San Francisco - Alison Bing [110]
Baby shower gifts are a done deal here with teensy superhero capes, eensy unisex pink dumptruck onesies, and weensy moon boots. Splurge on your favorite mom while you’re at it, with pin-tucked Plume organic peasant tops and screen-printed hipster hoodies that look nothing like standard-issue momswear.
ECOLOGIQUE Map Housewares, Local Designer
415-621-2431; www.shopecologique.com; 141 Gough St; noon-8pm Tue-Sat, to 5pm Sun; 6, 7, 21, 71
Draped bamboo-fleece tops go from office weekdays to redwood-forest weekends effortlessly, and reconstructed vintage bags get upgraded from auntie to avant-garde at this green boutique. Helpful staff help you find your size in locally produced designs and provide precise sourcing info, from fair-traded cotton to the photo-biodegradable packaging.
LOTUS BLEU Map Housewares, Local Designer
415-861-2700; www.lotusbleudesign.com; 327 Hayes St; 11am-6pm Tue-Fri, to 7pm Sat, noon-5pm Sun; 5, 21, 42, 47, 49
French whimsy, Vietnamese design and a San Franciscan love of splashy color keeps eyes open wide in this tiny design boutique packed from basement to rafters with linen pillows with psychedelic blooms, French striped canvas totes, and pop-art lacquer breakfast trays.
PEACE INDUSTRY Map Housewares, Local Designer
415-255-9940; www.peaceindustry.com; 539 Octavia Blvd; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun; 6, 7, 21, 71
Persian carpets usually take credit for grand entrances, but Peace Industry’s cooperative-made Iranian felted wool rugs offer graphic appeal and a deliciously spongy, ticklish texture. Get back to nature with a dewdrop pattern in off-white and brown wool, go arty with Ruth Asawa–inspired orbs, or opt for a single flower underfoot.
GIMME SHOES Map Shoes
415-864-0691; www.gimmeshoes.com; 416 Hayes St; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun; 6, 7, 21, 71
Don’t let SF hills become your arch-rivals: head to Gimme Shoes and kick up those high-end heels. Bide your time and those coral Dries Van Noten kitten heels might hit the 40%-to-60%-off rack alongside Chie Mihara acid-yellow-and-eggplant slingbacks. Men have their pick of limited-edition exoskeleton Pumas by Alexander McQueen and pewter Converse by Varvatos.
FLIGHT 001 Map Travel Accessories
415-487-1001; www.flight001.com; 525 Hayes St; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun; 6, 7, 21, 71
Having a nice flight in the zero-legroom era is actually a possibility with the in-flight assistance of Flight 001. Clever carry-ons built to fit international size regulations come with just the right number of pockets for rubber alarm clocks, travel Scrabble sets and the first-class Jet Comfort Kit with earplugs, sleep mask, booties, neck rest, candy and cards.
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GOLDEN GATE PARK & THE AVENUES
PARK LIFE Map Art, Books
415-386-7275; www.parklifestore.com; 220 Clement St; noon-8pm Mon-Thu, 11am-9pm Fri & Sat, 11am-7pm Sun; 1, 2, 33, 38, 44;
Is Park Life a design store, an art gallery or an indie publisher? All of the above, with limited-edition scores that include flashlight-shaped candles, Styrofoam coffee cups recast in sustainable ceramic, and Park Life’s own publications on graffiti artist Andrew Schoultz. The back gallery shows rising art stars such as Alexis McKenzie, whose surreal collages show animals spelling out the words ‘Never Be Sad.’
GREEN APPLE BOOKS Map Books
415-387-2272; 506 Clement St; 10am-10:30pm Sun-Thu, to 11:30pm Fri & Sat; 1, 2, 33, 38, 44;
Blissed-out booklovers emerge blinking into the sunset after an entire day browsing three floors of new releases, used titles and staff picks more reliable than New York Times reviews. Local favorites are easy to spot in the local interest section – look for the local author tag. You can sell your books here, but be prepared for rejection – they can afford to be picky. Don’t miss the annex two doors down.
NEW MAY WAH Map Food & Drink
415-221-9826; 719 Clement St; 7:30am-7pm; 1, 2, 28, 38, 44
No truly adventurous eater should leave town without a trip here. Flavored tapioca tea kits and stinky,