We’re ushering in more and more local style across the country, and this time we’re honing in on the Bay Area. Rue San Francisco has arrived, giving you insider access to all the best local spots in the city. To celebrate San Francisco’s debut, we sat down with Director of Brand Partnerships, Heather Hartle, to talk about the city’s stellar boutiques, navigating the hills, and what to do when the fog rolls out.

Rue La La: Every city has its own fashion personality. What defines San Francisco style?
Heather: People love to say that San Francisco doesn’t have a distinct fashion style. My take on that sentiment is that because San Francisco has always been home to and prides itself on its entrepreneurs, free thinkers, and independents, it fails to fall into a set style persona. And that is a good thing. We’ve got everything from the preppy Marina girls and Mission hipsters to the tech geeks and ladies who lunch. I think of San Francisco style much like I do the people who wear it: varied and independent, with a strong sense of self.

Rue La La: Living in San Francisco has its dressing challenges (hills, fog, cool weather) – what are the key style pieces in your closet that everyone in town should own?
Heather: Everyone has heard the famous line from Mark Twain, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Well, that explains my boot collection. It’s larger than when I lived in Michigan and I wear boots nearly all summer long. The second key to fashionably surviving the weather is layers, layers, and more layers. Finally, in order to gracefully navigate the hills in San Francisco, you have to have several heel heights in your closet. I was never a fan of flats until I moved here, and now my closet is stocked full of them, from Tory Burch to London Sole.

Rue La La: In 3 words, tell us how you’d describe your personal style.
Heather: Classic. American. Chic.

Rue La La: Everyone has that treasured piece (with a gotta-share story) in their closet – what’s yours?
Heather: On a trip to Amsterdam a few years back, I found a silk scarf that had to be at least 20 feet long. The yards of brightly-colored and insanely bold patterns (and general over-the-top statement of it) reminded me of something Elton John might wear on stage. As my friend and I were leaving with our purchases, the salesperson casually mentioned that David Bowie had been in just the day before and had purchased the only other matching scarf. Needless to say, I channel my inner rockstar when I wear it. Come to think of it, I don’t wear it enough!

Rue La La: Ah, you bring up one of our favorite pastimes: shopping. What are your must-stops on an all-out shopping trip through the city?
Heather: So many places! I love Jeremy’s in South Park for finding great designers at even greater prices (I once got a Chloe bag for a quarter of retail). There are plenty of great finds there – from ball gowns to bathing suits. Maiden Lane is perfect when you want to do some serious splurging – Marc Jacobs, Prada, Hermès, Gump’s – and that’s just to name a few. Valencia Street in the Mission has tons of great boutiques filled with independent designers and one-of-a-kind items, from fashion to home accessories. Grant Street in North Beach has several little gems … fantastic boutiques with the most amazing finds, like the latest denim styles, vintage clothing, fine stationery, chocolates, and even pet gear.

Rue La La: And then there’s shopping at the Alameda Flea Market/Antiques Faire, which can be very tricky. What are your secrets for nabbing a great find?
Heather: Get there early (VERY early) to be sure you don’t miss out on that great treasure you didn’t know you needed. And, if you can, stay late to bargain on that piece you just have to have… once everyone else has given up and gone home, amazing deals can be had!

Rue La La: Two words: Napa Valley. What are your favorite stops?
Heather: Wine country offers a great day trip or weekend getaway. I have two favorite destinations: Carneros Inn and Meadowood Resort – both offer completely different experiences, both world-class.

Rue La La: The fog leaves the city for a while – what do you do?
Heather: Whenever possible, I escape to Stinson Beach. It’s only 30 minutes north via Highway 1, and it feels like it’s a world away. The drive alone is worth it, the views along the way are breathtaking, and despite the sometimes treacherous curves, it’s one of my favorite drives around.

Rue La La: Tell us about the most wild thing you’ve ever seen in San Francisco.
Heather: Oh, there are so many to choose from! San Francisco is known for its street fairs and festivals. The Folsom Street Fair never disappoints for shock value – it’s the largest leather/fetish fair in the world. Need I say more? The Bay to Breakers, a 100-year-old San Francisco tradition boasts serious running along with thousands of spectators in costumes, ranging from Elvis to chicken suits and everything in between, including (until this year) nudists.

Rue La La: What would you miss most if you left San Francisco?
Heather: The people. The neighborhoods. The views. The beach. The bay. The fog horns. Everything.

The City of Angels just got even more chic. Rue Los Angeles is (officially) here and giving you access to Los Angeles’s hotspots, must-sees, and can’t-live-withouts. In honor of our California debut, we sat down with our very fashionable L.A. General Manager, Tova Bonem, to chat about local vintage treasures, the five stores every style-setter has to visit, and what she’s doing when the 405 shuts down.

Rue La La: Describe L.A.’s style.
Tova: Casual chic that defies the mundane. Personal style that combines femininity with a splash of youth. No set formula.

Rue La La: L.A. is known for its legions of sartorial masters. Any tricks for navigating the stands at the famed summer fleas (Rose Bowl in Pasadena or Long Beach’s antique market)?
Tova: Plan to get there early and be discerning, but have an open mind – the treasure you’ll find may be not the one you were looking for.

Rue La La: Which five stores are essential for an all-out L.A. shopping crawl?
Tova: So many! The best strategy is to hit every cluster of big-name glamour designers and small independent stars of the future on Robertson Boulevard, Melrose Place, Abbot Kinney, Malibu Country Mart, Montana Avenue, Brentwood Country Mart, and Rodeo Drive.

Rue La La: What are some can’t-miss local secrets our Members have to know about?
Tova: Brunch at Café Figaro! Bar Covell is a new little Los Feliz gem and a must for all wine and cheese aficionados, Jet Suite is stylish, fun, and affordable jetting to Vegas, and Dragan Mrdja is a visionary cobbler and designer.

Rue La La: Tell us about a style moment that made you say, “That’s so L.A.”
Tova: Seeing Diane Von Furstenberg wearing her bright and beautiful dress at the downtown Urth Caffé … so unexpected!

Rue La La: You’ve lived in L.A. for eight years – what inspires your personal style?
Tova: Coco Chanel mixed with Alexander McQueen. The mood, where I’m going, who I’ll be seeing that day all factor in.

Rue La La: Are there any treasured items in your closet? What are their stories?
Tova: A vintage, chocolate brown Hermès Kelly bag that I found at a flea market in New York. I went with a “team,” (my girlfriends and I are know as the “Eagle Eye Trio”) and the bag wasn’t really on display – it was facing backwards, but I’d know that shape in my sleep!

Rue La La: What would you miss most if you left L.A.?
Tova: The weather, lifestyle, and great hair days!

Rue La La: What are you going to do when the 405 shuts down?
Tova: Take the Metro to LACMA to check out the Tim Burton exhibit, and stay poolside.