New Website & Blog Coming Soon!

2012 is the year of the Dragon, which means the year of new beginnings: new website, new blog, and more. Continue reading →

Happy Turkey Day! A small token of our appreciation.

To show our appreciation for your invaluable support, receive 20% off your next purchase! Continue reading →

Recap of 1 Yr. Anniversary & Lookbook Launch Celebration

The good vibes were pervasive, nearly all drink specials were sold out, the photobooth got the most action -for sure, the donation jar and raffle ticket sales for NAPAWF was a close second, and the abundance of impressive folks dressed to the nines was undeniable. Continue reading →

The SFNY 5 Style Guide

CONTEST: Best Dressed of the 9.10.11. Party

With such style swagger bouncing off every direction, we couldn’t let this opportunity slip by without recognizing folks who merited the double take, the side conversation, and the impressed onlooking glances their direction. We’ve compiled our picks for some of the Best Dressed at our anniversary bash but in the spirit of democracy, we’re letting you decide the winner and reigning champion of Best Dressed. Continue reading →

WINNER of our Community Heroes Trivia Contest & the answers!

The premise was 10 community heroes, 10 questions pertaining to each community hero, 10 days of trivia until our 1 Year Anniversary and Fall Community Heroes Lookbook Launch Celebration on 9.10.11. The individuals that answered the most trivia questions correctly were entered into a random drawing for the prize. There were numerous individuals who answered all 10 trivia questions correctly but there can only be one winner. Find out who won and learn more about our inspiring community heroes. Continue reading →

CONTEST: Win a $100 Retrofit Republic gift certificate. It’s that easy!

Celebrate Retrofit Republic’s 1 year & new lookbook on 9.10.11

Professional models need styling too.

This was a new side of the San Francisco district, The Presidio, we had never explored before. You would have never guessed this gorgeously picturesque and natural place was in a hustling and bustling city. It was the right setting for our rugged and outdoorsy vision for JE model, Phil Collins.
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We love weddings not just because we provide the wardrobe & styling!

Top 10 Tips for a Photoshoot on a Grassroots Budget

We’ll be honest. We’ve never done a photo shoot before this. And we didn’t have the resources of an oil baron. But, with the right people and right enthusiasm, you can make anything happen. Here’s our best practices to pulling off a polished photo shoot with a grassroots budget.

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Top 10 Reasons Why To Shop Vintage

#1: It’s environmentally friendly

Um. What Exactly Do You Guys Do Anyway?

How Eating Around the Mold Taught Me To Be Green

Every fundamental principle I know about conservation and sustainability, I’ve learned from my grandmother.

My maternal grandmother has been unplugging electric appliances, ripping paper towels in quarter pieces, and using recycled goods since the mid 20th century. She told me to never leave the house with big bills (tuck some in your socks and in your inside pockets) and taught me to eat around the mold. “Makes you stronger” she even added. Continue reading →

“Mom, reusing the spaghetti sauce jar to store the nuoc mam (Vietnamese dipping sauce) is so ghetto.” How this influenced me to be green.

My parents are the reason why I love to thrift store shop, reuse plastic bags as trash can liners and to wrap my lunch in as well as why I reuse containers such as spaghetti sauce jars to store other goods, and why I refuse to let food go to waste – those who know me know I will pack the last egg roll to go, no joke! Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic and Spicy Green Mango Introduces – The Social Barter

We’re going to make things happen. Welcome to the new era of social barter. With the dismal economy, the reality is that people have become more creative with less. And we can’t imagine a more opportune time to be resourceful. We’ve done plenty of bartering to make Retrofit Republic happen and we know you can too! This is where The Social Barter comes into play. Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag, You’re It.

We’re so excited for our Social Barter event on December 8th that we’re hosting a series of giveaways from now until December 8. Here are the rules – don’t worry, they’re really simple:

1. Check out our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/retrofitrepublic every day this week.
2. Look for the fashion photo collage of the day featuring Retrofit Republic merchandise.
3. Tag yourself in the photo.
4. “Like” us if you haven’t done so already. You must “like” us to be eligible to win the Retrofit Republic item in each collage! Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag, You’re It. Day 2!

It’s day 2 of the Retrofit Republic: Tag, You’re It contest, and merchandise is going fast. Here are the rules to win the retro-preppy vintage sweater pictured above:

1. Check out our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/retrofitrepublic every day this week.
2. Look for the fashion photo collage of the day featuring Retrofit Republic merchandise.
3. Tag yourself in the photo.
4. “Like” us if you haven’t done so already. You must “like” us to be eligible to win the Retrofit Republic item in each collage! Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag, You’re It. Day 3!

Welcome to Day 3 of the Retrofit Republic Tag, You’re It contest! We’re giving away our favorite merchandise to get everyone dressed (don’t worry, it’s not a formal shindig) for our Social Barter event on December 8. If you’re in the San Francisco area next Wednesday, stop by Dartealing Lounge for food, drinks, and a space to exchange talents and skill sets with new friends. Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag You’re It! Day 4!

Just 3 more giveaways until our Social Barter event at DarTealing Lounge in San Francisco! Don’t forget to check back here tomorrow for more FREE prizes.

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Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag, You’re It! Day 5.

Happy Friday everyone! We’re only 5 days away from the Retrofit Republic Social Barter event at Dartealing Lounge – are you guys ready? Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic Contest: Tag, You’re It. Day 6!

With two days away from The Social Barter, we’ve found it impossible to stop giving away free merchandise! Continue reading →

FINAL Retrofit Republic Giveaway of the Week: Tag, You’re It!

It’s been real, folks. On our LAST giveaway of the Retrofit Republic “Tag, You’re It contest,” we’d like to thank everyone who entered to win, left hilarious comments, and sent us encouraging words and feedback. Thanks for playing with us!
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There Are No Losers. The Winner’s Circle: Retrofit Republic. Tag, You’re It!

We can’t thank you enough for inspiring us to do the Retrofit Republic: Tag, You’re It contest. It’s your creativity and the way you wear and appreciate Retrofit Republic clothing that prompted us to showcase looks influenced by you. You ARE our inspiration.

With that, it’s time to announce the winners! Let’s bring back the photo collages in case you’ve forgotten what you’re playing for (but really, how could you?): Continue reading →

No Day But Today: The Social Barter

The day has finally come! After working all night and day to set up at Dartealing Lounge, handpick our best merchandise, and concoct delicious edible creations, we are ready for Social Barter! See you all TONIGHT at 5:30pm. There will be complimentary drinks and dessert plus delectable food from Spicy Green Mango for purchase. Bring your business cards for our raffle – I peeked at the prizes, and I can assure you, you don’t want want to miss them. See you in just a bit:

Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Dartealing Lounge, San Francisco
5:30 – 8:30 PM Continue reading →

Operation Social Barter: Accomplished

Retrofit Republic & Rehes Creative Photo Shoot

Below are images from our talented photographer friend Seher Sikander’s make-up photo shoot. She requested to borrow some of our clothes for this shoot, and we couldn’t be happier to support her creative vision.
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Retrofit Republic Contest: Where in the World?

Happy 2011 all! Whether your 2010 was amazing or god-awful, it’s time for a blank slate of new possibilities. In anticipation for our Spring 2011 look book [coming soon], we’re ringing in the new year with what we love most – free stuff.

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Retrofit Republic Contest: Where in the World? Part 2.

Folks, this is one of a kind Italian leather postman’s satchel. Want it? Here are the rules to win:

1. “Like” us on Facebook.
2. View the prize of the day (which will be posted on our blog and on Facebook).
3. Guess what city the prize is from and comment your answer on the picture of the bag that will be posted on our Facebook wall – we’ll give you ONE photo hint per prize. Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic’s Shoplifting Tips with SnazzyFRESH

We believe overpriced vintage is a flat out crime! So here are our Top 5 Tips for “shoplifting” in style. Continue reading →

Retrofit Republic: Where in the World? Contest Winners!

A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Retrofit Republic: Where in the World? Contest! It was a huge testament to the fact that the Retrofit Republic community is, in fact, smarter than 5th graders. In all seriousness, the point of this contest was to demonstrate that every vintage item has a long and complicated history – and that we search far and wide to track these unique pieces down and bring them to you. It’s a tough life, but we love it. Continue reading →

Save the Date: The Video Look Book Launch Party is here.

Today marks the launch of Retrofit Republic’s Spring 2011 Look Book, and we’re beaming with pride and hopelessly giddy with excitement. In collaboration with our very talented partners, we’re proud to present to you the very best of our spring collection, and our most innovative project to date. Check it out here. Continue reading →

Behind the Scenes of Retrofit Republic’s Spring Look Book Video & Photo Shoot

This look book has been the most ambitious and rewarding yet! Not only did we pull off a video and photo shoot in one day, but it was with an all-star team that made it happen. Check out the celebrity roster. Continue reading →

CONTEST: Who’s the Best Dressed?

Holy. Calamity. When we told you guys to bring the heat last Friday at our 1st ever trunk show and video look book launch party, you guys brought it. We spent hours pouring over the 600+ (yes, 600) photos for the Best Dressed contest with tears in our eyes from laughing hysterically. Who knew there were such hams and divas in our midst? Continue reading →

Review in PHOTOS: Video Look Book Launch Party and Winners revealed

photo credit: Bonnie Chan

With the collaborative efforts by a group best described as the “dream team,” Retrofit Republic’s Video Look Book debuted with high energy, praise, and applause in downtown Oakland. New patrons as well as loyal followers of Retrofit Republic celebrated with the team as we started the year strong. Continue reading →

A Tribute to Black HerStory Month: Black Women Pioneers in Fashion

As a tribute to Black HerStory Month, all month we’re highlighting trailblazing women in fashion. Here are several of the many African-American women who have and continue to make herstory. Continue reading →

Black HerStory Spotlight: Angela Davis, Her Afro, & How to Wear Volume Without Looking Like Bubble Wrap

There’s a lot we could say about Angela Davis. A lot. With her free flowing afro, high-waisted bellbottoms, riding boots, and slim denim jackets, Davis iconicized the Black is Beautiful movement in the 1970s. Her irreverent look inspired black women everywhere to toss the hair straightener and let their hair grow natural – spurning a revolution in black beauty and style. Continue reading →

2.26.11 – Step HEAVVY 1st Year Anniversary + Website Launch Party!

If you’ve never seen the work of Step HEAVVY, a San Francisco-based hair and makeup artist duo, you’ve obviously never seen urban beauty at its finest. Back in December, Retrofit Republic had the privilege of collaborating with Viet-Thi Tha and Geneive Jamarilla, the fiercely talented founders of Step HEAVVY – and we were beyond impressed with their edgy style and class act professionalism. Even with a jam-packed schedule, these ladies managed to style every last one of our models + extras in our Spring 2011 look book, and brought the Retrofit Republic outfits to life with their hair and makeup expertise. Check out their work here. Continue reading →

Did you hear about the Lyon Martin Clinic?

If you’ve been following headlines, you’ve probably seen the recent surge of assaults on women’s healthcare, notably around national providers like Planned Parenthood. The ensuing debates around women’s bodies and the right to choose has given way to hateful language, detrimental legislation, and threat to communities around the country.

In San Francisco, women and LGBT community members are facing another kind of devastation: the potential closing of the Lyon Martin Health Clinic. Continue reading →

Black HerStory Friday: The Outrageous, Androgynous, Grace Jones

Before Lady Gaga ever took the stage, there was Grace Jones. A Jamaican model, singer, and actress, Jones pushed the boundaries of style and sexuality in the 1970′s, all while churning out hit after disco hit like Slave to Rhythm and Private Life. Her glaringly irreverent, extreme haute-couture style has influenced the likes of pop queen Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Andy Warhol, who claimed Jones as his muse. Continue reading →

Women’s HerStory Month Contest: The Greatest Inventions by Women

Happy Women’s HerStory Month! Did you know the refrigerator and the bra were invented by women? WIN a $50 Retrofit Republic gift certificate by telling us the greatest inventions by women. The more creative the invention the better your chances of winning. To get you started, here are some life changing inventions by our fabulous sisters. Continue reading →

Winner of Women’s HerStory Month Inventions Contest!

We didn’t expect any less from our loyal Retrofit Republic fans. They brought it hard and knew their women herstory. As a tribute to Women’s HerStory Month, the contest asked our fans to post on our facebook wall inventions made by women and the more clever the invention the better were your chances of winning. Out of all the players, there were 2 in particular that kept the momentum and competitive spirit alive. Therefore, after much deliberation a winner was finally chosen. Continue reading →

Join us at the All Vintage Everything Sale – Tues. March 22!

We’re bringing the best of Retrofit Republic. Join us for the -All Vintage Everything SALE- on Tuesday, March 22nd at Sub-Mission Gallery in SF! We’ve teamed up with DNA (Designers + Artists), SF Indie Fashion, and other envious local vintage retailers to bring you THE creme de la creme VINTAGE SALE of the year!
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{All Vintage Everything} Eye-Candy Recap

It was one of those giddy emails that you just can’t wait to share with your loved ones -of course that’s exactly what we did after receiving the personal invite to participate as one of a select few local vintage vendors for the brainchild of SF Indie Fashion and DNA’s (Designers + Artists) All Vintage Everything last week. All Vintage Everything is a euphoric one-stop-shop for your vintage needs.
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When is it appropriate to tuck in a dress shirt and when is it not?

A Retrofit Republic fan needed our fashion advice ASAP. She wrote to us for help and we’ve squared it away for her. Continue reading →

Hopie’s “Be A Lady” Music Video & Behind the Scenes Goodness

We provided the styling and wardrobe for Hopie’s music video. Nearly all the clothes and accessories are vintage with a few exceptions. Below are photos from our collaboration with the fierce recording artist and live performer Hopie, hair and make-up rock stars fabulously packaged as Step HEAVVY, and director David Dutton. This shoot goes down in our history book as the first shoot to end on time! The magic was in the all star team of experts -talk about synergy. Continue reading →

Trunk Sale & Party with Lower Haters in SF: Sat. April 23, 12 – 5 PM

Want to support local businesses and stock on up on fresh outfits and art? Then come to our TRUNK SALE. We’ve teamed up with Lower Haters and other local businesses to bring you vintage & new under one creative roof! Continue reading →

When Eco-fashion meets Eco-Justice

Retrofit Republic is proudly teaming up with Filipinos for Affirmative Action for their sustainable fashion show celebrating 38 years of community advocacy, civic engagement, leadership development and political victories. Join us this Saturday, April 30th from 6-10 PM at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center in Oakland Chinatown. Continue reading →

How do I tie a cloth belt for a shirt dress?

A fan asked. We happily answered. Shirt dresses are a classic, feminine, and a sophisticated-sexy addition to anyone’s wardrobe. We love showing people the multitude of ways of wearing one piece so that it looks different each time you wear it. Continue reading →

FAJ Eco-Fashion Show: A Retrospective in Photos

CONTEST: Show your favorite small business some love and win!

WINNER of our Small Business Contest & why La Cocina deserves our shout out too!

Small businesses provide the vast majority of jobs in the U.S. This is one of many reasons why small businesses deserve unsolicited marketing and lots of love. Thank you to all who’ve participated in ensuring their favorite small business continues to get lots of love and attention. Therefore, as a tribute to San Francisco’s small business week, we launched a contest asking folks to shout out and tag their favorite small businesses on our facebook page for a chance to win a $50 Retrofit Republic gift certificate. Continue reading →

The SFNY yacht bash is around the corner. We’ve got what to wear in 5 easy tips covered!

The bi-annual and bi-coastal SFNY bash is around the corner. This time it’s taking place on a yacht in the beautiful San Francisco bay. Not sure what to wear? Don’t fret, because we’ve got you covered! Continue reading →

SFNY Yacht Bash, The Grown and Sexy Recap

It’s about time there is a grown and sexy party in San Francisco – one that doesn’t involve belligerent drunks, cops, drama, pompous attitudes, did I say drama, or pretentious fanfare. Continue reading →

CONTEST: SFNY Photo Caption Challenge

Winner of SFNY Photo Caption Contest

Behind the scenes eye-candy of Retrofit Republic’s Summer Lookbook photoshoot

The weather was forecasted to be a warm and sunny 78 degrees Fahrenheit but it was more like 58 degrees and gloomy, which happens to be great lighting for the photos but not so great for the poor models in summer wear. Continue reading →

How to wear high-waist tapered pants?

We are obsessed with high-waist tapered pants! We love how they beautifully accentuate waists and how flattering they are worn right. We frequently get asked how to wear it. So it’s about time we have a blog post dedicated just to them. But before we get into the styling tips. Here’s a little bit of herstory about high-waist tapered pants. Continue reading →