I'M WITH THE BAND: SAN FRANCISCO
Cryptacize give us a tour of their favorite Bay Area vintage spots.
It’s not just Nedelle Torrisi’s voice that has gained her band, Cryptacize, followers; it’s her superb sense of style, as well.
Like the music the Bay Area band plays, Torrisi mixes whimsical retro pieces with modern aplomb. Straw boaters, plaid pullovers, and even feathered turbans are all outfit accents—both onstage and off. It might not be why the band counts music icon David Byrne and indie buzz band Ariel White's Haunted Graffiti as fans, but it explains the style-savvy following they've gained.
And now, she’s sharing her secrets. In between releasing Cryptacize's second album, Mythomania, and heading out on a cross-country tour, Torrisi put together a list of her ultimate San Francisco-vicinity vintage haunts. Don’t be surprised if you see her rummaging through any of these shops—but remember, she gets first dibs.
Best place to find shoes and purses: Painted Bird
1201 A Guerrero Street, San Francisco
This store has a really big selection of accessories and is reasonably priced. It’s also located in a great vintage area of San Francisco!
Best vibes: Dolled Up Vintage
2505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
The people are so nice every time I come here—they help you find things and give you feedback. It feels like you're shopping with a friend, even if you go alone.
Best consignment store in a rich-old-lady neighborhood: Rockridge Rags
5711 College Avenue, Oakland
This place is hit or miss, but sometimes they have a designer piece you'll be glad you happened upon.
Best service: Schauplatz
791 Valencia Street, San Francisco
One time the owner of this store picked out some dresses from the back that he thought would fit nicely on me. So kind! So personalized!
Best place to find something to complete an outfit: Reruns Thrift Store
1638 University Avenue, Berkeley
All clothing is $3 and all accessories are $1! This is one of those stores that you have to go to frequently to find any gems, but if you want a simple staple, they'll most likely have it.
Best vintage lingerie: Dollhouse Bettie
1641 Haight Street, San Francisco
An all-lingerie store. They carry some new [pieces], but mostly vintage.
Best place to find garb from the ‘20s-‘40s: Madame Butterfly
5374 College Avenue, Oakland
The accessories are super nice and one-of-a-kind here, as are the dresses.
Best place to find sparkly ‘80s garb: Down at Lulu's
6603 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
A wonderful store with a hair salon in the back!
Best place to find a last-minute Halloween costume: Clothes Contact
473 Valencia Street, San Francisco
This store is huge and they sell clothes for $10 per pound. Their selection is especially out of control (in a good way) during Halloween time!
Best online vintage store: Facade Vintage
www.myspace.com/facadevintage
These two Oakland ladies double as stylists and have flawless taste in avant-garde vintage from the ‘70s-‘90s.
Listen to Cryptacize.
Read more about Cryptacize.
GOT WANDERLUST?
The Little Ones' guide to L.A.
The models' guide to Sao Paulo
The post-inauguration guide to Washington, D.C.
Like the music the Bay Area band plays, Torrisi mixes whimsical retro pieces with modern aplomb. Straw boaters, plaid pullovers, and even feathered turbans are all outfit accents—both onstage and off. It might not be why the band counts music icon David Byrne and indie buzz band Ariel White's Haunted Graffiti as fans, but it explains the style-savvy following they've gained.
And now, she’s sharing her secrets. In between releasing Cryptacize's second album, Mythomania, and heading out on a cross-country tour, Torrisi put together a list of her ultimate San Francisco-vicinity vintage haunts. Don’t be surprised if you see her rummaging through any of these shops—but remember, she gets first dibs.
Best place to find shoes and purses: Painted Bird
1201 A Guerrero Street, San Francisco
This store has a really big selection of accessories and is reasonably priced. It’s also located in a great vintage area of San Francisco!
Best vibes: Dolled Up Vintage
2505 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
The people are so nice every time I come here—they help you find things and give you feedback. It feels like you're shopping with a friend, even if you go alone.
Best consignment store in a rich-old-lady neighborhood: Rockridge Rags
5711 College Avenue, Oakland
This place is hit or miss, but sometimes they have a designer piece you'll be glad you happened upon.
Best service: Schauplatz
791 Valencia Street, San Francisco
One time the owner of this store picked out some dresses from the back that he thought would fit nicely on me. So kind! So personalized!
Best place to find something to complete an outfit: Reruns Thrift Store
1638 University Avenue, Berkeley
All clothing is $3 and all accessories are $1! This is one of those stores that you have to go to frequently to find any gems, but if you want a simple staple, they'll most likely have it.
Best vintage lingerie: Dollhouse Bettie
1641 Haight Street, San Francisco
An all-lingerie store. They carry some new [pieces], but mostly vintage.
Best place to find garb from the ‘20s-‘40s: Madame Butterfly
5374 College Avenue, Oakland
The accessories are super nice and one-of-a-kind here, as are the dresses.
Best place to find sparkly ‘80s garb: Down at Lulu's
6603 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
A wonderful store with a hair salon in the back!
Best place to find a last-minute Halloween costume: Clothes Contact
473 Valencia Street, San Francisco
This store is huge and they sell clothes for $10 per pound. Their selection is especially out of control (in a good way) during Halloween time!
Best online vintage store: Facade Vintage
www.myspace.com/facadevintage
These two Oakland ladies double as stylists and have flawless taste in avant-garde vintage from the ‘70s-‘90s.
Listen to Cryptacize.
Read more about Cryptacize.
GOT WANDERLUST?
The Little Ones' guide to L.A.
The models' guide to Sao Paulo
The post-inauguration guide to Washington, D.C.
This story was published on May 11, 2009.
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