fash•ion (fash-uh n) | flea market style

It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE flea markets and we're lucky that there's Randolph Street Market right in the heart of the city.  It's been my go to place to find trickets and knick knacks to fill baby Liam's nursery.  With so many great vendors, I spend at least a good 3 hours making sure I don't miss a thing. 

In order to prepare myself for a day at a flea market, I have to have the perfectly fashionable but functional outfit. So, here are a few of my key rules on how to dress for a day at the market:

• Wear a light flowy frock.  If you're a true market goer you know that you'll be at the market for at least a good half day.  That means you'll be in the hot sun for multiple hours so prepare yourself with a lightweight, airy dress - one that's preferably of vintage or thrifted nature. 
• Sport a cross body bag.  You never know what you'll walk out with.  It can range from a set of chairs to go in your living room or a bunch of random jewels.  Either way you want your hands free.  The last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy shoulder bag that you constantly have to adjust throughout the day while you're balancing all your flea market finds.
• Walk in sensible flat sandals.  Would you ever wear heels to Disneyworld?  No.  Same rule applies at a flea market.  You know you'll be walking around, squating down to examine unique pieces or tip toeing to reach a one of a kind necklace.  Be kind to your feet and wear a realistic pair of shoes that give you flexibility and comfort.
• Protect your eyes.  Being in the sun all day can take a toll on your eyes.  Be sure to pack your fashionable pair of sunnies.  
• Be earth friendly.  If you plan to do a lot of shopping, why not tote your own bags?  Sometimes these are easier to carry than a handful of plastic bags and you'll find that some vendors don't have many bags to last an entire day of business.

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|What are some of your must wear pieces when going to the flea market?|

life (layhf) | randolph street market

Last Saturday my friend Rachel and I officially started the search for a dresser to put in the nursery.  The good thing about having a vision is that it streamlines what you're looking for, the bad part?  Having to find the exact replica of what you have in your mind in the budget you want it to be.  To kick off the search we headed to the Randolph Street Market.  In all honesty, finding the dresser was the perfect excuse I needed to amazing jewelry find and decorative pieces for the room too.

If you've never been to the market, you're in for a treat.  It's my go to place to find one of a kind jewels, stacks of vintage bracelets, eclectic decor and well kept housewares.  It's a mixture of local designers and vintage sellers.  The market is typically known for being an indoor/outdoor 1 weekend per month event throughout the summer, but this year they expanded their frequency and started hosting indoor only events this past February.  The best part is that you get amazing stuff that you would find at any flea market in the burbs, but it's right in the comfort of the city so you don't have to travel far to get the goods.

Walking around there were so many items and fantastic sellers from wall to wall.  However, my eye was on the prize - a dresser that I could paint a fun color.  When I finally found it (pictured below) I was little bit taken back with the price cause I didn't want to pay that much knowing that I could paint something on my own.  I will fully admit though this dresser is beautiful and perfect for the nursery, but just couldn't make the impulsive purchase.  I'm not an reactive shopper, I'm an emotional shopper which means that if I can find it cheaper somewhere else I'll sit and think about it until my mind is made up.  Sadly, when it comes to vintage, thrift, antique or flea market shopping you have to be more reactive since those are one of a kind pieces.  If you don't buy it then, there's a chance that it won't be there if you think about it and go back.  I'm glad I stood my ground though and worse case scenario I have the seller's business card if I get desperate. ;)

Although I didn't walk a way with the dresser I did find some great necklaces and a perfect set of antlers (the real deal below) to hang in baby's room.  The theme for the room is very un-baby like and I have yet to sell my husband on the vision for this room I'm calling, "The Lodge retreat in the City", but soon enough he'll see my way...as all husbands should do.  

Randolph Street Market is hosting their next event the weekend of April 21st.  If you're around definitely check it out, you're guaranteed to leave with something great and at least get good inspiration for future DIY or room change ideas.  Just remember to get there early, bring cash (although most vendors take cards) and strong will power to stop you from purchases you might regret later...because there's no returning items here.

|Do you have any great flea markets in your city?  Have you had any luck with markets?|