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 #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

Seconds of Style #7: Edwardian Style

I found this beautiful multi-strand, twisted silver necklace at a vintage market in the South of France. I love how it is a statement piece but understated at the same time. I have researched the style and found that it is probably from the 1950's and done in an Edwardian style which is most prevalent in the diamante encrusted clasp and head of the necklace.

If you like this style, I have found a modern take on it in Erickson Beamon's sensational Swarovski crystal-embellished multi-chain necklace, at Net-A-Porter

Seconds of Style #6: Timeless

Whilst strolling down Portobello Road on Saturday I came across these very interesting pendants made from the skeletons of vintage watches. Such an innovative way to reconstruct the past into something unique and modern.

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.

Seconds of Style #1: The Simple Stool

Living out of a suitcase fairly consistently for the last few years has somewhat fuelled my desire to call someplace home and my own. Not having lived at home in NZ for a while means I have almost nothing to fill a home...so begins the second hand furniture shopping. I have been collecting stools over the last few weeks, the more roughed up and used, the better. I love how a simple stool can make a room looked lived in and welcoming without dominating space. I stack books up on the white one and prop up a mirror on the wooden peg-leg one.