Seconds of Style #39: Hoss Intropia SS11

It is clear that Spanish label, Hoss Intropia takes influence from the arts. Founded by Paloma Vázquez de Castro, ex-designer for the National Ballet of Spain, Hoss is a lively mixture of classic femininity, costume artistry and subtle embellishment. Hoss prints are all unique to the label with embroidery and beading still done by hand. The summer 11 collection has a wide reach - subtle classic pieces pair back seamlessly with stand out prints and embellishments synonymous with the brand. I fell in love with Hoss when I worked with London Boutique Question Air and we stocked the label, not only the clothes themselves but the story behind the brand and the visual imagery.

Seconds of Style #33: Blak is the new Black

Cult New Zealand label Blak goes from strength to strength each season with their signature 'Basics' range and more designed collection 'Luxe'. Known for easy to wear shapes, and urban bohemian feel, Theresa Hodges is well on her way to carving a space for herself in NZ fashion royalty. Her Summer 2011 Collection (images borrowed from the lovely blog over on le-faire.com) is modern and graceful. Shapes move from wistful to strong and colours evoke hazy days of a 70's summer. Highlights are definitely the dip dyed shirt dress, bright lace shirts and girly ditsy prints.

Photo's by Olivia Hemus

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 #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 #14: Auckland Retro Fair

My friend Shani and her purchase of the day

Retro Fair Style Spot: 70's hair, retro blazer, girly skirt and stomping black boots = uber street cool

Divine Jewels by Trading Sisters, Michelle and Wendy

My very sweet friend and retro enthusiast, Shani, invited me along to Aucklands Retro Fair on Sunday. It was held at Mount Eden War Memorial Hall, started at 10am and finished at 4pm. We got there just after 10.30 and the place was already heaving with trawlers and hunters. They had everything from glassware to vintage slips, all in great condition and reasonably priced. I grabbed a vintage top covered in gold and black sequins. If you love retro, vintage or hunting, I recommend you get yourself there next time. The next event is the Antiques and Collectables Fair on December 5th. Starts at 9am, finishes at 3pm and admission is $3. I'll see you there.

For more info on the fairs, please contact Brian on 021 433 588

Seconds of Style #13 : Style Inspire 2

A little late but here it is, Fridays Style Inspire.

Today's Style

I guess there is a theme in my styling and I would have to call it Romance.

I am a life long devotee to floral prints and the beige/purple print on my Ingrid Starnes Bustier is one of my all time favorites. Florals are gorgeous for any season - in winter they can be dark and romantic, in summer - fresh and breezy. Pair bold floral prints with block basics.

Secondly, high waists are effortlessly stylish. They hide all the stuff round the middle, elongate your bottom half and give off a vibe of seasoned sophistication. I wear this vintage black silk pleated skirt with a white tee and nude ballet flats for day and bright, hot florals for the evening.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with your footwear. A unique and interesting pair of heels can carry an outfit, allowing you to wear simple pieces and still look directional.

Bustier: Ingrid Starnes

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Vintage

Seconds of Style #12: Clay Pallet

 

I had a lovely chat with Julie from Apparel HR the other day and got all excited about summer fashion. We were talking about what had just been happening in the UK, as it has been my home for the last 18 months. Clay tones and neutrals were a huge focus for Winter 2010 in the UK, both on the high street and catwalks, which I was thrilled about - being a neutrals girl myself. I really loved the warm rust tones and rich caramels which I feel give an air of easy sophistication. Now we all know how quickly colour trends change so I was a bit nervous the industry would move away from these dreamy clay tones as quickly as they found them, but I am delighted to say they have been carried over for summer. I've pulled together a little sample of the clay pallet from SS11 ready to wear. My absolute favourite is Chloé creamy turtle-neck and wispy silk pleated cappuccino skirt. The pairing of the ruby red shoes and bag put this look at the top of my list.

Shop Chloe

Shop DVF

Shop Rebecca Taylor

Shop Topshop Unique

Shop Lanvin

Seconds of Style #11: Whiteout

As expected, my recent travels involved a lot of flea market trawling. In order to do this we would often wander around the back streets of small Italian towns searching for little alleys full of hidden treasures. I really think the bits and pieces I collected over the last few months are true treasures - meaning I had to hunt for them and the end result was richly rewarding. I've been really drawn to glamorous pieces lately and love anything with an old Hollywood feel. Here's a little sample from my treasure chest with the theme of white in mind.

Fur Stole: Porta Portese Market, Rome, Italy

Silver Necklace with Cat Cameo: Melrose Trading Post, LA, California, USA

White Beaded Bag: Melrose Trading Post, LA, California, USA

White Floral Bakelite Bracelet: Piazza dei Ciompi Flea Market, Florence, Italy

Seconds of Style #10: Semi Precious Tones

I am absolutely loving the opulence of summer's gem stone tones. They all compliment each other perfectly so are great for colour blocking or for a more understated approach, choose one colour to make an otherwise monochromatic look pop. All the items on this board can be purchased in or shipped to NZ. Semi precious is top of my list for summer.

Alice McCall (available at mycatwalk.com.au), Stolen Girlfriends Club (available at stolengirlfriendsclub.com), Asos (available at asos.com), Topshop (available at topshop.com), Shakuhachi (available at mycatwalk.com.au), Storm (available at stormnz.com), Hi There by Karen Walker (available from The Department Store)

Seconds of Style #8: Melrose Trading Post

One of the coolest things I went to while travelling was the Melrose Trading Post. It's a Sunday flea market on Melrose Ave in LA, full to the brim with fantastic vintage and retro finds. When we arrived in the 30 degree heat, my very patient boyfriend said "You're going to need a while aren't you" and I replied "I think this might be the best thing that has ever happened to me". The general feel from my perspective was 'Old Hollywood Glam', it was more glitzy, flashy, glamorous and fun than any flea market I have ever been to - and I have been to a few in my time! Here are some pics from the day, my next post will showcase my purchases. See below for Melrose Trading Post Details.

Furs, gold and gems galore!

Fairfax High School
7850 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 655-7679
www.melrosetradingpost.org