.meggie. on the beach, off Union Square
02.10.09
By Laura Peach

Although San Francisco kisses the Pacific Ocean, the possibility of cold, fog and rain keeps its residents from looking like they live by the sea. Flip-flops rarely graze the sidewalk, and sheer sundresses are often eschewed in favor of warmer, more substantial fabrics and garments.

Petaluma native Meggie White wants to change that. Her breezy, beautiful new Union Street boutique, .meggie. -- which is having a special sale event this Friday (see below) -- is breathing fresh, sea-salty air into San Francisco’s shopping options. Walking into her shop is like walking into a beach house, bathed in bright pastels and punctuated by bleach white starfish and seashells scattered about the shelves.

Better yet, this beach house is a giant closet. Seersucker shirts with embroidered hems hang off cabinet corners. A rainbow of light, oversized scarves filters the sunshine pouring in the window. Shoes and boots trot up a stepladder. Loose knit throw sweaters hang beneath wooden picture frames. Delicate gold earrings dangle from white branches.

Those glittering hoops are what inspired White to open her beach house boutique. She wanted to stop selling the jewelry she designs and makes through stores so she could bring the prices down. And she wanted to create a space where other small, independent lines could thrive. “I know how hard it is to go knocking on store’s doors and get your label in there,” says White. “I have fun building relationships with local designers, I love hearing how excited they are when what they make flies out the door and I have to order more.”

"Dream Ring"

When White was working as a stylist, she started making jewelry to keep her boredom at bay during the downtime between gigs and photo shoots. She wandered into gem stores, and began buying stones that struck her fancy. As these amassed in her apartment, she scoured You Tube and Google for jewelry making how-to’s. White made her first necklace, a gold chain with freshwater pearls and stamped charms, as a birthday gift for her cousin. Then came a pearl necklace for her sister. Rings and bracelets for her friends. Meggie White designs took off.

"Dance Ring"

A style philosophy focused on details and accessories dominates White’s buying decisions. She looks for things with beading, buttons, and embroidery. Like Portland designer Claire La Faye’s funky white tank tops drizzled with rhinestones, pearls and lace. “If you feel frumpy in the morning, it carries with you,” says White. “Get something new once a month—don’t get something you already have. You’ve got your staples, so get accessories, get things with special details.”

This Friday night, Miss White will be serving up strawberry champagne in her beach house paradise. She’ll also be giving a 10% storewide discount and raffling off a luxurious leather Hamitt bag (one raffle ticket for every fifty dollars you spend). Good reason to update your closet