Plain Jane's - CLOSED
Categories: Home Decor, Cosmetics & Beauty Supply, Cards & Stationery, Fashion [Edit]
Neighborhood: West Portal44 West Portal Ave
(between Claremont Blvd & Portola Dr)
San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 759-7487
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thu-Fri 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: No
53 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
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34 Reviews for Plain Jane's
I cant believe this place is closing its doors!
It is a great shop for gifts every season. They do have some good "close out" deals until March31. But its mostly sad.
I just noticed the going out of business, 25% off everything sign. They received their Easter decorations too.
Though it's not a favorite store of mine, I am sorry to see it go. It's definitely a feminine store with a candle section that's worth checking out. Unfortunately, the store looks better from the outside and from a distance than it does up close. My favorite part of the store is the room with candles and lotions (towards the back of the store). They have a larger variety of candle and lotion brands than the average place, including Volupsa, Trapp, MOR and others. The room also has some bathrobes and a soothing atmosphere.
I'm not keen on their greeting card selection or their ornaments and knick knacks. They seem to always have things like journals, wedding and baby shower accessories and Mistral soaps. I wish they had chosen to emphasize the old time emporium positioning more by offering old fashioned candies, perfumes, slippers, etc. Victorian items would have been nice (like the ones at Mann E Quin) but Plain Jane's inventory is just more matronly. They do have good soaps and candles though.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (5)
Definitely not a shop to bring your male counterpart. He will take one quick look at the display of moisturizers and feminine decor and freeze in the door way. Trust me, it happened.
I came back with my own personal "Will" and we practically fell in love with the place. I thought the items were not kitschy, but fun and unique. I took a whiff at every "test me" bottle of lotion or moisturizer. Read every little funny memento and fell in love with the twirling airplane. If I didn't remind myself that half of the clothes that I bought my niece, she grew out of before even a single wear...I would have went to town on the baby items. I was thankful to escape with a beautiful smelling bottle of lotion. So, if you ever see me on the street smelling my hands or arm...it's the lotion. Ahhh...heaven.
I know, I know, you probably been to one too many feminine boutiques. But, trust me, this one is unique with just the right amount of coolness. Check it out and tell me otherwise. Gawd, I hope I'm not turning into a girly girl. I think it's WAY too late for that, right?
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (6)
Cool (7)
Rest in Peace Plain Janes
When Eric and Lloyd owned this store it was an amazing destination.
But when the tasteless Kathleen bought it we watched it slowly descend into Hell. I knew it was destined to die on the vne when I first saw her tacky window displays which always had some trashy looking shower curtain in the background, not the she sold them, but because it was a cheap display item!
For the fans of Stew the bunny who had lived in the garden department when Eric and Lloyd owned it. Stewie was adopted and was the beloved companion to 2 devoted humans, and a harem of 4 sexy girl bunnies. (all spayed and neutered, of course). Stew was a very happy rabbit who dined on the finest organic greens and roses up until the day he crossed The Rainbow Bridge. Stew died peacefully March 2008 in the arms of the people who adopted and loved him. We know that many people (and a dog or two) asked about him for years and we thank you for holding this very special rabbit in your hearts and thoughts.
Nice soaps, got it.
Live and artificial flowers, got it.
Baby items, got it.
Classy seasonal stuff (i.e. Christmas, spring), got it.
Helpful staff = got it.
Sale table = go for it!
I like gift-shopping here for picky people or the person who has everything. Although, I will admit most items in here are more 'feminine'.
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Edit: 3/17/08
So sad to read that it is closing its doors on 3/31/08! I've been going here for years...since college.
People thought this was:
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Cool (2)
I always go during and after holidays (Christmas, Halloween, etc.) because they have the coolest collection of holiday...stuff!
I'm not into smelly soaps and lotions(which they have) but they also have a nice collection of stuff from cards to infant clothing to holiday display items to backyard stuff (go into the backyard).
Bottom line - cool store which I visit and buy often :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
So sad that Plain Jane's is closing its doors at the end of the month. I would usually stop in after the Holidays to pick up discounted cards, wrapping paper, gifts, etc. Today after feeding my Peet's addiction, the "25% off EVERYTHING" signs caught my attention and I began filling my basket with goodies.
Great selection of paper, stationary, cards, soaps, lotions and seasonal gifts. Be sure to stop by here before March 31st.
Have you ever wanted to be in the secret garden while fairies anoint you with lovely floral scents and moisturizers, at the same time as being in a girlie through back to the kitchy fifties with a twist of modern day humor and feminine empowerment? Then this place is for you! There is something for every woman here.
Whether you are a young woman that likes the large selection of pretty trinkets or a maturing woman who loves to still use hand milled soaps and linen scents on their sheets before bed at night, you will find it here. Or if you just like Old School San Francisco T-shirts or cute baby socks. Or if you fantasize about being a pin up girl when you really are a feminist at heart then you might enjoy their various ironic cards. This is basically the perfect gift shop for the women of the world!
They also carry some of the most marvelous Christmas ornaments during the winter months that even the men in your lives will enjoy shopping for.
In the back they have a few whimsical garden adornments.
See, Something for everyone!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (5)
Cool (8)
This gift boutique is in my neck of the woods where I come to browse for unique and fun items. The items turn over quick with each season and holiday change. I love to take a whiff of their fragrances, smell the soaps, touch the fl orals and potteries, or just come to see what's new. There's lots of knock-knack items for the office desk/shelf or amusing gift giving items.
Some amazing things you'll find here...
Topiaries
Cute gift giving seasonal plants
Mary Englebert items
Handmade soaps
Burt's Bee items
Unique jewelry
Colorful porcelain items
Unique service ware
Not your Hallmark cards and notes
Bath/spa notions
Cute garden additions
Seasonal holiday decorations
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (4)
It's a Shangri-La if you're looking for a stand-out present. I also appreciate the fact that they are willing to box and ribbon (gorgeous ribbon!) gift items.
If you're in the neighborhood, drop in and have a look. It's a very sweet shop. Beware - although it's a small shop, you can easily lose an hour in there.
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Wow - I was really sorry to see the 25% off signs today. I was just buying a gift there less than 2 weeks ago... It's a loss for the neighborhood. :(
I love Plain Jane's. If I ever need pajamas with a sushi print on them, fig and olive hand cream, a beautiful hand made leaf necklace, ship in a bottle, or great happy wedding card, I head over to Plain Jane's. There is really nothing plain about the store! The staff is always super friendly and willing to help you pick out the best b-day present for a friend or for you!
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Love, love, love this store! Small enough to get and out of in a jiffy if need be, and yet stocked full of all things desired to keep you gazing a while. My Plain Jane staples: Archipelago candles, Christmas ornaments, Roger LaBorde stationary, Burt's Bees and lavender water. It's a fun store- you won't regret visiting when in the West portal neighborhood!
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I've made an annual pilgrimage to Plain Jane's for Christmas ornaments for several years, and they have one of the best selections in the city. More recently I've found myself venturing in for some of the other interesting and unique items they have to offer. PJ's is particularly good for more feminine or romantic gifts, with a good selection of soaps, candles, and other nice sentiments, and if you're just in need of a special card, you can't do better on West Portal.
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One of my most favorite shopping destinations...full of fantastic cards, girly knick-knacks, soaps, jewelery...just last month I picked up the cutest pair of sushi pj's. Awesome for seasonal items, especially Valentine's Day, I can't wait to go shopping for my sisters and friends. The staff is always super nice and helpful. No matter how busy they might be they always offer to gift wrap ( and they do a beautiful job each and every time). Happy shopping!!!
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A wonderful little botique with hard-to-find treasures and funny little gifts. It reminds me of the stores I used to shop at with my mom growing up in Petaluma. How cute is that? Very very cute.
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This store brings out my super girly side and I love it. I leave anxious to do at-home spa treatments or at least buy gifts for friends.
People thought this was:
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Cute little boutique full of knick-knacks that would make great gifts for a gal pal. Love the fact that they have Trapp candles. Orange Vanilla and Bob's Flower Shop are my favorites. Perfect for the floral and/or fruity lover!
ETA: I'm taking a trip to Barcelona next month and wanted to bring a small candle along (to scent stuffy apartments). And I knew just the place to find it. Plane Jane carries votive versions of the Trapp line and I settled on Bob's Flower Shop, which smells exactly like it's name. The cashier was so nice...asking if she could sniff the candle. :)
For the longest time I always thought that Plain Jane's was a florist. Could you blame me? The outside had plants and there was something so uber girly that it only seemed logical that they would sell flowers. But inside is a whole cornucopia of scented soaps, lotions, greeting cards, stationary, anything for the enterprising Shabby Chic devotee.
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This place is literally covered from floor to ceiling in stuff. So much stuff that you could easily spend an hour looking at everything.
All unique, cute stuff. Bath and body products. Baby and kid clothing and toys. Garden decorations. Cards and stationary. Soaps! Ornaments. Pet stuff. And so much more. And you really want to buy stuff, like everything. You don't really need anything here, but you want it and that alone makes you buy it.
I remember I was looking at journals and almost bought one that was decorated in an SF map. I have an old journal that a friend made with a map of SOMA and thought it would cool to have another SF themed journal. But stupid me didn't buy it. I don't know if they have them anymore, but I really should have bought it.
Their stock is always changing so it's good to buy it if you see it. It might not be there the next day.
Super cute store and always fun to wander into when I'm in the neighborhood.
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Plain Jane's is heaven for gift shopping, well, for women anyway. I have to go in and check things out every time I walk by the store. I must say that I come out empty handed about 90% of the time. If I didn't, my wallet would be permanently empty, especially since it's just a 10 minutes walk from my house. The latest item to crave: adult size Baby Jak blankets!
Other than all the nice little trinkets you can pick up, it has great sales! You can find some great deals during the post-holiday sales throughout the year. Service has always been great.
Update: 2/24/07
I found the cutest bin for Sophie's food there today. It was a little pricey but she's worth it. I'm glad to see that Plain Jane's has a section dedicated to pets.
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Best Gift Store in San Francisco! You can always find the perfect gift in this store. I love the store during the holidays...it is Magical!
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Love this store -- akin to Juniper Tree in Oakland. Super cute cards, gifts, smelly goodies for the bod... fun stuff. Adds a great quirkiness to West Portal.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (4)
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So sweet and cute, Plain Jane's always has a gift for any woman, girl, or baby. I always wander in here when I'm walking by, checking out the new items and seeing what's on the sale table for myself. Then, when I actually need a gift, I know that I can count on Plain Jane's.
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I gotta admit. This place is weird, but in a fun way. I screwed up bad once and hadn't gotten my wife anything for our anniversary and I walked in and told that to the girl behind the counter who asked me a few questions about the things my wife liked and put together a basket of goodies for her that she loved.
It's a fun place to walk around in and it has things you just can't find anywhere else.
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A great little gift and card shop. You can always find something you love, and they're really nice.
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I love going to Plain Jane's because they always have intersting little trinkets and things there. During the holiday season, they always have the cuttest ornaments for your tree and the window is always nicely decorated. The prices are a bit pricey, but if you don't mind spending a little extra money, you would love to come here.
I love going to Plain Jane's for the sole reason that I don't need one single thing here. And I want it all.
Recently they have opened up the store layout to be a little bit less crowded, but it's still chock-full of every pretty little thing you can imagine. Sweet pea soap, Lavender linen water, etched wine glasses, silkscreened cards, and many lines of what my husband lovingly refers to as lotions and potions. But not everything is twee - they also carry some Wry Baby products, Tea Forte teas, and Egg Press stationary, which has a slightly more modern feel.
There was an elderly couple in the store today at the counter, and the wife was trying to buy some metal flower-shaped something or other for the garden, and the husband was pleading with her, "What are you going to do with that? Where are we going to put it? Why do you need it?" And she just smiled and said, "Oh, don't worry, I have the perfect place for it."
I think I just saw my future.
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Stopped in here tonight and had a great time checking out the new Halloween stuff. They had everything from witches to brains in jars. I love this store for seasonal stuff - they have the best Halloween, Thanksgiving, Xmas and Easter items. Their stuff ranges from kitschy to high-end and everything in between. This is a pretty small shop but they pack in ALOT of stuff. I stop in here almost every Sat. morning after my visit to Peet's and there is almost always something new. It's really one of the few true gift stores left in the City!
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Cool store, fun to browse in, lots of good stuff (especially bath salts and bubbles, lotions etc.), but all quite pricey.
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A great find for anyone in the city looking for unique gifts and cards. I love sending cards (an old fashioned touch in this modern email age) and Plain Jane's has a wonderful selection. The store also has great ideas for gifts - there is a lot to see and a lot to find, so give yourself some quality time to enjoy this little treasure on West Portal. The people in the store are really helpful so don't be afraid to ask for help if you are rushed for time. West Portal is a great area to check out if you don't live near by - easily accessible by MUNI, lots of great restaurants, and my favorite place to have a facial is across the street at Blue Turtle Spa (located inside Sisters Salon).
I could spend hours at this store! They have the cutest selection of items - for the girly girls and for the more sophisticated girls =P From soaps and gels to notebooks and candles and ornaments, they have a ton of stuff.
Definitely worth taking a look if you're in the market for bridesmaid presents.
Don't forget to make the trek all the way to the back of the store - that's where they keep the sale and clearance items!
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No matter who you're shopping for or what the occasion, you will find the perfect gift at Plain Jane's. Every nook and cranny of this shop is filled with fun finds. Most people appreciate getting a thoughtful gift from somewhere other than the predictable mall stores. This is a great addition to West Portal, where parking is plentiful (plus it's just steps from the MUNI tunnel).
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if i ran a retail establishment, i'd like to think it'd be one like plain jane's. they carry everything from cards and gifts to scented girly bath products. everything in the store shows a fun yet refined sensibility.
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This place will turn you into a gift junky. I started to pop in here for the odd hostess gift...then birthday presents...then baby gifts...and now wedding gifts...I'm hooked!
Plain Jane's carries the best selection of gifts in the city. While I spend most of my time in here buying for others, I have managed to purchase a few items for myself - a yummy Hobo International purse, a supersoft Ugly doll and a few Burts Bees items that you can't find anywhere else in the city. I am now contemplating redoing my garden/porch just so that I can take home one of their hedgehogs!
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