 If you're as fashion savvy and Manolo addicted as Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw, then being surrounded by high end designers, the latest trends, and haute couture is a dream come true. Take a step into the shopping district of downtown San Francisco, and you'll find yourself in the midst of a retail Mecca. This district encompasses one of the largest collections of department stores, boutiques, shops, restaurants, and salons in the West, attracting people from all over the world. 
In the heart of this shopping district is Union Square.
The historic square, named after the rallies held to support the Union Army during the Civil War, has gone through several renovations in recent years. The newly remodeled square boasts a wide, paved space where shoppers, tourists, and locals alike can gather for coffee, lunch, or just to enjoy the day. Union Square is surrounded by several large specialty/department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's. The first West Coast flagship Barney's store which opened in 2007, is just around the corner. Lining the streets are shops including the Disney Store, Levi's, Niketown, BCBG Max Azaria, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Nine West (you may enjoy a panoramic view of the square from the outdoor terrace of the Cheesecake Factory, located on the top level of Macy's). 
If you walk along Post Street, you will find plenty of other stores such as Zara, Diesel, Banana Republic, and Burberry. You may also take a stroll down the popular Maiden Lane where you'll find art galleries, spas, and boutiques, including Chanel. During the day its white gates are closed to traffic so that pedestrians may enjoy the wide array of local artists set up bazaar style, displaying a miriad of colorful paintings, portraits, and sketches. Musicians also fill the streets with their vibrant beats.
Take time to check out the unique works of local artists and jewelers set up along the street corners (if you enjoy finding unique trinkets and cultural pieces, visit the colorful stores of Chinatown). Walk down Stockton (past the beautiful flower stand across from Neiman Marcus) and you'll find the Apple store, United Colors of Benetton, and the Virgin Megastore (while you're there .. visit the sinfully sweet Citizen Cupcake on the 3rd floor .. a yummy treat!). Explore Powell St. and you'll pass by popular retailers such as Urban Outfitters, H&M, FCUK, Gap, Sephora, Forever 21, and Anthropologie. At the end of Powell and Market is the Cable Car depot - be sure to take a ride on the nation's one and only moving historical landmark - a San Francisco MUST!
If you don't enjoy strolling around to shop, you may find many of the same stores all in one place. Once on Market Street, you have reached the newly expanded Westfield Shopping Center. The mall, "Like No Other Place", displays levels winding upwards, with department store, Nordstrom as the top several floors. In 2003, the historic Emporium building was remodeled and became an expansion of the shopping center.  Now it includes the first Bloomingdales in San Francisco, trendy shops such as Mango, Juicy Couture, and Ted Baker all under the famous, breathtaking 1908 steel and glass dome. On the lower level, you'll find a food court fitting a wide array of tastes as well as a Bristol Farms. I highly recommend leaving room for one (or two ..) cream puffs from Beard Papa's, located in the center of the food court (don't worry, shopping is a great form of exercise). On the upper levels, you'll find trendy restaurants such as Straits Cafe, a Century movie theater, Burke Williams Spa, and the exclusive Sky Terrace.
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