Bag Lady: The Seventh Heart at 1592 Market
by Ryan Robles
Times are tough. Or so we've been told. So, in this economy it’s ideal to know where to go to get the most omph for your buck, especially if your tastes are a lot bigger than your wallet. For cocktails, obviously, it's happy hour (Bag Lady favors Orson Tue-Sat, and obviously the Castro for two-for-one’s anytime before 9 p.m.) For food it’s dining at home, or out during the week at any restaurant that has a special weekly or monthly price fix dining menus. Currently, Bar Bambino is at the top of the list with a 4-course dinner that will only set you back about $35. And for nightlife, it’s going out during the week when people are generally more unruly and “living life to the fullest.”
But what about clothing? It can be a challenge to find inexpensive separates outside of the youthful yet dry American Apparel and Urban Outfitters to wear out on any given day of the week. The answer? The Seventh Heart.
The Seventh Heart, located on Market near Van Ness, sell thoughtfully selected basics, one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as hosts monthly art shows in their gallery-like setting. Owners Jess Cuevas & Mark Hoke, friends from high school and Bay Area natives, have created a special and unique space where local fashion and art converge to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. As many know Bag Lady is just as crazy about aesthetics as is clothing, and The Seventh Heart doesn’t disappoint. Currently the boutique is a mix of equestrian, vintage leather daddy memorabilia, and Mickey Mouse. Yes, three things that make Bag Lady swoon. The space also houses three gorgeous graffiti-style murals from local artist and nightlife personality, Mica Horseface.
As for the clothes, The Seventh Heart carries a ton of tees and totes designed by Jess Cuevas & Mark Hoke.
Bag Lady favorites include the Mickey Mouse in a ball-gag tee, and “Talent Borrow Genius Steals” tee, and the Madonna tees and totes. The Seventh Heart also carries quite a bit of denim, namely Levis in colors and fits that are often hard to come by at Levis stores (Bag Lady’s hipster heart has a unique affection for skinny denim...still). Aside from tops and bottoms, The Seventh Heart also carries a selections of hats for fall, scarves, vintage sunnies, a rainbow of different colored hankies! Yes, this store is caters to us gay men, but will also help everyone in between achieve a stylish look for little mula.
Also, check out their blog with posts about their daily obsessions, recently Grace Jones (naturally), fashion recommendations, like wearing Black socks with shorts, and music. Keep an eye out for their website to purchase online in the near future.
We talked to the heart Seventh Heart, owners Jess Cuevas and Mark Hoke recently to tell us a bit about their store and business in the city.
SFist: What is Seventh Heart?
Seventh Heart: A locally owned SF clothing store
SF: What do you sell?
SH:Affordable clothing for men & women.
SF: How long has Seventh Heart been in business?
SH: Nearly 4 years.
SF: Most popular item(s) and why?
SH: Levi's Jeans & our own line of unique graphic t-shirts. We pick out the ones that fit good & feel great.
SF: Who are the owners (background, brief bio, have long have you lived in the Bay Area, etc.)?
SH: Both of us (Mark & Jess) have grown up in the bay area have known each other since high school.
SF: In which neighborhood is Seventh Heart located?
SH: We're kind of in the middle of a few areas. We border Mission, The Castro & Hayes Valley.
SF: Why did you choose the neighborhood?
SH: It seemed like the best fit for us, so we could create a destination for our customers.
SF: What is the best thing about running a business like yours in San Francisco?
SH: When people like the clothes so much they want to wear them out.
SF: What was the inspiration for your store?
SH: Creating a space that showcases local art, having affordable fashionable clothing, a store that I would shop at.
SF: Who designed your store, and tell us about the aesthetic?
SH: We designed it, our aesthetic is a mix. It changes daily,
SF: Describe, if you can, Seventh Heart typical clientele?
SH: Our client wants style that leaves them enough money for a happy hour cocktail.
SF: What is your store’s philosophy? What is your ultimate goal (aside from success, which is a given)?
SH: We will ALWAYS find the affordable way to provide you with style.
SF: Who is your store’s buyer?
SH: We are: Jess Cuevas & Mark Hoke
SF: How do you choose the pieces sold (clothing, accessories, art, whatever)?
SH: We are constantly on the search for what is current. What is innovative yet accessible.
SF: Aside from your own, what are your top 3 favorite stores in SF?
SH: Modern Appealing Clothing, Gimme Shoes, Held Over.
SF: Can you give us three words that best describe Seventh Heart?
SH: Affordable. Fashionable. Accessible.
SF: What makes your store unique?
SH: We prove style is not something that has to be expensive. We also have a great eye for quality and style.
SF: Any advice for a rookie looking to open a business in SF?
SH: In this economy, watch your price points.
Seventh Heart is located at 1592 Market (at Van Ness)