Best Girlie-Girl Boutique

Girl Stuff, wedged between the William Cross Wine Merchants and the Beauty Company Supplies & Salon on Polk, is the perfect place to discover that unique, handcrafted accessory you won't find in large department stores. The shop is cozy and quaint, with all the makings for the ultra-feminine: beaded flip-flops, candles, essential oils, crystal hair clips, travel totes, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. A showcase features beautiful necklaces (made of semiprecious stones and antique medallions), bracelets, and earrings by Sage, a current best-selling designer. Check out the sale case, too. Behind the counter are such unique finds as a denim and canvas handbag with a hula girl printed in the center, complete with a real straw skirt. The work of many San Francisco-based artisans is featured here, including marble ponytail twisties by Fua Designs (all under $22). Tracy Green, who opened the shop a year ago, focuses on up-and-coming accessory designers -- if they eventually sell to a big department store, she'll phase out the line, in keeping with true "boutique" integrity. In fact, made-to-order gifts are available -- great for the bride-to-be who would like to give her bridesmaids something personalized. For instance, you could pick up a handcrafted Lisa Toland bag -- made of beautiful bead- and lacework, available in pink or orange and lined with the color of your choice -- at a very reasonable $88 to $130. In the coming months, the shop will feature more gift items (ranging from $10 to $30), especially nice if you're on your way to a neighborhood bachelorette party and don't have time to fuss with the downtown clutter.