Seconds of Style #19: The Sweet Smell of Vintage

I thought I should put up a few pictures taken during my recent travels through Europe. These images are from a perfume factory in Grasse on the Côte d'Azur in France called Fragonard. The Walnut, propeller and berry were vessels to hold swabs soaked in perfume. They would be worn in pockets, as necklaces or attached to a pin on the wearer. I have to say, I think these are simply beautiful. I would love to see some necklace charms made with these in mind.There is just an unlimited amount of inspiration to be taken from the past.

This walnut shell would hold a swab soaked in perfume

An incredibly interesting shape and design

Unique perfume bottle

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 #9: Style Inspire

Welcome to the very first 'Style Inspire'. Every Friday I will slap up a post that focuses on either my own or other inspiring individuals personal style.

For me, Friday is always an exciting day and inspiration for some weekend gorgeousness is always welcome. Even if these posts only inspire you to put something in your wardrobe together in a new and fresh way, I will feel I have done my job. I will add lots of little stylists tips and tricks to help you look polished without blowing your weeks pay. If you have an inspiring look you want to share, send low-res jpegs to secondsofstyle@gmail.com and you might get featured.

Today's Style

Pins and broaches are making a serious come back. They are a clever way to add some glamor and style to simple outfits - think a large diamante broach used to rouche the strap of a white tank. I have used a little snake pin I got at a market in London to fasten my oversized, draping silk jacket. Pins are also a great way to make something fit you better. Bunch an oversized shirt together at the waist and use a sparkly broach to fasten it.

Another way to add punch to any outfit is to layer up chains. They don't all need to match and they certainly don't need to be real precious metal. The more the better. The texture and shine add that extra something. Layer up chains and wear with a black tank, dark skinny jeans and stilettos. Simply perfect.

Lastly, RED lipstick. The number one way to glam up and also make yourself feel sexy. You will immediately feel yourself pull your shoulders back and hold your head high. Mac Ladybug is my favorite.

Sheer Jacket, Vintage from Melrose Trading Post

Shoes, Aldo

Chains, Collected from second hand stores

Lace Cami (worn underneath jacket), Second Hand Store

Jeans, Topshop Over Dyed Indigo Jamie Jeans

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 #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.