So Much To Tell You

Natalie Smith and Zoe Walker are the writers and friends behind So Much To Tell You, a blog started in 2008 that brings together their love of all things creative.

Here So Much To Tell You share 7 things that are inspiring them with the corner shop.

Printed Matter

We’re addicted to magazines and zines, pamphlets and paper. We’re hard at work on creating a paper version of So Much To Tell You, and we are ever intrigued by printed matter – content, layout, font and paper stock. Some current favourites are ACNE PAPER, PIE PAPER, old NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazines from the 1970s, Martino Gamper’s TRATTORIA, APARTAMENTO, 032C, COSMIC WONDER FREE PRESS, the GENTLEWOMAN and LOVE/WANT. Print is most certainly not dead!

Hopi Botanicals

Natalie — I wrote about this brand for the new issue of Russh, and I adore the products and the packaging and well, the whole ethos of the brand. It’s made by Emmelie Brunetti, who is based in Los Angeles. She just has the most beautiful modern hippie gypsy aesthetic. Every time I read her blog, I learn something new – whether that’s about Sixties music, plants and natural skincare, the Beat poets or motorcycles. She has a really unique and thoughtful way of going about things. The products, mainly solid perfumes, are delicious, and natural – my favourite is the “Chelsea Girls” collection, which are packaged in vintage gold beauty compacts. www.hopibotanicals.com.

Prada book

Zoe — So much information and inspiration crammed into a very heavy book. I especially like the chapter that features different Prada campaigns, and the collage that showcases every Prada outfit put on the runway. Unfortunately it doesn't include the recent Fall 2010 collection, which is one of my favourites - I have a thing for full skirts and beehives.

Just Kids – Patti Smith

Natalie — I love Patti Smith. Her free approach, her morals, her sparse style, her hair, her poetry and her music. I was just given this book, which documents her life with creative partner and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. I’ve only read the first chapter so far, but it is a moving, powerful read that I can’t wait to devour.

Travel

Zoe — I'm going to Milan and Paris in June, for work and for pleasure, and I can't wait. I don't get to do it much because I am on a writer's wage and have a penchant for buying far too many clothes, but I think travel is one of the most important and inspiring things one can do.

Zabriskie Point

Natalie — Wow! I just watched this last night and it blew my little mind wide open. Shot by Michael Antonioni, who made cult film Blow Up, it’s the story of two kids in late Sixties America. The story is a little weak, but visually it’s incredible and the entire soundtrack is by Pink Floyd.

Lady Gaga

Zoe — She is like Marmite (or Vegemite for Australians!), you either love her or hate her. I find her intriguing, and I love that she embraces fashion and inspires people to dress up. I saw her in concert a couple of weeks ago and was blown away by the spectacle and costumes - I loved the "living dress", which moved and morphed on her as she sang. I read that she went fishing (in 8-inch heels) the day after the concert too, which makes me love her even more.