San Francisco

[kittya]

Going there for four days. Not planning to do much shopping but, is there anything that is really worth buying that is better value there? and, of course, what about childrens clothes? or, can you get everything here now?

Gymoboree for children's clothes.

Does anything go clothes wise?

I was thinking of the same kind of stuff I wear here. I think LA will be a different kettle of fish.

We visited SF as part of our honeymoon - and I brought tons of Dermalogica stuff back home - walked past a beauty shop and saw they had the entire range and sooooo cheap!

We spent 2 days in Napa and it was the highlight of the whole honeymoon! We hired bikes and just went from vineyard to vineyard) One specialised in champagne which was lovely and another was based on a Tuscan vineyard and had an amazing deli with cheeses etc etc. I still think about it!

I really enjoyed Alcatraz - but pre booked tickets from the UK. Heard that the seals have gone from Fishermans Wharf (yes its tacky but all part of SF!). The cable car ride is a must too!

Also loved the Cheesecake Factory - and we got very, very drunk in a Tapas Restaurant one night and ended up drinking irish coffees in a bar which claims they were invented there - I haven''t been able to have one since!

I used to live there as well (love that city!) and I am fairly certain that they do made-to-order jeans at the Levi shop in Union Square for quite a reasonable price. I never did this, though I always meant to. You know how tough it is to find the perfect pair of jeans - imagine ones that were cut specifically to your measurements! Obviously it would take a while for them to be made, but I'm sure they would post them to you when you're back in the UK.

And cheaper Benefit... Have fun!

Do Benefit have their own shop?

yes . loads of Benefit shops all over.. you can walk in off the street too and get your eyelashes dyed and things.. I used to grab a takeaway coffee and sit and get my lashes dyed ...fun ...have a wonderful time...I second Gymbree for clothes...they are the ebst clothes for kids, so cute and wear so well...

what about older girls 8 plus?

Gymboree, Old Navy and Gap .. I used to get beautiful dresses in Nordstrom ... and be sure to find a Ross..they are like TK Maxx, but with much more stock ...