sfindiefashion.com » Vintage

Sebastian Signs Fragrances Arrive at Ver Unica

Sara Iravani — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:34:03 +0000

It’s going to make scents to head to Hayes Valley vintage destination Ver Unica later this week, thanks to a weekend party for the shop’s new fragrance source, L.A.-based perfume line Sebastian Signs.

The vintage boutique is hosting an event on May 12 that will feature Sebastian Signs alongside jewelry by Metal Smith. All are invited to smell and enjoy scents bycreator Sherri Sebastian, who will be on hand to meet and greet customers and talk about her unique use of ingredients.

Originally trained as a chemist, Sebastian boasts a degree in food science and sources her own oils from organic farmers. No. 17 and No. 35 will be carried along with Sherri’s popular goat milk soaps.

You can read up on Sebastian Signs non-chemical philosophy here. You’ll find event details on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

Photography courtesy of Ver Unica Vintage

SF Street Style: Spring in the City

Sara Iravani — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:08:16 +0000

Spring is in the air! Meaning park fashion at its peak. It seems like half the city is migrating to Dolores Park these days for some serious chilling out a la music, friends, a few cold bevs and maybe some Bi-Rite ice cream thrown in there. Check out the fashionable friends we found paired up and trolling the streets in and around Dolores Park on a recent weekend day:

Jaz & Erica

Spotted: Photographers on their way from work to park transition.

What is the best thing about spring in the city?

Jaz: My favorite part about spring is usually the rain…..I do enjoy bringing out the light and bright colors to wear.

Erica: The best part of spring is the variety. Sometimes I wear one thing, but it’s easy to layer, and I can wear all of my wardrobe.

Allison & Toni

Spotted: Heading to pick up burritos on 16th Street.

Allison wears Lush studded-neck blouse, vintage skirt, Doc Marten boots.

Toni wears Calvin Klein shirt, Levi’s jeans, Chie Mahari shoes.

Erin & Maura

Spotted: 1970s & 1950s inspired looks trekking thru the masses en route to meet friends.

What is your favorite thing to do when it’s this hot?

Erin & Maura: We love to bring our dog to Dolores Park.

Photography by Sara Iravani

Snap Judgment: Ragabond High-Low Hemline Dress

Sara Iravani — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:04:10 +0000

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: Prepare yourself for an afternoon in the park with this green high-low dress, $58, refashioned by the vintage and upcycled fashion collectors of Ragabond, whose etsy shop is stocked with re-fashioned floral frocks, tribal prints and sheer vintage maxi dresses.

Photography courtesy of Ragabond

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Snap Judgment: Claire Hummel Necklace

Sara Iravani — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:44 +0000

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: Revitalized and making a statement, artist Claire Hummel‘s glamorous crystal and gold chain costume necklace, $275, was locally-designed using found and vintage jewelry. P.S. You’ll find Claire’s jewelry at Bell Jar in the Mission District.

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Heading South? Five Favorite Vintage Shops in San Diego

Sara Iravani — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:28:16 +0000

The recent weather reminds us that summer is gaining ground. After all, for San Francisco residents, summer means real winter is just around the corner (insert faux Mark Twain quote here). And when the cold hits, we know many locals won’t resist the urge to flee south as I did on a recent SoCal adventure, so I’ve compiled a guide to the five best vintage shops to hit while having a fine time in “America’s Finest City.”

1. Flashbacks

The colorful and impeccably organized collection of vintage finds inside Flashbacks.

Store manager and buyer Amy Henderson sifts through a fresh pile of clothing.

This 1940s-inspired display inside Flashbacks is on point with current Hawaiian print and leather satchel trends.

Looking for a trendy bomber jacket or an accordion skirt? Flashbacks curates its buy-sell-trade collection by decade and is likely to have what you are searching for. “We incorporate new and mostly old pieces and carry styles from the 1940s-1990s,” explains Manager Amy Henderson.

What sets Flashbacks apart from other vintage shops?

“Our store is friendly, small and has a neighborhood feel to it. I think people come in because they enjoy the hunt for that special item and it makes it more satisfying when they can come in here and find it. We definitely choose clothing for its style rather than price and designer,” she says.

(Flashbacks has two locations, 628 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 & in Hillcrest 3847 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103)

2. Home: A Mercantile Company

Outside the original Home in NYC. Photo courtesy of Home.

Opened with creativity and music as its influence, Home will give you a taste of the history and nostalgia for which it is named. Re-established in 2002 by three nephews of Richard Ross, who opened the original store in 1970 in New York City, the store was once a favorite hangout to some of music’s most notable performers, including John Lennon, Ritchie Havens and Alice Cooper, just to name a few.

Home, thanks to Ross’s nephews, is once again a great source for vintage clothing and artifacts, as well as a great selection of vintage concert T-shirts. Don’t miss the mural of Richard at the center of the store.

(Home has two locations, 629 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 & 3013 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104)

3. Frock You Vintage

Frock You Vintage, located just outside of downtown San Diego.

In the middle of Frock You Two's huge collection of affordable goods. Photo courtesy of Frock You Vintage.

Frock You Vintage opened its doors in 2002 and has since been a local stomping ground for those seeking unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. Frock You displays a wide range of vintage men and women’s clothing, accessories AND great selection of vintage shoes.

One a vacation budget? Check out the sister store, Frock You Too, conveniently located next door. No item is priced higher than $20. The location stocks clothing and purses, shoes, jewelry and a lot more.

(Frock You Vintage, 4121 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92103)

4. Hunt & Gather

A drool-worthy display of locally made jewelry at Hunt & Gather.

An employee poses with store owner and stylist, Zoe Crenshaw.

Featured vinyls inside Hunt & Gather.

Hunt & Gather stocks a fantastic selection of vintage, re-designed clothing, locally made jewelry housewares AND vinyl. It was established in 2009 by Zoe Crenshaw & Lee Reynolds, fashion veterans, who were designers prior to opening the store in San Diego’s cool-kid neighborhood, North Park (think of it as San Diego’s equivalent to the Mission District).

What attracts people to Hunt & Gather?

“Most people, when they come in, don’t even realize it’s a vintage store. Our collection of goods looks modern and we are different in that we are not era specific,” the folks at Hunt & Gather tell us.

(Hunt & Gather, 2871 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92014)

5. Bedouin Vintage Collective

A shot of Bedouin Vintage Collective's artistic insides. Photo courtesy of Bedouin Vintage Collective.

The Bedouin Collective storefront. Photo courtesy of Bedouin Vintage Collective.

Bedouin Vintage is not just about clothing. The store hosts a variety of locally-designed jewelry, crafts and local vinyl. Members contribute whatever items may be in their field of talent, making the vintage store “a literal group effort” and a unique spot to discover just outside of downtown. [Editor's note: According to our sources, this store is now closed.]

(Bedouin Vintage Collective, 2621 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104)

Photography by Sara Iravani, unless otherwise noted

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