Shopping recommendations in SF?

Janet

It looks like I will be in San Francisco for a quick trip with my husband (he's going on business and has wanted me to join him on one of these trips for a while). We will have a day to shop. Does anyone have any recommendation for a good shopping area with a selection of cool stores that would fit our sophisticated rock'n'roll aesthetic?

13 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

Diana

Veteran

Janet, you might want to take a look at Audi's San Francisco shopping guide here:
http://geekthreads.blogspot.co.....art-1.html

I have to admit that I haven't done a ton of serious shopping in SF. I love the city but always have a million things to do and people to see so don't have too much time to shop. I do like poking around the little boutiques in Noe Valley on 24th (Audi mentions this as well) near where I often stay at my good friend's house.

13 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Lucky Magazine also has an online SF City Guide, it's not just about clothes, but it might be helpful:
http://www.luckymag.com/shoppi....._francisco

Have a wonderful time!

13 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I'm no expert on SF, but we were there last summer and had fun walking through and shopping Haight-Ashbury...lots of rock and roll style, although some of it trends hippie. The Nordstrom in the business district is located at the center of a pretty good mall for more mainstream shopping.

http://www.sfgate.com/neighborhoods/sf/haight/

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, ladies! I'll be taking some notes.

I bought my first pair of Fluevogs in Haight-Ashbury. For some crazy reason, I had packed only sandals for that trip and my feet were cold, so I had to find some more substantial shoes!

I was realizing as Jamie booked the trip that it has been five years since I was in SF, so my ideas of where to shop might need some updating. Thanks for the tips!

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I would check out the Haight too, for a rock n' roll aesthetic. It's gotten a bit mall-y over the years, but it's still the Haight.

I also have a big penchant for the Hayes area. It's hipsterish, but if you can see beyond that, you might find some things you like.

Oh, and there's the Mission.

13 years ago

citygirldc

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Veteran

I went to SF about 2 years ago for a wedding and bicycle tour. We stayed near the edge of China Town close to the shopping district. Mission is great for boutiques and vintage wear. You must stop by City Lights / Vesuvios for a drink - love that Jack Kerouac and those great writers of his time use to hang out there.

13 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

Not a shopping suggestion, but if this weather holds (it has been *amazing*), you must check out the newly renovated gift shop/visitor's station on the SF side of the Golden Gate bridge. You can easily walk down the hill on a nice path + stairs to the waterfront below. Unbeatable photograph opps!
The Gautier exhibit is still ongoing at the de Young museum, btw. I know you said it is a short trip, but cram in as much as you reasonably can! Have fun!

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I recommend knocking on Natalie's door.

I have only been to SF years ago on a class trip, so I have no suggestions. Just wanted to wish you lots of shopping luck!

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

Union square is good for all the "big name" places, but you can access those in most other cities of the world. I have to give a shoutout to the Fluevog store on Grant, where they know me by name now. Also, to Fiona's sweetshop (British candy) on Sutter near Kearny where I can get all my childhood favorites.

The Haight is a fun place to walk around but it has gotten a bit commercially hippie, so if you can only go to one place, I'd recommend trying the shops in the Mission.

The Gaultier exhibit is *amazing*. Highly recommend it.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Rae, you are a hoot! Janet, you are certainly welcome to come visit me!

I'm actually not much help in the boutique shopping department, as it's quite rare for me to get actual time away from the kids to shop, so I do a lot of my shopping online. It's also a bit of a drive for me to get into the city.

But here's a post that just came out about top 100 SF shops and it looks like it includes a lot of interesting indie boutiques:
http://www.sfgate.com/style/ar.....703341.php
Wish I had time to explore some of them!
Here's another link with some interesting looking options (maybe I should check out that retro Bettie Page store someday!).
http://www.yelp.com/search?fin.....k+clothing

Union Square is fabulous--so many shopping options. (PS If you're looking for a fantastic shirt, I can highly recommend Anne Fontaine). Haight would I think have the highest chance of bona fide rock n roll clothing stores though. Have fun shopping!

13 years ago

Auburn

Veteran

I think you guys would love Hayes Valley--basically start at the corner of Gough and Hayes (stop at Absinthe if you want an amazing cocktail) and then walk east on Hayes (so, away from City Hall/downtown) for lots of cute but funky shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

13 years ago

Ginkgo

Veteran

Bring your running clothes for a workout on the Marina green, right next to the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito in the distance...and the Marina district has some nice boutiques (besides the ever present Gap).

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, ladies! Great hints. I'm excited!

Ginkgo, I brought my gear. Can't wait to have a brisk morning run in SF!

13 years ago

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