Originally named for the rallies once held in this location to show support for the Union Army during the Civil War, Union Square continues to play a central role in the city as a backdrop for various ceremonies, art shows, cultural activities, the occasional protest, and its annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting during the Winter holidays. In terms of historical significance, the 97 foot tall Corinthian column and winged Victory statue were erected in 1903 to commemorate Admiral George Dewey’s victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War. In 1941, the world’s first underground parking garage built beneath the plaza was opened.

It’s no mystery why this part of the city is a desirable tourist destination for its proximity to the theater district, landmark hotels like the |Westin St. Francis|, fine dining restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. Major department stores |Neiman Marcus|, |Sak’s Fifth Avenue|, and |Macy’s| have flagship locations bordering the square along with national retailers such as |Williams Sonoma|, |Levi’s|, and |Nike Town|. Union Square is also a destination for luxury goods with stores like |Louis Vuitton|, |Salvatore Ferragamo|, |Prada|, |Gucci|, |Dior|, |Chanel|, |Bulgari|, and |Tiffany & Co.| all having locations in this area. Access to the plaza is served by numerous bus lines, two cable car lines (Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason) that run along its Western perimeter, and the Powell Street BART station located just a few blocks away.

Founded in Paris in 1961, Diptyque started out as an avant-garde fabrics and decorative art shop that also sold perfumed-scented candles. Their product line has since expanded over the years into personal fragrances of their signature scents and fragrance sprays for the home. The company also started selling body care products like lotions and bath products.

No one wants their own personal fragrance to be commonplace wherever they go, so it helps that the Maiden Lane shop is the only Diptyque store on the West Coast, and one of only three in the U.S. Though pricier than most fragrances sold at large department stores, the quality of their products over other brands is noticeable upon comparison. As reluctant as I am to divulge the exact scent I love and wear, Eau de Lierre is my favorite and is one of their newest and most complex fragrances to date. |diptyque|

There are dress shirts and there are dress shirts, Cafe Coton makes the latter. Down the street from high profile retail shops by the likes of |Hermes| and |Prada|, this quaint little shop near Union Square is one of only a handful of US locations and is definitely worth a visit. The superior quality over other brands is noticeable in the way these fabrics look and feel; the fine Egyptian cotton comes in a wide spectrum of colors and patterns, and are styled with a European tapered fit with either French or button cuffs. There is even a choice of thread count, the highest of which features mother of pearl buttons, which are an unexpected luxury. In addition to shirts, Cafe Coton makes and sells silk knots, great ties, and very comfy boxers. Remember to check the treasure chest of sale items, which is usually stocked and worth perusing for some great deals. |Cafe Coton|