A shopping blogger who lives by the beach sounds like a character lifted from a Cecily von Ziegesar novel, but for Racked SF’s Kristen Philipkoski, it’s real life. The former tech and science journalist made the leap to lifestyle writing and now spends her days canvassing the city’s eclectic retail landscape.
We asked the Pacifica resident to share her sartorial treasure map. Below, Philipkoski’s picks for best vintage, where to find cute kids’ clothing, and which neighborhood to keep an eye on.
Imagine you’re writing the script for your dream haul video. The only rule: Your finds must be from SF stores. Where do you go and what do you buy?
I hit M.A.C. for Dries dresses; Mira Mira for Ace & Jig pants and more dresses, plus a Shakuhachi jumpsuit; Acre/SF for comfy creepers and a coffee; Paxton Gate for succulents, taxidermy, and jewelry; and Joy Bianchi’s House of Helpers for vintage Halston and Margiela.
Which neighborhood will be the next big shopping destination?
Dogpatch. M.A.C. called it with Hayes Valley eons ago, and it opened in Dogpatch two and a half years ago, so I think that means only good things can happen for retail in that hood.
How has retail in the city evolved since you’ve been at Racked?
I launched Racked SF about a year ago, but so much has changed. Union Square has exploded with luxury stores, including Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Scoop NYC, Valentino, the newly relocated Ferragamo, and more. The fight over formula retail in the Mission has intensified and driven away Jack Spade, but I doubt chain retailers will give up on that neighborhood. It should be interesting to see what happens on Valencia Street.
Tell us everything about your hair: stylist, products, color, routine, rituals.
My stylist is Anastasia Panagiotidis at Hair Collective. As for my routine, I guess I’m lucky that I have thick, naturally wavy hair and I don’t have to do much to it (I wish my college self would have realized that and said no to spiral perms). I’m obsessed with Wen conditioning cleanser; and when I use it, I usually don’t use any styling products. When my hair is wet, I twist it into ringlets and let it air-dry. If it’s feeling brittle or I want extra hold, I use Kevin Murphy Curl Defining Lotion (from Hair Collective).
What is the most romantic thing that has ever happened to you in San Francisco?
That’s an easy one: My husband and I got married at Crissy Field and had our reception at the Film Centre in The Presidio.
If you had your own store, what would it be like? What music would you play, how would it smell, what would you sell?
It would be like Atomic Garden in Oakland. The first time I walked into that place, I wanted to move in. I’d have more clothing, and mine would be located near the beach. I’d sell a mix of new and vintage clothing, plus new and vintage home goods and probably surfboards, because I’d love if surfers shopped at my store. I guess it would smell like my favorite candle, Votivo’s Deep Clover, mixed with ocean air. But I would never make any money because I’d want to keep everything for myself. This is just one reason I’ll never actually have my own store.
Your daughter, Frida, is the cutest. What has it been like shopping for her? Share some of your favorite children’s boutiques in the city.
Aw, thank you! Shopping for her is even more fun than shopping for myself, which is something I never thought I’d say. Plus, her clothes are cheaper so we’re saving money in the long run (it’s true). I’ve gotten a lot of cute vintage sweatshirts and overalls at In the Attic in Pacifica. I love the handmade dresses, hats, and booties at Laku, and I love that the store has been there since 1993. I have yet to make it to Chloe’s Closet, but I really need to; everyone raves about it. I also love Tea Collection.
Pretend you just got an email with the Most Exciting Retail News Ever. What does it say?
A joint Céline/Chloé sample sale is coming to San Francisco, and I’m getting exclusive advance access. And there is a $5 rack.
You are a vintage lover. Where in the city do you most often strike gold?
Some of my favorites are Schauplatz, Clothes Contact, Thrift Town, and Painted Bird.
Map out a shopping day in the city for your favorite fictional character.
I pick the unnamed narrator in In Watermelon Sugar, by Richard Brautigan. He lived on a surrealistic commune called iDeath. So the first place I would send him is to the Apple store in Union Square (though ideally this would take place after the crazy new store is built). In the book, the sun and the watermelon change color every day, so I think he would enjoy the iPhone 5c. After that, I’d send him for a burrito at Cancun, followed by some vintage shopping on Valencia. Then a peruse at the 826 Valencia Pirate Store and Paxton Gate might be up his alley. He’d cap off the day with a trip across the city and a stop at Eden & Eden (for a gift for Margaret), then a nice trout dinner at Coi.
Which story on Racked has been most near and dear to your heart?
We did a hottest trainers competition last October, and the winner, by reader votes, was Dudley Flores, a dance instructor I take Rhythm & Motion classes with as often as possible. Not only is he super hot, but he’s the best teacher and sweetest guy. I was so happy he won.
Read more at sf.racked.com and stylenik.com.
Photos: Aubrie Pick for DailyCandy
