San Francisco - Alison Bing [95]
LOEHMANN’S Map Clothing & Accessories
415-982-3215; www.loehmanns.com; 222 Sutter St; 9am-8pm Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm Sun; 15, 30, 41, 45
The most revealing Downtown fashion choice isn’t what shoes you wear, but which floor you choose in this discount designer superstore. North Beach artists drift to the middle floor for almost-free Free People smocks; Pacific Heights charity fundraisers hit the top floor for discounted Prada shirtdresses; and gift shoppers converge around 40%-off red-tagged Kate Spade clutches in main-floor accessories. Pace yourself: women’s shoes and an impressive men’s section are across the street.
MARGARET O’LEARY Map Clothing & Accessories, Local Designer
415-391-1010; www.margaretoleary.com; 1 Claude Lane; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat; 1, 15, 30; California
Ignorance of the fog is no excuse in San Francisco, but should you confuse SF for LA (the horror!) and neglect to pack the obligatory sweater, Margaret O’Leary will sheathe you in knitwear, no questions asked. The San Francisco designer’s specialties are warm, whisper-light cardigans in cashmere, organic cotton or eco-minded bamboo yarn.
ORIGINAL LEVI’S STORE Map Clothing & Accessories
415-501-0100; www.us.levi.com; 300 Post St; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, to 6:30pm Sun; 2, 3, 4, 30, 38, 45; & Powell St; Powell-Mason & Powell-Hyde
The flagship store in Levi Strauss’ hometown sells classic jeans that fit without fail, plus limited-edition pairs made of tough Japanese selvage and eco-organic cotton denim. Start with the impressive discount racks (30% to 60% off), but don’t hold out for sales – denim fanatics Tweet their finds here, so rare lines like 1950s prison-model denim sell out fast. Shout out to fellow shorties: they’ll hem your jeans here for $10.
SHOTWELL BOUTIQUE Map Clothing & Accessories
415-399-9898; www.shotwellsf.com; 320 Grant Ave; 11am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun; 1, 15, 30; California
SF fashion vanguardians could shop for decades for a look achieved in an afternoon at Shotwell: purple-rimmed ‘80s sunglasses, Surface to Air low-tops, a ’70s fedora, draped tank from Society for Rational Dress over Cheap Monday jeans, and locally designed bling. Unlike other Downtown boutiques, there are good selections of menswear and vintage under $25, plus a $5 jewelry bin.
BARNEYS Map Department Store
415-268-3500; www.barneys.com; 77 O’Farrell St; 10am-7pm Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat, 10am-8pm Thu, 11am-6pm Sun; 5, 6, 7, 21, 31, 71, F, J, K, L, M, N; & Powell St; Powell-Mason & Powell-Hyde
The high-end New York fashion staple known for its inspired window displays and near-lethal 70% off sales has hit the West Coast, just in time for the recession. Year-round, Barneys showcases emerging designers; well-priced, well-fitted sportswear on its Co-op label; and exclusive eco-conscious lines by Philip Lim, Theory, and its own affordable Green Label, focusing on clean lines with a clean conscience.
MACY’S Map Department Store
415-397-3333; www.macys.com; 170 O’Farrell St; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, 10am-11pm Fri, 9am-11pm Sat, 11am-7pm Sun; 5, 6, 7, 21, 31, 71, F, J, K, L, M, N; & Powell St; Powell-Mason & Powell-Hyde
Five floors of name brands, plus a basement food court with oddly sour smells. The men’s department is across the street so they won’t have to worry their pretty little heads about where to find boxer briefs and Kenneth Cole shirts, while women have to brave the perfume police and fend off slightly insulting free makeover offers just to check out the shoe sale (totally worth it).
WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE Map Department Store
415-512-6776; http://westfield.com/sanfrancisco; 865 Market St; most shops 10am-8:30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm Sun; 5, 6, 7, 21, 31, 71, F, J, K, L, M, N; & Powell St; Powell-Mason & Powell-Hyde;
Wait, is this suburbia? Sure looks like it inside this nine-level chain-store city, with Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, plus 400 other retailers and a movie theater. Supposedly there’s a ‘distinctive boutique’ concept to this mall, which translates to same amount of stuff crammed into smaller stores. Best/only reasons to brave