San Francisco - Alison Bing [103]
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THE MISSION & POTRERO HILL
BLACK & BLUE TATTOO Map Body Art
415-626-0770; www.blackandbluetattoo.com; 381 Guerrero St; noon-7pm; 14, 22, 26, 33; 16th St Mission
This women-owned-and-operated tattoo parlor gets it in ink with designs that range from graphic armbands to shoulder-to-shoulder spans of the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the artists’ work at the shop or online first for ideas, then book a consultation with the artist whose work interests you most. Once you’ve talked over the design, you can book your tattoo – you’ll need to show up sober, well-fed and clear-headed for your transformation.
ADOBE BOOKS & BACKROOM GALLERY Map Books, Art
415-864-3936; 3166 16th St; 11am-midnight; 14, 22, 33, 49; 16th St Mission
Come here for every book you never knew you needed – used and cheap. But first you’ll have to navigate the obstacle course of sofas, cats, art books and German philosophy. Head to the tiny art gallery in back to discover emerging artists at reasonable prices.
CANDYSTORE COLLECTIVE Map Clothing & Accessories
415-887-7637; www.candystorecollective.com; 3153 16th St; noon-7pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun; 14, 26, 33, 49; 16th St Mission
Jars of Pixie Stix and tasty little numbers for men and women by indie designers. Slippery silk dresses in graphic prints by Corey Lynn Calter stand out in Mission bar crowds, while cozy motorcycle jackets made of grey sweatshirt fabric keep vegan bikers warm. Don’t miss intoxicating Yosh perfumes, chunky aquamarine collars, and 70%-off sales bins.
DEMA Map Clothing & Accessories, Local Designer
415-206-0500; www.godemago.com; 1038 Valencia St; 11am-7pm Mon-Fri, noon-7pm Sat, noon-6pm Sun; 14, 22, 26, 33, 49; 24th St Mission
BART from Downtown lunches to Mission art openings in vintage-inspired chic by San Francisco’s own Dema Grimm. House specialties are nostalgic bias-cut dresses and tie-top blouses with buttons that look like gumdrops. Like any original designer, Dema’s not dirt-cheap, but you get what you pay for here in squealed compliments; check bins and sales racks for deals up to 80% off.
FABRIC8 Map Clothing & Accessories, Local Designer
415-647-5888; www.fabric8.com; 3318 22nd St; 5-7pm Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm Sat & Sun; 14, 26, 33, 49; 24th St Mission
Pull into this Astro-turfed-garage-turned-indie-design-boutique for a Mission hipster style overhaul. Rings sprout tiny volcanic geodes, local DJs remix ’80s one-hit-wonders into hyphy jams, and just to be contrarian, you’ll find Oakland-cityscape tees.
GOOD VIBRATIONS Map Clothing & Accessories, Local Designer
415-522-5460; www.goodvibes.com; 603 Valencia St; noon-7pm Mon-Wed, noon-8pm Thu, noon-9pm Fri, 11am-9pm Sat, 11am-7pm Sun; 14, 22, 33, 49; 16th St Mission
‘Wait, I’m supposed to put that where?’ The understanding salespeople in this worker-owned cooperative are used to giving rather, um, explicit instructions, so don’t hesitate to ask – Margaret Cho is on the board, so you know they’re not shy here. Check out the antique vibrators on the back wall, and imagine getting up close and personal with the one that looks like a floor waxer – then thank your stars for modern technology.
MISSION SKATEBOARDS Map Clothing & Accessories, Sporting Goods
415-647-7888; www.missionsk8boards.com; 3045 24th St; 11am-7pm; 14, 26, 33, 49; 24th St Mission
Street creds come easy with locally designed decks, tees to kick-flip over, and Toms canvas shoes, where for every pair sold, one is gifted to kids in need (140,000 pairs donated to date). This shop is handy to Potrero del Sol/La Raza Skatepark, and for newbies too cool for kneepads, SF General.
MISSION STATEMENT Map Clothing & Accessories, Local Designer
415-255-7457; www.missionstatementsf.com; 3458 18th St; noon-8pm; 14, 22, 33, 49; 16th St Mission
Finally: locally designed, fashion-forward clothing and accessories that keep real people, real bodies and real budgets in mind. Sofie Ølgaard’s drop-waisted silk sheaths are drop-dead gorgeous, Vanessa Gade’s circle-chain necklaces bring a touch of infinity to your neckline,