{Leopard Ring, $30 @ Silo Park Markets}

If you’re new to this site, you might find my interest in leopard print rather over the top. If you’re a regular reader you’ll be fascinated at how I’ve managed to keep my obsession down to three items this month.

It started off rather innocently, I promise. Mr J and I were bored one weekend, and we decided to go check out the new Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter. As we were waiting for our Toro Churro order, I casually glanced into a market stall and saw this ring sitting in a pile on the table. I knew that it could be something unique if I just customised it a little…

The picture on the left has been kept unaltered to give an impression of what it looked like before. I then ‘improved’ on the design by carefully filling in the crevices on the side with gold glitter nail polish. As you can tell by the picture on the right, it gives off a nice lacquer effect. Another great reason for using nail polish is that you can remove it with a cotton bud soaked in nail polish remover should you make a mistake or don’t like the end result.

{Zara Woman Leopard Envelope Clutch, $15 @ Mercy Hospice Auckland}

And here’s the perfect clutch to go with my new ring! This little treat was displayed in the ‘valuable’ section of my local hospice. It must have been put out just as the last of the lunch rush left, so I was very lucky to nab this accessory before someone else. Brand spanking new, 100% leather, and still have change left over from a $20 note. Perfect for fancy drinks with the lady friends or a sexy lunch date.

{Evil Twin Hot Hot Heat Hi-Low Dress, $103.85 + shipping @ ASOS OR $50 @ Brand Clearance}

Now I’m not a fan of the mullet dress, but this print was so red hot I couldn’t turn this dress down. I also like the fact that it has sturdy straps, a flattering scoop neckline, and it’s perfect for casual summer daywear. The shop assistant was rather miffed that I got to it before she could try it on for herself! On a bum note, the back of the dress drags on the ground. Since there is nothing I can do about my Hobbit genetics, I won’t be wearing this out until it’s altered. So a bunch of stock images with teenage waifs wearing my dress will just have to suffice for now.

And that is it for the first month of 2012! Next month I’ll be focusing on hair care and saving up for The Designer Garage Sale. Will I see you there?

Have you started on your Christmas shopping yet? I began in June, so I only have a couple of gifts to find for the family members that already have everything. I enjoyed the last Fraft Market so if you’re looking for something unique go find yourself some stocking stuffers in Kingsland!

Only two markets left this year, and I have tattoo appointments the day before both of them. So I’m rather glum about that. But that won’t stop me from spreading the word. Help out Mount Maunganui by coming down on the first weekend of the month. If you’re not busy cleaning up the beaches, you can support their local economy!

{African Amethyst Watch Ring, Moonstone and Gruen Watch Necklace, Coral and Black Chrome Necklace}

Picking my favourite stall at The Little Big Markets was never going to be easy. I wanted to find a stall that was truly unique and local to the area, and finally came across a cute stall tucked away selling handmade Steampunk jewellery. It’s rather unusual to see cosplay-themed jewellery in a rural market setting, so I felt compelled to take a closer look.

{Wearing: Closet Gothic’s Ruby Crystal Watch Ring}

These one of a kind items are made from a mix of semiprecious stones, crystals, charms, vintage watches and other found objects. The detail is incredible, my photos barely comprehend the intricate workings. If you’re a Steampunk fan who only gears up for themed events, you might feel that the culture isn’t for day-to-day life. But Closet Gothic pieces are understated enough to wear on a daily basis.

The Ruby Crystal ring I modelled was so cute, it perfectly matched my nail polish. But I already have so many rings…

{Baltic Amber and Pinstripes Ring, Gold Vintage Watch Cufflinks, Bite of the Cherry Necklace}

Take a peek in Closet Gothic for some more fantastic pieces, although in my humble opinion the best of the collection is on their Etsy store. Have fun browsing!

Last year these markets were the backbone of my summer. I had so much fun taking road trips down to Tauranga and meeting all the wonderful people obsessed with fashion in the Bay. Unfortunately I started filling my summer schedule in June, so now I only have time to attend the market on October 1st! Maybe 2012 will bring me more time to appreciate the simple things in Mount Maunganui…

{Hunter Gatherer: My Woodland Friends card set}

So I wasn’t expecting to do anything last night, but my husband decided to be sneaky and take me to Kingsland to pick up a cute little card set. After that he took me out for dinner and we took some night shots near Mt. Hobson. Isn’t that sweet? It makes me feel sad that I was so hard on Mr. J yesterday afternoon.

I’m going to have these cards framed and gift one each to my nephew,  as I know these sweet illustrations will look great on their bedroom walls.

Looking forward to First Thursdays tonight!

Why not celebrate the official start to winter with a market? I would love to go tonight, but apparently it’s ‘too far’ for Mr. J to drive to. Ugh.

{Catholic Pearl Necklace from The Little Big Markets, $20}

I’ve been really slack about documenting my haul lately. I come home with all my tiny treasures, promise myself I’ll get it done tomorrow and then promptly forget. So lets get this party started…

{Twisted Flower Ring by Kristie Asplin from The Little Big Markets, $50 & Amber Ring from Goddess Jewellery, $20}

As always, the majority of my haul came from Tauranga. I bought another religious necklace and a sterling silver ring punched with a floral design. Now fifty dollars is a lot to pay for a ring so I’m taking good care of it hoping it will last a lot longer than my cheap chain store pieces. I then strolled around the city centre and found this very cute amber ring. It was a pretty good price but be careful: Goddess Jewellery blatantly sell counterfeit designer jewellery/bags. Not only are these products sold in store, they also travel around the country fraudulently hawking their wares in pop-up sales to those who don’t know any better. But the non-branded jewellery is actually quite nice. If they stuck to that they wouldn’t have to put up with so much grief from swindled shoppers.

{Lovisa Finger Shield Ring, $20, Lovisa Earrings, both $8, Factorie Silver Ring, $10}

And then to get my trendy, cheap fix I go to Lovisa and Factorie. The latter is great for temporary fun pieces, the former is slightly pricier but far better quality. If you’re wondering why the Finger shield ring looks familiar, that's because it’s a copy of the very popular Elizabeth and James Knuckle Ring and a firm favourite for Fashiontoast. If I like the cheap copy I might have to purchase the real thing from America. It’s so hard to find large, light and affordable hoop earrings so when I found ones that fit the bill, I bought two pairs. And I’m holding onto the Factorie silver ring until I can find a jeweller who can replicate it for me.

Look for these items in upcoming outfit posts…

Easter this year was rather temperamental. The fate of my road trip was depending all on the weather, and as we drove briskly towards Tauranga I was watching the skies for any chance of rain. It was drizzling lightly when I finally arrived late that morning, but that didn’t dampen my enthusiasm at all. I bought a few sample pieces to use as loungewear and a few pieces of jewellery. It was a rather small gathering but there was still quality to be found. The markets are shutting down after Easter for the winter, but they’ll only be gone till October.

Due to the weather becoming decidedly more miserable, I decided to cut things short and head home early. So I missed out on Thanks and Evolution and head to my two favourite stores.

It was only a short drive down the road to Outfit. They are clearing out the entire store and reinventing their retail space, which meant prices were amazingly low. As I was eyeing up the House of Harlow jewellery and Chaos & Harmony shoes, I was seduced instead by a lovely Hailwood summer dress. It was quite pricey and it didn’t have much hanger potential, but once I put it on I felt like an Impressionist painting was artfully draped around my body.

And of course one last look at Idiom Boutique. They have decided to shut down the store in Tauranga and focus on their online presence, which leaves them free to pursue other projects and pop-up shops. Too bad I blew the last of my budget on a dress as I really liked that Jasmin Sparrow peacock necklace!

Then as soon as I left Tauranga, there were blue skies and sunshine. Typical.

So the only time I’ll be shopping next month is at The Little Big Markets. And I’m okay with that. Will I see you down there too?