As promised, here is Part 2 of my coverage of the Randolph Street Flea Market. In case you missed it, check out the MEGA post (packed with photos!) I wrote a couple of days ago about all the vintage goodies I saw at the market.Of course my friend and fellow vintage blogger, Maranda of Persnickety Vintage, and I wore vintage outfits to the market-- I always take the opportunity to pull out my fancier pieces like my fur-trimmed coat for such events.
Since it was a Valentine's Day themed market I decided to interpret the theme literally and thus wore a pink dress, oversized locket, a ribbon belt and a flower bedecked fascinator (hat). Be sure to scroll down to see more outfit photos and to see what I took home from the market!
It's been a mild winter thus far in Chicago-- this time last year we were buried in 20 inches of snow in the Great Blizzaster--but it was definitely chilly and WINDY when we took these photos.
Maranda is wearing a 1940s dress, a late 1950s tapestry purse and a 1960s (?) wool coat.
Very sweet and ladylike accessories! Maranda's bow flats are from Target.
MY OUTFIT DETAILS1960s Dress-- Church Rummage Sale, Chicago1950s Coat-- Unique Thrift Store, Chicago1950s Floral Fascinator-- Estate Sale, ChicagoGivenchy polka dot tights-- Christmas gift from MomSam Edelman Heels via Crossroads Trading CompanyRibbon Belt-- D.i.y.
Sadly my 1960s dress has been hanging in my closet for over a year as I didn't know how to style it. The dress came with a matching coat but it's unlikely I'd ever wear the set together. Also due to my hourglass figure the 1960s silhouette was not the most flattering. The color and unique lace sleeves, however, convinced me to take a second look and I just added the ribbon belt for definition-- problem solved!
I'm wearing a 1940s heart lock gold bracelet purchased at the holiday version of The Randolph Street Flea Market 2 years ago and a 1970s bracelet purchased this weekend at the market (more photos of it later).
A vintage fascinator is a good entry into the realm of hat wearing and dresses up any outfit. Mine is from the 1950s and features a velvet base and silk flowers.
So what did I buy? Yes, it can be easy to go overboard at a curated show since everything is a TREASURE and there's no "junk". Somehow I managed to stick to my budget and came away happy with my finds. The first purchase of the day was a 1960s wool plaid coat in charcoal gray and berry pink color palette. Yes, I was not looking to buy a new coat but when Maranda informed me that Tangerine Vintage's coats were all HALF OFF I couldn't say no. Her prices were already reasonable but on sale they were ridiculous. My pristine coat was only $20!
Modeling my coat in Estate Chicago & Tangerine Vintage's booth. I like that it can either be worn casually or become more ladylike with the addition of a fur stole or collar.
While the market is renown for its high end vintage, it's definitely possible to find treasures for only a few dollars. Maranda and I both enjoy searching out the bargain bins of jewelry and trinkets that various vendors set out in their booths. As I amass more jewelry I'm ever drawn to unusual pieces, my latest addition is the pendant pictured above and below that features a REAL spider encased in lucite. It's creepily awesome, I'll be embracing my inner Goth girl whenever I wear it. The pendant was $2.
Yes, another unique jewelry find, a chunky bracelet featuring Arctic animals including my favorite, the baby seal! There are four carved animals on the bracelet including the seal, a snow fox, a polar bear and a walrus. The vendor told me it's from the 1970s and was carved from bone in Alaska.
Who needs a pile of bangles when you can wear Arctic creatures on your wrist?
A sweet little 1940s souvenir pin made from painted celluloid. The hanging charms amused me, there's a bell, heart and a hiking boot. The pin was $3 and found at the same booth as the spider pendant.
I'm really boring when it comes to styling my hair so I snap up vintage hair accessories whenever I find them. After digging through bins of jewelry I decided upon this little faux pearl and tortoiseshell hair comb that's likely from the '40s or '50s (it's Made in the USA). The comb was $3.
A multi-strand plastic bead necklace in an unusual shiny black hue made to resemble jet. Only $1! The vendor told me it was deadstock from a 1960s-era Five & Dime store.
Of course I couldn't go to a Valentine-themed event without finding a cute card to come home with me, this cuddly 1970s kitten was $1.What are your strategies for sticking to a budget at flea markets and antique malls?
Do you dress "more vintage" when attending such events?