As most of us are sitting at home, sheltering in place or what have you—the want to peruse, add to your wishlist, throw items into your cart is fast growing. So much so that shoppers (such as yourself) are often dismay by their favorite stores “sign in and shop” requests. Something about having to set up an account, remember yet another password that you’ll most likely forget or overuse, and then forget to turn off the marketing emails box to then come home to nearly 50 plus emails from that brand. It’s truly taxing.
But to much of our pleasure and for a moment, a “does this actually exist”, Encarte was added to our Google Chrome extension bar. For those who have no idea what Encarte is—well we’re happy to fill you in. Encarte is a free Google Chrome extension that emulates the one-click checkout on any site powered by popular e-commerce hosts. Yes, you’ve read correctly: free and one-click. Instead of having to jump hoops just to get a necklace, a new pair of shoes, headphones, whatever—Encarte puts ease back into the equation.
“Get the same, smooth checkout no matter where you are,” the Encarte team told us when we asked about how it all works, “integrating with over 4,000 retailers from big brands to luxury boutiques, Encarte works just about everywhere you shop.” But you may be asking: “but how do I know if it works?” Luckily, you’ll visually know. When the Chrome extension is installed, an Encarte one-click checkout button will appear on any product page you visit on the right side of your screen, you can’t miss it. From there, Encarte will become the middle man, taking care of your details to the retailer, never selling or giving your information to them, they keep you informed of what’s shipping, what’s getting ready to ship and will email you every step of the way. You never have to communicate with the retailer ever again.
And we love it—our editor’s got to test the extension on hyper local shops that we love, everything from home decor, art, apparel, beauty, and miscellaneous boob artwork, we were stunned that we didn’t learn about this extension sooner. So if you’re looking to support local faster, easier, and safer—we suggest downloading for free the Encarte Google Chrome extension and shopping our favorite locals below.
For Bob Cut readers, when you download the extension, you’ll get free shipping through July. Download the extension here and happy shopping.
Hero Shop
Nestled in the imminent neighborhood of the Tenderloin, you’ll find a hidden gem that exhibits a universal sanctuary of prominent style and eclectic curiosities. As local shops are becoming [even more] ubiquitous throughout the neighborhoods of San Francisco, there’s one that puts the city en vogue. Its name is Hero Shop, a fun and true concept store that brings the beauty of heroism to life. Bay area native and former Vogue Editor, Emily Holt is the founder and mastermind behind the fashion-forward and altruistic boutique. —Amy Bialek // heroshopsf.com
A post shared by Hero Shop San Francisco (@heroshopsf) on Jun 8, 2020 at 11:21am PDT
Gravel & Gold
Gravel & Gold is a woman-owned collective, that features the work of other artists, in addition to their own creations. Their collections are based around handmade print designs by a variety of designers. Prints are in, and a subset of their trends are art-inspired prints, and a mix of different prints. Their eclectic jumpsuit tackles all these trends, and also features a cropped, wide leg, making it a sartorial example of what’s in this season. —V. Alexandra De F. Szoenyi // gravelandgold.com
A post shared by Gravel & Gold (@gravelandgoldsf) on May 27, 2020 at 11:10am PDT
Book/Shop
This rare spot celebrates not only the printed word but the experience of reading as well. With a highly curated book selection, along with local art, objects, and furniture, it’s the hot spot for the bibliophile in everyone. This little shop is the oasis of indiviuality and expression. —Ashley Tarr // shopbookshop.com
A post shared by BOOK/SHOP (@bookshop_us) on Feb 20, 2020 at 3:16pm PST
McMullen
Sherri McMullen, a former textile buyer for Pottery Barn Kids and now founder of McMullen in Oakland and Palo Alto, has always had a passion for the beautiful things in life and the small designers who dream up these precious objects. Hailed as “Oakland’s Fashion Diversity Ambassador,” she told the Chronicle, “It was important to me that if a young woman of color was walking by the window or came in because she followed me on Instagram that she’d see herself reflected in the store,” says McMullen, “I want her to know that there’s a place for her in this world, in fashion.” —Anthony Rogers // shopmcmullen.com
A post shared by McMullen (@shopmcmullen) on Jun 11, 2020 at 11:07am PDT
Baggu
Specifically, delightful bags that make life easier and more enjoyable. Baggu’s goal is to make every bag you need for your daily routines. They hope you look and feel your best when carrying a Baggu. Plus now, Baggu is making fabric masks that are chic to wear and utilitarian in function. —Anthony Rogers // baggu.com
A post shared by BAGGU (@baggu) on May 26, 2020 at 6:00am PDT
DOPP
From the mind of designer and founder, Shayla Dopp, DOPP is a Berkeley-born shoe brand that infuses color, classic silhouette, and quality material all under one roof. Coming in a rich range of shades and styles, DOPP’s expansion into other categories this year is jam packed with more wares that you are soon to love. —Anthony Rogers // dopp.city
A post shared by Shayla Dopp (@dopp.city) on Jun 14, 2020 at 9:14am PDT
Kristina Micotti
Kristina Micotti is an illustrator from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has turned her doodles into a career in illustration. Kristina’s work varies from minimalist to extremely detailed but always maintains a whimsical quality. And for those who are avid collectors of her work—you can now shop directly from her. —Anthony Rogers // kristinamicotti.com
A post shared by Kristina Micotti (@kristinamicotti) on Jun 20, 2020 at 3:31pm PDT
Westward Leaning
Westward Leaning creates socially conscious, stylish, unisex sunglasses, in unique materials which have included gold, redwood, and sea glass. Added bonus? You can customize a pair of sunnies, just for you. We will forever be looking to the future, and what we imagine will be in it. Sci-fi sunglasses proved to be a common theme on the spring/summer runways; these bold frames by Westward Leaning were actually influenced by the film The Fifth Element, which is set in the year 2300.—V. Alexandra De F. Szoenyi // westwardleaning.com
A post shared by Westward \ Leaning (@westwardleaning) on Jun 17, 2020 at 4:52pm PDT
Azalea
What has been lauded as San Francisco style—Azalea supplies the Bay Area with much needed basics to go with anything in your closet. Since the summer of ’03, when Azalea Boutique opened its flagship store in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, they’ve grown steadily from a handful of brands into a leading local retailer, having launched many brands along the way. Discover independent designers as well as popular high-street crowd favorites such as Stone Island, Stussy, AGOLDE, Herschel Supply Co, John Elliott, and more. —Anthony Rogers // azaleasf.com
A post shared by AZALEA (@azaleasf) on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:01am PDT
Ayla Beauty
Being harassed by beauty “consultants” along the sidewalks of downtown SF isn’t the most ideal way of getting your beauty knowledge. That’s why Dara Kennedy, the owner of Ayla Beauty, is changing the knowledge base of SF beauty and beyond. Homing the most sought after products, this skin maven caters to a vast array of clientele. Stocking the best beauty, hair, skin, and tools anywhere in the world—Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with in the Bay Area beauty scene. —Ashley Tarr // aylabeauty.com
A post shared by Ayla (@aylabeauty) on Apr 19, 2020 at 9:04am PDT
// Want to start shopping with ease? Go ahead and download the Encarte Google Chrome extension and enjoy one-click purchasing from any of your favorite local shops. Photography courtesy of the shops listed above.
