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Kati Koos
San Francisco
Need a little humor in your life? Previously called Smile, this store specializes in whimsical art, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and American crafts guaranteed to make you grin. Closed Sunday.Need a little humor in your life? Previously called Smile,

Kenneth Cole
San Francisco
This trendy shop carries high-fashion footwear for men and women. There is also an innovative collection of handbags and small leather goods and accessories.This trendy shop carries high-fashion footwear for men and women.

La Rosa
San Francisco
On a street packed with vintage-clothing shops, this is one of the more upscale options. Since 1978, it has featured a selection of high-quality, dry-cleaned secondhand goods. Formal suits and dresses are its specialty, but you'll also find sport coats, slacks, and shoes. The more moderately priced sister store, Held Over, is located at 1543 Haight St., near Ashbury (tel. 415/864-0818); and their discount store, Clothes Contact, is located at 473 Valencia St., at 16th St. (tel. 415/621-3212).On a street packed with vintage-clothing shops, this is one

Limn
San Francisco
For the latest in Europe's trendsetting and ultramodern furniture and lighting, go straight to SoMa celebrity Limn, which also showcases artworks in its adjoining gallery.For the latest in Europe's trendsetting and ultramodern furniture and

Loehmann's
San Francisco
San Francisco's branch of Loehmann's -- the nation's only upscale off-price specialty retailer -- caters to a sophisticated white-collar crowd, offering professional clothing, shoes, and accessories at bargain prices. Be sure to check out the Back Room, where designer clothes are sold for 30% to 65% less than the Union Square department stores.San Francisco's branch of Loehmann's -- the nation's only upscale

Métier
San Francisco
Discerning and well-funded shoppers consider this the best women's clothing shop in town. Within its walls you'll find classic, sophisticated, and expensive creations, which include European ready-to-wear lines and designers: Fashions by Italian designers Anna Molinari, Hache, and Blumarine and by French designer Martine Sitbon. You will also find a distinguished collection of antique-style, high-end jewelry from L.A.'s Cathy Waterman as well as ultrapopular custom-designed poetry jewelry by Jeanine Payer. Closed Sunday.Discerning and well-funded shoppers consider this the best women's clothing

MAC
San Francisco
No, we're not talking cosmetics. The more-modern-than-corporate stock at this hip and hidden shop (Modern Apparel Clothing) just combined its men's and women's fashion meccas in a new space next door to pastry pit stop Citizen Cake. Drop in for men's imported tailored suits and women's separates in new and intriguing fabrics as well as gorgeous ties, vibrant sweaters, and a few choice home accouterments. Lines include Belgium's Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela, New York's John Bartlett, and local sweater sweetheart Laurie B. The best part? Prices are more reasonable than at many of the trendy clothing stores in the area.No, we're not talking cosmetics. The more-modern-than-corporate stock at this

Macy's
San Francisco
The seven-story Macy's West features contemporary fashions for women, juniors, and children, plus jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics, and accessories. The sixth floor offers a "hospitality suite" where visitors can leave their coats and packages, grab a cup of coffee, or find out more about the city from the concierge. The top floors contain home furnishings, and the Cellar sells kitchenware and gourmet foods. You'll even find a Boudin Cafe (though the food is not as good compared to their food at other locations) and a Wolfgang Puck Cafe on the premises. Across the street, Macy's East has five floors of men's fashions.The seven-story Macy's West features contemporary fashions for women, juniors,

Meyerovich Gallery
San Francisco
Paintings, sculptures, and works on paper here are by modern and contemporary masters, including Chagall, Matisse, Miró, and Picasso. Meyerovich's new Contemporary Gallery, across the hall, features works by Lichtenstein, Stella, Frankenthaler, Dine, and Hockney. Open Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Sunday.Paintings, sculptures, and works on paper here are by modern

Minis
San Francisco
Christine Pajunen, who used to design for Banana Republic, opened this children's clothing store to sell her own creations. Every piece, from shirts to pants and dresses, is made from natural fibers. Every outfit perfectly coordinates with everything else in the store. In 2004, Pajunen expanded the store so that it now includes baby gear, including functional and versatile strollers and cribs. Minis also offers educational and creative toys and books with matching dolls as well as maternity wear.Christine Pajunen, who used to design for Banana Republic, opened

Neiman Marcus
San Francisco
Some call this Texas-based chain "Needless Mark-ups." But those who can afford the best of everything can't deny that the men's and women's clothes, precious gems, and conservative formalwear are some of the most glamorous in town. The Rotunda Restaurant, located on the fourth floor, is a beautiful place for lunch and afternoon tea that was recently renovated along with the rest of the store.Some call this Texas-based chain "Needless Mark-ups." But those who

Nest
San Francisco
Don't come into Fillmore's cutest French interiors store without your credit cards. Nest carries adorable throws, handmade quilts, must-have slippers and sleepwear, and a number of other things you never knew you needed until now.Don't come into Fillmore's cutest French interiors store without your

Niketown
San Francisco
Here it's not "I can," but "I can spend." At least that's what the kings of sportswear were banking on when they opened this megastore in 1997. As you'd expect, inside the doors shoppers find themselves in a Nike world offering everything the merchandising team could create.Here it's not "I can," but "I can spend." At

Nordstrom
San Francisco
Located in the newly renovated San Francisco Shopping Centre, Nordstrom is renowned for its personalized service. Equally devoted to women's and men's fashions, the store has one of the best shoe selections in the city and thousands of suits in stock. The Bistro, on the fourth floor, has a panoramic view and is ideal for an inexpensive lunch or light snack. Spa Nordstrom, on the fifth floor, is the perfect place to relax after a hectic day of bargain hunting.Located in the newly renovated San Francisco Shopping Centre, Nordstrom

Paolo Shoes
San Francisco
This Italian import store is run by owner Paolo Iantorno, who actually designs the shoes for his hipster shops. If gorgeous, handcrafted, colorful shoes are what you're looking for, this is the shop for you. You can get your low-heeled slip-ons here -- this store features men's and women's footwear and bags -- but they might be in silver python. Check out the men's perforated orange slip-ons -- not for the faint of heart or fashion-modest. You might not even mind that many shoes are upwards of 200 bucks when you realize that Paolo's women's shoes are so sexy and comfortable, you won't want to take them off.This Italian import store is run by owner Paolo Iantorno,

Pearl & Jade Empire
San Francisco
The Pearl & Jade Empire has been importing jewelry from all over the world since 1957. It specializes in unusual pearls and jade and offers restringing on the premises. It also has a collection of amber from the Baltic Sea.The Pearl & Jade Empire has been importing jewelry from

Pier 39
San Francisco
This bayside tourist trap also happens to have stunning views. To residents, that pretty much wraps up PIER 39 -- an expensive spot where out-of-towners go to waste money on worthless souvenirs and greasy fast food. For vacationers, though, PIER 39 does have some redeeming qualities -- fresh crab (in season), playful sea lions, phenomenal views, and plenty of fun for the kids. If you want to get to know the real San Francisco, skip the cheesy T-shirt shops and limit your time here to one afternoon, if at all.This bayside tourist trap also happens to have stunning views.

Propeller
San Francisco
This airy skylight-lit shop is a must-stop for lovers of the latest in übermodern furniture and home accessories. Owner/designer Lorn Dittfeld handpicks pieces done by emerging designers from as far away as Sweden, Italy, and Canada as well as a plethora of national newbies. Drop in to lounge on the hippest sofas; grab pretty and practical gifts like ultracool magnetic spice racks; or adorn your home with Bev Hisey's throws and graphic pillows, diamond-cut wood tables by William Earle, or hand-tufted graphic rugs by Angela Adams. This airy skylight-lit shop is a must-stop for

RAG
San Francisco
If you want to add some truly unique San Francisco designs to your closet, head to RAG, or Residents Apparel Gallery, a co-op shop where around 55 local emerging designers showcase their latest creations. Prices are great; fashions are forward, young, and hip; and if you grab a few pieces, no one at home's going to be able to copy your look.If you want to add some truly unique San Francisco

Recycled Records
San Francisco
Easily one of the best used-record stores in the city, this loud shop in the Haight has cases of used "classic" rock LPs, sheet music, and tour programs. It's open from 10am to 8pm daily.Easily one of the best used-record stores in the city,

SFMOMA Museum Store
San Francisco
With an array of artistic cards, books, jewelry, housewares, furniture, knickknacks, and creative tokens of San Francisco, it's virtually impossible not to find something here you'll consider a must-have. (Check out the FogDome!) Aside from being one of the locals' favorite shops, it offers far more tasteful mementos than most Fisherman's Wharf options. Open late (until 9:30pm) on Thursday nights.With an array of artistic cards, books, jewelry, housewares, furniture,

Showroom by In Fiore
San Francisco
I'm totally addicted to In Fiore -- a high-end line of body balms, oils, perfumes, and facial serums -- so I was especially thrilled when San Francisco-based founder Julie Elliott opened her by-appointment-only shop in what she calls the "Tender-Nob" (on the border of Nob Hill and the Tenderloin near Union Sq.). Come here to check out her whole line, as well as limited-edition balms, and see why celebrities like Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan are fans. Open Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment only.I'm totally addicted to In Fiore -- a high-end line

Streetlight Records
San Francisco
Overstuffed with used music in all three formats, this place is best known for its records and excellent CD collection. It also carries new and used DVDs and computer games. Rock music is cheap, and the money-back guarantee guards against defects.Overstuffed with used music in all three formats, this place

Sue Fisher King
San Francisco
For the ultimate in everything on the traditional side for the tabletop, bedroom, and beyond, head to this exclusive neighborhood boutique known by the society set as the only place to shop. It's filled with items like exquisite table linens, cashmere blankets, towels, china, silver flatware, and more. Closed Sunday.For the ultimate in everything on the traditional side for

Sur la Table
San Francisco
Cooks should beeline it to this Union Square shop specializing in all things culinary. Its two floors are packed to the rafters with pricey but stylish high-quality pots and pans, utensils, tabletop items, books, and more coupled with an extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. A second location is at the Ferry Building Marketplace, stall no. 37 (tel. 415/262-9970).Cooks should beeline it to this Union Square shop specializing

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