Monday, December 20, 2010

shopping adventure: ver unica


Victor and I are creatures of habit. As much as we love discovering new places, we find ourselves most comfortable going back to the same spots over and over. Boring? Perhaps, but I find a lot of pleasure in being a "regular" at my favorite spots. One of our morning rituals is pastries and coffee at La Boulange in Hayes Valley followed by a peek at one of my favorite vintage clothing stores: Ver Unica. I have found many treasures in both locations (there are two on Hayes street), including this magnificent dress. So imagine my delight when they decided to become sponsors of Fancy Fine (insert many gasps here)! I decided the best way to share with you the many wonders of Ver Unica was to document an epic shopping trip. I fell in love with many things and eventually went home with a beautiful silk blouse (a gift from the owner, Cindy) and the most amazing black lace circle skirt.

There are more photos after the jump, so be sure to click on "read more" below!


Silver heels from the 30's... oh how I wish these were my size!

Amazing 50's white fur coat with rhinestone details.

60's lace chiffon cocktail dress (this one was hard to leave behind).


40's knit 2-piece suit.

60's Oscar de la Renta chiffon dress... this was too heavenly and fit me like a dream!

Only a small fraction of what I tried on!

80's satin Gunne Sax gown.

50's chiffon dress (can you tell I'm drawn to chiffon?)


I got to take home this pretty silk blouse (worn with Emmanuelle Khan linen skirt). The belt reads "What have you done for me lately?"

50's gold satin cocktail dress with rhinestone necklace and bracelet and 80's metal clutch

60's tapestry coat (left) and 50's paisley silk dress (right).

60's maxi dress (left) and 80's silver blouse worn with 50's lace skirt (I ended up buying the skirt!)

70's gold and silver maxi dress... so fun to wear! (The windows were designed by Academy of Art students.)

It's harder for Victor to find great vintage things, but he often scores at Ver Unica.

 

I'm happy that stores like Ver Unica exist, places where things are beautifully displayed and every era is represented and perfectly mixed up together. If you live far away from San Francisco you can still find some of their pretty things in their eBay shop.

26 comments:

Carys said...

Looks like a beautiful shop, what amazing dresses!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue

Amber said...

congrats on the new and amazing sponsor

Helga said...

Doll,that Oscar de la Renta frock and the 50's turquoise chiffon frock simply must be yours.Victor,take note!!!

Helga said...

O,and that gold number.Ahuh.
Ha,my word verification annoying thingy is "twichme".

Maria Ramona said...

Thanks for the reminder--one of my favorite shops too but I don't get down to that 'hood enough! I've loved this place since they were back in their old location (on Duboce if i remeber correctly). You're lucky you've got a boyfriend that likes to shop!

Unknown said...

Ooooh, that tapestry coat is wonderful! So many beautiful pieces :) It's always nice when there are well-curated stores that have stuff for guys, too. The vintage store in downtown PA honestly has a better men's section than ladies'. Alex and I will have to stop by Ver Unica sometime over our break :)

xoxo

stefanietaylor said...

what a great place! i am definitely going to have to check it out.

Annalise said...

I see your lace obsession coming on strong here. heehee. The cream blouse you went home with is too perfect!
XOXO

Amanda Swann said...

Oh my goodness I love everything! I am so bookmarking this for the next time I am there. Very excited.

The Cheeky Cafe

Ver Unica Vintage said...

Your photos couldn't be more beautiful, Ashley! We had so much fun hosting you, I'm so glad you're enjoying your new goodies. That Oscar looks like it was MADE for you.

Jenny said...

I love Ver Unica. I always want everything in the store! (You should get that Oscar de la Renta dress).

Percy Owl said...

That's awesome - to be sponsors by somewhere you love :D
I'm totally jealous. Now that I have a car I need to start exploring Brisbane's second hand stores...

Emily Rose said...

oh-lee-mo-lee! this place looks great! i love that you basically just went in there and tried on everything and had fun! those little black velvet flats with the little gold bows are so so amazing! but look so tiny! great post, i would love to read more like this!

Renee Nabam said...

oh my...such a beautiful shop...i wish it was nearer to me....
btw you look gorgeous in that 50's gold satin cocktail dress....!!!!
bisous...

Colourful Buttons said...

Oh gosh. That shop is a thrifting heaven... Love the chiffon dresses and gold satin cocktail dress. You look great in every piece/dress!

PS: Thanks for your comment on my blog :-)

Regards,
Kaelyn
http://colourfulbuttons.blogspot.com/

Ashley said...

oh my how i *LOVED* Ver Unica! it was a daily thorn in my side though when i lived in Hayes Valley and had to walk past it all the time. i did manage to score two gorgeous dresses from them in my time there, however. and they have two stores now on Hayes! i wonder how long that's been the case...? anyway, good for them! they always did have the most gorgeous things (as evidenced by your epic shopping trip and fashion show.) and good for you on the fab new sponsor!
btw if you didn't go back and get that Oscar de la Renta you NEED to if for no other reason than to let me vicariously live through you - it's too divine!

Penny Dreadful Vintage said...

This is EXACTLY the sort of shop I aspire to have myself one day. Thanks for the inspiration :)

Phara said...

WOW, the tapestry coat, how brilliant is that!
X

ferminadaza said...

That bolero is absolutely fabolous!

Lucy said...

Oh my goodness, those dresses are really beautiful.

reckless daughter said...

that store is unbelievable! Can we just talk about that cream coat for a sec - it's vintage perfection.

Gina said...

Ver Unica + Boulange is my idea of a perfect morning in Hayes Valley!
I was just at Ver Unica the other day...They always have the best stuff!
I love this place, and how it still feels a little bit like a secret, undiscovered treasure trove.
Great finds!
xoxo,
Gina

Jessi said...

I L-O-V-E that red dress. I wish I could see it on...

Natalie Brooke said...

Firstly, congrats on the amazing sponser! This made me soo jealous - Theres not really any thrift stores where I'm from...:( I love the fur coat, and basically all the dresses...especially the black lace one!! and those suitcases are gorgeous!! looks like you had a great shopping day! :)

Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

ahhh where is this!?

Anonymous said...

I am in raptures over that lace cape. Yum!