Best Antique Shops in San Francisco for Mid-Century Finds

Yasmina Greco- Antique and Mid-Century Modern Shopping in San Francisco, CA
Yasmina Greco – Antique and Mid-Century Modern Shopping in San Francisco, CA

If you’re searching for the best antique shops in San Francisco, get ready for a vintage adventure packed with mid-century charm and unforgettable finds.

Our day began with a steaming cup of coffee at Fisherman’s Wharf. With the salty sea breeze and the city waking up around us, Gary and I set off for a treasure hunt through the Richmond District.

Taking a Waymo robotaxi, we explored Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home—each offering a unique glimpse into mid-century and vintage magic.

If you love antiques, autonomous rides, and a good dose of retro inspiration, this San Francisco vintage shopping guide is for you!

Waymo
Waymo Robotaxi

For those who haven’t tried it yet, Waymo is is an autonomous robotaxi that’s like stepping into the future. No drivers, no small talk, just Gary and me in a quiet, private ride. We love Waymo because it feels incredibly safe, and honestly, we’d take it everywhere if we could. Unfortunately, for now, Waymo is only available in San Francisco, but we’re taking full advantage while we can!

Our Waymo ride brought us to a charming neighborhood packed with vintage finds. We had three stops on our list in San Francisco’s Richmond District: Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home. Each shop offered its own unique treasures, and we couldn’t wait to explore them.

Gaslight & Shadows Antiques

Gaslight and Shadows Antiques, San Francisco, C

Our first stop was Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the shop’s cozy, nostalgic atmosphere wrapped us in a warm embrace. But the real highlight? Meeting Phyllis, the shop’s owner.

Phyllis Nabhan of Gaslight and Shadows

Phyllis Nabhan is an absolute gem—tiny but bursting with energy and charm. With her beautiful curly purple hair and an infectious smile, she radiates personality.

Phyllis told us all about how she opened her shop in the 1970s, putting a 7ft tall aluminum Christmas tree in the window during the holidays, and shared stories of her life, including being part of a local running club (which honestly made her even cooler). Phyllis made us feel so welcome, and her passion for vintage shines through every corner of the store.

Phyllis Nabhan and Yasmina - Gaslight and Shadows
Phyllis Nabhan and Yasmina – Gaslight and Shadows Antiques
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Vintage Christmas Noel Set: The Best 5 Tips for Collectors

Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!! I have a great post for you all today; Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard.

That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.

Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells - Japan
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan

For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage Chirstmas NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas.

If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.

Yasmina Greco’s Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection Kitschy Mid-Mod Decorations

Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines.

When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!

Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders

Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are cherished mid-century collectibles known for their whimsical charm and festive flair. These ceramic figurines, dressed in white robes adorned with gold star accents, hold red letters that spell out “NOEL” across the set with green tops to insert candles. Their expressive faces and intricate details embody the nostalgic appeal of 1950s and 1960s holiday décor.​

Highly sought after by collectors, these pieces can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500+, depending on condition. When acquiring them, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly to delicate areas like necks, letters, halos, candleholders, and ensure the detailing remains intact and not chipped, cracked, or repaired. ​

This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle

WARNING!! Blog has a lot of photos.

One sure way to any collector’s heart is items that come with their original boxes. For me, the box can also be used as part of your vintage holiday decor as they usually have timeless graphics that add so much charm to your displays.

Since these vintage items are usually 70 yrs old, if you do find an original box it will probably have some wear and tear or even water damage from being stored in basements and attics and that is completely okay and in my opinion, adds that much more to the story and history of the item. 

Here are five of my very favorite Noel sets from my personal collection and I think they are just dynamite. Each set is so unique and has loads and loads of vintage Christmas charm. I actually have them up year-round in my cabinet and they always make me smile when I stop and admire them. 

1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
  1. Collector Alert: For Sale on Etsy – Vintage Christmas Extremely Rare NOEL Bell Set – World Creations by Grimco 1950s Japan MCM   This 4 Piece Noel bells set of boys and girls made by World Creations by Grimco Japan 1950s.

This set is hard to find and very delicate, made from very fine ceramic so there may be light hairline cracks if you do come across a set. The facial expressions on these kids are so darling. In today’s market expect to pay $275-$325.

2. Christmas Cowboy Santa Noel Candle Holders set by Menschik Goldman in the 1950s. Santa is wearing his western hat with green and red holiday flair, his red suit complete with holster and pistol and his body spells out NOEL.

This set is very rare, I have only come across it one time and in today’s market expect to pay $299-$350.

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Fall in Napa Valley: Hell Bunny 50s Dress Photoshoot

Yasmina Greco in Hell Bunny Oktober 50's Dress
Yasmina Greco in Hell Bunny Oktober 50’s Dress

As the golden hues of harvest season begin here in Northern California, Napa Valley transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of autumn splendor. The vineyards, cloaked in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, beckon for a visit, and what better way to capture the magic of the season than with a photoshoot amidst this glorious fall foliage?

For this enchanting excursion, I chose to wear my exquisite Oktober 50’s Dress by Hell Bunny—a piece that feels as if it was crafted precisely for this moment in time. The fit of the Oktober 50’s Dress is nothing short of perfection. It zips smoothly up the back, and the deep pockets are both practical and delightfully unexpected. The pleats on the full circle skirt and bodice create a graceful silhouette, while the faux wrap top and under-bust seams delicately enhance my feminine curves. This dress is a celebration of vintage style, with a design that flatters in all the right places.

Yasmina Greco in Hell Bunny Oktober 50's Dress
Yasmina Greco in Hell Bunny Oktober 50’s Dress

Wearing my standard 2XL Hell Bunny size, I found the dress to be a flawless fit, effortlessly accommodating an ample bust thanks to the cleverly designed overlapping fabric panels. The Oktober 50’s Dress is available up to size 4XL, making it a versatile and inclusive choice for women of all shapes and sizes.

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The Best Antiques Guide Along Northern California’s HWY 101

Gin'gilli's Vintage Home
Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home

There’s something incredibly romantic about the open road. The scenic beauty, the freedom, the adventure. This 4th of July weekend, my sweet hubby Gary and I decided to immerse ourselves in just that romance, exploring the breathtaking Northern California’s Highway 101.

Encircled by lush vineyards and the intoxicating beauty of the wine country, this route is an adventurous blend of stunning nature and charming towns filled with hidden gems in the form of antiques shops and vintage home decor boutiques. Our journey was a fantastic one – the perfect blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and of course, treasure hunting for antiques and collectibles.

Our itinerary included three must-visit places: Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home in Geyserville, Mill Street Antiques in Cloverdale, and Country Porch Antiques in Hopland. So buckle up and get ready for a recounting of our treasure hunt along the beautiful highway!

Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home, Geyserville

Our first stop is the quaint town of Geyserville, home to the delightful Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home. As soon as you step inside this charming shop, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era. Its collection boasts an eclectic mix of antiques, salvage, furniture, vintage cameras and vinyl, vintage toys and collectibles, jewelry, vintage furniture, crafted creations, and distinctive home decor that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Every piece tells a story, from rustic farmhouse tables to Victorian-era curiosities and retro-inspired home accessories.

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Glamour & Gadgets with Yasmina Greco

Hey, fabulous readers and tech enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into a world where laughter and learning collide in the most delightful way possible. I’m thrilled to announce that my blog is taking a whimsical leap into the wonders of the digital universe, and you’re invited to join me on this vibrant journey for Glamour & Gadgets with Yasmina Greco.

Imagine unboxing the latest gadgets but with a twist of retro charm that only I can bring. Picture yourself discovering how these tech toys can not only dazzle your senses but also skyrocket your productivity, all through my unique lens. Yes, it’s happening! From the charm of vintage vibes to the cutting-edge forefront of technology, we’re about to embark on a playful exploration that promises to both entertain and enlighten.

But that’s not all! While we gear up to embrace the future, we’re not leaving behind the treasures of the past. My passion for antiques, collectibles, and the timeless allure of pin-up will continue to grace our space. And let’s not forget the world of modeling, where I’ll share insights, experiences, and perhaps a secret or two from behind the scenes. These loves of mine will remain a vibrant part of our journey together, adding layers of depth and color to our adventure.

To bring this vision to life, I’m excited to share that our escapades will not be limited to just blog posts. Oh no, we’re taking things to the next level! I’m inviting you to subscribe to my YouTube channel – Yasmina Greco, where we’ll regularly release content showcasing how we can harness the power of technology to enhance our lives, boost our productivity, and maybe cause a little mischief along the way.

Why Subscribe? Because you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun! From hands-on micro tutorials with the latest gadgets to deep dives into how technology can truly make our lives better (and more stylish!), our YouTube channel will be buzzing with energy, creativity, and, of course, a healthy dose of humor.

So, are you ready to laugh, learn, and leap into the future with me? Let’s make this journey unforgettable. Subscribe now, and let’s start this incredible adventure together. The digital world has never been this fun, and I can’t wait to explore it with each and every one of you. Let the games begin!

Subscribe to Yasmina Greco, stay fabulous, and let’s revolutionize the way we look at technology, together.

The Perfect Gingham Dress: A Review of Collectif’s Swing Dress

Yasmina Greco in Collectif Clothing Roberta Gingham Swing Dress
Yasmina Greco in Collectif Clothing Roberta Gingham Swing Dress

When I wear gingham, I feel like sunshine and picnics. Nothing says hello summer more than a pretty gingham dress. In fact, gingham is the biggest trend of the season and it never goes out of style. It’s the first weekend of June, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect for a day out with my sweet hubby Gary, so I am wearing my new 50s inspired Roberta Gingham Swing Dress from Collectif Clothing.

Yasmina Greco in Collectif Clothing Roberta Gingham Swing Dress
Yasmina Greco in Collectif Clothing Roberta Gingham Swing Dress

Collectif Clothing: Celebrating vintage styles UK-based Collectif Clothing offers a unique blend of vintage and retro-inspired styles, all designed with high-quality materials and an eye for timeless aesthetics. Their size-inclusive collections, which range from XS-22, elegantly celebrate every body shape and size, re-imagining the enchanting fashion of the 1940s and 1950s for the contemporary woman.

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