If you’re a regular reader you know Fillmore Street is my go-to spot for shopping / eating / hanging when I’m in San Francisco. This Pac Heights neighborhood stretch (I always recommend out-of-towners start at Jackson and Fillmore and walk down to Bush for the best shopping) has been buzzing with new and exciting store openings lately which is exciting, but it’s the smaller local gems that make this street special. My Shop Small favorites? Elizabeth Charles and Freda Salvador.
Elizabeth Charles carries a curated selection of all my favorite designers: Ulla Johnson, Isabel Marant Etoile, Frame Denim, R13, Chloe, Acne and the list goes on. Whenever I am looking for a special piece–a dress for an upcoming holiday party perhaps?–this is my first stop. I love that EC carries just a few of each item so you know you will be one of the only ones in that dress at the party. Always good to know!
The owner, Elizabeth, was also one of the first people I asked for advice when I started buying for Syllabus and I’ve loved getting to know her better over the years. She recently moved back to New York where she originally opened the boutique back in 2002 but I love all of the girls who work at EC and can’t head down Fillmore without popping by to at least say hi.
Freda Salvador (remember when I featured their Union Street location a couple years back?)–a.k.a. the coolest boots you’ll ever own. Even though I now own a handful of their boots (this pair is my absolute fave!) I can’t help but always have a style on my wish list. Currently I’m digging their latest velvet capsule collection… but also have my eye on this classic Chelsea style.
One thing that I think is particularly rad about the Freda ladies are their innovative collaborations with other creatives and artists. For the month of November they’ve partnered with London based artist, Tom Jean Webb–showcasing his work alongside their latest fall / winter collection. Not to be missed! You can find out more about the collab and other entrepreneurs inspiring the design duo on their blog here.
Additional local shop small favorites not to be missed while on Fillmore:
Curve (my ultimate credit card danger zone–an ultra-cool high end edit of designers)
Mudpie (super cute baby / kids shop and perfect for gifts)
Thank you to American Express for partnering with me on this shop small series (you can read about additional shop small favorites here: Best Sacramento Antique Shopping). As a reminder, Amex is making it twice as rewarding to shop small this holiday season. (A great time to support local during this holiday season). You can learn more about this rewards program here, and if you’re not sure which small shops are part of this program you can search qualifying small businesses on their map.
Photography | Andrea Posadas
