ALERT: before you continue into the venture of Held Over, please press play to set the mood for our trip down vintage lane.
This place screams vintage. It smells vintage, it feels vintage, it sounds vintage, shit, it even tastes vintage. If you are looking for the hot spot for some vintage on Haight this is where it’s at. With it’s classic music, vintage framed pictures, and it’s Roman-esque feel, this place is completely full to the brim with everything you need for fall accessorizing.
First up, don’t tell Stella but we found the fur. From faux to real, $48 to $145, awaken that sassy ego and throw on that goddamn fur, cause darling we know you want too.
Next up, by now you’re fingers are probably feeling the nip of the winter approaching. Keep it ladylike, stay away from fingerless mittens and try something classy, some leather? You got it. Any color you like from $18 to $24, such a deal.
Because the sun never stops shining in beautiful California, you’re going to need some old school shades to frame up that gorgeous face. Just because the wind starts blowing doesn’t mean the sun stops glowing. Grab a pair for $10 to $25, no sweat off your back
Now for the fellas in the house…right this way, we have a lovely selection of everything you need to spruce up those boring spring basics. Hats, belts, ties, and loafer by the dozen.
$15 to $28
Never for whipping, only for wearing…
$12 to $24
And if you’re not already tied up by a lucky lady…
4 for $15
Put those sneakers to rest and act your age not your shoe size…
$18 to $22
Now for an introduction: Welcome to the Meat Locker. What once housed the steamy carcuses of hanging cow flesh is now the lovely location of vintage fedoras and sport coats. Talk about intrigue. The Meat Locker resides in the back of the store holding merchandise at a higher price point.
We could tell you about Ambiance, but instead we were lucky enough to get an interview with a sales associate, so here is what the lovely Molly Molofsky has to say about her workplace…
Lover & Haight-er: What are some of the brands that you carry?
Molly: Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, Free People, Nicole Miller, Kenzie, BCBG, Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, Jeffery Campbell, Lovely People, Michael Kors, LA Made…
L&H: What is the average customer that shops at Ambiance like?
Molly: Ambiance aims to target a wide variety of women, but the majority of women are young professionals who have middle to high income, with a good fashion sense, hip to trends, and a knowledge base of what’s stylish and popular.
L&H: What is your favorite part about working here?
Molly: Helping people look their best, and seeing how different shapes, silhouettes, and styles fit and flatter each woman differently. Just because I don’t like a certain garment on myself often times it looks fabulous on someone else.
L&H: So, Molly, tell us about your discount…
Molly: It’s 30%, or 50% if the item is on sale
L&H: What is a top seller for fall?
Molly: Sweater dresses, wrap sweaters, and pieces that have glitter thread woven into the stitching for holiday wear
L&H: What makes Ambiance unique from other boutiques?
Molly: Definitely what makes Ambiance unique is customer service. We sell a lot of the same things you can find at Macy’s or Nordstorms, but we pride ourselves on making your shopping experience joyful and easy.
Unlike most stores on Haight, this one is going to hurt your wallet. Imagine you’ve died and gone to denim heaven, think Paige, Joe’s, Nobodys, Ksubis, RRL, Diesel, Denim & Thread, Prps, Kicking Mule, Cassette, B.Son, Chip & Pepper, G Star, Nudie, Hudson, Dylan George, Earnest Sewn…the list goes on, what don’t they have? And bravo for low carbon footprints, they focus on buying good from local designers and manufacturers. What could be better than garments designer and created in San Francisco?
Don’t be intimidated by the $$$, the staff is super friendly and informed, and there is always a sale going down.
No wonder why this place is so pricey, it use to be a Wells Fargo!
Not to reiterate and bore you, because we know you know what American Apparel is, hence the recent scandal and it’s presence all over San Francisco (yay for the hipster generation) we’re strictly here to give you the whats up for fall accessories.
Looks like the 80s are coming back, again, because the leg warmers are here! Bust out that blue eye shadow to match accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to wear your scarf over your head “babushka” style like you’re Jewish grandmother this fall because it’s back in style in all colors. We know we aren’t, grammie always had it going on.
Walking down the street, lovin’ and haigh-in’ like usual we ran into these fine fringed babies. You know where to get ‘em (scroll back if you haven’t read up on where to buy Moc’s on Haight yet).
If we had to sum up the contents of Piedmont, we would probably say: a drag queen on acid going to a rave party. Yup, that about wraps it up. Enter if you dare in between the legs of the broad with fishnet stockings and red Fuck-me pumps flapping her legs carelessly out the window. Here is a quote from the website on of who they view themselves:
“The ultimate source for original, custom made fashions, lingerie, fetish wear, hosiery, affordable accessories, unique jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, rhinestones, gloves, fabulous hats, feather boas, wigs, makeup, costumes, fans, purses, cigarette holders and more!” www.Piedmontsf.com
We checked the price points on some far our leg wear and found $12 to $145, $12 if you’re feeling basic, $145 if you gotta have those hot pink sequined, tye-dye, tassels, bejeweled, tone-dipped, pleather leggings.
