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10 of Our Fave SF Shops for Style on a Budget

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You know those times, like now with the scent of back-to-school in the air, when you have a visceral need to S-H-O-P? The fact that you haven't sat in homeroom or baked cookies for study group in a decade or two is beside the point. Truth is, you do need some wardrobe refreshers and transitional pieces to give your closet a jolt. And while we're always proponents of investment items, sometimes the budget just needs a break. With that, here are 10 of our favorite SF stores—indies to re-sellers—for wallet-friendly fashions.

Have a favorite to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below

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Weston Wear

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Julie Weston is a San Francisco designer whose super-comfy, sometimes psychedelic-print dresses and skirts go from work to cocktails with ease. She's been designing, making and selling clothes in SF for a few decades now, and it all just keeps getting better. The prices are beyond reasonable, and the sale racks are unparalleled.

Crossroads Trading

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Although there are Crossroads locations all over the Bay, the flagship Pac Heights store has always been our favorite. In our HO, it has the best selection of contemporary and designer labels, as well some new items—all of which are in-season, on-trend and priced just right. (Who doesn't love guilt-free shopping?). You can save even more if you bring in your own clothing haul and use your 50 percent trade toward your new loot.

Ver Unica

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The vintage clothing here is upscale, but the prices are accessible. Also, it carries contemporary indie jewelry from Sweet Bird, Metal Smith, and 1228, fragrances from Sebastian Signs, and vintage-inspired new clothing from Kit Kit Dodge and more.

Azalea Boutique

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Azalea has a newer location in the Mission, but the Hayes Valley original holds a special place in our hearts. Most of the tees, sweaters, denim, dresses and accessories are made for SF living—chic enough for work and cool enough for play. Plus, most prices are easy on the wallet. Check out the sales racks in the back (watch your step), often filled with stylin' scores.

Brandy Melville

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It's kinda funny that this hotter-than-hot Italian retailer has Cali-girl style down to a tee with its very own tees, tops, skirts, dresses and jeans, most of which come in one size. Sure, the affordable clothing (a top and bottom for less than $50 is the norm) skews to teens and twentysomethings. But done right, there may be a few pieces for those who skew a bit older.

De Novo

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This Marina boutique and big sis on Fillmore are go-tos for affordable, cute and sassy dresses, tops and skirts. The charming shops are home to a particularly excellent jewelry selection. Offerings are colorful and tend toward girly—so if this is your aesthetic, consider yourself hooked.

Saks OFF 5TH Avenue

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Opened in May, the 40,500-square foot shopping mecca, is a boon for those who love the hunt—and saving mucho dinero. Find lots of designer names for guys and girls at steep discounts. We're particularly smitten with the accessories (sunglasses and handbags) on the first floor. Shoes on the lower level ain't nothing to sneeze at either. Guys, two words: awesome suits. [Photo]

Warby Parker

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Warby Parker's wide selection of eyewear at reasonable prices is the main reason hipsters and socialites alike flock to the airy Hayes Valley shop. The majority of frames (with prescription lenses) and sunglasses sell for $95. Another good reason to shop: a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need with every pair sold. [Photo]

Jest Jewels

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Despite the name, Jest Jewels carries some seriously cute jewelry. Most of it is of the costume variety, but you'll find enough Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones to help you get your fancy on right. Lots of options for lots of tastes at really palatable prices. [Photo]

Marmalade

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Any shop founded by a former Kiss wardrobe stylist cannot be bad. And Hope Colling's Cow Hollow shop is very good indeed, with plenty of versatile, wearable fashions at affordable prices: almost everything in the store is well under $100.

Weston Wear

Julie Weston is a San Francisco designer whose super-comfy, sometimes psychedelic-print dresses and skirts go from work to cocktails with ease. She's been designing, making and selling clothes in SF for a few decades now, and it all just keeps getting better. The prices are beyond reasonable, and the sale racks are unparalleled.

Crossroads Trading

Although there are Crossroads locations all over the Bay, the flagship Pac Heights store has always been our favorite. In our HO, it has the best selection of contemporary and designer labels, as well some new items—all of which are in-season, on-trend and priced just right. (Who doesn't love guilt-free shopping?). You can save even more if you bring in your own clothing haul and use your 50 percent trade toward your new loot.

Ver Unica

The vintage clothing here is upscale, but the prices are accessible. Also, it carries contemporary indie jewelry from Sweet Bird, Metal Smith, and 1228, fragrances from Sebastian Signs, and vintage-inspired new clothing from Kit Kit Dodge and more.

Azalea Boutique

Azalea has a newer location in the Mission, but the Hayes Valley original holds a special place in our hearts. Most of the tees, sweaters, denim, dresses and accessories are made for SF living—chic enough for work and cool enough for play. Plus, most prices are easy on the wallet. Check out the sales racks in the back (watch your step), often filled with stylin' scores.

Brandy Melville

It's kinda funny that this hotter-than-hot Italian retailer has Cali-girl style down to a tee with its very own tees, tops, skirts, dresses and jeans, most of which come in one size. Sure, the affordable clothing (a top and bottom for less than $50 is the norm) skews to teens and twentysomethings. But done right, there may be a few pieces for those who skew a bit older.

De Novo

This Marina boutique and big sis on Fillmore are go-tos for affordable, cute and sassy dresses, tops and skirts. The charming shops are home to a particularly excellent jewelry selection. Offerings are colorful and tend toward girly—so if this is your aesthetic, consider yourself hooked.

Saks OFF 5TH Avenue

Opened in May, the 40,500-square foot shopping mecca, is a boon for those who love the hunt—and saving mucho dinero. Find lots of designer names for guys and girls at steep discounts. We're particularly smitten with the accessories (sunglasses and handbags) on the first floor. Shoes on the lower level ain't nothing to sneeze at either. Guys, two words: awesome suits. [Photo]

Warby Parker

Warby Parker's wide selection of eyewear at reasonable prices is the main reason hipsters and socialites alike flock to the airy Hayes Valley shop. The majority of frames (with prescription lenses) and sunglasses sell for $95. Another good reason to shop: a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need with every pair sold. [Photo]

Jest Jewels

Despite the name, Jest Jewels carries some seriously cute jewelry. Most of it is of the costume variety, but you'll find enough Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones to help you get your fancy on right. Lots of options for lots of tastes at really palatable prices. [Photo]

Marmalade

Any shop founded by a former Kiss wardrobe stylist cannot be bad. And Hope Colling's Cow Hollow shop is very good indeed, with plenty of versatile, wearable fashions at affordable prices: almost everything in the store is well under $100.