now I haven't been wearing a watch as I find that I'm unable to bring myself to clash leathers. Enter Mr. Wellington.
Now it's me, Sheffield, and Cassie. Gals about town.

I'm also thrilled to be able to pass on this special code for you guys, just in time for Christmas.
Order any time piece from the Daniel Wellington website HERE before Christmas and save 15% with the code: holidaybirdyandme
Merry Christmas, Mr. Wellington!

Bag | Saint Laurent
Watch | Daniel Wellington*
Necklace | Lanvin
Sunglasses | Pared

*Gifted

A FASHIONABLY FESTIVE CHRISTMAS

This year's Christmas card has been a whole lot of fun to draw!
I openly admit to being a fanatical lover of Christmas; someone who will look for any excuse to get the tree up as soon as possible. In recent years I have been pining for a pink Christmas tree, resplendent with its frosted white and gold decorations. My husband, understandably, does not share my affinity for the girly pink tree. So this year I took a leaf out of the clever Sally Spratt of The Lust List's book and decided that if I can't have one I'll draw one.

So here it is, in all its coppery, blush, glory: a babe with party curls and a pretty pink tree to call her own. As always, this year's Christmas Cards are a limited run, so get in quick!

Available in my shop here: www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

ALSO - as a special holiday treat - every print order* in my store from now until Dec 10 will receive a free card. YAY. Gift sorted!

*Card included with print purchases only.

MEN'S HEALTH

It's not often that I get to draw ze fellas! But when I do, oh it's fun.
I recently illustrated three variant clipped styles for Men's Health magazine and their feature with Remington for Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest; whereby participants could make a quick 'pit-stop' during the event to get their manly manes buzzed + styled by the Remington team.
I mean, when you're up to your shins in mud, sweat pouring down your brow, it's nice to know you'll be looking semi-decent for that photo-finish and post-race beer! Right, boys?
You can read all about it in the November issue of Men's Health UK.

SPRING INTO CHANEL

Ever since I spent a week of my honeymoon strolling through the picture-perfect streets of Paris, surrounded by the freshest of Spring flowers, I have been aching to do an illustration based on one of the most beautiful cities in the world, incorporating one of the most beautiful fashion houses in the world. Yep, you guessed it. CHANEL.
Who wouldn't be inspired after passing that iconic storefront at 31 Rue Cambon...?

You might also remember the Chanel pop up flower stall that appeared in London's Covent Garden last year. I couldn't think of a more beautiful back drop for the illustration...

I'm hoping to get more of my Paris-inspired illustrations onto paper very soon, but for now I hope you like 'The Flower Cart' and the accompanying progress imagery and holiday happy snaps!

'The Flower Cart' is available to purchase as an A3 giclée print, limited to an edition of 50 only, in my store here:
www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

Last Image Credit: vogue.co.uk

UNITED WE STAND

It is with much excitement that I share these images of the 'United We Stand' campaign, created in partnership between Mount Franklin and Samantha Wills, in support of the McGrath Foundation, who work tirelessly to raise funds that are used to employ Breast Care Nurses around Australia.
Running throughout September and October to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign includes specially designed Mount Franklin products along with a limited edition t-shirt, available from samanthawills.com, from which $30 of each sale goes directly to the McGrath Foundation.
I am so honoured to have been asked by Samantha once again to bring her amazing creative vision for these bottles to life, and even more so to be a part of such an important and empowering campaign.
"United We Stand" draws its inspiration from Jane McGrath herself, and the foundation's motto that "Together We Can Make a Difference."
Samantha's vision was for an illustrated Warrioress that embodied the strength of femininity, and the power that our relationships have to build us up and support us in times of need.
 Through the sale of these products, and the spread of this message, we, united, can all do our part to help and, in turn, raise awareness for regular breast checks.
You can find much more information on the Samantha Wills website here, where she will be posting regularly about all of the supporting products available, including a special limited-edition jewellery range.
You can also donate directly to the McGrath Foundation here: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
Again, I am so proud to be involved in this beautiful partnership and even more so to help spread the message in any way that I can.
So buy a specially marked bottle, drink up, and keep checking those breasts!
While you're at it - get yourself a tee, some jewels and support the campaign in style.

Image credit: B+W campaign photograph by Scott Ehler.

McGRATH FOUNDATION GET TEA-GETHER

I am so proud to be working with the incredible McGrath Foundation for the second year in a row, who work tirelessly to support women, and their families, dealing with the effects of breast cancer.
While there is some more McGrath news to add next week, for now I want to share the re-vamped imagery for the "Host Your Own High Tea" campaign, which this year has been re-named "Get Tea-Gether".
Simply order a (free) kit online and you'll receive everything you need to jump-start your own fundraiser at home.
Host a high, morning, or afternoon tea / a bridal shower - or ANY shower, and help raise funds to support the McGrath Breast Care Nurses!
For more information on how to register please visit the McGrath Foundation's website here:
www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/getteagether

EPOCA THE SHOP

It might be the first day of Spring in Australia, but today's post brings with it the arrival of Autumn/Winter
and the new look book that I worked on for Tokyo label Epoca.
Based around three key trends, I created a few illustrations of the collection, including a little lace render for the cover.
It was such a fun project - especially with the 'less in more' concept to the illustrations, which I have been favouring lately.
Thanks to Takeshi from Zoology for involving me!