San Francisco Unique Stores

I think I will save All Things Scottish for a day I'm not with my wife.

So far, my wife and I will get into SF early tomorrow, have a nice coffee somewhere and visit;

Bellocchio
Dandelion
You Say Tomato
Paxton's Gate
TAD Gear

Does anyone have a favorite antique shop? Something with smaller accessories is always nice.

^How did it go? Btw, I can't believe I forgot to mention this place: Nomadic Outfitters. I remembered bec. I went to get a birthday present for a friend. When I moved into the neighborhood, I spoke w/ the owner for over an hour. She has a phd in counseling and opened the place as a neighborhood wellness center. First third is a store that sells high quality workout gear, like Icebreaker. Second third is a yoga studio that operates by minimal suggested donations. Last third is a zen-like rock garden surrounded by bamboo. Very beautiful. During the summer she sponsored a fun series of wine tastings, yoga sessions, and dinners catered by area restaurants like Delfina and La Boulange.

2nd on sue fisher king... interesitng things, very nice lady

Rolo for casual clothing.
Timbuk2 in the Hayes district for functional messenger bags.

And, of course, Peets (yes, I know the original is in Berkeley) or Blue Bottle for java.

there is this place in giradellis square or however you pronounce it that has unique handmade gifts? kind of pricey though

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

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These are all good. Thank you. Is there a favorite shop for unique stationery and candles?

For candles, go to Dyptique - I think it's on Maiden Lane right off of Union Square.

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

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I think I will save All Things Scottish for a day I'm not with my wife.

So far, my wife and I will get into SF early tomorrow, have a nice coffee somewhere and visit;

Bellocchio
Dandelion
You Say Tomato
Paxton's Gate
TAD Gear

Does anyone have a favorite antique shop? Something with smaller accessories is always nice.

If you haven't been you MUST go to the Alameda Flea Market - the first Sunday of every month. For Danish/Scandinavian design furniture, go to Klassik by Lynne in Oakland. Lynne imports the stuff herself on a container from Denmark on a regular basis and then refinishes them. Great deals on beautiful mid-century stuff.

Thanks for the additional suggestions.

We attend the Alameda Flea market every month. We enjoy seeing everything and everyone (the best people watching in the area). Lots of fun street food and some very cool stuff. I love that it only allows merchandise that is 30+ years old.

Dyptique is all ready on my radar as is the Candelier on Maiden Lane.

We never made it to TAD Gear but will keep that in mind for an upcoming outing.

Dandelion has an amazing assortment of personal and home things that makes it ideal for gift shopping for just about anyone.

Bellochio was quite a nice surprise. Saw lots of things that caught my eye but didn't buy anything. Lots of attractive women coming and going if you need a good place to stalk babes.

Paxton's Gate is OK. But having been to better versions of that concept in NYC and Paris it seemed like a "close but no cigar" copy. A lot of Dads were there with kids who were wide-eyed.

Stopped in at SelfEdge. Looked as good as ever especially with the vintage motorcycle in the window.

I couldn't help but notice the amazing number of For Lease signs up around town. A ton of small shops have closed. If rents can adjust downward, perhaps we can look forward to some new blood moving in? SF has always attracted such a broad creative population that it seems ideal for new concepts, but rents will need to drop. I'm curious to see how quickly national chains try to expand into SF. I don't mind them being there, but they sure drove up the rents there and even out here in the East Bay.

I may have to check that Bellochio place out!

Originally Posted by constant struggle

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there is this place in giradellis square or however you pronounce it that has unique handmade gifts? kind of pricey though
Is it "One of a Kind"? I went to Giradelli square for the first time the other day and got something for my nephew there -- a little otter lying on his back with slots between his hands and feet to hold a picture or a piece of paper. Neat little shop filled with various hand-carved wooden objects. Most of which are made by the owner. Some imported from Indonesia. Almost everything was on sale, so the prices were pretty good.

Originally Posted by Parker

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Dandelion on Potrero.
My very first thought. One of my favorite gift/home accessory/book stores anywhere.

One of the most unique stores for buying small, expensive accessories/antiques is a place on Maiden Lane called De Vera. They also have one in NYC on Crosby Street. It is like a tiny museum!

Last Friday I went to On the Fly which I heard about through Will's blog. Great shop. Have you checked it out, G? I bought a few belts to replace some very old, very poor quality ones. Had a long conversation w/ one of the co-owners about topics very deep and completely superficial, as all great conversations should be. Btw, sad news about Nomadic Outfitters that I mentioned above. They're closing due to the economy. Such a great space and store. I guess the location wasn't ideal. She hopes to reopen in the Laurel Heights neighborhood though.

On The Fly is great. I have yet to make it into their b&m, but their online service is fantastic.

Ya, I stopped by again today on my way to the BART. Didn't get to talk to the guys much, since they were very busy w/ several serious customers, which is good. I just spent a minute or two playing with a badass lighter they had. Too bad I don't smoke. I like how a lot of the brands they carry are local to the Bay Area.

Originally Posted by RSS

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My very first thought. One of my favorite gift/home accessory/book stores anywhere.
Oh, sheesh. I've been to the DWR across the street a couple times, but never made it to Dandelion. I thought it was another carpet or lamp store. If I'd only had this 3-D map of the city in Jello, I might have made it.

mark, on the fly is a great store... remember them having a navy blue and cream pair of saddle shoes at the back shelf during the time we met up. also struck a conversation with someone there when I tried said shoes and some Bill's Khakis and was nice enough to give me some collar stays. still not as interesting as Al's Attire though....