I have been wearing glasses for a long time — since the first grade, to be exact — so I’ve been to my fair share of eyeglass shops. A few years ago, after moving to Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, I discovered Next. And now, even though I don’t live down the street anymore, I never go anywhere else for my frames.

Whether your taste leans towards the conservative or the funky, chances are good that you can find the perfect frames at Next. In the span of about two years, my husband and I purchased five pairs of glasses at the store. Sure, you can find cheaper eyewear elsewhere, but I’ve found that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to glasses. (Next often holds sales, so be sure to ask about those.)

In addition to selection and quality, Next offers excellent service. The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the frames when you walk in, just ask for recommendations. The staff will immediately get to work on gathering up frames that best complement your face. And you won’t get any pushy sales tricks here. They are absolutely passionate about getting customers the right pair of glasses.

TIP: No car? No problem. Next is within easy walking distance of the Rockridge BART station.

Next Eyewear
5417 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 601-6398

Shop Girl | Email | Print | //

It’s a common problem I’ve come across: A restaurant that boasts a spectacular view falls short in the food department. It relies more on its location than menu to woo diners. Thankfully, this is not the case with Greens. Situated in a converted warehouse space at Fort Mason — with views of the water, sailboats, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands — this vegetarian institution has been delivering exceptional, wholesome food for over 25 years.

The menu at Greens is always changing, depending on what organic and other high-quality ingredients are currently available. But you can rest assured that the food will be simple yet innovative; even meat-lovers can be won over by Chef Annie Somerville’s creations. Years ago, I enjoyed a green garlic soup here that still stands out in my memory. The mesquite-grilled asparagus salad is a great way to start your meal (I love manchego cheese), and the filo pastry entree is so satisfying (flaky on the outside, hearty on the inside).

Do save room for dessert, however, because they’re delicious — and you’ll probably want to linger longer at your table to enjoy that view… and maybe even a sunset!

As if the food and the view weren’t enough to put Greens at the top of your list of places to try, there’s one more thing I love about this restaurant: ample, free parking. There are nights when special events are held at Fort Mason, so that may affect the parking situation, but you can generally still get a spot in the lot.

Greens
Building A
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 771-6222

Famished Girl | Email | Print | //

For years, I have been patiently waiting for Barney’s to open up shop in San Francisco. And until that day arrives — which is rumored to be Fall 2007 — a short trip to Napa is all it takes to satisfy my Barney’s fix. The cheapskate in me would argue that the outlet, with its reduced prices, is even better than the real deal.

Although the space isn’t super-big, it’s filled with plenty of good-quality merchandise. Cashmere sweaters, flirty chiffon dresses, fancy stilettos, buttery-soft leather handbags, stylish wool overcoats — all marked down! The left side of the store is devoted to women’s clothing, while the right side is for men. In the back, before you hit the fitting rooms, is the accessories section (which should not to be overlooked).

Sure, some people come to Napa for the wine-tastings. Me? Not so much. That deeply discounted Diane von Furstenberg dress and a beautiful pair of Ferragamos is all the reason I need to make the drive there.

Barney’s New York Outlet
(at the Napa Premium Outlet)
821 Factory Stores Drive
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 224-0200

Thrifty Girl, Travelin' Girl | Email | Print | //