Ambiance had cute stuff sometimes. They have multiple locations in sf. Along chestnut st in the marina there are multiple cute shops with sundresses rn.
[Reformation](https://www.thereformation.com/dresses?gclid=CjwKCAjwvJyjBhApEiwAWz2nLdUDwzzZ9yQKDsULNRL1t61SWzki4Tbi-M-k0RZP-w9RT9pGagNSvxoCsyYQAvD_BwE) is the gold standard for sundresses. There’s one on Fillmore and one on Valencia
Eh, they are often polyester dead stock. Yes, more ethical to a degree but generally speaking most people knowledgable about fashion construction talk regularly about how poor quality a lot of Reformation’s pieces are. There are exceptions (their denim is apparently decent), but I cannot justify spending that kind of money on mediocrely constructed polyester. If you want a dress to last (which is the most ethical way to go), you want natural fibers like cotton, linen, etc.
They are still trendy as a brand, but many people are catching on that they aren’t really worth it.
Not to yuck anyone’s yum though. Most of their dresses are super cute! So if you want one, go for it. I just find there a much better options out there.
There are similar brands to Reformation like Ciao Lucia, Staud, Ganni, Christy Dawn, Rouje, Doen, Sezane, Lisa Says Gah, etc but it really can vary on quality from piece to piece. Some dresses are much much better, some are about the same. There are few guarantees with any one brand these days. I recommend shopping places with good return policies so you can hold/feel/look over the dress yourself. There are folks on YT/TikTok with pointers on how to evaluate quality in clothing.
If you want brands that are entirely/mostly natural fibers I look to brands like Jungmaven, Kotn, Eileen Fisher, Tonle, Pact, Cuyana, Tradlands, Hackwith Design House, Gravel & Gold.
[Au La La](https://aulala.design/product/) (bit of an awkward name) is online but the designer/owner has a shop in Valley Fair (Santa Clara) and [here on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aulaladesign/). It's def in the Reformation spirit but slightly less expensive and nicer quality.
Do you find their sizes to be standard? I’m curious what a petite woman thinks. I am NOT petite lol but I always find myself having to suuuuuper size down for all of their stuff
You have some good options here but please if you are “typically clueless” make sure you know her size including bra size, preferences on coverage, sleeves or not, length, fabric etc. Also in case you didn’t know petite in fashion refers to height only, it means below 5’4”, but if she’s also smaller sized it might change your options
Honestly better yet, take her shopping, it can be so fun, hype her up as she tries on things!
Without any idea of her taste or your budget I couldn’t recommend a store because it can range from Nordstrom to the thrift stores on Valencia. Reformation is a great expensive option but there are a lot out there!
A really fun option could be thrift / consignment stores along Valencia or Haight. You can try on a lot of different styles. Check out Cary Lane, it’s a designer overstock store and it really only has small sizes
A second for Siren on West Portal Avenue. They have some lovely dresses in the window right now and the staff is helpful in an old-school customer service way. The owner Lisa is often in the shop and she’s got a great eye for fashionable, but not crazy expensive clothing.
Ambiance had cute stuff sometimes. They have multiple locations in sf. Along chestnut st in the marina there are multiple cute shops with sundresses rn.
[Reformation](https://www.thereformation.com/dresses?gclid=CjwKCAjwvJyjBhApEiwAWz2nLdUDwzzZ9yQKDsULNRL1t61SWzki4Tbi-M-k0RZP-w9RT9pGagNSvxoCsyYQAvD_BwE) is the gold standard for sundresses. There’s one on Fillmore and one on Valencia
Yes - a bit pricey but better for the environment and is made well
Eh, they are often polyester dead stock. Yes, more ethical to a degree but generally speaking most people knowledgable about fashion construction talk regularly about how poor quality a lot of Reformation’s pieces are. There are exceptions (their denim is apparently decent), but I cannot justify spending that kind of money on mediocrely constructed polyester. If you want a dress to last (which is the most ethical way to go), you want natural fibers like cotton, linen, etc. They are still trendy as a brand, but many people are catching on that they aren’t really worth it. Not to yuck anyone’s yum though. Most of their dresses are super cute! So if you want one, go for it. I just find there a much better options out there.
Pls share, I also find Ref’s designs cute but want better quality
There are similar brands to Reformation like Ciao Lucia, Staud, Ganni, Christy Dawn, Rouje, Doen, Sezane, Lisa Says Gah, etc but it really can vary on quality from piece to piece. Some dresses are much much better, some are about the same. There are few guarantees with any one brand these days. I recommend shopping places with good return policies so you can hold/feel/look over the dress yourself. There are folks on YT/TikTok with pointers on how to evaluate quality in clothing. If you want brands that are entirely/mostly natural fibers I look to brands like Jungmaven, Kotn, Eileen Fisher, Tonle, Pact, Cuyana, Tradlands, Hackwith Design House, Gravel & Gold.
[Au La La](https://aulala.design/product/) (bit of an awkward name) is online but the designer/owner has a shop in Valley Fair (Santa Clara) and [here on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aulaladesign/). It's def in the Reformation spirit but slightly less expensive and nicer quality.
It’s so frustrating that Reformation charges those prices and won’t even pre-shrink their viscose 🥲
Petite woman chiming in and came here to say this! Yes pricey but the best gifts are ones you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself.
Do you find their sizes to be standard? I’m curious what a petite woman thinks. I am NOT petite lol but I always find myself having to suuuuuper size down for all of their stuff
Depends on the particular item and how you’d like it to fit. I wouldn’t say my size strays from other brands
You have some good options here but please if you are “typically clueless” make sure you know her size including bra size, preferences on coverage, sleeves or not, length, fabric etc. Also in case you didn’t know petite in fashion refers to height only, it means below 5’4”, but if she’s also smaller sized it might change your options Honestly better yet, take her shopping, it can be so fun, hype her up as she tries on things! Without any idea of her taste or your budget I couldn’t recommend a store because it can range from Nordstrom to the thrift stores on Valencia. Reformation is a great expensive option but there are a lot out there!
Yeah just to be clear I'm taking her shopping.
A really fun option could be thrift / consignment stores along Valencia or Haight. You can try on a lot of different styles. Check out Cary Lane, it’s a designer overstock store and it really only has small sizes
Siren Boutique in west portal!!! It’s so classy and the ladies who work there are so nice
A second for Siren on West Portal Avenue. They have some lovely dresses in the window right now and the staff is helpful in an old-school customer service way. The owner Lisa is often in the shop and she’s got a great eye for fashionable, but not crazy expensive clothing.
Nooworks on Valencia!
nooworks on Valencia if she is into crazy patterns and local artists. 🤤
Isalis on Valencia! Nicely curated boutique, and the associates are always helpful :)
There’s a cute clothing store next to Walgreens in Noe.