Hayes Valley, San Francisco; Neighborhood Shopping at its Best

Hayes Valley
 
City Hall is on the edge of Hayes Valley. Ready to start shopping?

City Hall is on the edge of Hayes Valley. Ready to start shopping?

 

I need your forgiveness.

How did I not know about Hayes Valley, San Francisco? It’s everything Downtown Norcal is about: community-oriented, independent, locally owned, quality brick & mortar shopping and dining. If this were a confessional, I’d need more than rosary beads!

A native Northern Californian, I’ve always loved San Francisco. When I was young, Aunt Lassie would take me to the garment district where she’d gather textiles for her belly dancing costumes (she’s 80 and still at it!). Later there were plenty of girlfriend getaways. The apex was my “speed dating” days, not the modern matchmaking custom, but back when I was so high on my now husband, our adrenaline would cover the city in a weekend.

Then we started a family.

Twenty-two years ago I believed a baby would adapt to our lifestyle. But motherhood has a way of drawing perimeters around the deluded—actual physical barriers—until life is sculpted by everything unimaginable.

And then they grow up, leaving bewildered parents with comments like those of my adult son:  “it’s time for you to do you.” 

My brain is still rearranging itself.

For years I’ve envied others’ annual trips to the city to ring in the holidays. Three-story Christmas trees and high tea productions splashed photogenic mother/daughter traditions on social media, whereas my male-centered posts involved destruction derby-like gingerbread parties and gaming tournaments from home.

Wouldn’t trade any of it, but it’s time to listen to my son.

After a little research, I learned Hayes Valley deserved to be the focus of my first city holiday trip since giving birth. Before the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the Central Freeway provided cover for drug deals, prostitution, and other crimes. Once the damaged roadway was removed in 1992, the neighborhood became home to thriving boutiques, restaurants, markets, and an effective neighborhood association. A 2004 ordinance strengthened the area’s commitment to small by banning retail with more than 11 locations, making Hayes Valley the only SF neighborhood with such a restriction (though other areas have partial bans).

Recently, a few corporations discovered loopholes or created subsidiaries to locate, but for the most part, Hayes Valley’s independent spirit remains intact. As consumers, we must protect it.

Since starting Downtown Norcal I’ve shopped many downtown secrets, but Hayes Valley is the most distinct. A true neighborhood experience with invested businesses, each shop compliments the next and everyone (I mean EVERYONE) welcomed me with open arms. They indulged my intrusive photography, engaged me in conversation, thanked me for coming, and even made recommendations to competitors. Easiest shopping experience to date!

So enjoy a fraction of what I found (described in pictures) and forget the throbbing crowds elsewhere. Head to Hayes Valley instead: a resurrected gem and pleasure-filled penance!

 

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Need a little of everything? Shop Los Gatos

Los Gatos

Have you ever tried to give directions to a place you know well, but can’t because getting there is so intuitive? That’s how I feel about shopping Los Gatos. I know where to go, but have never taken the time to mark my tracks. Until recently. 

So this is my latest path, but by all means, go beyond what I recommend and find what appeals to you. After all, Los Gatos is one of my top recommendations for walkability, versatility, and efficiency. When you need a little of everything, Los Gatos is a great choice. 

Nestled at the base of Highway 17 and at the edge of the Silicon Valley, parking can be challenging, but not hopeless. Signage is abundant and, even in the summer, you’ll find something with a little patience. Fall is an ideal time to visit. 

My first stop is usually Kitsch Couture at 10 N. Santa Cruz Ave. They carry women’s fashions from casual to snappy with pops of trend. You’ll also find a nice selection of shoes. 

Harvest Furniture is at 18 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Even if you’re not looking to restyle your home, there’s always something to inspire. During this visit I was drawn to their faux greenery, elements to soften any living space without giving way to grim reaper brown thumbs.

When with my husband, I give a little hope at the next stop. The Library, 34 N. Santa Cruz Ave., is a laid back men’s clothing refuge where Chris, the no-pressure owner, is always on hand to make a guy feel at ease. His inventory prioritizes class, comfort, and affordability.

The store weaves into the tranquil garden of The Maids’ Quarters, 36 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Once inside, you’ll find luxury linens and plenty of pampering items for your personal needs. If I were in need of a duvet, I’d engage their custom services.

Assuming a start time of 11 a.m., you’ll be ready for lunch about now. I recommend Steamers Grillhouse just around the corner at 31 University Ave. Dogs are permitted on the patio and offered a bowl of water. Of course we took ours!

A regular on my website, Romantiques, 51 University Ave., is where I purchase the majority of my lingerie—bras for sure. It’s simple and quick, even for the curvy or complicated. I have issues—don’t we all—and they always find a solution.

Strolling back to Santa Cruz Ave., you’ll pass several interesting shops like quality children’s clothing, toys, and lighting, then hit Time Out Clothing—they feature year-round destination wear—like swimsuits and resort fashion. Find them at 108 N Santa Cruz Ave.

She She Shoes is just steps away at 130 North Santa Cruz Ave. Be sure to see my photos if you cherish shoes like I do.

Across the street is a real treasure, Viva O Sol. This is your leggings headquarters—not just for casual and sassy clothing—but for active wear as well. It’s difficult to find a boutique that specializes in exercise fashion and their selection is extensive. From top to bottom, looks are exotic and worth it! 155 N. Santa Cruz Ave.

Thirsty? I’m impressed by a new store just next to Viva O Sol. Juice CO-LG, 155 N. Santa Cruz Ave., makes a variety of natural, healthy juices, all on site. Another women-owned business to check out and take a break.

Black Cat Hats is especially fun this time of year because they’re customizing witches hats. Imagine how much fun it will be come derby time. They’re a little tough to find under their business name, so look for the awning, “Hats and Accessories for All” at 59 North Santa Cruz Ave.

I always stop at the Butter Paddle because the mission is so exceptional. A gift store with profits entirely devoted to Uplift Family Services, they offer imaginative ideas and bring hope to children and their families throughout California. Find them at 33 N. Santa Cruz Ave. and sign up for their newsletter, “The Hot Flash.” I mean really, with a name like that, how could you not?

It’s always hard for me to limit what I recommend because a blog is not a book—I want you to get going, not reading. So go nuts and check out everything along this stroll-worthy indie destination!

Happy shopping!

What's Your Favorite Festival? Capitola Art & Wine Fest Shown Here

Capitola

Favoring experiences over things is trending, especially among younger generations. This will transform our way of life in both predictable and unforeseen ways. 

While Northern Californian is home to some of the world’s most dramatic destinations, we are also treated to festivals held in quaint towns and hosted by small shopping districts. Almost everyone has a favorite they never miss. (Drop me a line and tell me about yours!)

As for us, we always have a great time at the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, held the second weekend after Labor Day. Sipping locally produced wines while browsing the output of creative minds kicks off Indian summer in all the right ways. And it’s just seconds from the beach!

After my first glass I thought about what would happen to the festival—and so many like it—without the small shops and independent restaurants nearby. Can you imagine such an event at a shuttered mall or worse, a distribution center? I nearly choked on my Chardonnay. 

Not only would the location be a non-starter, sponsorships and the friendly atmosphere provided by local businesses would be absent. In other words, those affordable experiences would cease. 

Popular social media mogul, Gary Vee, warns impatient Instagrammers to expect hard work. After all, everyone begins with zero followers. The same is true for any entrepreneur. There isn’t a major fashion designer, restaurant, artist, or wine maker who didn’t get their start at the grassroots level and many were discovered by small brick & mortar long before they went on to larger production. I remember this for every Art & Wine Festival, especially when I brighten my home with a new piece or two.

So by all means, enjoy life through enriching experiences and when you do, think about what makes it all possible. Shop small, shop local, and live it up!

The Dog Days of Summer--in Carmel

Carmel

If the dog days of summer are meant to bring negativity, the merchants of Carmel aren’t buying it. By turning mythology upside down, canine-inclusion makes this upscale shopping and dining destination next level.

Along with Rasputin/aka Raspy (named for surviving too much before he found us) and senior citizen Beazley (spry for 13, but mostly deaf and somewhat blind), my husband and I weren’t sure what to expect. Don’t get me wrong; our SPCA specials are ideal mixed-breeds, but Beazley’s latest sundowning and Raspy’s Prozac addiction don’t exactly qualify them as National Dog Show competitors. 

Yet they were greeted like celebrities in Carmel, just as were we for being their human affiliates. This was despite Raspy’s incessant pulling and Beazley’s inattention to objects directly in front of him. Now I know what it’s like to travel first class!   

Before our day-trip, I connected with a helpful Instagrammer for Thinker Toys, a play-scape with an enormous collection of games, puzzles, and other thrills. Yet with so many items on display, especially at footstool level, I couldn’t imagine our munchkins were welcome. The store didn’t understand why I’d think otherwise. Find them at 7th Ave. & San Carlos St.

Carmel boasts about as many art galleries as water bowls and Raspy’s favorite was Classic Art Gallery on San Carlos St. between 5th and 6th. He commanded the viewing sofa while Beazley remained focused on the blank canvass wall. zzzzz…  

Then we saw a squirrel. 

Boy Girl Boy—a fashion boutique I’ll never stop chasing—is at the corner of Mission & 7th Ave (sister store, Paloosh, is on Ocean Ave. at Dolores St.). With show-stopping inventory, this place is a beehive of activity, the way stores used to be. A word to the wise, however: the extensive selection could over-serve even the most experienced shopper, so take my advice and let them work with you! And if you get the chance, say hello to Owner, Sweet Pea, a woman I admire for her label procurement and staff training. What a force! I can’t wait to share my fall purchases with you!!!

By lunch (and after my bender at Boy Girl Boy), we dug in at Seventh & Dolores—both the location and the restaurant’s name. I went for the BLT Salad: prosciutto wrapped romaine hearts, heirloom tomatoes, sourdough crisps, green goddess dressing, and citrus vinaigrette. Peter chose The Burger (deserving of all caps), a house blend of Niman Ranch dry aged beef, filet mignon & brisket whipped with bone marrow and finished with cognac, roasted onions, Comté, roasted tomato & aioli on a toasted brioche. 

The dogs had a little of each.

The French have a saying that means to lick the windows. It’s an artful expression because their window-shopping is captivating and pleasurable. On Dolores between Ocean and Seventh Ave., Jan de Luz is lickable from the inside out…just ask Raspy. Custom embroidered French linens and home goods aren’t sent out; the magic happens right in front of you. Be sure to meet the engaging owner, Brigitte, who makes patronage a celebration.

I didn’t want to leave, but my dogs were tired (canines too) so we left knowing we’ll be back soon. After all, the best dog days are year-round in Carmel.


 

 

A Stanford Off-Campus Class

Palo Alto

One can learn a lot at Stanford University, but I took an advanced-level course about threats to independent businesses off-campus.

Corporate chains in Downtown Palo Alto have created quaint atmospheres for shoppers craving local flair and I’m grateful they offer an in-person shopping experience, yet their products aren’t unique. Fortunately there are plenty of enticing, independent restaurants.  

Finding original goods, however, is a hunt—one I’m always up for—and several merit my recommendations. For this blog, however, it’s the missing pictures that are worth a thousand words because one retailer asked not to be featured.  

In business for 40 years, I spent over an hour browsing the store’s original collection—so original I’m not even going to say what types of goods she carries in order to protect her. It’s not that she’s opposed to being discovered; it’s that face-to-face word-of-mouth has worked all along. She’s not about to expose her hard-won product offerings to folks who might read a mention on my site and then shop for her inventory through a different retailer online.

Moreover, even though commerce is increasingly based on a server, she’s most interested in service. That’s what makes staying quiet about this special place particularly heartbreaking.  

So I’ll reinforce the consequences of our current reality. Small businesses offer and display the very best through a lot of hard work. “Shopping” them only to leave and purchase through a search engine diminishes the entrepreneur and hurts the consumer. Why? Because losing brick & mortar will force us to become experts—on everything—a tedious, complicated process when life is already too busy. 

My mission is to bring you quality, but I can only do so with the mutual understanding that we not take advantage of mom & pop generosity. 

As the Palo Alto shopping slogan says: eat, shop, drink, (and most importantly), think.

I hope you enjoy a day in Palo Alto as much as I did.

 

  

 

Listen to the Young

Sonoma

A legend in my hometown lived to be well over 100 years young and for each year after her centennial, the local paper would ask about her secret to longevity. “Listen to the young,” she’d say. I took her advice to heart.

According to my Generation Z son, I’m behind the times in many ways, including shopping, because for the most part, online isn’t my thing. There’s no doubt his early childhood patience suffered during Mommy’s “errands” (retail escapes from toddler tedium), so I can’t fault him for this view.

That’s why I decided to listen to another Z’er, my dear friend, Mia Skaggs, a 19 year-old bombshell from Santa Barbara where she attends college. Along with her mom, Ann, we set off for a fabulous day touring the Sonoma Plaza. It was enlightening.

First of all, Mia wanted to go. Now, as much fun as Ann and I might be, I’m fairly skeptical we were the draw, especially given our old-broad status. My suspicions were affirmed when Mia took a subtle lead to show me what appealed to her. She was equally engaged when something caught my eye. And even when we made her try on “Golden Girls” attire, Mia was a good sport. (Those photos have been deleted to protect the innocent.) 

As it turns out, I loved everything about our day. Maybe I’m not so out of it after all. Or maybe we have a misguided view of what young people value and enjoy.

To reinforce the point, my son now endorses a new app that merges my habits with his youthful modalities. Nytch App is launching in Northern California (Yolo & Sacramento to start). This request-based app offers same-day convenience with a vast network of responsive mom & pop experts. Brilliant!

From what I’ve observed, online-only is a false stereotype. It’s true; the new generation appreciates the ease of purchasing with a browser, but they’re also conscientious about their world and invested in quality experiences. Shopping small fits them as well as Mia fits the fashion world (and as much as Nytch fulfills a niche).

I’ve listened to the young—I hope you do too.

(Check out Nytch wherever you get your apps, www.nytch.me, or watch my video link on Facebook and Instagram.)

 

 

Get To Know Me

I’m shopping Northern California’s best downtown secrets and bringing them to you. These hidden destinations are your sources for trusted advice, quality, and noteworthy style found by resident experts, not an algorithmic search engine. To elevate the standard, I only recommend excellence—businesses I’ve tried myself—because I make the majority of my purchases with a shop small/shop local attitude.

Why am I upside down? Because doing the obvious, like Amazon, is boring!

Why am I upside down? Because doing the obvious, like Amazon, is boring!

For more than 10 years, I featured top-notch goods, services, and food by independents in my hometown’s newspaper, but a medical odyssey deprived me of shopping for the better part of a year. Once the opioids were clear, I went on a healthy spending bender and blew my borders. To all of Northern California.

Take that, Percocet!

Despite online trends, there’s still a substantial marketplace where you can experience unique items chosen by mom & pop—not a distant focus group. Even though delivery trucks storm our neighborhoods and my Gen Z son warns me about evolution, there’s a lot to appreciate in personalized settings by knowledgeable folks who know your name.

Receiving a yes when requesting a donation for the PTA isn’t bad either.

So the next time you shop only to find empty storefronts, cookie-cutter clutter, or a confusing online onslaught where dependability is questionable, think about Downtownnorcal and what you can confidently buy and bring home today.

 In other words, come with me. And live a little! 

About Me

Married ballroom dancer, mom of UO son (Go Ducks!) and two rescued dogs. I’m civically promiscuous, prefer the indoors, great R&B, and the second glass of wine. I’m also a Muscular Dystrophy and Tarlov Cyst Disease patient.

Meet Beazley, our 13 year-old love. He can't spell, but he's great at telling the time: It's always 5:00!

Meet Beazley, our 13 year-old love. He can't spell, but he's great at telling the time: It's always 5:00!

Rasputin (aka: Raspy) had some terrible horrible, no good, rotten, bad families before us. He doesn't get far from the Prozac, but as you can see, that's just fine after a busy day.

Rasputin (aka: Raspy) had some terrible horrible, no good, rotten, bad families before us. He doesn't get far from the Prozac, but as you can see, that's just fine after a busy day.