Haute 5 Places to Shop in San Fran: Retail Therapy for the Holidays

With Hanukkah already underway and Christmas coming in just more than one week, we are assuming that many members of our haute audience have already wrapped up their holiday shopping. But for those last-minute gift ideas, or for those who just can’t get inspired until the last minute, we bring you the procrastinator’s guide to haute shopping venues.

Union Square

It comes as no surprise that Union Square is at the top of everyone’s list of luxury shopping destinations, particularly with names like Cartier, Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Prada, and Dior leading the lineup. But it is not just the adored luxury brands that entice shoppers to this destination. As Donna N. Ficarrotta of the Union Square Assocation explains, Union Square has much more to offer than retail therapy alone. “At the end of a long, fulfilling day of shopping, don’t forget to reward yourself with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine at Emporio Rulli Il Caffe on Union Square, where you can watch ice skaters glide by and be in the middle of all that is wondrous about Union Square during the holidays. Or if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the new Burger Bar at Macy’s offers a superb view of the Square.”

Bordered by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets, Union Square remains the heart and soul of retail in San Francisco. But for those who remain shopaholics at heart, Haute Living has an exclusive tip. Keith Scott, Director of Cartier in San Francisco told us, “At Cartier in San Francisco, the ultimate gift is the new Trinity XXL bracelet in 18-karat yellow, white, and rose gold with 126 carats of pave diamonds. The design is modern and timeless and nothing makes a statement more than this classic design from Cartier symbolizing love, fidelity and friendship.”

Westfield Valley Fair

This upscale shopping mall has reported the highest-sale volume in California, boasting $809 per square foot, making it a must on our Haute 5 list. Nestled between San Jose and Santa Clara, Valley Fair sits at the corner of Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevards. Got a jewelry buff on your gift list? We certainly recommend stopping by this Montblanc boutique where the store manager’s recommended present picks are the Nicolas Rieussec Timepiece, “Signature for Good” Meisterstuck, “Signature for Good” Star Bead Bracelet, “Signature for Good” 4810 Pendant, and the “Signature for Good” Elegance Blue Stingray Cufflinks. And be sure to check out the mall’s last three events of the “12 Days of Shopping,” where prizes like a $10,000 New York shopping spree with a celebrity stylist await one lucky procrastinator.

Santana Row

Since you’re already on that side of town, a trip to Santana Row, located just south of Valley Fair, is definitely in order. The combination of high-end boutiques sharing space with multimillion-dollar lofts and condominiums, luxury spas, and a 213-room hotel make it one of the unique destinations that shoppers adore. This is where you want to go to satiate your fix for Burberry, Donald J. Pliner, Furla, and Ferragamo. And if you wait a few more days, you can attend the final Tuesday of “Shop, Enjoy & Give” Holiday Wine & Dine Around benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. A $20 ticket gets you food and wine tastings from Santana Row shops and restaurants, a signature wine glass, and exclusive holiday shopping discounts.

Stanford Shopping Center

A trip to Palo Alto to embrace the open-air design of the Stanford Shopping Center is usually the perfect trick to cure any holiday blues. All the usual upscale suspects make appearances here, including Neiman’s, Bloomies, Louis, Ralph, and Cartier. In fact, Aida Smailagic, the director of Cartier Palo Alto told us that a holiday trip to her Stanford locale certainly cannot be missed. “Between our Trinity, Love and new Collection Les Must jewelry, watches, and accessories, I’m sure you can find the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Receiving the Cartier red box is magical.”

Sacramento Street

Depicting the elegance that defines our lifestyles, the shopping district of Sacramento Street is on our retail radars. It encompasses 12 blocks in one of the most luxurious residential neighborhoods in the city between Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights. And while we might notice the absence of some of our favorite international fashion houses, the street makes up for it with high-end boutiques offering interior décor items, antiques, and specialty gift items.