Sophia Amoruso is the founder/CEO of Nasty Gal Vintage. Founded in 2006, NASTY GAL offers a wide selection of the most desirable and coveted vintage clothing and accessories available online, as well as unique new designer pieces.

Sophia handpicks her vintage merch with care for its style, wearability, and quality. Each item is unique, and comes with an individual history specific to the piece, giving it a personality beyond what modern clothing could dream of recreating.

We’ll let the Sophia break it down:

We pride ourselves in our hand selected range of vintage dresses, tops, coats, and more—which is tailored each season to satisfy your runway cravings with original pieces that continue to inspire designers and trendsetters alike. Our buying department is highly informed of current trends, and often ahead of the game—giving you not only just what the fashion doctor ordered, but a truly unique item that won’t be found elsewhere.

Our San Francisco area location gives us access to some of the most amazing vintage in the world. From the beat poets to the summer of love and beyond, fashion happened here—and is still happening—online. We think of it a bit like the hippies. We’re just spreading the love.

Q&A time with vintage vixen, Sophia!

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

My friend Jauretsi. She’s a new media expert, film director, and all-around amazing woman. She’s a networking genius, which I am so far from being, and I truly admire that.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get introduced to vintage clothing?

My first vintage pieces were dug up from the “junk room” of my family’s motel in West Sacramento. The kids all grew up in the 60s and 70s, and they threw nothing away. Threadbare tees, antiquated ouija boards, and jewelry boxes brimming with Mexican silver. I was hooked.

M.I.S.S.: When did you decide to turn your love of vintage into a business? Why Nasty Gal? What does the name mean?

It became a business as soon as I started selling on Ebay. I made a profit on the first batch of auctions I listed, and the business has funded itself since then. The name is taken from an album and a song by Betty Davis, my all-time favorite female funk singer and ex-wife of Miles Davis. Her spirit continues to be inspiring for me—she didn’t take shit from anyone!

M.I.S.S. What is your favorite time period to find/sell?

I’d say the 1970s. It’s what I wear, it’s just a period that I identify with. I also love avant-garde and trashy 80s stuff, but it’s usually 70s pieces that make me gasp.

M.I.S.S.: What is your personal collection like? What time period? Do you collect a variety of stuff or do you focus on certain kinds of pieces?

…more 70s. I personally collect high-waisted wide leg denim, corduroy, you name it. Lately I’ve been collecting vintage rock tees. I have a penchant for heavy metal.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece of that you’ve found?

A Keith Haring printed banana-yellow dress I’ve been hoarding but can’t bring myself to wear.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your dream find? Have you found it yet?

I don’t think I have a dream find…I’d love to find an old Motorhead shirt though…

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

I’d love to work with Terry Richardson.

M.I.S.S.: What part of digging for vintage is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

The dust. Vintage is used, and when you encounter it in the quantity that I do, that dust adds up. Also the used snot rags and stale mints that I find in coat pockets…

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career selling vintage clothing?

Say goodbye to your life! It’s exhausting work, but fun—and only the eternally obsessed survive.

Thanks, Sophia!

So what are you waiting for, Ladies?! Get your Nasty Gal on at www.shopnastygal.com

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