As many fashion-savvy city dwellers know, the Haight is truly one of San Francisco's best one-stop shopping spots. The neighborhood has a little something to please everyone, offering second-hand thrift, choice vintage, of-the-moment trends, funky shoes and a slew of accessories – and all of these for widely varying budgets. Reflecting the laid back Haight vibe, stores generally open late (around 11am, or even noon on weekends) and stay open until 7-8pm. Call or visit the store websites for current open hours. Then head out to these shops to whip your wardrobe into stylish shape.

1. Lower Hater
597 Haight Street (between Fillmore and Steiner streets)
As its name implies, this store is in the Lower Haight, and may be the coolest in the entire neighborhood. There are hip designs for both fellas and females (think unique t-shirts from SF designers, funky wallets, hats, jewelry and messenger bags) and there is a back room that serves as a little local art gallery with painted canvases and artist-decorated skateboards. Even better, the vibe is completely welcoming – there are even couches so you can rest your shopped-out feet.

2. Ambiance
1458 Haight Street (between Masonic and Ashbury streets); tel: 415-552-5095
Voted "Best San Francisco Boutique" in San Francisco Magazine's poll and "Best Women's Clothing Store" in SF Weekly's, Ambiance reels in masses of fashionable city girls with its trendy mix of clothes and accessories. The Haight store is the flagship location, stocked with a great grab bag of flirty dresses, cute ever-essential basics, smart shoes, and premium denim from lines like Joe's, Level 99, and Silver. Rounding out the selection are brightly colored leather handbags and lots of fun jewelry.

3. Held Over
1543 Haight Street (between Ashbury and Clayton streets); tel: 415-864-0818
Ignore the musty consignment store smell and dive into Held Over's racks of unique vintage. The goods are helpfully arranged by period, genre and color, making it easier to find that blue 60's skirt or pink 80's prom dress you've been dreaming about. From dresses and sweaters to scarves, purses and clutches, this is undoubtedly one of the Haight's best vintage shops. Price tags range from moderate to high.

4. Shoe Biz
Shoe Biz: 1446 Haight Street
Shoe Biz II: 1553 Haight Street
Super Shoe Biz: 1420 Haight Street
Sneakerheads, boot junkies, stiletto addicts and general footwear fiends are all impressed by Shoe Biz's great selection of trendy, affordable and alternative styles that run from casual to classy. Futuristic-feeling Super Shoe Biz stocks higher-end lines, while Shoe Biz II (also known as the Dino Store owing to the dinosaur mascot out front) is the go-to if you're craving street sneakers, athletic sneakers or skate shoes. There the shelves are lined with fresh footwear from brands like Adidas, Nike, Tiger, Puma, New Balance, Reebok, Converse Chuck Taylor and Clarks, including limited edition picks.

6. Behind the Post Office
1510 Haight Street, between Clayton and Ashbury streets; tel: 415-861-2507
Pretty much everything is adorable in this tiny, tidy little boutique, from causal tanks and tunics by Splendid and Ella Moss, to accessories from Orla Kiely, to premium denim from Citizens and Yanuk. The fashionable threads are tagged with moderate to high prices, so come prepared to dish out a bit, though you can often find some very reasonable deals. Don't miss the great jewelry selection.

7. Upper Playground
220 Fillmore Street, between Haight and Waller Streets; tel: 415-861-1960
If you're hunting for colorful, comfy-cozy graphic tees and hoodies that no one else will have, but that will have everyone asking you where it came from, Upper Playground is your answer. The designs come from amazingly talented local artists, so shopping at this Lower Haight treasure is not only a way to score fantastic clothes and accessories, but also an easy way to support your friendly neighborhood struggling designer…though it isn't exactly clear how struggling said designers really are, given the store's wild popularity.

8. John Fluevog Shoes
1697 Haight Street (between Belvedere and Cole streets); tel: 415-436-9784
The shoes are pretty darn expensive here, but so worth it if you can save up – they are incredibly well made, comfortable and, well, just plain gorgeous. These are the kind of boots and pumps that turn heads and bring on compliments from random strangers on the street. The styles for both men and women are quirky and unique, the colors beautiful and bright and the vixen heels sturdy enough to run it. If they're out of your price range, just make sure to check back in during a sale.

9. Villain's/Villain's Vault
1672 Haight Street and 1653 Haight Street (between Belvedere and Cole streets)
These ultra-hip, up-market stores (just across the street from each other) supply of-the-moment styles from top-shelf brands for both men and women. Come for fashion-forward denim, trendy shoes, graphic tees, jackets and flashy accessories. Villain's Vault has more higher-end lines (including Diesel and Rock and Republic), but you can expect to shell out top dollar and both outposts…to make less of dent in your savings, hit up the great sales.