Jane Flanagan is an Irish journalist and blogger, now living in Toronto, Canada. Her blog Ill Seen, Ill Said (named after a work of short fiction by Samuel Beckett) is a showcase of Jane’s passions, from design and fashion to poetry, books and philosophy. Posts include a weekly installment of inspiring women from history and present day. Jane also recently launched a webshop called Coterie — a natural extension of her blog style.
This collection is inspired by some of my favourite female writers. Both their work and their personal style carry a strong visual note that speaks to the era they wrote in, as well as their outlook. And while it’s unlikely that any of us would adopt the style of these writers verbatim, I like the idea of including a little nod, in your home or your wardrobe, to a favourite writer, character or book.
[Clockwise from top left: You Are So Jane Greeting Card from Janet Hill INK; Miss Austen Gauntlets, cotton and soya from Inner Wild; Jane Austen Quotation Oval Glass Paperweight from Bixler & Johnson; Mr. Darcy Proposal Dish Towel from Brookish Handmadegoods]
Austen’s novels have been translated into some of the most visually captivating movies of recent times. Nearly everybody has a favourite Austen heroine or novel that stands up to repeated re-reading (mine is Persuasion ‘s Anne Elliot). Her characters, comedy and romance continue to inspire. Here are some favourite objects for an Austen aficionado.
[Clockwise from top right: REDOUTE Vintage 1990 Art Print from Naturalist Collection; Vintage 50s Nylon Opera Gloves from Studio 1950; Art Deco Marcasite Necklace from Nouveau Motley; Silverplate tea set from Sadie Olive]
Sharing her insider view of New York’s privileged class, Wharton was the first woman to win a Pulitzer for The Age of Innocence. Her novels portray a class at odds with itself — outwardly exhibiting good manners and poise but secretly passionate, corrupt and deceitful. Wharton was also known as a gardener and interior designer and her home, The Mount, is preserved as an example of her design principles.
[Clockwise from top left: Pomegranate Bookplates by Lampyridae Press; Virgina Wolf Print by earthakitten; Bloomsbury Notebook by Leatherarts; Virginia Wolf Canvas Tote by amandertot; Biba Style Floral Velvet Dress from Iondablanca.]
Virginia Woolf’s most famous works include the novels Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando and the book-length essay A Room of One’s Own with its famous directive, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” Woolf and the Bloomsbury artistic and design style of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant are intertwined, and Charleston House is bound to inspire any Woolf fan.
[Clockwise from top right: Pearl strand necklace from Designs by Diane; 1960s vintage black cocktail dress from Greatest Friend; Peacock feather pad from Pegasus 22; Gothic era photo of tree lined Bonaventure Cemetery from The Thanatos Archive; Antonio Miro vintage eyeglasses from mod vintage]
The Gothic storyteller Flannery O’Connor’s short stories, especially A Good Man Is Hard to Find, are among my favourite. Her stories are rooted in the South and often revolve around characters with deep moral flaws. In her life, O’Connor was fascinated by birds of all kinds and images of peacocks recur in her stories. O’Connor wrote more than two dozen short stories and two novels while battling lupus, but succumbed to the illness when she was just 39 years old.
Thanks to Jane. What female writer serves as your muse?
123 comments
Sign in to add your ownjaneflan says:
Thank you for having me!
327 days ago
BooandBooFactory says:
Great article! The collections are beautiful!
327 days ago
shannondzikas says:
I am drooling over these pretty pretty things. You make me want to pull out the pen and ink and write an actual letter. Books, gloves, pearls, heaven!
327 days ago
shannondzikas says:
Oh, and I'm a Sylvia Plath geek. Yeah, I'll admit it.
327 days ago
DessertWine says:
Beautiful pieces, amazing women! Thank you so, so much!
327 days ago
lovelygifts says:
Great article!
327 days ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Wonderful! Love the finds! :)
327 days ago
RedorGrayArt says:
such a very special collection of love and letters ...the vignettes are so beautiful
327 days ago
indigohorizons says:
What a wonderful post! These are all favorite writers of mine too so I am about to have a look at the websites. Thanks for the great picks too! (A slip-of-the-keystroke in the Virginia Woolf section - it's Duncan Grant, not Duncan Clark.)
327 days ago
MyEverAfter says:
Amazing! Jane Austen has always been one of my favorite authors, and is a great inspiration for my work.
327 days ago
MakingMyRent says:
This is so fantastic! All of your choices speak heavily to whom women should look up to, especially us Etsians. Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own" in particular, inspires me as an artist. I'm glad you featured her. Thank you!
327 days ago
cartolina says:
Gorgeously curated - and beautifully written too.
327 days ago
shavingkitsuppplies says:
This is beyond wonderful. Please do more!
327 days ago
natalya1905 says:
What a gorgeous selection! Fantastic ladies, beautiful items. Perfect choice, totally inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing!
327 days ago
ohginger says:
I love this post, but the links below the Edith Wharton and Virginia Woolf collages are the same/wrong. Would it be possible to edit them? I really love the Woolf quote bag!
327 days ago
PattieJansen says:
LOVE this...we can learn so much from the thoughts and dreams and stories of our literary "sisters"... Beautiful post, elegantly arranged...thanks!
327 days ago
Mclovebuddy says:
love the mr. darcy proposal on a dish towel. very witty and sweet.
327 days ago
rosebutton says:
Goosebumps!!!
327 days ago
PeachyKeenCreations says:
Love this article!
327 days ago
janeflan says:
indigohorizons - you're right! completely my mistake! hopefully will be fixed soon. ohginger - I've asked for those product credits to be corrected. In the meantime, here are the links to the correct products for the Virginia Woolf collage: http://www.etsy.com/listing/39898555/virginia-woolf-lithographic-print http://www.etsy.com/listing/62601685/virginia-woolf-canvas-tote-bag-with http://www.etsy.com/listing/64682590/arts-crafts-bloomsbury-biba-style-floral http://www.etsy.com/listing/9044799/bloomsbury-handtooled-and-painted http://www.etsy.com/listing/70280918/bloomsbury-bookplates-pomegranate
327 days ago
MakingMyRent says:
Agreed whole-heartedly with shavingkitsupplies: *****"This is beyond wonderful. Please do more!"***** and shannondzikas: Do Sylvia Plath!!!!!!! Please, please, please!!!!!!!!
327 days ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
Fabulously wonderful!
327 days ago
julessabjewelry says:
Love this! Women in writing are extremely inspirational and make me love writing, even if it's just a note to my husband.
327 days ago
moxy says:
Wonderful!! What great inspiration!
327 days ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
I absolutely LOVE the tote bag with the Virginia Wolf quote on it, but can't link to it...Can anybody help?
327 days ago
quirkyshop says:
Awesome!!
327 days ago
planetlovevintage says:
Wonderful article! I adore Jane Austin!
327 days ago
janeflan says:
I have asked for the Woolf links to be corrected. In the meantime, here they all are: http://www.etsy.com/listing/39898555/virginia-woolf-lithographic-print http://www.etsy.com/listing/62601685/virginia-woolf-canvas-tote-bag-with http://www.etsy.com/listing/64682590/arts-crafts-bloomsbury-biba-style-floral http://www.etsy.com/listing/9044799/bloomsbury-handtooled-and-painted http://www.etsy.com/listing/70280918/bloomsbury-bookplates-pomegranate
327 days ago
GustoSpice says:
Amazing! Not only the writings but the style of writing is so romantic and inspirational. Thank you for sharing!
327 days ago
janeflan says:
RE: VIRGINIA WOOLF product credits. I can't seem to add a link to the comment field here... I've asked the Etsy folks to correct the Virginia Woolf links In the meantime, you can find them in the first comment on my "Guest Etsy Curator" post on my blog, which is linked to in the intro of this post.
327 days ago
leenakatehome says:
So cool! What a fun way to play dress up!
327 days ago
GossamerMemories says:
aahhhh!! Jane Austin.
327 days ago
girliepains says:
rockin!
327 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
jane austen, wow.. dreamy!
327 days ago
MorningGloryCrochet says:
The lovely Ms. Wolf!
327 days ago
abbyberkson says:
Anne Elliot is definitely the most rockin' Austen heroine!!!! Ok, rockin' is not particularly apt, but I love her so. But I also have a real soft spot for Fanny Price. Mostly I LOVE JANE AUSTEN, so this post made me all giddy. Thanks!
327 days ago
birdsinchandeliers says:
fascinating women! virginia woolf is a favorite. i've followed your blog for years; such fun and inspiring things you write of, thanks for the lovely post.
327 days ago
GrubbyAngelsStudio says:
I love Girl Power stuff. this is really awesome.
327 days ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Just downloaded Pride and Prejudice on my Tab! So excited to read it again!
327 days ago
JocelynsInkwell says:
Really inspired... and my first poetry loves were Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Christina Rossetti.
327 days ago
odpeacock says:
Letters are powerful.
327 days ago
mylittlebannerstore says:
Beautiful words..l
327 days ago
TheMillineryShop says:
What a wonderful collection of authors. Fabulous women, all of them. And the clothes, oh the clothes that these women got to wear. My muses, all of them!
327 days ago
DreamCake says:
It's so nice to see talented women receive credit they deserve. Not enough of that in out society today. Love your blog, congrats on the feature! :)
327 days ago
TheScarfTree says:
I love the angle that this article has been written! Makes me want to read some of those books! Thanks for sharing!
327 days ago
anitaatetsy says:
Inspired! Romance!
327 days ago
OpulentOddities says:
I think I'm the only woman in the world who loves Victoriana but can't stand jane austen.
327 days ago
UneBelleVie says:
What a beautiful article and amazing authoress-inspired collections. I adore Jane Austen and her works and can't get enough of Virginia Woolf's stream of consciousness. I also love the Bronte sisters, Agatha Christie, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, Margaret Atwood, Kate Chopin, Charlotte Perkins Gilman and so many, many more I could probably go on listing them all night long! Each of these women has had something so completely different and yet so vital to contribute to literature. The pen is certainly mightier than the sword, especially when it's in the hand of a great lady.
327 days ago
katrinaalana says:
How inspiring!
327 days ago
purpledrink says:
So nice to see Edith Wharton highlighted here. One of those fantastic authors often overlooked. Beautiful portraits!
327 days ago
Peachygirl says:
Jane Austen has always been a favorite of mine as well as so many other creative women! How wonderful to see all these great authors showcased! If they only knew how they are celebrated even today and how their works have lived on for so many generations. Great job! *•.♥.•*
327 days ago
Parachute425 says:
OpulentOddities says: I think I'm the only woman in the world who loves Victoriana but can't stand jane austen. Dear Opulent - Don't look now but the villagers are outside your home with pitchforks and torches. ;) Nice collection, Jane. I like Erma Bombeck.
327 days ago
ElizabethMironArt says:
Who doesn't love Jane Austen?
327 days ago
Iammie says:
Beautiful collection.
327 days ago
jodyvanB says:
I love Jane's blog, " Ill Seen, Ill Said ", and read it daily. Jane is so interesting, with an intelligence and truthfulness that is hard to come by. She has impeccable taste. Thanks so much for sharing!
327 days ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
I love Zora Neale Hurston, her life a trials being a black author in her time-wow. Women writers were so often firsts and trying to brooch subjects that were hard to talk about but were needing to be said. Thank you all women authors.
327 days ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
oooooh, two of my favorite authors in one place. LOVE Jane Austen and Flannery O'Connor! Excellent!
327 days ago
LavenderField says:
Amazing!
327 days ago
rebellion22 says:
wonderful
327 days ago
thebeachhousegallery says:
Congrats! What an inspiring article. I love how written word can make us fall away from this earth, if only for a moment or two. Thank you for sharing. Inez Dunn
327 days ago
ikabags says:
Love this article!
327 days ago
lissy1946 says:
Thank you for this delightful article. love it.
327 days ago
TresChicNmodern says:
SoOoOoOoOoOo BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLL!!
327 days ago
lobsterandswan says:
it's all so lovely Jane x
327 days ago
TheOmegaWorkshop says:
Wonderful! I adore the layout of this article and the pieces. Very readable and inspiring!
327 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Beautiful picks, I love how stylish women of literature were! Very elegant picks : )
326 days ago
SugarKids says:
Wonderful article, the collections were perfectly put together. .....Now for that black cocktail dress!
326 days ago
TagAlongAdventure says:
What a beautiful, well-written, article. Thanks so much for sharing!
326 days ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Great article! Thanks for sharing!
326 days ago
lapaperie says:
Lovely feature! Austen is also a personal favourite, and has inspired a lot of my own work.
326 days ago
LovelythingsStudio says:
You speak to my soul.............
326 days ago
FranceGallery says:
I really enjoy Jane Austen's work!
326 days ago
riricreations says:
LOVE the Virginia Woolf quote on the bag~ thanks for sharing and encouraging those of us who LOVE to read!
326 days ago
handmadeUruguay says:
I love the bag from the Vrginia Woolf part too, but the links to the etsy store's for those items are mixed with the ones from Flannery O'Connor. Could you check that? THANKS!!!
326 days ago
handmadeUruguay says:
The blog is great!!!
326 days ago
YarnUiPhoneApp says:
Annie Dillard is really my favorite. She writes so well and splendidly as with a conservative..Too many woman writers are out there are closet Communists (yes!) and it comes out in the writing that they think government can save people and not the other way around. On the male side, I adore Tom Wolfe, he writes on disparate topics so well and his conservative side comes through again and again.
326 days ago
minxstress says:
I loved your article!!!
326 days ago
andreadespot says:
great job, jane! glad to see you over here making your mark on etsy :)
326 days ago
MishaGirl says:
It's beautiful how you've paired modern items with the spirit of each of these wonderful writers.
326 days ago
thistlehandmade says:
Such lovely collages! Each item reflects the author beautifully.
326 days ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
Thanks janeflan! I head to your blog to find the tote!
326 days ago
kateblossom says:
lovely article- very inspiring and well done!
326 days ago
SincoAndSinco says:
Beautifully constructed, thank you for writing/sharing this. I very much enjoyed reading this, and am inspired to let my favorite female authors influence my choices today. :)
326 days ago
missbmckay says:
Jane Austen was probably the first writer that I looked for other titles of hers to read. As a young lady, I wasn't a reader. However, after a couple of titles of Jane's, I was hooked. Now my daughters are avid readers because of the spark that Austen lit in me!
326 days ago
littleloveblue says:
lovely
326 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Awesome article. I love Flannery O'Connor...
326 days ago
MeadowLark says:
I LOVE this story! I am definitely a book addict, a disciple of Jane Austen, and an admirer of all women writers. Thank you so much!
326 days ago
fieldguided says:
I get goosebumps just thinking about "A Good Man is Hard to Find!" Congrats, Jane, this is so excellent!
326 days ago
AFineDistraction says:
Delightful article! I'm a fan of all the writers here, but The House of Mirth could possibly be my all-time favorite book. I guess I will have to go back and read again to be sure! :)
326 days ago
buffalogirls says:
A very special treat indeed. Hurray for women writers!
326 days ago
rosemreyes says:
New blog crush and shop for me ;)
326 days ago
VintageHomeArt says:
I really enjoyed reading this! I love Austen - Persuasion is one of my all time favourite books! I've worn away many paperback versions over the years and keep meaning to buy a hardcover but then hardcovers are just too heavy / uncomfortable. I really should join the 21st century and download an electronic version...and buy some things from this lovely selection with all the money I'd save in the long run!
326 days ago
wingedwomanart says:
Very inspiring read and excellently curated. Love women writers and the inspiration for creativity and daily living they have given us through the years. Looks like you are joining the ranks of the greats...love the blog. Thanks!
326 days ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your blog! Wonderful authors! I love many female authors . A great old time author was Katherine Porter !
326 days ago
Zalavintage says:
Thank you for the inspiration! I'll think I'll grab my worn copy of Age of Innocence and head to the beach this weekend.
326 days ago
mazedasastoat says:
Well, I'm with OpulentOddities... I can't abide Jane Austen! What about the less well known authoresses, such as Mrs Craik who wrote the novel that sold more copies than any other during Victorian times, or someone a bit more modern such as Robin Hobb?
326 days ago
thevelvetheart says:
Neat subject for a blog! Thanks for sharing!
326 days ago
KheGreen says:
Great article, love the collection! Thank you!!!
326 days ago
windfae says:
This makes me want to read Pride and Prejudice again. Thanks for the inspiration!
326 days ago
unpunctured says:
Flannery is definitely my favorite, and I'm so happy to have seen her included here because she seems to always be unfairly overlooked. When I read her biography I actually cried at the end, and that never happens to me. Our lives have/had a lot of parallels and I've just always felt that I could relate to her personally more than any other female writer. Thank you for this lovely treasury!
326 days ago
munieca says:
beautiful article!!
326 days ago
Starzyia says:
I love literary inspired creations the most! Great to see these beautiful and amazing creations and to know that people may be getting introduced to some of the authors for the first time.
326 days ago
amandertot says:
The Virginia Woolf tote is from my etsy store! Thanks so much for including me! For those interested, you can find the tote here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/amandertot
326 days ago
dreamaginarius says:
Lovely and very inspiring collections!
326 days ago
jimkat06 says:
Thank you, this article was wonderful to read. I am a huge fan of Jane Austen & Edith Wharton.
326 days ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Thank you for posting this wonderful article I've subscribed to Ill Seen Ill Said .I'm so excited about read this great blog.
326 days ago
peacesofindigo says:
Love this!!! I'm a huge Jane Austen fan. Lover her characters, flaws and all~
326 days ago
HeartVintageDesign says:
Great collection!
326 days ago
WakulaWorks says:
Really lovely. Thank you for sharing!
326 days ago
eblackie says:
Thank you for your post. I saw those calligraphy nibs and thought about making the most beautiful to do list ever!!
326 days ago
AyQuePretty says:
Great article. Those women continue to be such inspiring trailblazers and make me proud to be a female artist.
325 days ago
ExpressingDevotion says:
I love Jane Austin's books. The picture of calligraphy is what first caught my attention though.
325 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Flora Thompson and Elizabeth Gaskell are all favorites of mine. Great article!
325 days ago
leenakatehome says:
How fun, playing dress up throughout time..
325 days ago
lulusnest says:
Beautiful pieces, amazing women and and excellent article! Thank you sharing these with all of us!
325 days ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
Feeling a little political this 4th of July weekend. Listening to the National news recently, the women who have made a name in politics and may run for presidency... the first ladies...
325 days ago
NotableJewelry says:
Very nice article. My wife and I love Pride and Prejudice.
324 days ago
ManyMinis says:
I started out my artsy career in college when I was a creative writing major. When people asked what I was going "to do" with a creative writing degree I would respond- Make my heart sing! I am now a glassblower by trade but still write as often as possible. To be an artist is to hunger to share your soul with the world. Thank you so much for the beautiful words on women with words! PS_ Sylvia Plath is my favorite!
324 days ago
girliepains says:
hm!
324 days ago
janeflan says:
OpulentOddities - No argument from me if you don't like Austen! But a little correction: She is not a Victorian writer. The Victorian era started 20 years after Austen's death. She lived and wrote during the Regency / Georgian period. So, it's completely consistent that you like Victoriana but not Austen... mazedasastoat - of course there are many more (obscure and famous) female writers worth reading and discussion. The goal of this post was not to be encyclopaedic, but rather to present a snapshot of women writer's through time. They are all writers who I admire. But also they have a strong and distinct visual style that could be used to curate these little collections of Etsy products.
323 days ago
lauraprill says:
so glad I found this post... very inspiring to me. I would make treasuries and items all day long about words and letters and books if I could...thank you for this beautiful article.
321 days ago
PickleBerryTrifles says:
This was a true delight to read. I have an amazing collection of vintage books from the 1800s and early 1900s and the poetry, writing, and illustrations never fail to pull me into that gentler time. They have inspired my art through the years as well.
321 days ago
kitschlandia says:
Great work about great women's work, Jane. Four, among many, of my favorites: Elizabeth Bishop, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emily Dickinson, Muriel Rukeyser.
320 days ago