Seconds of Style #28: Animal Print

I went second hand shop trawling the other day and dug up an absolute treasure that has quickly become my favorite new piece of clothing. In amongst the diamante denim jean skirts, pink toweling mini's and ten year old Glassons pencil skirts was a very special, vintage high waist diamond pleat leopard print skirt! I have a not-so-secret obsession with animal print - the tasteful silk scarf, cashmere cardigan type of course - so I was thrilled to find this little gem. I had to take the hem up a bit but otherwise I kept it as is. I am wearing it with a Forever 21 grey tee, vintage chains and watch, wooden platforms from second hand store and a second hand denim jacket from SaveMart (the jacket is actually a child's jacket which I love because it means the sleeves are half length and it's cropped in the body).

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 #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 #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.

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.