Seconds of Style #26: Sophisticated Sequins

I got this amazing sequin top at the Retro Fair a few weeks ago. Someone had cut the sleeves and hem off and hadn't bothered to finish it. I bought it to mend it but just really loved how the raw edges made it even more unique, so I left it as is. 

I wore it out dancing with my girlfriends, we went to 1885 Britomart, down town. I hadn't been there before and I was so impressed! Fantastic music, just cheesy enough to dance to with some good indie tracks thrown in, and reasonably priced bubbly. Get there early though, it gets pretty crazy.

I wore my sequins with a By Malene Birger blazer, Topshop skinny jeans, Country Road heels and vintage necklace and clutch.

Seconds of Style #23: Style Inspire 4 - Vintage Leather and Fur

I decided that since December is 'party month' I would go a bit glam for this weeks Style Inspire. I personally always need loads of inspiration during this time of year or I just end up wearing the same thing to every party, which is definitely easier but no where near as fun.  I'm wearing a vintage fur cape that I got at a flea market in London, vintage leather panel mini skirt, Country Road silk blush cami and Zara heels.

I have to say that styling myself for this blog is really encouraging me to experiment with my wardrobe. Sometimes it can be a bit scary to wear something 'out there' but I'm really starting to realise that life is too short to wear jeans and t-shirts every day. 

I am a vintage girl through and through but I still love good old Country Road for basics, especially their little silk cami's. They generally use a very muted and gentle colour pallet making their collections wearable and easy to blend into everything you currently own. I think a blush camisole is an absolute must for summer. 

My heels are from Zara and I LOVE them. The neutral tone means I can wear them with absolutely anything yet the criss crossing and weaving of the straps mean they still make a statement.

A few quick tips...match your lipstick and nail polish, it always makes you look very 'finished'. Try tucking your tops and cami's into whatever you are wearing on your bottom half, it defines the waist and really dresses up a look. Lastly, use necklaces to wrap around your wrists, the twisting of chains always looks glamorous and polished.

So for the next event you attend, have a second look at what you have in your wardrobe and jewellery box and choose something a bit more exciting than you usually would, I promise you will enjoy yourself!

Seconds of Style #15: Style Inspire 3

Style Inspire: Harriet

Age: 25

Occupation: Student
Loves: Handmade, sequins and interior design blogs.

Skirt from Zambesi, T-shirt from Supre, Belt from an op shop, Mckinlays Shoes

Pillows under table, LOWboy 1800 + Crates that the TV is on from Meluka , Tse&Tse 7 day vases on the coffee table from Tessuti

Prudence white round table From Apartmento, Skull votive from Iko Iko, Christian Tortu Nickle 'Tupi' vase  from Tessuti

Bunnies from Iko Iko

Handmade ceramic cup from Tessuti

CHESTYboy drawers from Meluka

The perfect mix of mainstream and high end: Nudie Jeans, Karen Walker top, Jacket from Supre, Sachi Shoes

Vintage Emerald Ring - Harriet's favorite accessory

My gorgeous friend Harriet graciously let me peek into her apartment and wardrobe the other day. I love her effortless yet 'put together' style and wanted to take a closer look.  We had a chat about her personal style for this weeks Style Inspire.

Seconds of Style: What or who inspires your style?
Harriet: Fashion-wise I look to other people rather than magazines for inspiration.  Being at Uni you see lots of unique looks, I walk past AUT's Art + Design faculty every day on my way to class.  Those fashion kids look amazing even at 8am on a Monday.  I like imperfections and quirks rather than glossy magazine images.  I check lookbook.nu if I'm feeling like I need a new way to wear what I've already got, you can search by item to see how other girls are styling similar pieces. Interiors-wise I'm a massive interior design blog reader.  I regularly check sweetsweetlife, youaremyfave, and myidealhome There are often great ideas for achieving a 'look for less', and craftiness aplenty.

SOS: What is the best advice you have been given about personal style:

H: My mum has always taught me to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, and to appreciate clever workmanship and quality fabrics.  And don't spend outside your budget, although I sometimes struggle with that one!

Seconds of Style #13 : Style Inspire 2

A little late but here it is, Fridays Style Inspire.

Today's Style

I guess there is a theme in my styling and I would have to call it Romance.

I am a life long devotee to floral prints and the beige/purple print on my Ingrid Starnes Bustier is one of my all time favorites. Florals are gorgeous for any season - in winter they can be dark and romantic, in summer - fresh and breezy. Pair bold floral prints with block basics.

Secondly, high waists are effortlessly stylish. They hide all the stuff round the middle, elongate your bottom half and give off a vibe of seasoned sophistication. I wear this vintage black silk pleated skirt with a white tee and nude ballet flats for day and bright, hot florals for the evening.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with your footwear. A unique and interesting pair of heels can carry an outfit, allowing you to wear simple pieces and still look directional.

Bustier: Ingrid Starnes

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Vintage

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