Shops from Cities I've Stopped in Along the Way

I am fortunate to travel so much, to see and experience wonderful cities across the world.  These are a few of the small shops and places that have impressed me along the way, outside of my hometowns of Paris and New York.

The center and/or downtown of cities can become so boring thanks to globalization and all the big brand names in fashion and the rest…after a quick visit to Boston, DC, San Francisco and Seattle on my book tour, I’m glad local friends directed me to the “small is beautiful” and wonderful shops…in my favorite areas.

BOSTON

A gorgeous fall day in Boston, one of my favorite US cities, and a few free hours gave me the opportunity for a walk in the lovely Commons, a lunch at the bar of the Four Seasons for a superb beet salad with cranberry bread and visiting charming Beacon Hill once again, particularly shopping Charles Street with The Designers: Leather Clothiers where I finally found the raincoat I’ve been looking for for the past few years—at a fourth of the price of those seen with famous name tags but certainly not the quality. A woman designer from Maine gets the credit. The shop carries men's and women's suede and lambskin leather in everything from jackets to handbags to hats.  

Other little shops I enjoyed visiting and recommend:

Holiday features vintage inspired frocks.  

Baranzelli is a home furnishing store with emphasis on the fabric, what superb quality!

SAN FRANCISCO 

What a beautiful American city.  I like to shopaway from the big stores around Union Square, on the small boutiques of Fillmore Street and surrounding area (near my favorite bakery, and after all the walking up and down hills, there's nothing wrong with a treat of pastry and a creamy cappuccino). Some of them carry local designers, some a mix of local and national or international with super, small designers from Italy, Belgium, France or Denmark. Great choice and eclectic pieces. I did do some damage, but then I have not bought any pieces this year so between Boston and San Francisco I gave myself an early Christmas present. We’ve got to help the economy, non? There is something for every woman in those stores

Margaret O'Leary has fine knitwear and also carries one of my favorite Parisian designers, Majestic. 

Cielo, unique cuts for a fashion forward girl 

Mio