I was hoping to find some non-stiletto silver gogo boots for a costume party, with no luck; but instead I found a treasure trove of dress-up dance party paraphernalia! Prices are reasonable(cash only); Kim, the owner, is super friendly and gives just the right amount of customer service(read: doesn’t unnecessarily hover); and I really like that you need to be buzzed in, as I feel safer perusing intimate wear among other shoppers, as opposed to anybody walking in off the street for entertainment. After 13 years in the city, I’m always on the lookout for fun stores like this, especially when off the overly-beaten path of Upper Haight. So happy to have found this one!
Lanie L.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Ok ok ok, I’m literally writing this as soon as I got home. If you’re a Unilocal friend of mine(and ESPECIALLY if you’re a friend of mine in real life), you know that I’m a gogo dancer. I have a gig tonight, and I realized that out of the 20 pairs of fishnets I own, they ALLHAVEHOLESINTHEM. Too late for Amazon, and I really didn’t want to spend 30 minutes each way to go to New York Apparel in the Haight to pick up dance basics, I turned to Unilocal and searched«fishnet stockings.» New Hong Kong Fashions turned up and is within walking distance from me! When you arrive, ring the doorbell and you will be greeted by a little lady I will now refer to as Mama Kim. Mama Kim was pretty ecstatic to see me, as I was the only customer in the store! After she greeted me, she let me be while I browsed her selection. I was very impressed! She has a huge selection of leggings and stockings! Mostly Leg Avenue quality, but it fit my needs anyway. I’m just going to ramble off all the cool things she has in her store! –Costume wigs of every color –Boots –Heels, ranging from cute strappy black ones, to stripper heels, to platform animal print, to badass studded ones. –Belts of all sorts –Cheap accessories FORDAYS. Find the perfect ones for your costume ideas! –Sexy lingerie(garter belts, panties, thongs, teddies, etc) –Lamé shorts, leggings, and tops of all colors and cuts! –Rainbow outfits(Gay Pride is next month!) –Crop tops –Mini Skirts –Nightclub dresses and outfits –Traditional Cultural outfits(Kimonos, Traditional Chinese dresses) –Fishnet tops –Gogo Outfits –Belly Dancing Outfits –Feather Boas –Sequined bras & bikinis -$ 2 Human Hair eyelashes(And they’re HUGE) –More more more! Mama Kim is so cool. Every time I picked up a top, she would find bottoms that would pair perfectly with it. When I showed her photos of my gogo outfits, she would suggest an outfit I could wear. She knows her store inside-out and is so down with finding you the perfect outfit or costume. DON’T expect Party City type of costumes. You know, those pre-packaged Halloween costumes that suck and never fit well. She has some in her store, but not much. This place is more for when you happen to be a San Franciscan celebrating the next crazy dress-up event in town. So whether it’s Bay to Breakers(next week!), Carnival(2 weeks!), Gay Pride(next month!), some rave, or just another day in SF, Mama Kim can probably find you something that would work for you. I walked out with brand new fishnets, falsies, and a new gogo outfit for this weekend. Yaass.
Nizaria D.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
I LOVETHISSTORE! The eclectic mix of funky fantasy fashions, the variety of fishnet fabrics, the sweet owner who had a cup of quarters ready for my parking meter. I came in with a muddled idea of what I needed(little pink fishnet dress in the window?) and came out with exactly what I wanted, thanks to mama-san’s expert assistance. Fishnet is an endangered species in the retail world, harder and harder to find unless you are willing to take the risk online with products of dubious quality. At NHKF you can touch the products and check fit and sizing, which in the end saved me a bunch of money on items I would have otherwise ordered on Amazon and ended up hating, meanwhile I was gently guided towards dresses more appropriate for my size and shape(petite/thick with a big ol booty). I received nary a disapproval or raised eyebrow when I requested something with«more holes» to show off some skin. I’m actually kind of a prude getting undressed in front of strangers but I felt so comfortable during my fitting consultation that by the end of it mama-san had seen most of my naughty bits and we were cracking jokes about how to make my boobs look bigger squished into spandex and lace. She’s got a great sense of humor! If you are looking for a sexy/fun/scandalous costume or just something to spice things up in your love life, totally go check it out!
Charliena B.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Such a cute little place that has about everything in it. Feather boas, costumes, jewelry, leggings, stockings, fun shoes and A LOT more. Great for themed outings. Mine tinight is 1920’s.
LadyCuki C.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
I love going into this place… first of all mama greets you always with a smile, she listen to what your needs are, and then she goes out of her way to offer you some great suggestions. I probably visit this place about three times a month and always find some great product and excellent prices. Customer service at it’s finest and excellent merchandise. Make sure you visit this wonderful place soon…
Veronica G.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
«I need to go to the ho store» I’m not using the word«ho» as an offensive term. Ho merely describes the setting here. In terms of location this area is near a known ho stroll, as in at night there«ladies» strutting in their Saturday night/Sunday morning finest and yes, there are times I admire their confidence and ability to produce jaw dropping looks with both their walk and ensembles. I always wondered where some of these looks came from. Well, now I know. The fashions make a statement. As in risqué vs. risky, as in flashy and frisky, as in «lady of the night», as in classy, sassy, show off your assy. Sequins, costume jewelry, fringe and spandex numbers are crammed everywhere into this tiny place. The scent of wax makeup(favored by queens, trannies and«entertainers») permeates the air in way that makes you feel like you may have been trapped in Bozo’s caboodle. Most of clothes strike me as used, retooled, closeout specials with a dash of retired stripper but if you need an outfit that will raise a few eyebrows, you have a huge selection to paw through. This is THE store to go to if you are in need of fishnets, thigh highs, tights, gloves, flashy/big earrings, etc on the cheap cheap cheap too. A couple of quirks about this place. Yes, you have to buzz in and be let in by the owner. I’m assuming this would be due to clientele and yes, there are some scandalous hos out there. Both the man and woman are sweet and are pleased to have your business. I saw her have patience with an older«flashy» woman counting out pennies and other change to purchase some earrings. How many old ladies you know have that kind of patience? However she does remind me of my friend’s Japanese grandma – sweet looking but she can tell you one hell of a dirty joke. No, I have heard her tell any jokes but with a store like this you can tell she’s in on it. Perfect for costumes or other funky outfits needed that won’t break the bank. An experience for sure.