For me, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to the enchanting Bell'occhio. This exquisite, jewel-box of a shop is absolutely brimming with vintage and handmade treasures.
"Bell'occhio", which means "beautiful eye" in Italian, is well named. Just one look at the glorious vintage ribbons and you know you have wondered into someplace magical...
The lovely and talented owner, Claudia Schwartz, takes great pride and pleasure in assuring that her shop is a visual feast for the eyes.
There are rows upon rows of vintage trims...
Antique ribbons...
Bell'occhio's signature handmade boxes...
And the finest sewing notions...
Every display is carefully constructed and beautifully designed. The shelves hold miniature scenes...from a whimsical woodland menagerie...
...to Marie Antioinette herself!
I remember the first time I walked into the shop many years ago and saw the gorgeous, millinery-embellished chandelier...
Just breathtaking.
Bell'occhio offers so many special and personal touches. For example, the in-house calligrapher can monogram a pretty burlap bag just for you. And Claudia will wrap up your precious purchases so beautifully - it will make you want to cry. It is really no wonder that Martha Stewart considers this one of her favorite places to shop! Now, if you live outside of the San Francisco area, please don't despair - Bell'occhio also has an extensive online shop!
Bell'occhio 10 Brady Street San Francisco, CA 1.415.864.4048
:-)
Jessica
Another of the shops I hit when I visited last year...a trip down memory lane with this awesome spot. I love a shop where you can circle round and round and not see everything. Makes me want to road-trip down south...
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | February 28, 2011 at 09:42 PM
OMG! What an amazing place--thanks for sharing that!
Posted by: Tina | March 01, 2011 at 06:25 AM
So pretty!
Posted by: Beth | March 01, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Oh so many many pretties. Ribbons are a true weakness of mine!!
Posted by: Teresa | March 01, 2011 at 05:41 PM
What a fun shop to visit :)) I loove it! The ribbons are amazing!
xo
Kay Ellen
Posted by: kayellen | March 02, 2011 at 08:05 AM
I just found your blog, but am so happy that I read back far enough to take this trip down memory lane. I first saw this shop in an ancient early Victoria and have visited each time we traveled to SF. How I wish we had something like this in KS. Thanks for the lovely pictures.
Posted by: Lee | April 24, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Impressive blog!
-Arron
Posted by: rc | December 21, 2011 at 09:00 AM