San Francisco's North Beach is many things but, alas, it's not a beach. What was once the city's waterfront has long since been filled in and built up, first in the 1860s as home to the city's immigrant Italian community, then in the 1950s, when it attracted a generation of Beatnik artists and poets such as Allen Ginsberg. Today, this central San Francisco neighbourhood bustles with trendsetting boutiques worth wading through. And they're only minutes from the city's downtown financial district. The addresses to note are mainly along Grant Avenue, which intersects with some enticing shopping options along Green and Union Streets. A.B. Fits (below; 1519 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 982 5726; abfits.com) does just that thanks to mile-high stacks of jeans from around the world, size 30-plus labels for men and women, including Chip & Pepper, the latest Walk of Shame low-risers (US$165), Blue Cult Extra Skinny Raw (US$220) and more super-skinny styles by newcomer Nudie (from US$160). Commemorate your fashionable travels with a Cavallini map-bound journal (US$13) from Lola of North Beach (1415 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 781 1817; www.lolaofnorthbeach.com ). Grown girls play dress-up across the street at Pixie (1400 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 392 1090; pixieboutique.com), where Chaiken lace lounge jackets (US$268) won't keep anyone warm but look lovely over Ella Moss ruche camisoles (US$75). Adorn's hand-crafted belt buckles, incorporating photographs of the South Pacific or antique illustrations of Mexican gauchos (from US$65), are considered collectors' items in these parts. Around the corner, locally produced designs by Delilah Crown (524 Green Street, tel: 1 415 765 9060; delilahcrown.com) epitomise romantic chic. Skip the bounty of aromatic breads next door at Danilo's Bakery, a North Beach fixture for more than 40 years, if you wish to slip into a pretty pink Dandelion dress (US$180). Bursting with hues from raspberry red to burnt orange, the Daisy blouse (US$92) is suitable for any age, or you can return to the jazz era with a French linen Gatsby Skirt (US$128). Northern California's big chills call for puff-sleeved Trina Turk cashmere turtlenecks ($280) from Ooma (1422 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 627 6963; ooma.net), the name being a whimsical acronym for 'object of my affection'. This local favourite beckons with unique antique baubles and new discoveries, such as frenetic print retro dresses by up-and-coming label Saffron Rare Threads (US$165). Support all these pretty purchases in style by stocking up on European lingerie at Alla Prima (1420 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 397 4077). There's plenty of allure in the extensive collection of Hanro, La Perla and Eres that is squeezed into this thong-sized shop. If you can't bear to bare, swaddle yourself in a cushy made-in-the-US fleece bathrobe from Underwriters (US$110). The buzz around I Dream of Cake (1351 Grant Avenue, tel: 1 415 989 2253; idreamofcake.com), an artisan bakery, has been unbelievable. Owner Shinmin Li is an icing princess, creating edible indulgences in the form of Louis Vuitton handbags, Manolo Blahnik stilettos and even a silver vintage Corvette.
