Personal Style: Thrifting at Randolph Market

Personal Style: Thrifting at Randolph Market

August 2, 2012

Amy Creyer

Photo by Luis

I found this dress at Grey Dog Vintage, an incredible vintage boutique nestled in a 1973 Airsteam parked along the highway in my hometown. It was screaming “PRADA! PRADA! PRADA!” and I couldn’t believe the similarities between this vintage dress and Prada Spring 2012. Obviously it’s not an exact match, nor would I want it to be. There’s a fine line between being “inspired by” and “copying,” as anyone who works in a creative field is well aware. To be fair, my dress was dated back to the 1970s before Miuccia was even designing clothes. Still, the pleated chiffon skirt and muted pinks closely echo Prada, making this dress the perfect choice for a day at Randolph Street Market.

grey dog vintage Amy Creyer

Photo by Luis

I wrapped two J.Crew necklaces around my waist to mimic Prada Spring 2012’s jewel-encrusted belts. This was the first time I was brave enough to wear necklaces as belts, but it certainly won’t be the last! My Creatures of the Wind x J.Crew oxfords were the closet thing I own to the collection’s footwear, with swirls of leather and shiny accents. Maybe someday I’ll own the shoes of my dreams, but allegedly there’s STILL a waiting list for those lucky enough to afford them! To add the perfect finishing touch, I pinned my Lanvin x H&M brooch between the Peter Pan collar attached to the dress.

prada spring 2012 advertisement

Prada Spring 2012 Advertisement, shot by Steven Meisel

When it comes to the way I think about my wardrobe, I don’t buy a piece in an abstract way. I’m building a larger vision of how I want to dress. Beyond that, there’s the joy of challenging myself to create new looks out of what I already own. Even the richest of the rich mix high and low, thrifted with designer, Forever21 with Barneys. Possessing a wardrobe that incorporates the full breadth of fashion, from the mass-market to the elite designer, is like painting with the full spectrum of colors in the rainbow. To use only a few shades would become boring, no?

I’ve become a thrifting fiend over the past two years. I first dabbled in consignment and thrift during college. Now it’s not just the thrill of the hunt (although that’s part of it), it’s about creating a wardrobe that embraces all the different opportunities that fashion has to offer.

Last weekend my friend Hilary and I trolled the Randolph Street Market for antiques, vintage clothing, and oddities. Oh, and let me tell you, there was TONS to be had. I was also excited to run into my good friend Luis who just moved back to Chicago from New York after completing an internship with Topman.

Oh, and how could I forget the $20 pair of Manolo Blahniks I snagged? You’ll have to follow me on Instagram (@ChiStreetStyle) to see them!

https://instagr.am/p/No8PYOHzJE/media/?size=l

randolph street market

randolph street market

steampunk street style randolph market

randolph street market

randolph street market

chic overload luis torres


2 Comments


  1. OH MY GOD. NECKLACES AROUND THE WAIST. WILL BE TRYING THIS SOMETIME. THANK YOU!

  2. Looks like a great market attended by some cool people. All you need for a good summer day.

    thisbayarealife.wordpress.com

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