San Francisco Shops

When thinking about where we wanted to settle in Northern California after a too-long stint away, only one place truly felt right: the Marin Country Mart. Designed in collaboration with Orange County–based firm ViaClover—using a team of best-in-class vendors, including Fromental, Stuga Studio, Volker Haug Studio, Zia Tile, and the Haus Plant—our 1,300-square-foot space is everything we dreamed of and more. Stacks of G. Label sweaters sit next to casual-cool accessories, like Janessa Leone hats, classic Ray-Bans, and big-buckle Birkenstocks. Gems from Nina Runsdorf, Hoorsenbuhs, and Eriness sparkle from within illuminated glass cases. And in the center of the store, a light-filled beauty room—complete with a bespoke onyx sink—brims with bottles of Sleep Milk and Peptide Serum, along with other cult-favorite products from Augustinus Bader, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Vintner’s Daughter, and more.

Never has a name been more suited to a business. Epicurean Trader is exactly what you’d expect: a trader of small-batch, artisanal food goods, and then some. Every item within this gem box store is hand-selected and conjures images of wicker baskets stuffed with cheese and bread. If you’re planning a picnic, buy everything, right down to the salt (it’s Jacobsen’s), here. We especially love the gourmet kits, which here are curated by personality. (Who wouldn’t want to receive a sustainably packed box filled with olive oil, spices, sea salt, locally roasted coffee beans, and small-batch honey?) While many of the products are available online, visiting the stores—there are three of them—is an experience. The wildflower bouquets are exquisite, the interior is beautifully merchandized, and the bakery counter is a sweet dream. Store images courtesy of Leslie Santarina.

We happened upon this French home interiors brand on Instagram and were delighted to discover a brick-and-mortar location in Presidio Heights. A husband-and-wife duo helm Caravane with an assist from their daughter. Neutral hues, natural fabrics like linen and cotton, bright patterns, baskets—you name it, Caravane has the prettiest, earthiest version of it. The curtains are especially gorgeous and affordable, considering many are made with organic fabrics. And the terracotta salad bowls, wooden boards, and tablecloths mimic those I-need-that! kitchen items you stop the car for driving through the markets of Aix-en-Provence.

Foggy Notion is one of those cute catch-all stores that stocks the best-of-the-best when it comes to easy treats and gifts. It’s the kind of spot you want to rummage through, lest you miss the Salty Caramels tucked at the back of a shelf. The edit here skews local and we’re partial to the Mira Blackman tie-dyed socks and baby onesies for new mama gifts. Stock up on hand-crafted, letterpress stationery while you’re at it.

We all spend so much more time in our homes these days, and nothing brings the outside in quite like a bevy of plants. Cove is a staple when it comes to dotting your interior with greenery. Better still, their inventory is grown locally when possible. The selection of pottery and baskets have a South-of-France-meets-Morocco aesthetic—in other words, the vibe is earthy and soothing. Cove is also a stellar spot to treat yourself to something small and pretty, like a new cookbook, a candle, or ceramic bowl.

Happily situated in one of our favorite San Francisco neighborhoods, goop Lab's Fillmore Street space is a warm blend of modern minimalism and European charm. Created in collaboration with Ronen Lev (the firm also designed our goop MRKT in Nantucket), goop Lab Fillmore feels like the kind of modern Northern California oasis you could live in—especially considering the shelves are stocked with goopy goods for everyone in the family.

Outer Sunset is many things: a beachy neighborhood in San Francisco, home to many excellent surf shops (looking at you, Mollusk and Woodshop), and the place to come for Black Bird. The independent bookstore, curated by local owner (and voracious reader) Kathryn Grantham, is equal parts community hangout and retailer. Black Bird is unlike so many bookstores—and we love that about it. In lieu of traditional spine-out shelving, for example, books are displayed with the covers facing forward—like artwork. Because under Grantham’s pioneering eye, there are no bad choices. Each title is selected to propel new voices forward and to commemorate the fascinating history of San Francisco. Make it a first stop in the city—and bring nothing but time.

Savile Row, London, 1920s. That is what came to mind when we visited this impeccable atelier in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square. Owner and designer Lan Jaenicke will fit you for a custom piece, be it one of her architectural dresses or a silk blouse that feels like you’re cloaked in a cloud. Jaenicke, who has an unparalleled skill for creating clothing that is poetic and timeless, wanted the space to show the entire design process, from the fitting to the construction. (She actually sews some of the pieces on the premises.) You can also eye the ready-to-wear collection, all in silk, cashmere, and linen. And even if you’re not looking to shop and you’re just wandering down Jackson Street to admire the old facades, this boutique is worth a visit. Jaenicke has considered—and honored—every element of this 1860s brick-and-cast-iron building that was once the original Ghirardelli chocolate factory. She punctuated the space with antique scales, shimmering selenite hearts, and dried lavender. Everything is in harmony here.

Allbirds has become a classic in the landscape of San Francisco shoes. The company is as revered for its comfortable, hipster wool sneakers as it is for the sustainability behind each pair.

The team at Heath, one of our long-time favorite SF and LA destinations for gorgeous mid-century-inspired minimal tableware, has nailed the aspect of creating a true community by opening a neighborhood newsstand.