Art, Inspiration and General Musings

June 22, 2010

Fringe Benefits :: Win a $25 Gift Card to Fringe

{Audrey Wells, proprietress of Fringe}

Ok, so I've decided that I'm going to start spotlighting boutique owners, or at least those who own and operate shops that I simply love. First on my list was Audrey Wells, the proprietress of Fringe, a Sacramento-based boutique that features new items as well as one-of-a-kind antique finds. The shop has often been compared to the popular chain Anthropologie, but I find Fringe to be far more unique and affordable. Not to say that I don't love me some Anthropologie - it's just that I can only afford items in that little corner tucked way in back (come on, ladies - you know what I'm talking about!).

At any rate, I contacted Audrey, who was more than thrilled to do the interview and even offered to donate a $25 gift card to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment. Simple as pie. Oh, and if you want to enter twice, make sure to follow Fringe on Twitter - and leave a comment here telling me you do! Deadline to enter is Sunday, June 27th. As for my interview with Audrey, read on.

{dress forms, gilded mirrors, soaps and candles - just some of the items in the shop}

Bows & Sparrows: How long has Fringe been in business?

Audrey: We celebrated our two-year anniversary in May.

{don't even think about purchasing that blue pillow - it's mine!}

B&S: What's your favorite part of owning the boutique?

Audrey: Probably the diversity of what I do, and the interaction. This is a really dynamic area and it draws so many different kinds of people. I never know what's going to happen on any given day - it's really exciting. The stuff that I carry seems to really draw in that type of diversity, and the items in here end up reflecting the people shopping here.

B&S: Where do you get your merchandise from?

Audrey: I go to flea markets in California and other states; sometimes it's from my personal collection - things that I've picked up from my travels, that I've decided to move along; estate sales; thrift stores.

B&S: How would you describe the style of the shop?

Audrey: Eclectic, enigmatic, exotic and evolving. People come in and ask me if the shop is a boutique, if it's a furniture store, a clothing store, if it's new, if it's old - well, yeah, it's all of the above.

B&S: Do you ever have a hard time letting go of something?

Audrey: I have things in the store that are for my entertainment only - including a little red dog that a homeless person gave me for Christmas one year, and I'm not parting with it. People have offered to give me a lot of money for it, but some things just aren't for sale. I'm not a total hoarder, but there are some things that I get attached to - things that have a special meaning to me.

Find Fringe at 2409 21st Street in Sacramento, CA or online here, here and here. Oh, and you can call the shop at 916.706.0216.

34 comments:

Unknown said...

Do you get two entries for submitting the first comment? Fringe is what Anthropologie used to be when it was just a single store in Pennsylvania. Love it!

galfridaydesign said...

I love Fringe! It's so eclectic and filled with all sorts of goodies. :)

JeannieLee said...

One of my most precious items in my home is my brass owl with jade eyes that I purchased at Fringe over a year ago. LOVE it!

eEp said...

I love Fringe, good story.

Anonymous said...

so many cute things in fringe! my favorites are the vintage cowboy boots.

JennyKoreny said...

Ohhhh I think I'm coming in to take a look at that white clutch-esque bag on the sofa! Fun post with great photos : )

galfridaydesign said...

P.S. If you love Fringe you should follow them on twitter: @FringeOn21. I do!

Ally said...

One of my favorite stores. I pass by it often and my car always wants to stop there!

Christine Cheng said...

I can't believe I didn't know about FringeOn21 earlier! Thank you, @BowsandSparrows, for introducing me to this fine establishment!

Amy --- Just A Titch said...

I have only been in once, but it's adorable!

Amy --- Just A Titch said...

I also follow them on Twitter, so enter me twice, please :)

Unknown said...

Fringe has the best tweets! I know that because I follow them on Twitter.

Anonymous said...

Love love love them. it's where I go for all my gifties. And then my friends are happy! Plus, Audrey is an absolute doll.

Fun interview!

Oh, and I follow on Twitter!

Madeleine said...

Am I eligible even though I teach yoga next door? I sure hope so!

Madeleine said...

and by the way, great pictures!

Lauren Silva said...

Fringe is a wonderful shop where I am always amazed by the collection of eclectic finds. One of my favorite places in Sacramento!

Lauren Silva said...

Opps, forgot to say I'm following on Twitter!

mary van note said...

Ooo, what a beautiful shop! I'll be sure to check it out.

Logan said...

Looks amazing, love that pillow and the vanity! Wish they were in SF! Following on Twitter, too.

Unknown said...

Love that place, and love Audrey! Besides being sweet, adorable and having great taste she is an awesome yoga instructor.

Ohlone Again said...

@achliebling is following Fringe on twitter because i want to be in the KNOW about all of the goodies this store is offering.

i totally agree with the writer above who wishes that Fringe was in the City. i'm in the east bay, and this store would be a HIT over here... i always try to make an effort to stop into Fringe when i am in Sac, as this shop is the ****.

JeannieLee said...

@API_Jeannielee is following on twitter too! Woohoo!

Ashlee said...

WANT WANT WANT. Oh, and following on twitter too! Pick me pick me!

CECELIA said...

SO lovely. i'm now following on twitter! i'll have to make a trip to sac to check it out :)

Kimberly said...

This is the first I've heard of Fringe. I can't wait to go check it out! :)

Lesley Miller said...

First I've heard of Fringe too! Following now on Twitter. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm following on Twitter too!

Angeline said...

What a great find! I definitely need to get back on the shopping train. Can't wait to see what other great boutiques are in Sac.

Also a twitter follower now :)

the Citizen Rosebud said...

Fringe is such a great place. It's eclectic and inviting and totally the best of Sactown. Audrey is a style maven!

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

What an amazing little shop. I am going to tuck that away in my shopping file for a future trip to CA. Love your idea to showcase boutique owners. Helps us find the best places to shop. Carol

Anonymous said...

I love that I moved away, complaining of nothing to do, and when I return four years later there's shops like this peppering the grid! I need to get downtown to check this place out.

Anonymous said...

And now I'm following them on twitter, too. Sigh. I need to win the lottery, STAT.

Rachel said...

This shop looks absolutely adorable! I love indie owned places...

jenni kaufusi said...

love that cute shop wish i lived in north cali. i follow you on your blog and twitter.
ps. i have another giveway on my blog take a peek
www.jenniadores.blogspot.com

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