Plus, local Francophiles only have a few days left to shop Hayes Valley's Gazette, Half Moon Bay welcomes a new general store that harkens back to simpler times, and Marin's Zenni partners with black-owned Coco + Breezy for an eye-catching kids' collection.
(Courtesy of Gazette)
Beloved small business shutters. Hearts break. Neighborhood forever changed. Unfortunately this story has been playing out time and again since Covid-19 arrived. The latest chapter involves Gazette, Hayes Valley's chic boutique filled with French goodies.
The Gough Street store's last day in biz is Sunday, August 30th. Make an appointment to shop, say goodbye, and get 20 percent off everything—striped shirts galore, candles, and skincare to get that French girl glow. Although our friend and store owner Charlotte Boedec is sad about the closing, she's also grateful: "Gazette has had an amazing journey in Hayes Valley, and it's all thanks to the clients, the fans, and the staff. The neighborhood is filled with passionate Francophiles and I couldn't have wished for a better spot for a great start."
The silver lining? The store will live on online. Magnifique! // 334 Gough St. (Hayes Valley),gazette-store.com
(Courtesy of SF Museum of Craft + Design)
Who knew political pottery was a thing? And that we would love it so very much? Duh, artist Justin Rothshank did. His series of wheel-thrown mugs and plates—née Political Pottery—fuse functional dishware with social commentary.
The artist's newest pieces, handcrafted of earthenware clay with a white glossy glaze, feature a smiling black-and-white image of proud Oaklander and vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris (yes!) surrounded by colorful blooms. Not only will the mugs and salad plates brighten your kitchen and your mood, the purchases help support SF's Museum of Craft and Design, which, like all museums, could really use the help right now.
Our plan? To mix a few KH pieces with others from the dishwasher-safe collection—think Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Lewis, The Obamas, and Mr. Rogers. Mugs are $52 each; salad plates are $65 each. // Shop online at shop.sfmcd.org
(Courtesy of Jupiter & Main)
In these crazy times, 2,000 square feet of serene space filled with homey home goods, the calming smells of candles and body products, and top-shelf barware is exactly what folks need to relax while bringing home a slice of positivity and style. At least this is the thinking of local owners Kevin and Colleen Henney who designed the just-opened Jupiter & Main to mimic the general stores of bygone days.
"We believe that simple, quality-made goods bring joy to life, and the use of them is truly an act of meditation. Simple is the new high-tech, slow is the new fast, and home is the new getaway," says Ms. Henney. Fitting in with the authentic theme, J&M stocks brands that have stood the test of time as well as small makers. We're most excited about the apothecary, skincare, shaving, and haircare products. // 432-B Main Street (Half Moon Bay), jupiterandmain.com
(Courtesy of Zenni)
Whether back to school is real or virtual, now's the time for students to see things with clear eyes. Novato-based Zenni is helping to bring this vision to life with its just-launched capsule collection: Planet CB by Coco + Breezy x Zenni. It features eight fun frames—prescription, non-prescription, and sunnies—with signature C + B design details that celebrate individuality and positivity.
A few standouts: the leopard detail on the arms of I Am Positive and the contrast coloring and layered materials of I Am Fearless. This collab marks the first time DTC brand Zenni has partnered with another eyewear designer. ICYMI, Black-owned C + B was founded in 2009 by twin designers and DJs Corianna and Brianna Dotson when they were just 19. Their early designs with signature cutouts and architecture-inspired shapes were an instant hit.
Glasses range in price from $26 to $33 with a portion of the proceeds from each purchase going to the Child Mind Institute's Healthy Brain Network. Its aim is to provide greater access to mental health and resources to Black youth. Shop online. // zenni.com
