Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [166]
Union Street Goldsmith A showcase for Bay Area goldsmiths, this exquisite shop sells a contemporary collection of fine custom-designed jewelry in platinum and all karats of gold. Many pieces emphasize colored stones. 1909 Union St. (at Laguna St.). 415/776-8048.www.unionstreetgoldsmith.com.
Music
Amoeba Music Don’t be scared off by the tattooed, pierced, and fierce-looking employees (and other shoppers!) in this beloved new and used record store highlighting indie labels. They’re actually more than happy to recommend some great music to you. If you’re looking for the latest from Britney, this might not be the store for you (though they do have everything), but if you’re into interesting music that’s not necessarily on every station all the time, check this place out. You can buy, sell, and trade in this cavernous, loud Haight Street hot spot. Haight St. (btw. Shrader and Stanyan sts.). 415/831-1200. A 2nd location is at 2455 Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, at Haste St. ( 510/549-1125). www.amoeba.com.
Amoeba Music.
Recycled Records Easily one of the best used-record stores in the city, this loud shop in the Haight has cases of used “classic” rock LPs, sheet music, and tour programs. It’s open from 10am to 8pm daily. 1377 Haight St. (btw. Central and Masonic sts.). 415/626-4075.www.recycled-records.com.
Streetlight Records Overstuffed with used music in all three formats, this place is best known for its records and excellent CD collection. It also carries new and used DVDs and computer games. Rock music is cheap (especially in the bargain bins—“Get the Knack” anyone?), and the money-back guarantee guards against defects. 2350 Market St. (btw. Castro and Noe sts.). 415/282-8000.www.streetlightrecords.com.
Shoes
Bulo If you have a fetish for foot fashions, you must check out Bulo, which carries nothing but imported Italian shoes. The selection is small but styles run the gamut, from casual to dressy, reserved to wildly funky. New shipments come in every 3 to 4 weeks, so the selection is ever-changing, eternally hip, and, unfortunately, ever-expensive, with many pairs going for close to $200. 418 Hayes St. 415/255-4939.www.buloshoes.com.
Gimme Shoes The staff is funky-fashion snobby, the prices are steep, and the European shoes and accessories are utterly chic. 2358 Fillmore St. (at Washington St.). 415/441-3040. Additional location at 416 Hayes St. ( 415/864-0691). www.gimmeshoes.com.
Kenneth Cole This trendy shop carries high-fashion footwear for men and women. There is also an innovative collection of handbags and small leather goods and accessories. 865 Market St. (in the San Francisco Shopping Centre). 415/227-4536.www.kennethcole.com. Another shop is at 166 Grant St., at Post St. ( 415/981-2653).
Paolo Shoes This Italian import store is run by owner Paolo Iantorno, who actually designs the shoes for his hipster shops. If gorgeous, handcrafted, colorful shoes are what you’re looking for, this is the shop for you. You can get your low-heeled slip-ons here—this store features men’s and women’s footwear and bags—but they might be in silver python. Check out the men’s perforated orange slip-ons—not for the faint of heart or fashion-modest. You might not even mind that many shoes are upwards of 200 bucks when you realize that Paolo’s women’s shoes are so sexy and comfortable, you won’t want to take them off. 524 Hayes St. 415/552-4580. A 2nd location is at 2000 Fillmore St. ( 415/771-1944). www.paoloshoes.com.
Shopping Centers & Complexes
Crocker Galleria Modeled after Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this glass-domed, three-level pavilion, about 3 blocks east of Union Square, features