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The Mission, in the heart of the City by the Bay, might be known nationwide as one of the trendiest and most innovative neighborhoods when it comes to food, but don’t let all the restaurants fool you—the shopping options are just as exquisite. Whether you are looking for home accessories, jewelry by local artists, contemporary fashion, or something random and quirky, the Mission has it all.
Reformation
, 914 Valencia Street
After LA and NYC, San Francisco is the third city to welcome one of our favorite eco-friendly fashion brands. Considering the tech spirit of the city, Reformation is offering a new way to shop by implementing touch-screens in fitting rooms so you don’t need to zip up your jeans half way and run barefoot through the store to get another color or size. Just simply choose your items, and they will “magically” appear. Another cool gimmick: You can choose your preferred light! Bye fluorescent light that creates more cellulite than really exists. Get your best glow with Sexy Time, Basic, Cool, or Golden light options.
Little Paper Planes,
855 Valencia Street
It started as an online community of artists, but founder Kelly Lynn Jones wanted to have a space for her customers to come to feel, touch, and experience the beautiful items. The store is filled with jewelry, books, stationery, beauty products, and clothes from carefully selected local makers. It’s the perfect place to go when you need a gift for your BFF (or yourself).
The Voyager Shop
, 365 Valencia Street
This is one of those places you want to Instagram before you browse. Sourcing contemporary fashion and homewares from around the world, the Voyager feels like hip traveler’s home. Carefully folded clothes on reclaimed wood tables, a living green wall, and styled displays will have you feeling inspired.
Azalea Boutique
, 956 Valencia Street
The San Francisco go-to store for women’s and men’s fashions, Azalea has you covered with everything from hard-to-find jeans, fancy dresses, cute shoes, and much more. The store on Valencia is the second one after the Hayes Valley location and features brands like Mara Hoffman, A.P.C, Naked and Famous, and their own Alazea brand.
Paxton Gate Curiosities
, 766 Valencia Street
Looking to add a taxidermied animal or some framed butterflies to your home decor? Then you must stop by this quirky shop. Paxton Gate is almost an SF institution (open since 1992) when it comes to finding unusual gifts inspired by nature. If stuffed animals aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other curiosities you can choose from.
Heath Ceramics,
2900 18th Street
If you can only buy only one thing in San Francisco, let it be something from Heath Ceramics. Chances are, no matter where you live, you have eaten something on a Heath Ceramics plate. The ceramics factory and shop is famous for their dinner wares, vases, and tiles. The bright and airy shop in the Mission offers their full collection, and you can even peek inside the production facility.
Aldea Home + Aldea Baby
, 890 Valencia Street
With two locations on Valencia Street, Adelea is the perfect pitstop for mom and kid. The home shop features everything from luxurious bedding to kitchen wares and home decor, while the shop for the minis has super cute, eco-friendly toys and clothes.
Acacia,
415 Valencia Street
Anyone who appreciates beautiful aesthetics and function will love Acacia. The shop curates well-crafted home objects, sourced by owner Lily, who considers every piece carefully. In addition to home goods, Acacia also has a delightful collection of organic beauty items and personal accessories.
Gravel & Gold,
3266 21st Street
When Gravel & Gold launched their first Boobs t-shirt by artist Cassie McGettigan in 2011, they started a trend. Today, you can find the infamous pattern on almost everything, from cups to pillow cases. And Gravel and Gold? The eclectic little shop continues to feature thoughtful art, vintage fashion, and local jewelry, and also offers workshops to inspire sustainable and conscious shopping.
Le Point,
301 Valencia Street
The minimal, airy space with white walls and floors is a contemporary fashion lover’s dream. Owned and curated by stylist Pauline Montupet, Le Point offers women’s and men’s fashions, jewelry, and small home goods from American and European designers. The bright space is the perfect canvas to display the beauty of the clothes and accessories.
Since shopping can be exhausting, here are three of our favorite food spots where you can refuel.
Souvla,
758 Valencia Street
With three locations across the city, the causal Greek spot is taking San Francisco by storm. Souvla’s simple yet delicious food is all you need to fuel up before your shopping spree. The menu features the most succulent roasted chicken, soft pork shoulder, juicy lamb leg, and sweet potatoes, topped with different ingredients, which you can have in salad form or wrapped in pita bread. Save room for the Greek yogurt with baklava crumbles.
Craftsman & Wolves
, 746 Valencia Street
This spot is essentially a dessert boutique. The delicious creations reassemble small works of art nicely displayed like jewelry. And yet you will want to eat them as soon as possible. If you are craving something savory, the Rebel Within is the way to go. The soft boiled egg in a muffin is what this Mission spot is famous for.
Samovar Tea Lounge
, 411 Valencia St
San Francisco weather can be unpredictable, so if Karl the Fog rolls in, we recommend finding shelter at this chic tea bar and indulging in a cup of chai. Sleek, white concrete and big copper pots create an industrial yet cozy vibe. Their tea selection is excellent, and if you need some bites, they offer pastries and toast.