San Luis Obispo is one of my favorite places to visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon. It is located about an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara on the central coast. The downtown area has quite a few cute boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Despite its relative isolation from other fashionable cities, SLO (as it's abbreviated) is surprisingly stylish.
Higeura is the main street in the downtown area, and Marsh St. is also worth checking out. My favorite stores include:
Finders Keepers - fabulous designer items can be found in this consignment shop. All the merchandise is in great condition and is organized by color.
Ambiance - 716 Higuera - labels include Joystick, J & Co., 10 Feet, and Sacred Blue.
Anthology - this boutique carries shabby chic furniture, housewares, and delicious French soap. I always buy something unique when I visit.
Avanti - 767 Higuera - they carry Hudson, Blue Cult, and a great selection of footwear.
Coverings - 770 Higuera - this is the best denim boutique in town. They sell all the popular lables such as Tag Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, and Seven for all Mankind.
Crazy Jay's - inexpensive denim and cute going-out tops can be found here.
Decades - 785 Higuera - vintage clothing.
Fiore - 856 Higuera - more inexpensive tops and denim by labels such as Miss Me.
H & G Clothing - 956 Higuera
Lucky Lulu's - 691 Higuera - I buy something almost every time I go to Lucky Lulu's. They have denim from Salt Works, Paper Denim & Cloth, and inexpensive tops by Monteau.
Moondoggies Beach Club - 868 Monterey St.
Therapy - 733 Higuera - You'll find men's and women's clothing here. Labels include Paul Frank, Hudson, Free People, & Ben Sherman. They also have cute gifts, books, and accessories.
Tiamo - 741 Higuera - Rock & Republic jeans, Seven for all Mankind, and well-priced shirts are sold here.
Uptown Jean Co. - 699 Higuera - You'll find designer denim and much more here for men and women by labels such as Mavi, Modern Amusement, Rock & Republic, 575, and Kasil.
Other shops to visit in SLO are: Central Coast Surfboards, Vellum, Yello Kiss, ?, Garden Street Essentials, Contessa S., California Blonde, Apropos, Atmospheres, and Urban Outfitters.
And if you work up a hunger after all that shopping, local steak house McLintock's is a good bet for lunch or dinner. They have another location in nearby Pismo Beach with an incredible ocean view and great burgers.
