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 #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

Seconds of Style #21: White Lace

I'm getting all excited about summer now that the days are getting hotter and a lot of that excitement is about being able to wear all the beautiful vintage dresses I bought while travelling. Here are a couple of pics of a vintage cotton and lace dress I bought at the Portobello Road Markets from a lovely French woman. A little tip for wearing vintage maxi dresses, use a bit of cotton roping or a distressed leather belt to bunch the dress up around the waist when you don't want to wear it long. 

Wearing vintage white dress, boyfriend cardi from Zara, sunglasses from Max and vintage chains

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 #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