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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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!