San Francisco Shops

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.

While we're lucky enough to spend the better part of our days around beautiful RH pieces at goop HQ, stopping into their flagship gallery in the Design District never gets old. Perched just across the street from the San Francisco Design Center, you can easily lose an afternoon here, where the completely redesigned space—surrounded by garden courtyards replete with tranquil fountains and lemon and olive trees—allows you to experience RH Modern and RH Design Atelier, and the latest RH Interiors collections.

One of the most streamlined, considered stores we've come across: Modern Citizen stocks women's clothing & accessories and home goods, all at an accessible price point.

Occupying a pretty clutch location across from the Blue Bottle on Linden Alley, the interior of Clare V.'s first San Francisco boutique is every bit the brand's chic, subtly Parisian aesthetic, with soft light pink floors and French-inspired posters on the walls. A garden in the back connects them to the Steven Alan on Hayes. Photos: Ulysses Ortega

The first thing you'll notice about this home décor shop is the grandiose space—the wood-paneled ceilings are tall and rounded, and there are huge skylights that fill it with natural light. Owner Matt Bissinger, an SF native, stocks the space with everything from mid-century furniture to ceramics, candles, vintage maps and wall-hangings, and other objects that make excellent gifts. P.S. They do registries.

Mary Mar Keenan is a long-time potter that made a name for herself making tableware like plates, mugs, and serving bowls for some of the area's best restaurants (she designed plates for both The Progress and Nightbird). She sells her earthy, heartfelt pieces out of a teensy studio, and they're sort of the best souvenir (or wedding gift) imaginable.

You don't have to be a foodie to get lost in Omnivore, which devotes its shelves to everything from hot-of-the-presses cookbooks to rare antiques and collectibles. It's a go-to spot for picking up gifts, and they also have a fantastic calendar of events, bringing in authors from all over the country (and sometimes the world) for signings and lectures.