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 #5: Heirloom

I just turned the big three zero and my gorgeous Grandma passed me down a very precious heirloom as a surprisingly wonderful birthday present.

The gold pin set with rubies belonged to her Grandmother and dates back to the late 19th century. The combination of the flora and wishbone is both unusual and beautiful. It really reiterates for me the importance of the past for current fashion and that true style is timeless.

There is a prevalent trend for using elements of nature and everyday life in costume jewellery at the moment and a host of new designers that use everything from insects to hot-air balloons as subject matter with the wishbone strongly featuring in this trend. Californian based designers, Dogeared www.dogeared.com, are a front runner, their ethos is to create beautiful jewellery that makes a hopeful and happy statement. Dogeared 'Make a Wish' necklace shown below.

British jewellery designer Alex Monroe, www.alexmonroe.com, has become famous for his nature inspired pieces, in particular his bee necklace (see below), however my favourite are his feather pendants.

Seconds of Style #4: Beautiful Bottles

My Aunty has an obsession with all things antique and has been collecting for over 30 years now, it helps that she has fantastic taste. Her collections range from large vases, jewellery boxes, sugar bowls, dressing tables and my favourite - perfume bottles. In the vain of giving my readers 'little moments' of beauty and style, here are some pictures of these beautiful bottles.

The intricate glass work, unique bottle stoppers and opulent use of colour is just something we don't see today. I draw an immense amount of inspiration from the frivolity of antique design.