I’ll be uploading my favorite photo from each day of Lollapalooza on my own blog, but you’ll have to wait until Tuesday to see all of my Lollapalooza street-style photos over at W Magazine. This mysterious woman was dancing with a friend at Die Antwoord. The Alexander Wang Spring 2012 ads introduced me to Die Antwoord earlier this year but until today I hadn’t seen them live. Yolandi and Ninja won me over with their energetic stage theatrics, catchy lyrics, and unique fashion sense. Whether or not you like the music, you’ve gotta give Die Antwoord credit for creating an aesthetic experience of South African street culture, Zef.
I always love to see the fun ways people work mass-market designer collaboration pieces into their everyday wardrobes. I spotted Ryan on State Street after traveling downtown to shop the “local” Zara, H&M and Forever 21. You know, the stores targeting office workers and city dwellers. Sure, the Michigan Avenue locations might have wider inventories and swankier digs, but somehow the thought of being crushed beneath hordes of teenage tourists back-to-school shopping just doesn’t sound appealing…
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.
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, 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!
