FASHION

AB FITS-Contemporary men's and women's fashions by independent designers from around, plus one of the largest collections of denim on the West Coast. 982-5726 (for both stores). 1519 Grant Ave, North Beach, open Tu-Sa, 11 am-6:30 pm, Su, noon-6 pm, Map 1, D5. 40 Grant Ave., Union Square, open M-Sa, 11 am-7 pm, Su, noon-6 pm. Map 1, D3

A/X ARMANI EXCHANGE-Apparel and accessories for men and women. Open M-Sa 10 am-8 pm and Su 11 am-7 pm. 25 Stockton St., 296-1004, Map 1, D6; 2090 Union St., open M-Sa 10 am-8 pm and Su 11 am-6 pm, 749-0891. Map 2, H2

BANANA REPUBLIC-Casual and career basics for men and women, including chinos and cocktail dresses, plus home furnishings. The West Coast flagship takes up most of a city block. Open M-Sa 10 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-7 pm, 256 Grant Ave., 788-3087, Map 1, D5; Stonestown store open M-Sa 10 am-9 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm. 3251 20th Ave., 753-3330. Map 2, D9

EMPORIO ARMANI-A palace of marble columns and vaulted ceilings featuring suits, sportswear, jeans, and accessories for men and women, with a sidewalk cafe outside. Accepts JCB. Open M-Sa 11 am-7 pm, Su noon-6 pm. One Grant Ave., 677-9400. Map 1, D6

FOG CITY LEATHER-Fine leather apparel for men and women featuring designs by Peter James. The shop specializes in custom jackets, including blazers and motorcycle jackets. Also carries belts, wallets, purses, briefcases and backpacks. Open Tu-Sa 11 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm. 2060 Union St., 567-1996. Map 2, H2

GIANNI VERSACE-Chic Italian men's and women's couture and ready-to-wear, plus the home collection. The collections change with each season, traditionally including suits, jackets, trousers and shirts in signature bold patterns. Jeans and sportswear also available at Versace Jeans Couture. Open M-F 10 am-6 pm, Sa 10 am-5:30 pm. 60 Post St., 616-0604. Map 1, D5

GIORGIO ARMANI-The premier arm of the Armani empire, Giorgio Armani features the Italian designer's Black Label line of sportswear, eveningwear and professional attire. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm, 278 Post St., 434-2500. Map 1, D5

GUCCI-The Union Square store showcases the current collection of Gucci luxuries, including ready-to-wear fashions for men and women, shoes, handbags, luggage, leather goods and accessories. Accepts JCB. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm 200 Stockton St., 392-2808. Map 1, D6

KENNETH COLE-New York designer Kenneth Cole creates smart, urban footwear for both men and women as well as leather jackets, coats, sweaters, shirts, handbags, belts, and watches. Grant Ave. boutique features onsite tailor and optical shop. Open M-Sa 9:30 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm, 166 Grant Ave., 981-2653, Map 1, D5; Westfield SF Centre open M-Sa 9:30 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm, 5th and Market streets., 227-4536, Map 1, D6. Cow Hollow open M-Sa 10 am-8 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm, 2078 Union St., 346-2161. Map 2, H2

LOUIS VUITTON-Besides the world-famous coated-canvas bags bearing the distinguished LV logo, the luxury designer's Union Square boutique carries men's and women's ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories. Open M-Sa, 10 am-7 pm, Su, noon-6 pm. 233 Geary St., 391-6200. Map 1, D5

MARC JACOBS-The hot designer's 3,000-square-foot boutique features the complete men's and women's ready-to-wear lines as well as his stylish accessories and shoes. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm, Th 10 am-7 pm, Su noon-5 pm. 125 Maiden Lane. 362-6500 Map 1, D5

POLO/RALPH LAUREN-The large Post Street store offers a full array of Ralph Lauren's sophisticated business, casual and sportswear (including ski, golf and tennis wear), plus a complete home department, workout wear, shoes and leather goods. Accepts JCB. Open M-F 10 am-7 pm, Sa 10 am-6 pm and Su noon-5pm. 90 Post St., 788-7656. Map 1, D5

TSE-A modern approach to cashmere, offering modern clothing and accessories for men, women, children, and the home. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm 60 Maiden Lane, 391-1112, Map 1, D5. Also in the Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto (open M-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm (650) 321-8969. Map 3, D6

WILKES BASHFORD-The revered clothier offers six floors with suits, jackets, sportswear, shirts, shoes and accessories for men and women, plus a home collection. Accepts JCB. Open M-W, F-Sa 10 am-6 pm, Th 10 am-8 pm, 375 Sutter St., 986-4380. Map 1, D5

YVES SAINT LAURENT-The YSL boutique on Maiden Lane carries the latest collections for men and women, including fashion, eyewear, accessories and beauty products. 166 Maiden Lane. 837-1211 Map 1, D5

Fashion-Men

THE MEN'S STORE/SAKS FIFTH AVENUE-The five story men's store features Giorgio Armani's Le Collezioni boutique, a made-to-measure shirt department and collections by Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and others. Open M-W, F-Sa 10 am-7 pm, Th 10 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm. 220 Post St. 986-4300 Map 1, D5

CAFE COTON-Elegant shirts in all styles in beautiful patterns and modern colors. Inside, you'll also find ties, sweaters, boxer shorts and other accessories. Open M-F, 10:30 am-6:30 pm, Sa, 10 am-7 pm, and Su, 11 am-5 pm. 210 Grant Ave., 837-0937. Map 1, D5

PATRICK JAMES-Tailored, classically conservative gentlemen's attire, including suits, ties, shirts, sportscoats, sportswear, and shoes. Brands include Hickey Freeman, Robert Talbot, Jhane Barnes, Cutter & Buck, Tommy Bahama, and Allen Edmonds. Open M-F 9 am-6 pm, Sa 10 am-5 pm. 216 Montgomery St., 986-1043. Map 1, D5

ROCHESTER BIG & TALL-The premier clothier for the big and tall man offers a wide selection of large-size, suits, sportswear, formal wear and shoes by top international designers. Tall sizes from large to 4XT; big sizes from 1XB to 5XB. Open M-W and F 9 am-6:30 pm, Th until 8 pm, Sa 9 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm. 700 Mission St., 982-6455. Map 1, E6

Fashion-Women

ANN TAYLOR-An ever-evolving array of up-to-the-minute fashions, Westfield San Francisco Centre, open M-Sa 9:30 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm, 5th and Market, 543-2487 Map 1, D6; 3 Embarcadero Center open M-F 10 am-7 pm, Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm, 989-5355. Map 1, E4. Ghirardelli Square, open M-Th, 10 am-6 pm, F and Sa, 10 am-7 pm, Su, 11 am-6 pm. 900 North Point St., second floor, 775-2872. Map 1, A2

ANNE FONTAINE-Every woman should have a few white shirts-especially when designed by this Parisienne. Sophisticated, crisp styles are mostly made of cotton. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm and Su noon-5 pm. 118 Grant Ave., 677-0911 Map 1, D5

BABETTE-Perfect travel clothing-throw it in your suitcase, take it out and put it on. Babette's stylish designs don't wrinkle and are machine washable. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm. 361 Sutter St., 837-1442. Map 1, D5

BEBE-Contemporary suits, separates, dresses, sportswear, leathers, and accessories for the modern woman. Open M-F 10 am-7 pm, Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm 21 Grant Ave., 781-2323, Map 1, D5. 2095 Union St., open M-Sa 10 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm, 563-2323, Map 2, H2. Westfield San Francisco Centre, open M-Sa 9:30 am-8 pm, Su 11 am-6 pm, 5th and Market streets, 543-2323. Map 1, D6

CHANEL-The ready-to-wear collection includes suits, jackets and eveningwear, and the boutique carries the full line of Chanel accessories, signature handbags, shoes, scarves, jewelry, beauty products and fine watches. Accepts JCB. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm, Su noon-5 pm. 155 Maiden Lane, 981-1550. Map 1, D5

DEMA-A hip spot in the Mission for 60s, 70s and mod-inspired fashions by independent designers. The boutique offers clothing that will fit anyone, not just paper thin models. Open M-F 11 am-7 pm, Sa noon-7 pm and Su noon-6 pm. 1038 Valencia St., 206-0500. Map 2, I6

THE GROCERY STORE-Contemporary clothing, shoes, and accessories by top designers including Miu Miu, James Perse, Three Dots, Rogan and others. Open M-F 10:30 am-6:30 pm and Sa 10:30 am-6 pm. Located near the Susan store at 3625 Sacramento St., 928-3615, Map 2, F3. Also: 311 Primrose Road, Burlingame, (650) 348-1372. Map 3, D5

J. JILL-Knit tops, camisoles, dresses, shoes and accessories that seamlessly take you from work to play. Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., 541-9223, Map 2, C6; Stonestown mall, 19th Ave., at Winston Dr. 661-5455, Map 2, D9; Stanford Shopping Center, (650) 327-1195. Map 3, D6

MARGARET O'LEARY-Fine knitwear, sportswear and accessories for men and women. One Claude Lane, 391-1010 open Tu-Sa, 10 am-5 pm, Map 1, D5; 2400 Fillmore St., 771-9982 open M-Sa 10 am-7 pm and Su noon-5 pm. Map 2, H3

RED LANTERN-Located on Union Street, Red Lantern offers hip and stylish fashions inspired by ancient Chinese designs, with custom design and tailoring available on site, plus a selection of fine Chinese antiques. 2157 Union St., at Fillmore. 776-8876 Map 2, H2

ST. JOHN-The main level features suits, dresses, and more casual collections, the home collection is in the lower level, where husbands can relax and even have a drink while the women shop. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm (Th 10 am-7 pm) and Su noon-5 pm. 767-A Market St., 856-0420. Map 1, D5

SEE JANE RUN SPORTS-Athletic apparel for women. The selection includes clothes for running, yoga, swimming, cycling and travel, including high-performance running shoes. Open M-F, 11 am-7 pm, Sa, 10 am-6 pm, Su, 10 am-5 pm. 3910 24th St. 401-8338 Map 2, H7

SUSAN-Fine European and Japanese designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, including the latest styles by Lanvin, Balenciaga, Marni, Prada and others. Open M-F 10:30 am-6:30 pm, Sa, 10:30 am-6 pm. 3685 Sacramento St., 922-3685, Map 2, F3. Burlingame store open M-Sa, 10 am-6 pm. 1403 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, (650) 347-0452. Map 3, D5

TWO SKIRTS-A Chestnut Street boutique that carries sophisticated styles for casual and dressy occasions. Inside, you'll find the latest designs by the likes of Cynthia Steffe, Edward An, Helen Wang and Tocca, plus Two Skirts' own line of Scottish cashmere. Open M-F, 11 am-7 pm, Sa, 10:30 am-6:30 pm and Su, Noon-5 pm. 2124 Chestnut St. 441-6727 Map 2, H2