We're crushing hard on three newbie stores: Koio and Sweet & Spark on Fillmore Street, and the Tory Burch flagship in Union Square.
Obviously we think the best way to celebrate International Women's Day is to shop and support our sisters.
(Courtesy of Kayu)
ICYMI: International Women's Day is Friday, March 8th. To honor it, local brands Kayu and Seldom Seen are pulling out all the stops. Kayu has released two limited-edition, handcrafted raffia pouches embroidered with exuberant portraits of Amelia Earhart and Frida Kahlo. Plus, 100 percent of the profits from each $90 purchase will be donated to the Global Fund for Women. Keeping hands off is impossible. The only question is aviator or artist? Like we'd ever choose...two, please. // Shop online at kayudesign.com
Hayes Valley boutique Seldom Seen, along with She's Thriving, a wellness resource and podcast, is getting in on the act by holding a special event on Saturday, March 9th (1pm to 4pm). On the agenda: a general lady celebration and appreciation sesh whereby you can send virtual and/or handmade thank-yous to all the important dames in your life. She's Thriving tees will be available for $20. Note: Shirts are unisex so guys have no excuse not to partake. RSVP now, thrive later. // Seldom Seen, 522 Octavia St. (Hayes Valley), seldomseen.co
Koio opens doors to new real-world store, sneakerheads lose their sh*t...
(Courtesy of Koio)
…because SF is one of the digital-first brand's top markets. Oodles of millennial guys and girls have been adding the high-end, 100-percent made-in-Italy kicks to carts since Koio (pronounced koy-oh) hit the scene four years ago. The label's new Fillmore shop, its fifth brick-and mortar, features a minimalist décor that allows the sleek leather low-tops, high-tops, and baby-tops in sophisticated shades to preen and pop. Ambitious cofounders Johannes Quodt and Chris Wichert got into the sneaker game to create wear-everywhere, ethically made premium footwear at a discount. They have succeeded on all counts. And while at $250 a pair doesn't qualify as inexpensive, a similar quality designer shoe would run double that. Did we mention that Koios are made by the same artisans responsible for Chanel leather goodies? The style that has our tootsies beguiled: Capri Castagna. // 2029 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), koio.co
Tory Burch professes love for SF, shows receipts with glorious new Union Square flagship.
(Courtesy of Tory Burch)
Situated a few blocks away from Tory Burch's teensy accessories-only boutique in Westfield Centre sits the label's new oasis, a full-blown flagship where shoppers can gobble up all the pieces from an extensive ready-to-wear collection as well as handbags, shoes, eyewear, watches, accessories, home goods, and fragrance. The sumptuous interior—with exposed ceilings, custom-gold chandeliers, and a centerpiece lattice structure covered in ivy, lemons, and white blossoms—oozes TB's signature preppy aesthetic, one with a specific nod to the set of the Spring/Summer 2019 runway show. Needless to say, Ms. Burch is delighted with the outcome: "There is no other city like San Francisco. I love the people, the art and, of course, the architecture. We have been wanting to find the perfect location and are thrilled to open in Union Square." // 220 Stockton St. (Union Square), toryburch.com
Be still our hearts: Sweet & Spark brings vintage accessories and modern clothes to life on Fillmore Street.
(Courtesy of Sweet & Spark)
If you consider jangly vintage charm bracelets the bee's knees, join the club—and then head to the most charming boutique we've seen in a while: Sweet & Spark. It's the first brick-and-mortar for the seven-year-old SF brand. A labor of love for cofounders Jillian Bremer and Emilee Hefflefinger, the space is feminine with a French-y vibe and a treasure trove of one-of-a kind (and affordable) vintage accessories from the 1950s through '90s. Those seeking designer costume jewelry by Chanel (including those classic clip-ons!), Cartier, Gucci and Hermès, you're in luck, too. Piles of dazzling hoops and brooches, stacks of brilliant bangles, and layers worth of lockets and pendants beckon from girly displays. The shop's vintage scarf game is next level, and the few pristine vintage handbags sprinkled around will melt your heart. All this, and we haven't even mentioned the curated selection of new clothes—chic sweaters to classic Levi's Wedgie Icon Jeans. Oui, they're intended to serve as a foundation for your newly purchased vintage beauties. Together, utterly timeless. // 2412 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), sweetandspark.com