The Goods!: Friendship + Vintage Clothing = Wanderlust Vintage. From The Wanderlust On-line Collection: Purple leather high waist trousers and color block body con dress.
Sounds like an excellent recipe if you ask me! What came first, the friendship or the business? Well in this case, Zarie Mueller and Jen Armstrong, are two friends that made their love of vintage clothing, fashion and travel, their business. And once it was decided that their love and passion for these things should be something greater they gave it a name…Wanderlust Vintage.
The Goods!: Friendship + Vintage Clothing = Wanderlust Vintage. More of my favorite picks from the Wanderlust on-line store: Givenchy Couture dress, Robert Clergerie loafers, bling blazer and Christian Dior Boyfriend jacket.
They had no idea how well things would go. They set out on roads trips through North America, gathered up goodies, brought them back to NYC and opened a Pop Up Shop to sell their finds. The shop was decorated with a travel theme using old suitcases as props and vintage photography to decorate and give shoppers a sense of where the items traveled from. They knew they had something good but what they didn’t expect was for things to go so well and as would luck would have it this one-off idea became a full on business. Now, these gals are no strangers to the business world. Jen is part owner of The Dove Parlour and Zarie as former co-owner of the Lower East Sides, LeeLush. These business minded ladies followed their hearts to create a world of the things they love. Enjoy exploring the world of Wanderlust.
Women Making History: Lien & Lindsay of C.C. Rider
The “C.C.” in Lien Gray & Lindsay Pfeiffer’s C.C. Rider doesn’t stand for ‘carefully curated’ but we’re wondering if it should because that’s the first thought that comes to mind when stepping in to the San Francisco store.
The second thought (or maybe it’s the other way around)? A drawn-out “Duuuude. Aweeeesome!” even if you’ve never said a ‘dude’ in your life.
So what is a “C.C. Rider,” you ask, besides an independent San Francisco skate/thrash/rock oriented collective and store that carries products made by small time artists and designers and the main hustle of this week’s Women Making History features?
Well, a “SEE SEE RIDER”, also known as “C.C. RIDER” or “SEE SEE RIDER BLUES” or “EASY RIDER” is a popular American 12-bar blues song. It was first recorded, and copyrighted, by Gertrude “Ma” Rainey in 1924, and since then has been recorded by hundreds of amazing artists throughout the last few decades.
Check out a rockin’ version from 1966 below!
So, besides the name of the store, what does this have to do with C.C. Rider owner Lien & partner, Lindsay?
It’s the vibe, baby! There’s a certain feel to the song and the rider the lyrics talk about and these ladies have done a eerily-awesome job at translating it into the essence of the store.
C.C. Rider: Threds, Art, Gifts, Jams
Lien & Lindsay break it all down below:
First off, I’d like to note that CC RIDER SF has just moved. The new location is on the same street a few blocks away from where we originally existed. This decision was made because the new location surrounds other independent shops that cater to similar clientele. We’ve sandwiched ourselves in between Bar 821, Mini Bar, and Everlasting Tattoo and have taken over our good friends from Still Life’s old location. The new CC Rider SF is on Divisadero Street between Fulton & McAllister in San Francisco.
HOW WE GOT INTO THIS BUSINESS:
An everlasting obsession with art, design, rock and roll, attitude, individuality, and community…
THE C.C. RIDER BACKSTORY:
I wasn’t able to find things out there that appealed to my tastes for classic craftsmanship and rock and roll. Many stores that have a similar aesthetic were either way out of my price range, kind of cheesy, or manufactured cheaply. I wanted to provide well made products with a sense of refinement yet affordable, laid back, and edgy. CC RIDER SF was born after tracking down individuals and artists who share a passion for these same sort of values and wanted to participate in the creation of an affordable lifestyle collection. Now CC Rider SF has become a collective team encompassing the values of humor, timeless youth, with a laid back attitude towards fashion and style.
OUR PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS:
I went to school for fashion design and worked for several years buying, managing, and traveling for various independent clothing companies before deciding to make the break and start something from scratch. I wanted something that danced to the beat of my own drum and something I could really pour my heart and soul into.
My father is a retired hippie and graphic designer and his father was an American painter. I learned to understand the importance of uniqueness and quality in product design and was influenced by their attention to detail.
I was drawn by the San Francisco punk scene at a young age. My youth was riddled with rebellion and question. I spent countless nights at shows & gatherings, bouncing ideas about living a lifestyle which didn’t advocate large corporate business and generic product. There was a lot of emphasis on DIY business and self contained micro communities. Customization of style and handmade clothing were abundant and found this to be incredibly inspirational. The music scene, which was also closely connected with the SF skate scene, was a melting pot of characters who shared my enthusiasm for rock and roll and rebelliousness. I met a lot of interesting people during that period in my life.
THE PATH WE TOOK THAT LED US HERE:
The Highway to Hell and the Stairway to Heaven.
A look inside C.C. Rider, San Francisco, CA, USA.
THE VIBE & INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE STORE:
CC Rider SF is a cozy little hole-in-the wall packed full of wonderful things new and old. The inside of the store is a friendly environment where music, art, and counter culture enthusiasts convene to clothe, swaddle, and immerse themselves in treasures. The shop pays homage to the 60’s by showcasing locally hand crafted and hard to find items. Everything is attainable at realistic prices, making it easy to incorporate style into a skim budget. The store has a laid back and entertaining feel, it shows positivity and encouragement for the SF art and music scenes, and is top to bottom rockin! PMA all day!
WHAT WE HAVE IN THE STORE/WHAT WE CARRY:
Vintage rocker shirts, denim, sneakers, skate mags, a select collection of collectible skateboards, beer coozies, locally handcrafted belts and leather goods, T-shirts, outerwear, rare vintage eyewear, flannels, posters, photographs, skate and art videos, photobooks, trash novels, zines, badges, buttons, converse, vintage clothing, deadstock items, handcrafted jewelry, charms.
Cheap monday, Kill city, Look fromLondon, Keep shoes, Altru apparel, Thrasher T’s, Vans, Blood Wizard, Rebel 8, Lowcard, Vintage Casio, Rare Eyewear, Vintage Pendleton, Maximum rockn’roll, Worn Free, Featherwitch, Bandit Brand, The Driven by Jason Jessee, Rock n roll workshop, Rayban, Maui Jim, Vuarnet and tons more..
OUR CUSTOMERS – beautiful losers, rockers, skateboarders, fashion and music enthusiasts, artists, and everyone with a liking towards unusual but super sweet finds.
ONLINE SHOPPERS- we’re about to unveil the new online shop and website we’ve been working on for what feels like decades. Stay tuned!
FABULOUS THINGS FROM OUR STORE THAT PEOPLE SHOULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT:
Rare Vintage designer sunglasses ($45-175), a stone washed bandit brand t-shirt ($35-40) , and a 24k gold dipped chicken foot charm ($25) – (its voodoo luck babe).
Now, the ladies each break it down to what’s really important (turn ons & turn offs, yeeeeaaaah!) via the M.I.S.S. survey!
Lien of C.C. Rider
Lindsay of C.C. Rider
THE FOLLOWING IS A COLLABORATION OF ANSWERS FROM BOTH LIEN GRAY and LINDSAY PFFEIFER OF C.C. RIDER SF:
M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?
LIEN GRAY: JOAN JETT, LOT LIZARDS, OPRAH,
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: Malia Spanyol of Pop’s, Thee Parkside, and Red Rat Industries. She seriously kicks ass.
Inspiration for the C.C. Rider...
M.I.S.S.:How did you get your start?
LINDSAY PFEIFER: Asked Lien, she birthed CC.
LIEN GRAY: I haven’t “birthed” anything….more like REGURGITATED…THE CREATIVE SIDE OF MY BRAIN!… into this little treasure trove where you can kind of creep inside my mind and purchase little pieces of all the things that swirl around in it…. with a dazzle of Lindsay and Brette’s (another co conspirator) minds sprinkled on top. We’re basically treasure hunting for cool beautiful wearable things and thought provoking goods.
All these projects started with obsessions over nostalgia and love for unique and thought provoking design. San Francisco bay is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the states and the years ive lived here have cultivated my appreciation for style and lay a groundwork for my enthusiasm for travel and craftsmanship. I tend to lean towards local products or items that evoke understanding or conversation of historical and cultural movements of the area. The culmination of all those things paved the way for the way for the inspiration used to create something that I could immerse myself and friends into and support ourselves to live while doing so…
The walls of a young C.C. Rider's bedroom would be covered with this stuff!
A young C.C. Rider's high school locker would have this inside!
M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
LIEN GRAY: Digging through massive hot sweaty time warp towns for buried treasures and driving my car fast to get there. Then being able to bring smile after smile on people faces when they are so stoked to see and purchase these hand picked items.
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: Supporting my friends and hanging out on Divisadero Street.
M.I.S.S.: What is your goal for the store?
LIEN GRAY: To create a community center where you know you’re always gonna find something rad.. to buy, to wear, to read, to listen to, to go out and do… we’re inspired by inspiring others to get into their own rhythms and live rad and creative lives.
LINDSAY PFFEIFER: To make the shop into a one stop destination for anything you’d ever need in life… that’s awesome.
C.C. Rider girls.
Gear for the C.C. Rider...always stocked!
A C.C. Rider can be a guy or a girl!
M.I.S.S.:What part of your work process is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?
LIEN GRAY: Not having enough time to accomplish everything I want to do…. You really have to love this sort of thing.. cause its long hours for mediocre pay.. but the happiness of being surrounded by people and stuff you love everyday is PRICELESS, man, PRICELESS! Shop Local! Support the little guys.. they’re totally working hard for it these days.
LINDSAY PFEIFFER: Not having enough money to hire some help around here! We’re looking for interns San Francisco!
C.C. Rider rocks the jewelry!
C.C. Rider does art. Most of their ads are hand drawn and they sell some awesome posters and magazines.
M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?
LINDSAY PFEIFFER: BEWARE OF LURKERS!
LIEN GRAY: haha.. yeah.. being able to read situations well and not get ripped off or taken advantage of is key! Be confident in yourself but be real…treat people with respect and concentrate on making this world a more enjoyable to hang out in… Concentrate on the quality and value of your product and what it means to your customers…Support other local businesses around you and never give up. TRUST THAT KILLER INSTINCT!
So if you ever find yourself in San Francisco—first, make sure you wear a flower in your hair—stop by and say hello to the ladies of C.C. Rider and buy yourself a thing or two from the store!
FLAGSHIP RETAIL STORE LOCATION:
C.C. RIDER SF
835 DIVISADERO ST
SAN FRANCISO, CA 94117
415-418-4265 (shop manager)
415-596-2182 (buyer)
415-441-4484 (shop)
C'est Chic: Elliana wears 'Cords' from the China Glaze 'Retro Diva' collection
The China Glaze nail polish collection “Retro Diva”, reminds us of the glitz and glamour of the disco filled days and nights of the 1970’s. This collection of shimmer hues brings to mind lux attire and groovy dance moves…the kind you would have imagined at Studio 54. Your tips will say “C’est Chic” with any color you choose from the “Retro Diva” collection…do you have the moves to match?
C'est Chic: Nicole wears 'Thunderbird' from the China Glaze 'Retro Diva' collection
C'est Chic: Elliana wears 'Let's Groove', Nicole wears 'Drive In' from the China Glaze 'Retro Diva' collection
C'est Chic: Nicole wears 'Free Love' from the China Glaze 'Retro Diva' collection
C'est Chic: Elliana wears 'Let's Groove' from the China Glaze 'Retro Diva' collection
'C'est Chic' Featuring the China Glaze Retro Diva Collection
I know what I’ll be doing Sunady! Hanging with Ms. Radio Rose and the ladies for an evening of vintage clothing shopping, dranks and music! Funky Fannys and Around The Way Girls is bringing you a ladies night that is sure to be crazy fun! RSVP to: funkyfannys@gmail.com
Our very own “BusyLady”, M.I.S.S. Liz Baca was interviewed on Vintage Shopping Guide. If you ever wondered what it is she does and how it all came about read the full interview here!!
Awesomeness is guaranteed TONIGHT at Fox & Fawn in NYC!! Fox & Fawn is a somewhat new addition to the L.E.S. They are a buy/sell/trade vintage clothing store that will easily become one of your favorite spots! The lovely ladies of Fox & Fawn are hosting a fundraiser for Step Right Up!, a free after school art program. Starting in March, with the support of Project C.O.O.L. and Arts for All, Bonnie, Anjali and Mary will be back in the Lower East Side, working with 3rd grade students for nine weeks. The program creates an original performance from the voices of the students with their creations in music, costumes and props.
From 6pm to 11pm tonight, you can support the cause and have fun doing it!! Fox & Fawn will provide lot’s of yummy treats, drinks (booze, beer and non-alcoholics) and a totally awesome time. Sam Jayne (Love As Laughter) and other special guests will provide the tunes. You can show your support by making a monetary donation, bidding on the silent auction (art by dan sabau, simon haas, found art (gems), bikram yoga passes, ronnie sue chocolates, and more!) or buying some awesome clothes ( 30% of the store’s sale’s of the day will also go to the program!!) Start your weekend off right, tonight at Fox & Fawn!!
Keep in mind:
Tax Deductible donations are made through The Field. The Field is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization serving the New York City performing arts community. Contributions made to The Field and earmarked for Bonnie Pipkin Presents are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about The Field contact: The Field, 161 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10013, (212)255-2053, www.thefield.org. email: info@thefield.org. A copy of The Field’s latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from The Field or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY
One of NY’s finest vintage clothing stores, Zachary’s Smile has recently gone live on the internet!!! Currently you can view their beautiful look-book for their namesake collection, press and find information on their two store locations. Stay posted for the launch on their e-shop!! Soooooo exciting!!!
If you are in or around Pasadena, Ca and you have a love or even just a curiosity for vintage clothing, then you should make the journey out to the Rosebowl Fleamarket tomorrow! Not only is it promising to be in the low 90’s but I am promising a yummy offering of vintage clothing, shoes, handbags and much more!! The Goods! will be located in the white section, space #3051, hope to see you there!
