Petites/ Gear/ Travel shopping in San Francisco?

I'm heading to San Francisco in a week, and was wondering if any of you Bay Area residents or visitors have some tips on shopping must-dos, with emphasis on petites, gear, and travel.

I'm planning on some quality time at Nordstroms for a good bra fitting (and checking out some of the wonderful Finds I've found here). I've dropped a couple sizes in the past year and nothing fits right, even the new bras I bought a few month ago.

I am 5'2" and I seem to wear 0-2 regular or 2-4 petite pants, 2-4 in shirts and dresses - still figuring it out. Petite pants are often a tad short for PPL for me. I live an active lifestyle in a casual mountain town. Smart casual is the dressiest I ever need. I travel a bit, often with just carryon luggage, so multi-taskers are very valued - things I could hike in, then wear to a casual city dinner.

Any hidden gems or favorite shopping destinations for petites/gear/travel in the City? How about good resale/consignment that have petites. Wide width shoes?

7 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I asked someone whose body and lifestyle is more similar to yours.I hope this helps. Please let us know what you find. And have a good trip.

Here is what she said:

I am not the most well versed in the Bay Area's hidden shopping gems, but I'll do my best. It seems as though she doesn't have access to many chain stores, so I'll list my go to stores.

*Ann Taylor Loft is a favorite of mine for petites, though it tends to be a little "classier" than mountain wear. *Anthropologie is funky, pricy, and has some petites.

*Sports basement has a plethora of gear and active wear.

*Hayes valley is my favorite shopping district for unique finds, since chain stores are not allowed.

*Haight and Valencia still have some eclectic shops that are worth a visit.

Elle

I'm not a petite either but my petite friends say that Macys (Union Square) has a much better selection than Nordstroms. Frankly, our Nordstroms is has fairly dull stuff (although great service). Macys, ahem, is not known for service.

Other ideas for gear/casual: Athleta on Fillmore, See jane Run,
Lucy (at Embarcadero center), Sports Basement (in Crissy Field)
TItle 9

For general fun shopping, I agree that Hayes Valley and Valencia Street are fun (Cut Loose outlet is on Valencia). Also 24th Street between Castro and Church has two good (not cheap) shoe stores and some athletic wear shops - and coffee shops galore.

Have fun!

kellygirl

I'm not sure where you are located and whether you have access to these stores or not. For sporty athletic gear there is Title IX, Athleta, nordstrom's Zella line, REI, Lululemon to name a few. Athleta and Lululemon offer alterations--nordstrom's too. I have had good luck with athleta in terms of sporty pieces that can be worn casually too--skirts, dresses and pants. Sometimes their regular length items are just right for my 63" frame. Good luck. Have fun!

rachylou

Love Hayes Valley. There's also Union Street, which is different from Union Square. I like the Nobel shoe shop in the Sutter Street parking garage complex. If you have time and transport, there's Fourth Street in Berkeley across the water. Erica Tanov, Molly B, and other shops, including gear wear.

ETA: The Sutter Garage is at the top of Union Square.

SandyG

The big Uniqlo store off Union Square carries small sizes and has nice fabrications at great prices. Fluevog shoe stores at Union Square and the Haight are 'heaven with heels' if you like shoes. Wear good walking shoes for all the famous SF hills

karen13

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I'm staying near Union Square, but will walk all over the city, and will have a car if I need it.

Too right about the walking shoes, SandyG! I'm going to test a pair of Aravons I just got.

And I totally have a Uniqlo shopping list now....

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