If you have been to San Francisco and done any shopping, it’s
probably a given that you have hit up the touristy places such as Union Square,
Chinatown, and The Embarcadero. This time, I wanted to shop like a local, so I
took the advice of a friend who used to live in the city who recommended Cow
Hollow, as well as a friendly barista who suggested the Ferry Building
Marketplace.
The Skinny on Cow Hollow: This is a hipster area in San
Francisco that’s more residential than the other neighborhoods in SF. It’s a
name for the valley lying west of Van Ness, between Russian Hill and the
Presidio. This place is teeming with local dives—microbreweries, brunch spots,
boutiques, grab-and-go eats, coffee shops, and fitness studios. Dotted along
Union Street were some of my favorites.
Modern Citizen. This clothing retailer started off as online
only, but then opened a few months ago in Cow Hollow. Their signature style is
a modern take on classics—think clean lines, neutral color palettes, and easy
fabrics. The craftsmanship of the pieces is excellent, but the price point is
affordable. I came away with the Sumiko jacket, a fun little lightweight bomber
that can be paired with an easy dress, jeans, or a pair of slacks. I loved
their minimalist gold jewelry.
Toasty. This is a little hole-in-the-wall spot that specializes in toast, and specifically avocado toast, which they call Toasties. Most of the folks in there were post-workout, adorned with yoga mats and tennis shoes. They had cute bistro tables outside that made it feel a bit Parisian. Great spot for a quick, healthy bite. We tried the Naked Toasty, the Chia Seed Pudding, a Matcha Latte, and a Peppermint Tea. Every bite and sip was amazing.
Morning Lavender. This reminded me of Purpose, one of my favorite Kirkland boutiques. Everything in this store is well priced, which you wouldn’t expect from this area of town, let alone San Francisco. I loved their assortment of affordable yoga pants (under $40!), mix and match cocktail separates, and lightweight blouses.
Sweaty Betty. This is not a local shop, but it’s an athleisure wear chain that I frequent while traveling since they don’t have a store near my house. My favorite pieces are the Simhasana sweatshirts (which I now own in four hues), and the Contour Leggings which literally feel like you’re wearing nothing (but in a buttery soft good way).
The Skinny on the Ferry Building Marketplace: This is like being in a farmer's market, the Cannery, and Pike's Place all rolled into one cool indoor space. The historic building is seated in the heart of the financial district, about a 15 minute walk from Pier 39. In 2003, it became the marketplace that it is today. It's the perfect place to go for artisan chocolates, olive wood kitchenware, handmade pottery, and a variety of eat-while-you-nibble foods.
