Keeping in mind Patricia Field’s suggestions for finding a great, individual look at modest prices, I went shopping at one of my favorite second-hand stores.
Field emphasized the importance of accessories, so I was on the hunt for some eye-catching jewelry. Miranda Priestly and her assistant Andy wear tons of the stuff in the film–theirs is high-end from Chanel and Fred Leighton–to give some serious punch to their beautifully cut clothes.
At Crossroads Trading Co. (2711 N. Clark St.), I paid more for parking ($11.50) than two statement strands of giant metallic gold beads ($5 each) from a sales bin near the cash register. They immediately took a basic black top from forgettable to fab.
My next challenge was to see whether I could put together an outfit on the cheap similar to any that Field had created, keeping the open mind that Field said is essential to dressing with style. I pawed through the racks at Crossroads and found an olive jersey James Perse dress for $22.50 that looked like a dishrag on the hangar. I would have pushed right past it except it echoed the Calvin Klein jersey in a similar color that Andy wears in the movie. With a little imagination–and a clunky leather belt ($19.90 at H&M, 840 N. Michigan Ave.)–it was transformed into a nifty current look.
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Tips from the top
Patricia Field’s suggestions for a unique fashion look:
– Play to your strengths: Tall? Emphasize it. Dark skin? Strong color is your friend.
– Be creative. Don’t just copy someone you admire.
– Mix labels, colors, textures, vintage with new.
– Accessories can bring an outfit to life.
– It’s not about the money. Style does not have to be expensive.
– Try gloves.
