Vintage buff Cindy Spade owns the Ver Unica boutiques in Hayes Valley with her husband, Steve Bell. And with Ver Unica's selection as indication of her tremendous taste, I wasn't surprised to catch Cindy in this fabulous vintage-meets-contemporary outfit, rings byLila Rice and vintage.

What she's wearing:  Reversible top by vintage label, Jeanne-Marc of San Francisco; pants by Judi Rosen NYC; heels by Dries Van Noten, purchased from Gimme Shoes. 

Cindy referred to this top as an "oversized oven mit". It's certainly unusual, but actually has a very modern feel -- especially paired with black skinny pants. It also reverses -- same colors, but with white stitching for a little extra pizazz. 

I wasn't familiar with the label, so Cindy gave me some info -- Jeanne-Marc was funky, 70's-80's label that is now sought after by vintage collectors.  

I know it's not for everyone, but I'm definitley a fan of mixing different gold and silver, copper, etc. 

I love the simple design and high contrast -- dull, seafoam suede andsharp, smooth black leather -- on these Dries. Tip: wearing contemporary shoes with vintage clothing (or vice versa) is an easy way to make vintage pieces more modern. 

7 Style Questions for Cindy:

1. How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic and varied. I dress at times very feminine (I love dresses and skirts), but also have a tomboy side so, when I where pants, I try to wear something interesting and not always go for the easy jeans. 96% of my closet is probably vintage clothing.

2. What are the most important things to consider when purchasing vintage?  

If I'm buying it for myself, the fit is most important. If I'm buying for the stores condition and relevance to the times and  season matter.

3. Who are your go-to people for clothing alterations/repairs and shoe repairs?

I use Pioneer Renewer for my shoes, Jack's Laundry for dry cleaning and simple alterations, and Michelle Custom Tailoring in Noe Valley for other alterations.

4. If you weren't be running a vintage boutique, what would you be doing?

Oh, toughy -- I love kids and after helping out with my daughters kindergarten's  class last year I found that I really enjoy teaching and inspiring our future generations.

5. Who are your style icons and why?  

I love both of the Hepburns...Katherine and Audrey. In their movies the clothing was often very simple and elegant  as well as masculine and feminine.  But most importantly, their style suited their strong personalities and their body types. I have a very funky side, too, and can't say that anyone in particular has inspired that in me. I think it comes from doing what I do for many years and am amused by the odd pieces that people don't see everyday.

6. How would you describe SF's fashion scene?  

The SF fashion scene marches to its own beat. People here don't necessarily have to have labels on to be fashionable. They don't want to look like everyone else and will really mix it up with new, old, recycled and support local designers to complete their looks.

7. What's your biggest fashion pet-peeve?

Not putting effort into your daily attire.    

Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.