The intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets in San Francisco served as the hub for America’s counterculture movement beginning in the summer of 1967, known as the Summer of Love. Recapture the spirit of the movement by picking up some vintage threads and vinyl from Haight-Ashbury’s range of one-of-a-kind, independent shops.
A walk down Haight Street isn’t complete without a stop at Amoeba Music. Music, movies and posters from every genre imaginable fill the shelves all the way to the ceiling. Besides the plethora of CDs, DVDs, vinyl and cassette tapes stocked to awe customers, Amoeba frequently hosts free live shows featuring local musicians.
Come hungry and stock up on Haight Street Market’s local fares, ranging from San Francisco coffee staples Philz and Blue Bottle to fresh-made deli sandwiches, organic fruits and veggies, and even straight-out-of-the-oven bread and pastries. The staff is knowledgeable and more than happy to help with recommendations for items sold at the market, including great wine and cheese pairings.
This women’s clothing store carries everything from beaded lace maxi dresses to bright-yellow bell-bottoms. Famed for its unparalleled customer service, finding something for everyone is what Ambiance does best. Ambiance even takes its customer service out of the store, following up with a kitschy postcard a few weeks later: “Thanks for shopping with us! Hope you enjoy all your new goodies. Come back and visit us when your closet needs an update.”
Spotting Piedmont Boutique is an easy task – just look for the giant pair of women’s legs hanging out of a second-floor window. Prices are steep, but many of Piedmont’s costumey trinkets are handmade in the store. Peruse a 100-foot wall of earrings, wigs in every color of the rainbow, make-up, rings, neon spandex pants and lingerie. If a customer can’t find what they are looking for, which is unlikely given Piedmont’s broad selection of wares, they can place an order for custom clothing or accessories and leave with a one-of-a-kind item.
Crossroads Trading Co. is Haight-Ashbury premier vintage clothing store
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With reasonable prices as well as a killer sale section, Crossroads Trading Co. is a good place to stock up on San Francisco style for both men and women on a budget. Offering new and used clothing, Crossroads walks the line between modern fashion and vintage style. Find an assortment of trendy cuts and high-end designer consignment inside.
