A fan of all things fine and fancy, as well as “ruffly, lacey, chiffon and feminine” and a long time San Francisco resident, fashion blogger Ashley Ording loves vintage, yet has an updated sense of style that you’ll spot in no time on her blog Fancy Fine. I recently met up with Ording for fashion talk and a delicious blueberry muffin in the Mission. Read on for more on Ashley’s shopping secrets, her love of karaoke bars and the best place for a burger from this self-described burger connoisseur.

How did you get inspired to start your fashion blog?

I was reading a lot of amazing style blogs, and I almost talked myself out of starting it. I thought maybe I’d be just another drop in the bucket because there are so many fashion blogs. But I was getting so much inspiration from other people, and I have this crazy, always-growing collection of vintage clothes that I thought I might as well share it. And I’m glad I did. 

How do you describe your aesthetic?

It’s all kind of revolving around vintage and sort of celebrating femininity anything lace, ruffle, girly, sweet – I love old things.

Where is your favorite place to find one-of-a kind clothes in the Bay Area?

I love the Alameda flea market. Oh man, it’s dangerous. I pretty much never walk out without a giant bag filled with things. The dealers knows me now. One of them calls me “the lace girl” and it’s good because it helps me work with them to find things for my etsy shop (Fancy Fine Vintage). 

What inspires you most?

Probably friends of mine, girls I know, whose names you maybe wouldn’t know. But they find their entire wardrobe at thrift stores and only wear what they love even if it looks kind of goofy or off in some way. Girls like that inspire me, more so than actresses or models. And street style photos, when it’s just photos of random folks. That’s always inspiring to me, too. 

If someone handed you a free plane ticket, where would you travel to and why?

I would want to go to Tokyo. I’ve never been, and I just felt like I would love it and want to live there. It’s so colorful and beautiful and vibrant. I feel like I might never come back. The karaoke, the food, the culture….

Wait. You’re into karaoke?!

Oh yea, obsessed. I do it all the time. Encore Karaoke in Nob Hill is the best. I’m even having a karaoke party tonight. I also consider myself an expert in a good burger, too. Pearl’s Deluxe (as she writes it down for me) is really good and in my neighborhood. 

Favorite winter trend at the moment?

I’m not very trend-driven, but I guess for me, anything pleated or chiffon. Definitely keeping my eye out for nice vintage coats ones that have a nice swing shape to them or big collar or nice buttons. And tights, I never wear pants. I need to have tights in every color. My sock and tights collection is ridiculous. 

Lastly, who are you wearing today?

All labeless, but…my vintage 60s dress from Afterlife. Vintage coat from the 50s. I’ve had forever. I got it at Haute Couture in Santa Rosa, an amazing vintage store I’ve been shopping at since I was 15. It’s been there forever, and they have great stuff. And my trusty vintage Ferragamos. 

Follow Ashley’s vintage style on Fancy Fine.

Photography by Sara Iravani

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San Francisco fashion blogger Catie Neinaber, who pens the always-good-for-a-read Cuffington blog and never fails to impress with her vintage-inspired looks, caught up with us outside her Lower Haight office looking as stylish as ever and ready for the rain. Read on for her favorite shops, outfit inspirations and time-killers in the city that surrounds us.

What is your favorite place to shop in the city?

Ver Unica in Hayes Valley, it’s in my neighborhood. The owner is really nice and everyone that works there is full of sunshine. I cannot walk in there without buying something, it’s so well done. It’s the kind of vintage that is more 70’s and 80’s or vintage that would mix seamlessly with modern clothing.

What inspired your outfit today and who are you wearing?

I was cold, so I wore my Wellington boots to work. I was feeling really wintery today, so I choose to look textured with my vintage tweed pants and vintage sweater. I wanted to wear easy shoes so I wore my Lanvin flats. My coat is Burberry and bag Chloe.  

Who are your current style influences?

In my mental mood board, right now, I have two people. Dita Von Teese and Ashley Olsen. They are both five feet tall, but they dress really well for their body type and are very daring. Dita isn’t afraid of color. Ashley could wear anything, and it would make sense. She’s also a bit more buttoned up, and I tend to be buttoned up.

What’s your favorite neighborhood to kill time in the city?

I used to live in Pacific Heights, and I really like it there because the architecture is really beautiful and when I walk down the streets, I feel like I should be singing a song from My Fair Lady. There’s a lot of history there, and it’s just really kind of romantic.

For more, keep up with Catie on Cuffington.

Photography by Sara Iravani

More San Francisco style…

Cece's Closet is a gem of a consignment option in Noe Valley.

The New Year is always a time that leaves me itching to root through my closet, hanger by hanger, to remove any space-hogging garments that I either can’t – or simply don’t – wear. And since having my son 16 months ago ushered in a very necessary wardrobe revamp, I have more clothes that deserve better homes than ever before. Had-it tossers go in the giveaway bag, but items in decent, great or brand new shape are ones I try to sell, trade or consign first.

San Francisco has a wealth of options for consigning new and used apparel and accessories for women, men and children that not only offer a way to bring in a little money on things you no longer need or use, but also are also great places to hunt down new clothes for less. Another reason to love consignment? You’ll often find apparel and accessories that are of-the-moment and in style, as many of the people who run consignment stores keep a close eye on what’s popular and take in items accordingly, but they won’t be what’s on the racks in every store right now – and that can make for a more interesting, unique wardrobe. Last but not least, buying secondhand is, plain and simple, a greener way to shop.

When you’re about to do your next closet clean out or want new wearables for less, consider these San Francisco consignment shops. With any luck, you’ll get more space at home, some cool new pieces and a little money out of your efforts. In most cases, you’ll need to contact the store for an appointment if you’d like to consign.

• High-End, Designer Consignment

If you’ve got luxury brands that you’d like to unload, try these shops:

Sui Generis: Head to these twin Castro shops for men and women if you have items on hand by major designer labels that are in pristine condition. Rare vintage and couture are among the gems the stores’ buyers frequently manage to obtain from their roster of consignors. While Chanel, Versace, Prada and Oscar de la Renta grace the racks, you will also find lower-priced items from labels such as Banana Republic and Zara in the women’s shop and a solid selection of men’s denim, men’s sneakers, sunglasses and belts among the finds.

The Real Real: This online consignment site specializes in selling women’s apparel and accessories by high-end, designer brands in a flash-sale format that’s reminiscent of Gilt Groupe or Rue La La. If you’d like to consign items, you call them and speak to a styling consultant to start the process. They’ll determine what items are a match for their shoppers, and you can either ship them in for free or schedule a pick-up if you live in the Bay Area, Los Angeles or New York and have over 10 items. Another perk for consignors: the site offers 60 percent back on the sale price, compared to the usual 50 percent or less that many consignment shops offer.

Cris: This Russian hill shop has long been a go-to for those seeking to consign designer brand women’s apparel, as well as those looking for a good deal on labels such as Marc Jacobs, Prada and others. The setting is much more like that of a high-end boutique than a consignment, re-sale shop, and the owner – Cris – is known for being knowledgeable about brands, current pricing and fashion.

Simply Chic: High-end handbags are the focus at this Cow Hollow shop and online store. If you’ve got handbags (they specialize in Chanel and Louis Vuitton), women’s accessories or shoes by designer labels, this store will either allow you to consign them or will buy them outright. A consignor perk: your items will be listed for free in both the shop’s eBay site and its online boutique, as well as offered for sale in the store.

• General Consignment

Not everyone has perfect-condition Prada hiding out in their closets. The shops below accept and sell a wide variety of brands, labels and apparel.

Cece’s Closet: This small shop in Noe Valley is a neighborhood gem of a consignment store. Run by Cece, the store never fails to turn up a great deal on something during my visits. She’s especially welcoming to new consignors and accepts both vintage and contemporary pieces in good condition in a variety of sizes.

Designer Consigner: Located on Sacramento in Laurel/Presidio Heights, this shop is known for frequently having upscale labels and great condition accessories brought in by the well-heeled folks who live in the surrounding neighborhood. Because of that, people from around the City head here to shop and that makes it a great place to bring your no-longer-needed apparel and accessories.

Good Byes: Another solid Laurel/Presidio Heights consignment shop, this one stands out for have a separate men’s shop that can make it a two-birds-one-stone option if you’re interested in consigning both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. The shops also offer a 50-50 split, so consignors make the same amount that the store does on every sale.

Jane Consignment: Outer Richmond residents are known to head to this eclectic consignment shop to find both luxury and affordable labels in vintage, retro and contemporary styles. A consignor perk: in addition to women’s apparel and accessories, the shop takes small household items such as pottery and home accessories, allowing you to unload more items in one fell swoop.

• Children’s Clothing, Accessories and Toys

The shops below are San Francisco consignment destinations for children’s clothing and gear.

Chloe’s Closet: Locations in the Inner Sunset and Bernal Heights regularly draw parents seeking to recycle their kid’s clothing, toys, shoes and gear. Both shops are great places to find gently worn children’s apparel and almost-new toys. A perk for busy parents: the shops accept consignment items seven days a week and without an appointment. That said, if you have large items or more than four bags of clothing to drop-off, they ask that you call ahead.

Peekaboutique: This Noe Valley children’s store sells new and used kids’ clothing, toys and gear, including many items from local labels and companies (something I’m a big fan of, obviously). Set buying times on different days throughout the week and most of the day on Saturday make this a convenient place for busy parents to sell. For shoppers, the tidy arrangement of items and kids’ toys to occupy little folks in tow make this a pleasant place to browse.

This list is focused on consignment shops I’ve personally visited, sold at, shopped in and written about for SF Indie Fashion and other media outlets. It’s by no means exhaustive, and there are plenty of additional places around town to sell and consign apparel and accessories. For straight selling, you’ll find Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange, as well as vintage shops such as Painted Bird, to be great spots. For a look at all the consignment options in town, a good place to start is checking out the consignment store listings on Yelp.

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Spotted: San Francisco blogger Punam, at the Space Gallery’s City Dolls trunk show, scoring some sweet jewelry at the Polk Street sale while donning a cream turtleneck, blue vintage sweater with cutouts and sequin detailing, black motorcycle inspired lace-front boots and chunky statement bracelets for the finishing touch.

How does this local style blogger (who writes at Nothing Broken) describe her personal style?

“Lots of vintage. Sometimes I’m dressed like a drag queen, sometimes I’m dressed like a prep, and other times I’m dressed like MC Hammer,” she tells us.

Her favorite places to shop in the city? A girl after our own hearts, she loves to peruse a combo of Goodwill, trade shows, pop-up shops, clothing-by-the-pound and anywhere that doesn’t have an official cash register.

Photography courtesy of Alexandra Naughton with editing fun by SF Indie Fashion

More San Francisco street style…

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Alexandra is a San Francisco writer with a passion for style and creativity. You can find her on Twitter @theTsaritsa

Colorful rayon-silk blend 80's-era dress in the window of Dina Louise (260 Divisadero St., SF)

Just off Haight Street, vintage boutique Dina Louise has been a neighborhood gem for nearly a year and a half. The shop stands out for not feeling like your typical vintage-slash-thrift situation, but rather an upscale boutique with uncharacteristically reasonable prices.

In the front shop window, handbags from different eras and of varying designs are nestled on an old-timey service cart, while a potted plant and retro kitchenware to add to the homey and welcoming feel. A mannequin dressed in a vibrant rayon knit dress in hues of purple, magenta, black and green sports a bauble-laden gold chain and beckons onlookers to come in for a peek.

When you do, you’ll meet owner Dina Laquaglia, whose wealth of style knowledge is vast and insightful. Not surprisingly, she tells us she was “too young to remember” when her love for retro glamor began. A glance around the store shows that her ardor for old school style is ever-enduring: vintage furniture brimming with fuzzy sweaters and well-edited racks of blouses, dresses, and outerwear from labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Joseph Magnin, Lanvin, Louis Feraud and Jaeger adorn the small shop’s interiors.

We got a chance to chat with Dina in her shop about vintage style, her boutique and why retro-shopping is oh-so-smart:

A sampling of handbags at Dina Louise

What do you look for when picking new pieces?

I look for pieces that are classic and well-made, good tailoring. I look for something that’s just really fun, unique, something that you would not see if you were to walk into a regular store.

What is currently inspiring to you?

Pieces from the 1980s. I’m really into color right now.

Why do you love vintage?

The quality. For people who can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on well-made clothes, vintage is a great way to go. Things were just made better back then. Nobody makes clothes like this anymore. I mean, they do, but it’s mostly couture and out of most people’s budgets.

How has Divisadero Street been treating you?

Sales-wise, my best month so far was last month, so things are starting to take off.

What does it take to wear vintage?

You have to be creative, and you have to be willing to take risks. My customers are comfortable with themselves and their style.

Photography courtesy of Alexandra Naughton

More San Francisco vintage…

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Alexandra is a San Francisco writer with a passion for style and creativity. You can find her on Twitter @theTsaritsa