Right on the edge of Russian Hill and the Western Addition sits ReLove (1815 Polk St.), a resale fashion boutique that puts a modern twist on the concept of "vintage."

We recently stopped in to meet the woman behind the shop, Delila Hailechristos. The first-time business owner, who's originally from Ethiopia, moved to California in pursuit of turning her experience in secondhand shopping into a brick-and-mortar business.

Here's a snippet of our conversation with the local thrifting expert.

When did ReLove open?

Let’s see, it’s spring 2016 now. We opened in February 2014. Over two years ago.

Why did you choose this area for your store?

My realtor actually told me about the location next door. When I visited the space, I was informed that this space was available, but it was not on the market just yet.

I wanted it to be about the space. It had to have good bones, kinda too-cool-for-school. We are right in the middle—we have the classic cable cars right up the hill, and innovation coming right up the street.

Why did you decide to open a consignment business?

I liked the lens of secondhand pieces being an ode to things of the past and the passion of the future. I always shopped secondhand, so it only made sense. I want people to get in the habit of using what you have. You can walk into a store like mine and get everything that you need—an amazing leather jacket, a pair of jeans, and boots, and jewelry, and sunglasses—and never have to contribute to the waste.

It speaks to my aesthetic, my ethos. I could not open a shop that had brand-new shit in it. It’s just not what I do.

How does ReLove speak to San Francisco's culture?

We're accessible, varied, and curated consciously in terms of environmentalism. I feel like in San Francisco, you can go to a restaurant and ask where your meat came from, what farm did he live on, was he grass-fed, and what was his name? [Laughs.] ReLove’s ethos involves acquiring pieces that are really quality pieces.

How do you choose your pieces?

I find that the pieces I love most have three elements: most likely a natural fabric, some sort of a modern classic, and they have some element to them ... I don’t want to say quirky, but some element that is a point of interest. And I just find that those pieces are really well constructed. I look at the way things are sewn, I look at fabric, I look at the way things fit, because I also think it makes a huge difference in the way they look on your body, when they are really well-made.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I'm really inspired by travel—I travel quite a bit. And I'm inspired by personal style, people that embody a real sense of who they are and are able to express themselves through what they wear.

I’m really inspired by just the best; I like the best version of things. I like the perfect pair of 501 jeans; I do not need the skinny Rag and Bone jean. I want the perfect distressed 501, I want the perfect kimono, I want the perfect white T-shirt. You know what I mean? I am inspired by things that are authentically what they are.

I also just love design in general. I love really simple, really well-made furniture. I am inspired by flea markets; a lot of my friends in the Bay; the queer community, and all of the style they possess. I am inspired by music.

What are you listening to right now?

I have been listening to a lot of Blood Orange lately, he’s been in my rotation. I really like Flying Lotus a lot. In my car today, I had London Grammar on shuffle. Really a range.

What suggestions do you have for a first-time resale customer?

Keep an open mind. Be less rigid about needing to find a particular piece in a particular color. Allow yourself to see those unanticipated details that add character to the garment. Also, get to know the people that work there. They can help you.