Cotton Sheep

I’ve shopped at Cotton Sheep a few times, and sadly, my most pleasant experiences have been when the store owner wasn’t there. When she is present, the atmosphere becomes tense and uncomfortable — it feels less like browsing a thoughtfully curated store and more like being watched under a microscope. While the selection is solid, the overall experience left me feeling unwelcome and on edge. It’s disappointing, because the store has potential, but I’d recommend shopping elsewhere if you want to feel at ease and genuinely supported.

Great store for window shopping because they have really cool stuff, but I wouldn't recommend making actual purchases here because I don't think the store does quality control of the items they sell. I bought a sweater from here and it began pilling like crazy after just 2-3 wears which is pretty egregious given the price - the response from the store was essentially "this is just how the fabric is, can't do much about it, we didn't know to expect it" which is pretty disappointing to hear. Don't expect to be able to make returns/exchanges.

This is one of my favorite retailers in the US, stocking amazing Japanese designers, like one of my favorite, Kapital. They also stock Porter! The staff are engaged and knowledgeable, and stylish as anything. The clothes are incredible, and if you are looking for some gifts, check out their printed bandanas. Every time I’m in SF I make sure to pay a visit.

Cute shop carry a tightly currated selection of Japanese designer clothes like Kapital, FITH, Porter, and various unique accessories. The shopkeeper is very friendly and eager to talk about back stories, San Francisco's retail scene, and just life. One of the most endearing parts of the store is their small selection of kids clothes. You can never get started too young on becoming a fashionista, and this is leaps and bounds above 99% of what is available. You'll pay a premium for it, but fashion has always required some effort. Overall, strongly recommend visiting this store.

Wonderful store, really great selection of clothes & jewelry. Custom pieces and curated items. Nice selection, lovely quality. I found the staff to be wonderful and were very helpful. Made a bracelet for me on the spot and took a lot of care to make it right. Will definitely be back!

Good selection and great curation, but the owner is extremely rude. Months ago I saw that this place had bad reviews, and didn’t understand why, I had visited multiple times and the staff were very friendly. Today I stopped by and understood. The owner is a middle-aged Japanese lady and she is extremely rude. Honestly the worst service I have ever experienced while shopping for clothes. I am writing this review to validate that the other negative reviews are indeed accurate, and also in hopes that the owner can get her ego in check.

I travel to Japan frequently and was thrilled to stumble upon an SF store where I could shop my favorite Japanese designers. Unfortunately, this store is overpriced and has no respect for customers. Don’t bother stepping foot in this store unless you like being treated with contempt by a pompous owner and her employees. I’ve had several bad experiences at Cotton Sheep, but most recently they drew the line. While shopping with my baby, I stopped by to try on an item. There was a bandana displayed on the hanger, which the employee took off and put down himself before hanging the item I tried in the fitting room. When I left the store, I said thank you to the employee, he ignored me. A few minutes later, he chased me down the street yelling “hey, where is that bandana?” To which all bystanders began staring. It was obvious he was insinuating that we stole the bandana. I told him that, explained exactly where he placed it down, and shared that I’m happy to go in and show him exactly where it was. I returned to the store immediately after to express my frustrations to the owner. (He was holding the bandana when I returned). She said I was not chased down the street and then ended the discussion with “maybe this store just isn’t for you then”. In short, this store isn’t for anyone. Don’t waste your time or money.

Could be a success if this store knew anything about customer service. Could deal with decent/average service but employees and management are beyond rude. They recently followed my sister out of the store and insinuated that she stole a bandana because they "could not find it". Meanwhile, it was where she found it in the store but instead of looking a little harder, they assumed she had taken it. The owner then told her she didn't need to come back if she didn't "like it". Guess we won't be!

I love this store. Really great for gifts that are special and unique - there's nothing here that you'll find anywhere else.

I first found out about this place from brother back in 2016 and have been fortunate to shop here now and again since then. I credit them with helping them define my style, and while what they carry may not be for everyone, the pieces I've bought still bring me joy and are holding up nicely. Great family run spot, and the staff is friendly as well. Thanks Cotton Sheep fam!

Could be a success if this store knew anything about customer service. Could deal with decent/average service but employees and management are beyond rude. They recently followed my sister out of the store and insinuated that she stole a bandana because they "could not find it". Meanwhile, it was where she found it in the store but instead of looking a little harder, they assumed she had taken it. The owner then told her she didn't need to come back if she didn't "like it". Guess we won't be!

I travel to Japan frequently and was thrilled to stumble upon an SF store where I could shop my favorite Japanese designers. Unfortunately, this store is overpriced and has no respect for customers. Don't bother stepping foot in this store unless you like being treated with contempt by a pompous owner and her employees. I've had several bad experiences at Cotton Sheep, but most recently they drew the line. While shopping with my baby, I stopped by to try on an item. There was a bandana displayed on the hanger, which the employee took off and put down himself before hanging the item I tried in the fitting room. When I left the store, I said thank you to the employee, he ignored me. A few minutes later, he chased me down the street yelling "hey, where is that bandana?" To which all bystanders began staring. It was obvious he was insinuating that we stole the bandana. I told him that, explained exactly where he placed it down, and shared that I'm happy to go in and show him exactly where it was. I returned to the store immediately after to express my frustrations to the owner. (He was holding the bandana when I returned). She said I was not chased down the street and then ended the discussion with "maybe this store just isn't for you then". In short, this store isn't for anyone. Don't waste your time or money.

stumbled into this beautiful store and found wonderfully beautiful clothes, bandanas and bags. also, the older lady sewing behind the counter was very nice, as was the younger lady within the curly hair. great, one of a kind clothing experience.

I stopped by in January because I love Kapital, the cult Japanese fashion brand that mixes Americana with the touch of Japanese style. The owner and I assume her daughter were very patient and let me try on a couple pieces to see how they fit. The selection is wide and varied. Loved this shop and can't wait to go back when I'm in the area.

NO stars. Just horrible. I thought I'd give it another try for this store. Didnt make up for my previous experience. The owner is Japanese yelling across the room to associates or even customers still, I just feel bad. Japanese but no Japanese service still. Just very rude, very very exceptionally rude, I'll give 5 stars for rudeness. No one deserves to be treated in that manner... As a worker in retail too just red flags. If you know 100% you'll be buying the owners and associates will be head over heels for you and get a nice shopping experience. If you're not buying, assume the worst, which really shouldn't matter.

I ordered the Porter Snack bag online for my fiancé's Valentine's Day gift. It is very user friendly and includes a limited inventory of what they carry in store. *** however they post updated inventory on their Instagram account. We came in the shop on Sunday to pick it up and we were kindly greeted with the standard safety protocol of temperature check and hand-sanitiser. The owner of the shop Eiko-san and worker were really friendly and very accommodating to the requested styles and sizes I was looking for. I have been searching for this specific sweater from Kapital and was glad to see they carried a lot of rare selected fashion. I appreciate that Eiko san remembered me and my fiancé from the first time we visited and gave me a sweet comment on our interest of the fashion and culture of japan. I really had to have this sweater and compromised on a bit larger size. I appreciate the owner buying me a bandana as I love the artwork so much! How cute is the mf pissed off cat bandana. It makes me smile and giggle every time I look at it! The Virgin Mary sweater is timeless and super comfy, and I'm so glad to have it in my collection! Will definitely be coming back here and I highly recommend this place for buyers that appreciate the artisan craftsmanship and history of the clothing.

Rude rude rude customer service. So rude that it was preferable to cancel my order and walk away. Won't be back.

They've had great clothing from the very beginning. Great lines such as Kapital. Their current line is a bit too bright for my taste and I suppose other customers would like the current line. I didn't buy anything this time around but I've spent about $800+ here on one visit. The older woman who owns this shop wasn't as attentive. I probably didn't look as interested in their things this time around. I didn't get a goodbye when I said goodbye this time around. There are times when no words say a lot. 4 stars for products (except the current line is meh) and 2 stars for congeniality.

Bought a very expensive pair of socks which I wore the afternoon I purchased. When I took off my shoes about 5 hours later there were threads coming out in several places. Took back the next day and they refused to take them back! The salesperson pointed to a sign that is tucked away "no returns"...even for defective merchandise?

The employees are extremely rude and snarky, probably should consider a different career. On top of that, the store is vastly inferior in quality/selection and more expensive than similarly-themed shops like Blue in Green in NYC, I'm surprised they're still in business.

Witnessed staff getting chided for talking to a long-time friend/customer of sorts. Ignored even though we've said our thank yous/goodbyes. Scolded for bringing in a covered cup of coffee. Stared down rudely for not buying anything. Not being a diva and insisting on amazing service but being courteous is surely a prerequisite for running a store. We ended up buying the Kapital goods online because the customer service was disastrous. Yup - we'd rather buy from a faceless online store than "support a local store through the pandemic".

I admired some bandanas they had on display and asked how they came up with the designs. The woman running the store barked, "the only people who buy these are the ones who can't afford the more expensive stuff." Nice.

Love this place! The staff was really friendly! Such a nice assortment of some Japanese brands that are hard to find outside of Japan.

The clothing quality is exceptional. As others have noted the customer service is bizarre. The daughter was home working for the holidays and spent her time in the small shop speaking loudly to a couple of customers about her interests beyond college. She was self absorbed and distracted it was as though any other customers were interrupting her conversation. It made the shopping experience in this intimate store very unpleasant and feel unwelcoming. That said the clothing selection is quite special and of high quality.

Horrible customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't even believe that there are such kind of customer service. It's hard to imagine such shit-like customer service. I first wanted to ask her what other shops in San Francisco recommended, but she actually told me that I needed to make an appointment for an interview? ? ? ? I went in with two friends, and then we chatted for a while while looking at the clothes inside, but she came over and told me that there can only be four people here at the same time, if others came we have to go; I didn't say anything. After a while she said that this is not a coffee shop. If we don't buy anything, don't stay here. What the fuck ? ? ? Is there any store in the world that does not allow customers to chat in it, and does it require shopping? If there is such a request, you can tell me in advance that I will not come at all. Such a disgusting shop is unheard of. The funniest thing, after we were gone, seven or eight people came in at once, and the owner didn't say anything. If your rules are not obeyed at all, what right do you have to let us go?

I think a lot of the previous comments have said the same but clothes selection is rare and great but customer service is horrible enough to make the clothing selection not even worth it. Was ecstatic to see Kapital sold here so I had asked the young woman if she knew if any other retailers also carried Japanese brands like this in the city. She seemed abnormally offended by my question and took great offense to it as she kept repeating "why would you ask that". It didn't help that I was completely ignored when I first walked in and I had to chase her around the store to ask anything. She just kept repeating and wouldn't let up and seemed so visibly bothered by my one question. She wouldn't even help me with anything else. I was so stunned at what happened that I left without purchasing a thing. It took a while to even process how I had received such horrible customer service. Unfortunately, the only other place that carried Kapital in the city I could find was Unionmade Goods in the Castro. If anybody knows of any other stores, that would be super appreciated. I'd rather spend my money somewhere where I am treated decently. The experience at Cotton Sheep was so horrible that I'll willingly make the trip to LA to get my Kapital fix.

Amazing store with amazing people. I don't bring my girlfriend here because she would go nutz with all the beautiful clothes!

This place is amazing! Family is extremely knowledgeable. I bought a chain on my first visit and I will be coming back as a regular customer!!!

Came into the store today and was treated with respect and kindness by the owner and her daughter. Everything I asked to see was shown to me with prices. Don't let previous reviews stop you from coming to visit. Cotton Sheep is one of the few stores in California that specialize in high end Japanese clothing (Ex. Kapital) and jewelry (Ex. Wing rock who was an apprentice of the legendary Goro Takahashi). If you want to experience true Japanese craftsmanship with respect to fashion, I highly recommend you visit the store.

One of my very favorite store in all of San Francisco is The Cotton Sheep. While I do love Neiman Marcus and Barney's, this store has some very unique items that are made so well. You won't find them anywhere else. Their scarves and sweaters are pieces of art. I don't go to the city very often, but I always shop at The Cotton Sheep when I'm there. The owner is aware of how delicate some of the items are and it only makes sense to be careful when you try them on. The younger generation is not aware of how special these items are and may take offense when she asks you to be careful. I get it and understand her concern. Many of the items are one of a kind. Don't judge her by the negative reviews. She has a heart of gold and is very kind. I love this store so very much and will continue to shop there for many, many more years.

A family owned Japanese import clothing store. The clothes they sell are good quolity, but be aware it's much more expensive than buying in Japan, or buying the same from other stores in the U.S. The family is stuck-up.  They are nice to you as long as you can afford them.  However, if you can't afford clothes from this store, or simply don't buy anything, they don't care about you. Sadly, I have witnessed the owner lady making fun of people left without buying.  Even saying something racist. I stopped going this store because of disgusting experience.

As far as I know, this is the only store in San Francisco that carries Japanese import clothes I've been looking for! I originally found this store in search of children's clothes, but I ended up buying something for myself! (well, I'll still have 6 more months until I give a birth..LOL) Although the store did not have maternity clothes, one of the clerks, Takako-san, picked a few tunics that were loose or stretchy for me, and everything I've tried on was super comfy and soft. I love the layering style, the neutral color, and of course, the size which is just perfect for a petite Japanese woman like me. While style, size and pricewise, these clothes may not be for everyone, the clothes will make great gifts for someone or kids. I was also aware of the high prices and had to limit myself to get only a few accessories like a scarf and legging, but the quality of the garments is definitely worth the price you pay for. As for customer service aspects, the owner, Eiko-san, and Takako-san were both very helpful and friendly to me, as well as to other nonspeaking Japanese customers. I will definitely recommend this store to my friends and coworkers, and come back to shop again.

I discovered Kapital clothing here! I love this store. Such beautiful clothing.

I never thought I would be coming back (even though I had a great experience), but I remember the small selection of baby socks and clothing being cute! I did and left with handful of merchandise and a lighter wallet. I can agree with most of the reviews, but service is definitely hit or miss.

The teenager who works there thinks he can judge people by their appearance and guess how much money they have, to an extend that he refuses to do his little retail job. As you can see there are lots of reviews about their bad customer service and unnecessary attitudes, they don't seem to care and try to improve - that's how highly they think of themselves. I am sure this is not going to be the last review about their shitty behavior. Wouldn't recommend unless you want to see some snob going around and insulting you.

You don't even know...and neither did I before stepping in and started *feeling* the clothing. Yes, the place has a wonderful selection of women's and children's clothing...but, since it was a Thursday (I only try on women's clothing on Tuesdays, and children's clothing on...er, um never mind) I made my way to the dude section. And while it may be the tiniest little corner, the recently added menswear alcove is a true oasis. If your clothes have to feel, as well as look good, then this is definitely a shop that you should check out. The aesthetic is certainly a unique one, but even beyond the Japanese-rustic look, all you have to do is pick up any item and give it a feel. It's a playground of textures; somehow combining rustic stiffness with pure comfort. Much of modern fashion sacrifices longevity for perceived comfort and style...often resulting in pretty, but ultimately disposable pieces. Whoever is making this stuff is just obsessed with both process and detail. Me likey. While it may be a foreign, even unfamiliar style...there's definitely something classic and universal about the presentations. The owner, Eiko couldn't be more pleasant...and unlike the staff at another hoity-toity denim purveyor in town, didn't judge me for the "I'm so not worthy" jeans that I wore into the shop. She was more than willing to have me try on all manner of cuts, sizes, and colors just to make sure that I found the right pair of denim for me. She even made me take my pants off (5th star!) so that she could lay some of the store's jeans on top of my own and get a better feel for what might work best on me. In the end...the perfect combo of size, cut, color and wash wasn't available, so I had to make due with a couple of smaller items...Hopefully, my size will come in soon and I'll be able to enjoy my new indigo scarf. Until then...I'll just have to take comfort in the best fucking socks I've ever had. And if you think that's an extraneous expletive...try them on yourself, then we'll talk. PS. Dan V. you are an evil, evil man. Thank you. PPS. The shop gets a regular stream of folks from NYC calling them up for clothing. SFers, wake up...it's a backyard boogie. PPPS. Even though their receipts and this listing (currently) says they're at 573 Hayes...they're at 572 now. Don't get it twisted.

I can not believe this place. What a crazy B*** the owner is! I walked in to look at baby clothes for a shower when an oversized women's sweater caught my eye. I started to pull it off the rack and unbutton it when the owner ran over , grabbed it out of my hands and said "NO!....this too small for you! This size 0... You size 4...at least!" Excuse me???Now I am not petite but I am definitely in the normal category. If I buy my sweaters snug... I am pretty sure that is my business. I have been in the retail and fashion industry for years and this is the poorest excuse for customer service I have ever seen. I hope she sells nothing and goes out of business. If my label was being sold at that store I would pull it out immediately.So unacceptable. Note to the owner: Women don't like to be called fat. Just thought you should know.

This Japanese owner is extremely impolite and even a racist. My sister and i went to this store. I was facetiming in the store and she thought i was taking pics. She asked me to not take pics. I told her that i was facetiming, however, without listening to what I said, she bluntly shouted to us "get out of this store". I felt extremely insulted and embarrassed. But i was in the middle of doing facetime with my mom, so i walked out of the store. When my sister and I walked out, we heard that the owner was murmuring behind us "XXXXXX Chinese". I couldnt belive what i heard. I went back to the store and complained about her misdemeanor. She said "Shut up and Get out of this store" This is not how customers are treated anywhere in this country.

The clothes are exceptional with several, truly unique pieces. I don't think there is another boutique clothier that carries Kapital, and with other such quality clothiers you can expect the type of service that allows you to browse as you please with a knowledgeable group of individuals who ready to help when you need it.

5 stars for their products....zero for the snooty service....they've always been snooty...before the move across the street to this bigger space.... I will refrain from dredging up the bad experiences by writing about them.... There's NOTHING that I need that badly from them......it's too bad....

I wrote my original review back when I was a college student. At that time I wouldn't have been able to splurge on the treasures in this shop. Today I'm the founder of a successful company and I could buy whatever I want from Cotton Sheep. That will never happen though because I was treated so poorly years ago. Decency and kindness are worth investing in. I also find some of the positive reviews condescending. Seems like some of the regulars don't think too highly of people as well. I'm so glad Cotton Sheep has found their demographic. Anyone else who cares about service and basic decency should steer clear.

This store has gorgeous items of clothing at very high prices. Not everything is Japanese but the European things are just as beautiful as the Japanese things. The owner obviously has unusually good taste. Even for those of us who are not going to spend large sums on clothes for growing kids it is nice to have the option to get special presents. I read a number of one star reviews from people who say they were treated badly. We (3 of us) were treated pleasantly and helpfully by the owner, her son and daughter. Every piece in this store is something special. I doubt that they would be happy about people dribbling their drinks on these gems or turning the store into their phone booth.

They have some nice pieces but unfortunately the customer service was horrible! The owner / older lady was so rude, we felt like we were being yelled at. My boyfriend asked if he could try on some jeans and she just refused to show us anything. She even told her colleague not to waste her time with us because we were difficult ... I don't get it: if you have a shop, don't you want to sell clothes? I guess this isn't the case for Cotton Sheep: you must first pass the old Japanese dragon review to have the right to shop there. Note to everyone: be prepared to be shown the door if they feel they don't like you. Note: I felt bad for the other salesperson who was really friendly and nice.

Went here on a Saturday with my wife. It's mostly a women's store so I was just wandering around while playing with my iPhone. When out of nowhere a woman starts barking at me to not take pictures. I said, "I'm not taking pictures" at which point she kind of backtracks and starts saying something about how she saw a flash. I understand the need to protect your store from competition and copycats, but you really don't need to insult your customers to do so. My wife sees this out of the corner of her eye and says, "Let's leave." All I can think of is that scene from Pretty Woman - "Big mistake. Big. Huge."

I definitely agree with Mia and Mag. Store is nicely done. Clean, neutral, very Japanese. I like the presentation. They sell hip up and coming items from Japan. And store staffs who is not the owner are nice but some of them have heavy Japanese accent. But owner lady? The worst customer service I've ever gotten from any retail store or actually any service industry. I understand her garments are important merchandises for her, but her attitude of looking at you touching the item, snapping at you as if I am going to make them dirty, and doubtful behavior when you ever try to return an item or any sort of thing that she may not like, is definitely unacceptable. I am a PAYING CUSTOMER. I felt mistreated as a customer. I don't have to go there to get hip Japanese items anyway. Never ever go back there.

C o t t o n S h e e p !! Everything written above already, all great stuff, but what am I after? 5 STARS for Vivian Westwoood thigh-hi stockings, knee-high socks, and wild little footsies. I LOVE STOCKINGS. You can buy me little gifts here and send them to my atelier. Really. I'll even respond with little Polaroid thank-u cards of me in my NEW STOCKINGS!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and they have all this fab Japanese stuff in every shade of neutral as well. Suddenly the madness of the stockings makes sense. It's all about styling. And yes, they're bloody expensive. Well, you pay for therapy, right???

My son loves Japanese fashion and culture, so we often come to Cotton Sheep to check out the latest. They have lovely basics and unique options for men, women and kids. The owner and her daughter are super friendly, and always strike up good conversation. Good customer service and always appreciative of our business

Wow, customer service is really bad in this place 150.00 for a kids shirt. 89.00 for a onesie?

Fashion novice warning: if you are not familiar with a Japanese aesthetic (12 different shades of taupe and ivory all layered) and accustomed to a very fine hand (super fine, super light cashmere and wools), then this is not the place for you to shop. If you are not a true blue denim aficionado and familiar with high-end indigo, sorry but go back to the Gap. The clothes are expensive because no one else in the United States carries these labels. The owner and her staff have a very personal touch with the customers that understand the look. I can imagine that being on Hayes street, one gets a LOT of traffic and "looky loos" and even more of those people probably ask why everything is so expensive. If I had to answer that questions 50 times a day, I'd ignore some people, too. This place isn't for everybody because it IS harder to understand. So go easy on them and keep an open mind. No one will force you to buy these special garments, but don't knock what you don't know! For those that do, a special experience awaits.

A previous reviewer said: "They never offered any assistance, they only stood by making sure we didn't soil their organic valuables." YEP, that was pretty much how I felt when we went in there. $118 for a cotton tunic. OMG. if that is your cup of organic, zen-inspired, lemon flavored green tea, then by all means. $98 for a button up shirt for a 9 month old. (OM freaking G) At that price, do your mommy friends a favor and give U.S. savings bonds! LOL. At this rate, even though this is the only game in town when it comes to Japanese import textiles, I'll just wait for our next trip to Japan...

I have bought many a lucky baby clothing and other shit from cotton sheep, and every mommy has loved what I have gotten them. I like getting babies clothes so much from cotton sheep it makes me what to have a baby... well it really makes me want to steal a baby, dress it up, and then return it with out anyone knowing, so that when the grief stricken mother walks back into her house after leaving a police report, she will find her baby in its crib looking might fucking stylish. She will then say "Damn baby, you be looking trs chic! Who stole you and left you looking so fly?" That would be amazing.

Socks shaped like animal paws, or doggies, or kitties. Excellent selection of cute clothes for little girls and I think some mommywear too. Priced more toward the trust-fund-baby end of the scale but really neat place to get a giftie for your stroller-pushing ex-drinking-buddy's new pride and joy. The cute little socks are by far the best things in there.

A sweet store with even sweeter goods. The garments are so well made and just-plain-pretty. Japanese products with careful construction and thoughtful details. The garments aren't cheap, or even affordable for that matter, but they're beautiful with a simple aesthetic that's worth the splurge if you can manage. Their kind-of-new space is much bigger than the old spot one across the street. The girls in the store are often quiet, but very sweet when you make the effort to converse.

First, I love this store, their unique and refined collection of japanese clothing and jewelry. I came to love the japanese clothing aesthetic and fabrics while living in Korea. I don't know anywhere else in San Francisco where you can find japanese designers. And compared with many shops on Hayes, this is not jaw-droppingly expensive either. I'd also like to comment on the strange collection of reviews-- one star, or five stars, with nothing in between. This suggests a shop with a very particular appeal and clientele who value it highly and understand that this clothing with a special aesthetic -- who understand that they are not shopping at Target. I have only been treated kindly by the owner and her son, who are both charming. I have been coming into the store for years, but only occasionally, and purchase things rarely. Yet even after a two year absence from the country (and much longer from coming into the store) the owner still remembers me and even asks about whether I still enjoy the items I purchased in the past. (Which I do. The clothing I have purchased at Cotton Sheep have lasted many years and are timeless-- I never grow tired of them.) I wonder if some of the negativism in these reviews could be due to the different ways people behave when they are shopping in stores. Some people, and especially shop owners, find it objectionable when people come into their stores talking loudly on cell phones, loudly complaining about prices , sitting on objects that are not chairs, and so on... In Japan, where the family who owns this shop comes from, there is a premium on being polite and avoiding loud behavior that might bother other people. I recommend this shop for anyone that loves exquisite fabrics, textures, and the ability to layer one gorgeous piece onto another.

I was in this store a couple of months ago with my husband, before I knew the gender of my little one on the way. I swore that once I had that information, I would come back for the appropriate pair of overpriced animal socks ($22 for a pair to fit a 1-year-old, $17 for a newborn pair). So today, I was inspired to buy my little boy to come said socks - and a $98 onesie. I know, it's crazy nonsense. But I have to say, the hand-sewn designs in this store are unlike anything I've ever seen (since I've never been to Japan, where these clothes are imported from). Definitely save this one for special occasions, gifts, etc. Unless you roll celeb style, you won't be doing your everyday shopping here. P.S. Since service has been mentioned a lot in the reviews here - I didn't encounter any problems. I received plenty of help and experienced no snootiness. I hate to think that they've been nasty with some other folks - it just wasn't my experience.

Step through the door and enter a softly lit fairyland of sparsely populated racks upon which delicate pastel garments of organic origin flutter as if begging to be touched. Everything in here is super gorgeous and super imported, which also means super expensive; simply breathing the air in here makes my wallet cry in pain. But in a good way. It hurts so, so good. And the styling! The Japanese know how to dress. Yow. I left empty-handed today, but next time I might not be so fortunate. Obligatory addendum on service: The staff is polite and friendly, but don't expect them to be over the moon about assisting you on your mind trip through the hallowed halls of sticker shock.

Cotton Sheep is a great store to get enchanting gifts. They sell jewelry by the Kyoto based Atelier Kaoru. These biomorphic/nature-inspired works are like no rings, earings, bracelets and necklaces I've ever seen. I have bought earrings for myself and my best friend and we both get complimented all the time on their understated beauty. I also got a matching ring from my sweetie who knows how much I like Kaoru's stuff. As far as I can tell, they are the only north American retailer of this jewelry. Their children's clothing is adorable and their women's apparel and shoes are beautifully deconstruced designs from Japan.