Real Cities: San Francisco
Stephanie is The RealReal’s Private Client Group Luxury Manager for the San Francisco Bay Area. From Russian Hill to Noe Valley, she meets clients in their homes on consignment appointments to help them maximize the value of their luxury goods. As a regular at some of the most stylish spots in the city, we asked Stephanie to share her go-to places for fancy coffee, home decor, city escapes and more.
What brought you to San Francisco?
I moved to Palo Alto for my first job right after I graduated college, and ended up staying for four long years. I would drive to San Francisco every weekend for dinners and drinks with friends and one day stumbled across a “for rent” sign in Pacific Heights. So here I am!
What neighborhood do you live in?
I lived in Pacific Heights for four years on a quaint, tree-lined street and moved in with my fiancé in Russian Hill last year. I love our views, but I miss my favorite boutiques on Fillmore Street and Alta Plaza Park.
Your favorite coffee shop in the city?
Saint Frank hands down! I never thought I would pay $5 and wait 10 minutes for a cup of pour-over coffee, but I have succumbed to the San Francisco coffee snobbery.
What’s your SF weekend uniform?
During the day you can find me in smoking slippers from Charlotte Olympia or any unique smoking slipper (my favorite have embroidered standard poodles) and Paige boyfriend jeans. We love food and getting dressed up for dinner, so in the evening I opt for a cocktail dress from Giambattista Valli or leather leggings and a silk blouse. And heels of course! My fiancé uses the phrase, ‘the higher the heel, the closer to god.’
Is there somewhere you always find yourself shopping?
I love cooking and hosting dinner parties, so I find myself stopping into Hudson Grace quite frequently to pick up anything from new candles (they have their own candle line, and it’s to die for) to their Italian earthenware serving pieces. They also have a giant dining table with stacks of amazing coffee table books — I want them all!
Do you have a go-to salon or beauty destination?
I hate getting my hair cut, so since I only go 3-4 times a year, I splurge and visit Alex Chases. He’s the best! And for nails (I get a pedicure almost every week), I go to Sydney Nails in the Marina. They are all about attention to detail and don’t rush.
Where’s the best local getaway?
I love escaping the city on foggy days and driving 10 minutes over the Golden Gate to Dipsea in Marin for breakfast followed by a hike on Mt. Tam. And with Napa only an hour away, we drive up to Ad Hoc for dinner occasionally.
Who serves the best cocktail in the city?
I drink mostly red wine and bourbon, so for a good old-fashioned I go to The Battery and for wine I like Amelie or Spruce.
Is there a place you recommend to all your clients?
Cotogna in Jackson Square for Italian and our new favorite sushi spot, Wako. I’m around clothes all day, so talking about my second favorite thing, food, is fun.
Where do you recommend your clients donate items that don’t get accepted for consignment?
I’m very honest with clients about what we can/can’t take and items they should hold on to. If a client wants to donate items to a charity, I recommend Town School Clothes Closet and Dress for Success. Also, I always provide alternative consignment options for designers we don’t accept or items that are too dated. I’m very transparent and honest; trust is everything when you’re in someone’s home.
