a few things you probably didn't know

My cat Donut has a knack for finding the strangest places to take a nap. And I really need to finish that Michael Chabon book, it's so good.

I've always wanted Fancy Fine to be primarily a visual blog, more photos than writing. I figure most people tend to skim over the written parts anyways, and I certainly don't want to bore anyone with the more mundane tidbits of my day-to-day life. But I suppose it might be nice for those of you that do read my silly blurbs to know something more about me. It's not all vintage fashion all the time, you know! (Well, actually, it is. But sometimes it's also about karaoke and cheeseburgers.) So in the interest of expanding this blog a bit more in the new year, here are 8 things you probably didn't know about me...

1. I taught ballroom dancing for 4 years.

It makes me wistful even just typing that because I desperately miss it. It was years ago that I taught (everything from the cha-cha to the tango to the waltz) and I stopped when I moved to San Francisco. I still miss wearing prim white gloves, sparkly silver shoes, and ultra-fancy dresses while whirling around the dance floor. I've been aching to get back into it, and it's definitely on my list of resolutions!

2. I am addicted to karaoke.

I know, it's completely silly... but there are worse things to be addicted to! I've already mentioned a bit about my karaoke adventures on here before, but I figured it was worth repeating because I spend so much time doing it. In fact, a year ago I won a karaoke competition at a bowling alley (no joke) and won a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the International Karaoke Superstar Competition. I swear I couldn't possibly make up something that hilariously wonderful (and it was crazy wonderful, even though I knew I had no chance of winning it... but hey, free vacation!).

3. I will be 27 years old on March 15th of this year.

I like getting older. I feel like I'm only getting closer to my true age, which usually hovers somewhere around 65, 70. And yes, I'm a Pisces through and through.

4. I have an older brother named Joey.

He's 27 and about to move onto a sailboat with his girlfriend.

5. I've seen the movie Hairspray (the original John Waters version) more than any other movie. Troop Beverly Hills is a close second.

When I was in 6th grade I watched Hairspray every single day after school. This lasted for an entire year. Every day, until I could recite the movie from heart and copy every single dance move. I'm sure this must have shaped me as a person in some strange way... maybe it's why I love 60's fashions and music so much. And why I have such a deep appreciation for kitsch.

6. I was born in Flint, Michigan but my parents moved the family to Northern California when I was only three weeks old.

And it's a good thing because I can't imagine having grown up anywhere else. I will always be tied to Northern California and its redwood trees and foggy coasts.

7. I have lived in San Francisco for 8 years.

I was always meant to live in San Francisco, I think. It feels like home. I could see myself living in other places in the future, but I'm certain I'll always end up back here.

8. The only thing I love collecting more than vintage clothing is books!

I have a lot of books, so many that they're starting to pile up in strange places (like on top of my printer). This worries the organizing fiend in me who needs to have "a place for everything and everything in its place." But I love them so much, I will never stop buying them. I've been reading a lot of biographies and memoirs lately. I just finished Patti Smith's "Just Kids" this morning, and I'm planning on reading about Zelda Fitzgerald and the Mitford sisters next. Oh, and I've been slowly making my way through that Michael Chabon book sitting on my nightstand in the photo above...

Anything else you'd like to know about me?