Mystery Mister – Haight Street’s wild child
Owners and veterans of the local vintage scene, Rochelle Baker and Graciela Ronconi, have stocked their curiosity shop full of clothing, jewelry, and antiques that channel the eccentric vibe of a 1920s bohemian speakeasy or a Victorian parlor.
Browse the shelves and wonder: who’s the mystery mister who sported that 19th century sealskin top hat? Or, what mystery missus partied the night away in the irresistibly spangly 60s go-go frock?
Ronconi scouts the threads and jewelry — fur collared coats, Pucci-esque dinner jackets and 1940s cufflinks — while Baker, an ace display designer, peppers the shelves with 1920s illustrated children’s books, antlers, anatomical charts, old glass pharmaceutical vials, religious statues, Victorian mirrors, and baskets full of ceramic doll parts.
1506 Haight, SF | (415) 552-4226 | mysterymister.com
Piper’s Shoe Parlor – It’s a family thing
Piper’s Shoe was founded in 2011 by siblings Justin and Jessica Dega, who hail from a family of entrepreneurs based in the Midwest. Growing up, they lived in a teepee and spent summers in Taos, New Mexico. From their parents – hippies with a passion for collecting antiques – they inherited a reverence for nature and a respect for trades people and their handcrafted wares. Taking inspiration from their shared admiration for the iconography of the Old West and the Southwest, 1960s and ‘70s rock music, working-class heroes, and all things vintage, Justin and Jessica carefully stock Piper’s with an exceptional range of quality merchandise, including American made boots and shoes as well as their mother’s handmade jewelry.
Piper’s 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SALE is currently running with a different sale every day for the first 12 days of December. Check the Piper’s Facebook page for sale details.
1682 Haight Street, SF. (415) 553-6884
Market Street Cycles
A bicycle shop on San Francisco’s biggest commuting route that opens at 8am, you say? What a concept! But there’s more…
It’s hard to see how a bicycle shop at the busiest cycling intersection in San Francisco could still feel like a neighborhood bike shop, but that’s what Matt and John down at Market Street Cycles have managed to do. In part it’s because one or both of them is always there, so they have a very real interest in making sure your cycling needs are being taken care of in a friendly, professional and thorough manner But it’s also because these guys are well aware of how it feels to go into a bike shop and feel talked down to, dismissed, or even ignored because the people working there don’t think you fit in with their idea of cycling culture, aren’t “hard-core” enough to warrant their full attention, or just plain don’t care about their work enough to give you proper customer service.
There is no bike shop ‘tude at Market Street Cycles, just honest advice, expert repair, great bikes, and friendly service. Whether you need a quick flat fix, some fenders and lights for the winter weather or a complete overhaul, John and Matt are San Francisco’s go-to bike guys. They are there when and where you need them, at the heart of The City.
If you’re looking for a bike to give as a gift this holiday season, Market Street Cycles is the perfect place to go. They carry the ever-popular and affordable Surly brand. And now that the 2013 Jamis bikes have arrived, all 2012 models are 10% OFF while supplies last.
1592 Market, SF. (415) 255-2453
Secession Art & Design’s holiday collection and party
Secession Art & Design’s holiday collection has arrived! Showcasing over 50 independent designers for men, women, and children, you are sure to find that unique gift for every person on your list and even something special for yourself! Secession curates everything from affordable art, hand-made jewelry, custom coats, urban t-shirts, sweet onesies, and more. The main gallery features original paintings and screenprints by Hilary Williams and hand-cut paper art by Bird Mafia, two artists that have a playful take on the urban and natural world with vibrant colors and intricate textures. Find two working artist studios nestled in our store where you can watch the process of art and jewelry being created by in-house artist Heather Robinson and designer Colleen Mauer.
Please join Secession for their holiday party at 3361 Mission St. on Friday, December 7 from 6:30-9:30pm. Shop, drink, and meet the talented makers. Enjoy complimentary wine, small bites, and DJ.
Secession Art & Design would like to thank you for voting them 2012 SFBG Best Art Gallery in the Bay!
Sacred Rose Tattoo
Sacred Rose Tattoo has been a Bay Area favorite since 1998. Owner, Karen Roze and her experienced staff of internationally acclaimed and award winning artists are available by appointment or walk in to give you the very best in artistic tattooing. Their two studios are equipped with state-of-the-art sterilization and the highest quality pigments. Sacred Rose Tattoo artists are all educated in the fine arts, with the majority holding advanced degrees. Artitst’ portfolios are on view at their website to assist you in choosing the tattooist who best suits your tastes.
The Berkeley location at is an open and friendly environment with an art gallery in the waiting area, while the Albany location provides complete privacy in addition to a comprehensive approach to service and physical comfort by offering acupuncture on site. They also offer permanent cosmetics, facial aesthetics, medical acupuncture, and massage by Naandi Puja Joy, L.Ac.
Refillable gift cards can be purchased for that perfect holiday gift: a tattoo from Sacred Rose Tattoo, the gift that lasts forever!
1728 University, Berk. (510) 883-1083 | 1503 Solano, Albany. (510) 524-1503
DeAnna Gibbons Millinery
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for the bon vivant on your holiday list? Gibbons’ Mission District studio offers hand made hats for men and women, as well as for theatrical performances (in case said giftee drifts toward the unconventional).
Drawing on over 25 years of experience and working with international retailers, costume shops, and individuals, DeAnna Gibbons specializes in bespoke headpieces for the lover of fashion-forward headwear. The studio is based in a sunny historic building built in 1888. Stop by during posted walk-in hours to check out the ongoing hat-making workshops or to make an appointment, or visit the website here.
1364 Florida, SF