Seconds of Style #34: Let ME Eat Cake

They say you should write about what you know, well I can safely say that I know cupcakes. I know them on a global level. I hunted down Magnolia Bakery when I was in New York and lived in Bayswater, London - which may or may not have been because of the areas proximity to The Hummingbird Bakery. I know why butter cream frosting always beats out cream cheese and that the most important element to a cupcake is not the icing but the fluffiness of the cake which allows the icing to melt in your mouth. Yes, I know cupcakes. So when I was walking past Witchery in Ponsonby the other day and spotted the glorious Petal Cafe I was transported to all those delightful Saturday mornings in Notting Hill, happily stuffing my face with cake. I had given up the dream that this very particular type of fluffy butter frosted cupcake would make to NZ but thanks to Petal, my sugar high dreams have all come true! Basically, WOW, I'm not kidding. Get your self into one of Petal's stores now. You won't be disappointed - but you may be a little fidgety for an hour.

The sweet Petal cupcake purse!

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