Seconds of Style #29: The Secret Life of Silk & Lace

There is a big trend towards soft, romantic 70's style lingerie at the moment, and I for one am a big fan. Nothing makes you feel more feminine than a bit of silk and lace expertly placed under a sheer top or draping dress. Underwear as outerwear has been a prevalent trend for a few seasons now with bustiers and high waist nickers floating down national and international runways. The choice out there for 'designer underwear' is getting silkier, lacier, prettier and more intricate each season. Make sure if you work this trend to choose something specifically made to be seen though!

Seconds of Style #28: Animal Print

I went second hand shop trawling the other day and dug up an absolute treasure that has quickly become my favorite new piece of clothing. In amongst the diamante denim jean skirts, pink toweling mini's and ten year old Glassons pencil skirts was a very special, vintage high waist diamond pleat leopard print skirt! I have a not-so-secret obsession with animal print - the tasteful silk scarf, cashmere cardigan type of course - so I was thrilled to find this little gem. I had to take the hem up a bit but otherwise I kept it as is. I am wearing it with a Forever 21 grey tee, vintage chains and watch, wooden platforms from second hand store and a second hand denim jacket from SaveMart (the jacket is actually a child's jacket which I love because it means the sleeves are half length and it's cropped in the body).

Seconds of Style #27: Auckland Antiques and Collectables Fair

I popped along to the Antiques and Collectables Fair in Mt Eden a few weeks ago and was in heaven once again! I loved the Retro Fair back in November but my taste is definitely more antique than retro so on stepping inside the hall my eyes lit up with delight. There was loads of glittering antique jewellery, beautiful etched glassware, original toys full of history and colourful crockery as far as the eye could see. I picked up a four strand gold necklace that I have worn nearly everyday since the fair, I'll pop some pictures up of it tomorrow. I really loved all the antique toys, I think the detail and materials are completely superior to whats on the market today. I'm not sure when the next fair is but as soon as I know I'll make sure to post the info.

Art Deco Ornament from Ritzy Bitz

True Glamour: Vintage engagement rings

Antique Fur Monkey

Seconds of Style #26: Sophisticated Sequins

I got this amazing sequin top at the Retro Fair a few weeks ago. Someone had cut the sleeves and hem off and hadn't bothered to finish it. I bought it to mend it but just really loved how the raw edges made it even more unique, so I left it as is. 

I wore it out dancing with my girlfriends, we went to 1885 Britomart, down town. I hadn't been there before and I was so impressed! Fantastic music, just cheesy enough to dance to with some good indie tracks thrown in, and reasonably priced bubbly. Get there early though, it gets pretty crazy.

I wore my sequins with a By Malene Birger blazer, Topshop skinny jeans, Country Road heels and vintage necklace and clutch.

Seconds of Style #25: The Wonderful World of Etsy

If you don't already know about Etsy then you are seriously going to thank me for this post. Etsy is an online community of Handmade and Vintage stores. It is a place to get lost for hours, find every beautiful little thing your heart desires and support new talent and small businesses. Etsy is a five year old American founded company with a desire for the world to "Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade". There are Etsy traders in over 150 countries with hundreds of thousands of sales made every month. So, this month I thought I would take my obsession with collecting vintage clothing and accessories to a new level - I have officially opened my own Etsy store! I am so excited about this and now have a legitimate reason to spend all day trawling through hidden away second hand stores. Below are a few of my favorite Etsy finds of the day and a little selection from my Etsy store, aptly named Seconds of Style. It might be a little late for International Christmas delivery but there is always post Christmas money to be spent. Happy shopping!

Love Mae: Wrapping Paper

Lalilouche: Bliss Bride Ivory Silk chiffon soft bra

Brilliance Found: Bow and Arrow Sterling Silver Charm Necklace on 12kt Goldfill Cable Chain

Liberina Bags: White Frida clutch purse

Brilliance Found: Little Skeleton Key Ring in Raw Brass

In Blue: leather journal handprinted custom for you anatomical heart

Girls Can Tell: pinball machine video game geek - floursack tea towels

The Naked Squirrel: Vintage Floral Fabric Banner

Seconds of Style: Baby Blue Striped Pleated Skirt

Seconds of Style: Navy Blue Tiered Maxi Skirt

Seconds of Style: Black Silk Peter Pan Collar Shirt

Seconds of Style: Bottle Green Bermuda Shorts

Seconds of Style: Black Leather Mary Jane's

Seconds of Style: Black Tuxedo Style Jacket

Seconds of Style #24: Style Spot, Ponsonby Road

It might be cheating just a little bit to do 'street style' posts about your friends but what can I say - Shani looked seriously cool on Ponsonby Road last week! I absolutely loved her black suede platforms, I think the chunkiness of the shoes really balanced out the skinniness of her Ksubi jeans. The sheer, feminine cropped jacket contrasted perfectly with the rock 'n' roll feel of her black jeans and platforms. The little pop of berry under her jacket keeps it understated and sophisticated. Love everything about this outfit!

Wearing Ksubi jeans, vintage jacket and shoes

Seconds of Style #24: French Markets, Oh How I Missed You

Mouth watering delights at the French Markets

Jars of sweet scents at La Cigale

Statement wall hangings at La Cigale - the perfect gift for that stylish someone

Bottles of luxury at La Cigale

Gorgeous cushions, the perfectly understated gift

A wall mural outside the markets...a little bit of NYC in AKL

Some quick outfit shots on the way to the market. I'm wearing vintage navy chinos, lace camisole made by myself, vintage leather belt with gold elephant detail and all vintage jewellery. Gold sandals from New Look UK

 After traveling for the last 18 months, the one thing I was really sad to leave behind were the markets. From the 'never again' vintage finds at the London Chiswick Car Boot Sale to the luscious cakes, bread and fruit at the endless food markets in Italy - I shed a tear as I bid farewell to the taste, sight and feel of these wonderful places. So now I'm home and constantly searching out school gala's, church car boot sales and farmers markets to appease my desire. However the one spot that had almost slipped my mind was the La Cigale French Market in Parnell. How could that have happened? I just don't know, but when I walked down the hill into the bustling little plot on Saturday, my eyes lit up with delight. As soon as you arrive you are overwhelmed with smells and sights - brightly coloured macaroons, gooey, melty, cheesy croc monsieur, flakey and buttery onion tarts and tightly coiled brioches - just to name just a few. Aside from the foodie delights, La Cigale the store hits you with gorgeous little pouches, bottles, jars and boxes full of sense inducing treasures. If you haven't been down to the French Markets this month, get there immediately. It's the perfect spot to fill your pantry for Christmas and get all those last minute presents. J'aime les marchés français!

New Market Hours
Open Saturdays  8am to 1.30pm
Open Sundays 9am to 1.30pm

69 St Georges Bay Rd (off the Strand end), Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand

Ph +64 (09) 3669361