Anica Boutique

What a Polk St. hidden gem! Lovely selection of high-​fashion and amazing jewelry pieces you would expect to come across in the latest Paris boutiques… designers such as H Fredricksson, Lewis Cho, Eskell, ect. make up the unique selection, and although a small boutique it’s hard to walk out without having fallen for a few pieces (and burning a small hole in your pocket) :)

I love this store! Russian Hills best kept secret. There is a well edited selection that is amazingly appealing for someone like me with such a specific aesthetic and it is so hard to find in S.F.

Anyone who knows me (or the two people who read my reviews) knows that I spend a lot of money on clothes. Let me rephrase, I spend a lot on individual items, kind of a quality over quantity ideology, though some would say by my bloated closet that quantity is a major factor.
Remember those cheap plastic supermarket Halloween costumes? The ones with the mask which almost suffocated you, and that was secured to your head by a thin, grey rubberband held in by a single staple? Very secure. Trick or snap? Oh, it broke.
I wore one of those costumes once when my mother had gone on vacation and I didn’t have anyone to make me a costume. Well, it was awful. I think I made a pact with myself right then and there on the neighbour’s stoop to never wear anything cheap and so poorly made that it disintegrates after one wearing (or during!)
I am often derided by friends and family for my fear of cheap stores like H&M and whatnot. Walking into boutiques like Anica remind me of why I prefer to pay a premium for wellcrafted clothes.
Everything made by someone with an idea of clothing as a means of self-​expression, everything handpicked by someone with a desire to share these pieces with their community. I popped into Anica a few weeks ago with some time to kill, and was graciously welcomed by the shopkeeper who helped me find something unique to fit my budget. I ended up getting an amazingly soft grey skirt with a blue velvet band at the top and an surplice cut. And it hasn’t fallen apart after a wear and wash!
Am I still traumatized by my cheapo costume incident? A bit, and my savings has suffered, but I’m glad it happened, or else I could have ended up dressing like every other girl in town.

At the behest of a fashion blogger interviewed in 7×7 magazine earlier this summer, I decided to swing by Anica specifically to check out their little vintage rack in the back.
What I found was THE most adorable silk, black a-​line skirt with a tiny waist, a poofy skirt, and — my fave detail — pockets! The shopgirl was very sweet, the décor was simple yet chic, and the price wasn’t bad considering the quality of the garment.
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the rest of the merchandise (e.g. the full-​priced stuff) was a little over priced and too progressive style-​wise for my taste.
But when it comes to delish second-​hand shopping on Polk, Anica is a must wear!

Rati is a goddess. She helped me pick an amazing pair of Melissa Vivienne Westwood flats I would have never picked had she not convinced me they looked much better on a foot than on display. This was also a mere five hours before I had a dinner with my boyfriend’s parents and no shoes to wear at all. I took her word and now wear them all the time and visit frequently.
My latest find? A Lady Gray bracelet that is the most unique piece of jewelry I own.
Love this store.

This may be my favorite shop in San Francisco. It’s tucked away on upper-​Polk, just past the bustle of coffee shops and restaurants.
I take fashion fairly seriously, and I think this shop is perfectly edited– proof that it’s not the size of a shop, but rather the contents within.
It reminds me a little of NYC. A little of Paris. (Both places I’ve lived) Go here for beautiful, but fashion forward basics that will wear well for years to come.

Excellent selection and the owner is super sweet and super hip. If I ever need that original piece, this is where I can find it!

I went here Sunday afternoon, November 2, in hopes of finding the actual store as enjoyable as its online presence, only to be sorely disappointed. Same fashion forward brands, but far uglier pieces. And the surly little shopgirl (same one that Irene Z. got probably) couldn’t even be bothered to get off the phone to acknowledge my presence. Although I could tell her phone call was VERY important. Lots of uh-​huhs and yeahs.
I was tempted to bother her by asking her to try something on, but the clothes were too ugly. I would describe them as sexy hipster. (Note: NOT a compliment.) You know, same old ugly fabrics and 80s silhouettes but with a random cutout out here and there to show a bit of skin. An armpit, or maybe an elbow. No thanks.

Great mix of clothing — fun stuff to wear out, quality pieces for work, casual and dressy, affordable and pricier. Friendly staff, too. A great place to shop local.

this place is bad news.
i go crazy in here

great boutique– affordable high fashion! they have the cutest dresses and coats in the display window. it’s in a cute little block surrounded by other cute clothing boutiques and great restaurants. the perfect afternoon stroll w/​your gf’s– great shopping and cute restaurants!

oh no…
Just when I thought my wallet was safe after Dylan relocated to the Marina, Anica pops up within stumbling distance from my house.
I walked in «just to check it out». I won’t say how much later, I walked out with some great basics, a super hot blouse and dress, an antique necklace, and … I didn’t think I was going to go there, but my first pair of leggings since 1989.
The very short list of little boutiques I shop at just got 25% longer.

i love this store! it seriously is the real-​life version of how i always dreamed my closet would be. rati (the owner) has the most amazing taste, and stocks her boutique with the best pieces from lesser-​known as well as more major designers. and sydney (the vintage buyer) also sells her own line, r-​D, on a rack in the back — such creative pieces and all one of a kind. this is a definite must-​stop if you are looking for that one to-​die-​for piece that is sure to make you stand out. yay for anica!

great selection of designer clothing! i went in here because its right next to another fave of mine, in lieu (see my review!), and was delighted to find another great place to shop. i didnt buy anything on this trip, but will certainly be back soon to correct that!

a woman’s clothing boutique… smallish quaint interior… seats by the door to park myself while the females shop… the designs are simple, clean, classy and fem… sexy.but.classy…if that makes any sense… i was caught saying…“if i had a girlfriend. i probably dress her from head to toe from anica”…

I love this boutique! The pieces vary from very simple comfortable dresses with a unique touch to cutesy empire waist minidresses to skinny jeans to vintage pieces. The prices vary just as much as the selection from more expensive, $ 300/​dress to $ 50/​skirt. The selection isn’t overwhelming and cramped, and the owner is the best dresser I’ve seen in awhile. One visit and you’ll be hooked!

What a fashion gem! As I walked by, I was immediately lured into the store by the beautiful clothes staring at me… immediately I walked in and the owner of the store greeted me. It turns out we both recognized each other because she used to work at the Pixie boutique (another store I love). She decided to open up her own store and I really hope it succeeds because I think the clothes speak for themselves. Designers include Souchi, Nicholos K, H Fredricksson, Karoo and many others!
Unfortunately she didn’t have the H Fredricksson top in my size but I’ll definitely be back to check out the newer items when they come in.
There’s also a small rack of vintage clothes — some really unique pieces. I also love the selection of vintage jewelry. I almost couldn’t part ways with this one amazing gold locket with a long chain necklace… but alas the price tag was too steep for me.

I was pleasantly surprised to come across this brand new, amazing boutique in Russian Hill. I dropped 500 in 15 minutes, but it was well worth it. The clothes here are one of a kind and very hip. Love it. I will definately be back.

All the fingerprints on the window belongs to me as it is a daily ritual to glue myself to the window and look at the beautiful clothes inside on my way to work.
Imagine someone buying clothes on your behalf. That is what I feel like Rati (owner) does for me. If this place matches your taste, it is heaven.
Featured designers include Eskell, Suneer, Karen Walker, Stretsis, Lewis Cho, Nicholas K, H Fredricksson, Society for Rational Dress, Fremont, and Augustine.
My favorite pieces from Anica:
1) yellow plaid dress with a deep plunging line from H Fredricksson
2) metalic blue/​gray charmeuse dress with a front tie bow with braided belt loop from Suneer
3) wine collored long sleeve dress with old lady triangle patterns from Lewis Cho.
4) glowing blue and yellow old lady pattern dress with a button on back with huge peek-​a-​boo slit that goes to butt from Ziji.
5) precious Leyendecker top
6) Gray Ant Slasher Top. Some girl wore it on VH1 music awards.
7) Fremont cape with holes for my arms.
8) Eskell dress with reindeers on front with wide low neck.
I’ve pretty much listed everything I’ve bought.
And last but not least, the assortment of vintage pieces in the back of the store is heaven for a fashionista. And last but not least again, the vintage buyer makes her own clothes and she has these on the vintage racks!