{Ashley and I in the dressing room- photo taken on my phone}


Just over a week ago I went to the fabulous vintage clothing expo (mentioned hereand here) and while there I spotted one of my favorite fashion bloggers (Ashley of Fancy Fine, who also lives in S.F.). I instantly felt butterflies take over my stomach, almost like I was a little kid again. My boyfriend and sister encouraged me to introduce myself but me being the shy girl that I am was hesitant at first. It wasn’t until it was just me and Ashley in the dressing room that I got up the courage to talk to her. It was one of the most surreal experiences I have had and her humble and sweet personality will always stick with me. I took this opportunity to ask Ashley a few questions and I hope her answers are as inspiring to you as they were to me. Enjoy!

1. What made you start your blog, Fancy Fine?

I found myself reading more and more style blogs a few years ago (when they first became popular) and I was so inspired by the interesting and eclectic style that was represented. I was already comfortable with having a personal site because I’d kept an online journal of sorts since I was 13, which then became a photography portfolio. But seeing that it could be this very specific thing, a place to share my vintage obsession, is what finally motivated me to make the blog. I really had to convince myself it wasn’t a silly, pointless endeavor… but I’m so glad I went for it!

2. Your style is unbelievably sweet, fun & vibrant. What tips do you have for vintage shopping and ‘thrifting’?

Thank you! The only “tip” that ever really comes to mind is to buy what you love. I am rarely searching for anything specific when I go to a thrift store, flea market or vintage shop. I just look at everything and buy what speaks to me (corny as that sounds). I keep my mind open and sometimes let myself go for something crazy without a second thought just because it makes me happy to look at it. This way of shopping means that every piece in my wardrobe feels like a favorite… I don’t buy basics just because I think I “need” them. I’d rather spend my money on a beautiful lace dress! I also try not to let other people influence me too much when I’m shopping, which is why I usually go alone. That way I can take my sweet time and not have to seek the approval of anyone else.

3. What are some of your favorite spots and/or vintage shops in S.F.?

There are so many… we’re lucky folks here! The best thrift shops are in the Mission district. Thrift Town, Mission Thrift and Clothes Contact are a few of my favorites. As for vintage, I have excellent luck on Haight Street at Wasteland, Held Over and Static. I also do love getting out of the city from time to time and checking in one on some of my top secret favorite vintage places! But you’d have to get me quite drunk before I gave those up. 🙂

4. If you could choose a different decade to live in which one would it be and why?

I think it would have been amazing to be a young adult in the 20’s for a million different reasons: jazz music, the clothes, the hilarious dances that were all the rage, the general excitement of things being so new and fresh. But I also think I would have fit into the early 60’s quite well too. I’ve always had a soft spot for early 60’s music and fashion.

5. Who is your personal favorite style icon?

I have a few: Anna Karina, Chloe Sevigny, Eva Fontanelli, and a smattering of fellow bloggers who inspire me daily!

6. What advice can you give to new girls starting fashion blogs?

Be bold and have fun! Also, creating as much original content as possible is very important to me. The blogs that I enjoy the most are the ones that feature the style and surroundings of the person behind them, and not necessarily a lot of content culled from other places. So, invest in a great camera and just document the hell out of everything. I also find it’s helpful to join a site like Chictopia or Lookbook.nu and post photos on there as well because the audience is built-in and they will visit your blog if they like what they see.