Michelle's Must-Haves for October
The new Marina HOT SPOT. A split between a 70’s dive bar and a sexy disco, the old Hi Fi is THE place to be in the Marina (even for those in their 40’s, 50s and beyond).
It’s that time of year! The Guardsmen have taken over the parking lot at 610 Old Mason near SportsBasement, so buy your pumpkins, play Cornhole (on October 25th!) and get ready to purchase your christmas trees- all while helping kids go to camp!
So, it’s not because I am biased… But I am amazed with Cultivar’s new fall menu. The pork chop. The blood orange and burrata. The chef’s pasta. The loaded mashed potatoes. These are all new items you must try, but don’t worry, they still have the grilled cheese and tomato soup.
A few weeks ago I was invited to a small lunch welcoming Dr. Julius Few to San Francisco. I’ve become obsessed with the goop peptide serum he helped develop, and was intrigued to hear more. After a short discussion with him I decided to try his clean retinol along with a few other products and I have been amazed with the transformation thus far. You can find his products at Goop at Marin Country Mart or at Neiman Marcus in Union Square. He and his team have the highest standards for clean beauty, but also produce the best results.
This week I am modeling in the St. Francis YachtClub Fashion Show, and therefore had to go to a fitting at The Store in Mill Valley. DANGER ZONE! I hadn’t visited The Store in years, but immediately found more than enough outfits to walk down the runway in. I’ve featured Freya hats (originally founded in San Francisco!) before, but I’m now obsessed with their felt hats in addition to the straw summer hats. I tried one on at The Store and brought it straight home. Do you may see me posting with a new look in the coming weeks.
October, 2022
Reveille Coffee on Chestnut Street
Another Reveille location has popped up in San Francisco and I am so glad it’s in the Marina. I haven’t had a go-to coffee spot since Le Marais left, but now Reveille is filling that void! I highly recommend their matcha, breakfast bowls, and breakfast sandwiches. The staff is welcoming, the clientele is great for people-watching, and the coffee and pastries do not disappoint!
Caitlin Geier Fisher
After essentially saving her Instagram posts over the years for style inspiration, I’m so excited for the launch of Caitlin’s new website! Caitlin is one of my favorite humans in San Francisco (technically she lives in Marin but I still see her plenty in the city!). We met when she was on my Junior League Fashion Show committee. Her style is refined but seemingly effortless, classic but playful, and truly timeless. Each time I see her content, I find myself with a few go-to’s, like the Pamela Munson bags or an inside tip on a Real Real Chanel ballet slipper deal. I highly suggest following her Instagram and her new website!
Matilda’s Bloombox
I was just about to publish my October Must Have when a friend sent me a note about Matilda’s Boombox. This San Franciscan-owned flower company is sustainable and supports local growers! I had no idea that when I ordered flowers, they would come from hundreds of miles away. Matilda’s is a weekly delivery service starting at only $39 that can make you feel GOOD about having beautifully fresh-cut flowers in your home! My first delivery just arrived and I’m in heaven!
There are two spooktacular Halloween events perfect for families and children coming up in the next few weeks:
Goblin Jamboree
Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum is a MUST! They combine STEAM learning with their beautiful indoor/outdoor campus sitting just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. They recently renovated their space, and now, even my almost 9-year-old loves going to spend the morning there climbing on the structures in Gum Nut Grove. Don’t miss Goblin Jamboree on Saturday, October 22nd!
The California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences will host “Super Natural” on Friday, October 28th, welcoming families and children of all ages. This evening event has fabulous adult, teen, and child-friendly activities, and catering, and it makes you feel like the museum is “yours” for the evening with live entertainment, trick-or-treat stations, face painting, and more!
Break out your cashmere cable knits and boots- but make sure to layer because it’s OCTOBER in San Francisco.
As residents here know, the weather can go from “crisp, cool, and foggy” to “sunny and hot” in a matter of hours during this time of year.
Take advantage of our amazing weather this month and get outside with your friends and family, while socially distanced and wearing masks of course. My top suggestion? A stroll down Clement Street in the Inner Richmond, one of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods. Looking for a day trip? Last weekend my family made our annual trip to the Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch, coupled with a mandatory visit to The Marshall Store for oysters. Looking to learn? More on The Exploratorium and The Bay Area Discovery Museum below.
September and October are typically harvest season in wine country but sadly we are all adjusting to a new normal of wildfire season, which has affected so many small and family-owned businesses in Napa and Sonoma. Our hearts are with all of those affected, and I will be posting about some of these businesses on my Instagram in the coming weeks. As we adjust to this and other new normals, please wear your masks (my favorites below) and remember to VOTE!
October, 2021
October Must Haves are HERE!
What have you been loving this month? Read on to find my favorites
The Caviar Company
It’s just always the right time for caviar. This San Francisco-based company is owned by sisters, has a Union Street storefront, and has just opened a Tiburon tasting room- run don’t walk! I asked the Caviar Company to come to serve at a recent event and was so glad I did. I’m signing up for their Caviar Club ASAP.
Soiree San Francisco
Celebrating my birthday in late September, I felt it was time for. Gasp paper invitations. My first stop was Misty Meyer of Soiree San Francisco. Their service and attention to detail was impeccable. I was quickly reminded that the holiday card season is essentially HERE I am finalizing my list and not overthinking the photos this year- but will be contacting Misty ASAP.
Norcina
As the fog rolls in, a delicious pasta dish is just so comforting. I was thrilled when Kaitlynn Bauman, a graduate of Greens, Presidio Social Club, and Cotogna, opened a Marina location of her Italian restaurant with a California twist. Must try the Aperol spritz flight!
Courtgirl
Tennis is a year-round sport, and I’m always looking for new gear. Huge thanks to a friend and Must-Haves follower who sent me this lead. Water bottles, socks, totes, journals, and even cocktail napkins will keep you in the fall SWING on the court.
October, 2020
JCrew Cashmere Crewneck
This is an October must-have if there ever was one. Whether it be in Heather Camel, Coal Grey, Dark Grape, or, my favorite- classic Navy- you can’t go wrong with this wardrobe staple. Good news for SF residents- you can wear it year-round!
Neat Method
I am ALWAYS a fan of home organizing. When you are feeling fed up with your space, spending a few hours with Neat Method can make it feel fresh and new again. Are you moving? Neat Method will do it for you! Imagine walking into a perfectly organized home, with systems you can keep up with! I interviewed the owner of the SF/Marin Neat Method business for some tips on how to keep it all together- and tidy.
Zoe’s Loving Lanyards
How can you keep your mask easily accessible and help others? Order a lanyard from Zoe’s Loving Lanyards! This pint-size SF female entrepreneur started making lanyards just a few months ago, and $5 from each sale goes to the San Francisco Boys and Girls Club. I have them in navy and pink.
Lost California
Many are familiar with the West Third Brand scent Band of Outlaws, but my Fall Favorite is Lost California. Goodbye to the citrus scents of summer and COME HITHER sage, bergamot, and vanilla musk. West Third Brand can be found at many local boutiques on Chestnut and Union Street. Stroll in and experience it for yourself!
