Blog Archives
Window shopping: hats
I sure do like a good hat, which makes me also like a good hat store.
Goorin Bros. Hat Shop – Geary Street
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.15.2019
Window shopping: sequins
If you walk all the way through Chinatown on Grant Avenue (as you know we did because of this and this), you’ll pass through the Dragon Gate*, and then skirt the edges of the fanciness that is the retail environment of Union Square.
And good news for fans of dresses that are generously sequined – they appear to be in fashion at this time.**
Valentino
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.15.2019
*You may be wondering what the very first business is that you’ll spot when you leave Chinatown. And it won’t be a surprise when I tell you that it’s Starbucks. Because of course it is.
**How long does “at this time” last in the fashion world? I’m asking for a friend, although I am the current owner of a pair of fabulous Doc Marten boots that are covered in black sequins and you can bet your ass that I’ll be wearing them until the last few sequins fall right off, no matter what fashion says. (True fact: I am wearing them RIGHT NOW as I write the post.)
A bit of a discrepancy
I was in town to attend the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference. One of the activities was a walking tour of the Tenderloin, where we were accompanied by a neon sign expert and an expert in typography; it was the best conference activity I’ve ever participated in.
This sign was a treat to see – there are a couple of interesting things going on with it. To start with, the name of the store is “Jack’s” according to the metal sign, and “Mack’s” if you want to believe the neon. Similarly, the “tailor” on the metal part is changed to “pressing” in neon. But at least “cleaners” is consistent.
And if that’s not enough – although it surely could be! – check out the plastic sign above the neon one. It’s got a lot going on, too.
My thanks to Al Barna and Dr. Shelley Gruendler for being so smart and funny; I look at urbanscapes in a whole new way, thanks to them!
Post Street
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.14.2019
On reflection
“Look up!” That’s what I kept telling myself as I walked around San Francisco. And my apologies to anyone I may have walked into while I was looking up…
O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.14.2019
Where cultures – and the moon – converge
I hope I didn’t oversell this yesterday.
I also hope no one is badly shocked to see a color image on my blog, but this one couldn’t be in anything but color. (Photoshop and I tried it as a black and white, and were in instant agreement that it needed to be in color.) Our evening stroll through Chinatown was a good way to spend the evening, and the part of the street with those red lanterns was an especially nice thing to see.
Grant Avenue
San Francisco, California
photographed 4.15.2019
