2016-12-21 05:40:46
Sleeveless Short Tent Dress from Seedstore (hand-dyed and handmade by a team in Ghana) San Francisco offers some of the best shopping in the world. Luxury boutiques, flagship stores, iconic brands, funky specialty shops and premium outlets — every kind of shopper will find something here. In a city famous for its beautiful scenery, its shopping districts are no different. Stroll along a charming street full of Victorian architecture, shop in a park square steeped in history or take a scenic drive to more shopping beyond the city. Here are some must-shop locations across San Francisco. Dewey Monument in San Francisco’s Union Square UNION SQUARE This historic park is the heart of San Francisco’s downtown shopping and hotel district. Virtually every top fashion label in the world has set up shop in and around Union Square. Its extensive collection of luxury stores includes Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Tiffany & Co. And St. John Knits. Take a stroll down its charming alleyways for more hidden treasures. Maiden Lane, a “pedestrian only” street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., features outdoor cafés and upscale retailers like Chanel and Marc Jacobs. Saunter south on Powell Street to reach Uniqlo, which features stylish and colorful basics. Head east on Post to find local favorite Gump’s, which has distinctive housewares, clothing and accessories. For those who fancy classics with an edge, Brooks Brothers Group offers clothing, sportswear, accessories and shoes, or make a timely purchase at Tourbillon. After a full day of shopping, enjoy an evening in Union Square when its theaters and cocktail lounges light up. WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE A two-block walk from Union Square, this indoor mall offers a mix of acclaimed brands and local treats. It’s home to more than 200 shops and restaurants, including the second-largest Nordstrom in the U.S., the West Coast’s flagship Bloomingdale’s, H&M and more. Recent additions include the madein- America-focused Makers Market to TAP (415), a restaurant by the team from Twenty Five Lusk. Finish the day with a spa treatment or movie on level five, or head back down to level four for the mall’s signature happy hour under the building’s breathtaking glass-dome ceiling. Westfield San Francisco Centre Atrium FILLMORE STREET Centered on 10 tree-lined blocks north of Geary Boulevard, this trendy shopping district offers an array of one-of-a-kind shops featuring art, antiques, interior design, boutique clothing, jewelry and spa treatments. Amid dozens of quaint boutiques and bookstores, Fillmore Street also has a number of fashion favorites like Eileen Fisher and Ralph Lauren. Major health and beauty shops dot the banyan tree-lined stretch north of Japan-town. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon strolling this scenic street and taking breaks from shopping at any one of its many delicious outdoor cafés and restaurants. UNION STREET Not to be confused with Union Square, Union Street — or Cow Hollow, as the former grazing ground for cattle is known — is one of San Francisco’s most charming shopping destinations. Located in Marina/Pacific Heights, this endearing street is peppered with the city’s trademark Victorian architecture, as well as trendy boutiques, galleries, antiques, jewelers and eateries (try Perry’s, it will not disappoint). You could easily spend half a day exploring Union and its cross streets, which contain more retail gems. MISSION DISTRICT Valencia Street, one of the Mission District’s main thoroughfares, is a treasure trove for the eclectic and the curious. This hipster-heavy boulevard offers a little bit of everything, including trendy boutiques, local art, used bookstores, thrift shops and record stores. Audiophiles will want to stop by Dijital Fix, or discover taxidermy and terrariums at Paxton Gate. Coffeeshops, cafes and bars are plentiful when you need to recharge. DOGPATCH Have a flare for the DIY? Head east toward the industrialturned- indie Dogpatch neighborhood. The Museum of Craft & Design hosts monthly MakeArt Workshops where visitors can create cool things like upcycled jewelry, Oaxacan sugar skulls and balsa wood greeting cards. Stop by the museum’s gift shop for made-in-San Francisco finds. To carry the day’s haul, stop into Rickshaw Bagworks for customized messenger bags, backpacks and totes. HAYES VALLEY With its windows (and patrons) dressed to the nines, this central city district is a sight for sore eyes. On the three-block stretch of Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin streets, find a bevy of chic boutiques, unique eateries, home furnishings and vintage items. Popular online retailers like Azaela and Timbuk2 boast storefronts here. Don’t forget to fuel your shopping adventure with macaroons, confections and ice cream at spots like Miette or Smitten Ice Cream. OUTLETS NEAR SAN FRANCISCO Just a short drive from San Francisco — to the north, east and south — are some of the West Coast’s premier outlet malls. Find discount prices on top brands such as Armani, Diesel, DKNY, Kate Spade, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Combine wine country sightseeing with visits to a premium outlet in Napa or Petaluma. Or, on the way to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite, swing by the San Francisco Premium Outlet. A southbound visit to Monterey means a stop in Gilroy, not only for their premium outlet, but also for the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival where you can try garlic-flavored everything (including ice cream!). SFMADE San Francisco is a city known for its creativity, innovation and scrappy ingenuity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the products manufactured right here in the city. For an overview of who’s making what in San Francisco today — including artisanal chocolate, fine wine and spirits, handcrafted furniture, custom bicycles, trendy clothing and just about anything else you might want — visit SFMade.org. The nonprofit organization supports local micro-manufacturers. It also provides product and maker listings, plus an event schedule for its workshops, factory tours and pop-up shops. Or, check out the annual SFMade Week in May and the SFMade Holiday Gift Fair in December featuring more than 60 local vendors. Shop Like A Local MEET CYNTHIA AND JENNIFER HUIE, sister-owners of the popular men’s and women’s clothing boutique Seedstore on Clement Street in the vibrant Inner Richmond. We asked them for the best style advice they’d give to visitors — here’s what they had to say: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PACK A jacket, cardigan or hoodie. Also, comfy shoes to trek over the hills. HOTTEST TRENDS IN SAN FRANCISCO All things well-crafted and thoughtful. The look leans towards minimalism with a little ‘70s California influence: Off-the-shoulder looks, lived in flares, natural fabrics and embellishments that declare your love of the outdoors, animals, photography and peace. FAVORITE SHOPS Park Life and Foggy Notion in the Inner Richmond. Also, Dish and Gimme Shoes in Hayes Valley. Cynthia and Jennifer Huie WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THE INNER RICHMOND We have great food and a tight-knit, diverse community that stays true to itself but is still ever-evolving.
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