Cuyana gives "try before you buy" a try. 

Now you can try those fewer, better things before you commit. Cuyana—the SF brand adored for its high-quality, functional essentials—just launched a try-before-you-buy program at its Fillmore Street store. Here's the dealio: Choose one of several yummy Cuyana leather bags (mini double loop bag, oversized double loop bag, leather backpack, system tote, easy tote and tall easy tote) to test drive for seven days. After the week is over? You can either buy it, return it, or take another beauty out for a spin.

So why is the company trying its hand at the TBYB game?

"It's important for us to ensure that our customers are making purchases that not only suit their style but fit seamlessly into their daily needs and routine,” explains Karla Gallado, Cuyana co-founder/CEO.

'Cause sometimes it takes a couple tries to find the perfect handle.

// 2116 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), cuyana.com

Artists Erin Hupp and Jaime Lovejoy team up for a glorious SF gallery pop-up. 

We all need more art in our lives (and homes), but scheduling time to take in the latest museum exhibit or visit a favorite gallery isn't always easy. Whic is exactly why you should be stoked that, starting October 15th, you can get a little taste and a lot of inspiration before or after errand-running, Ritual-sipping and A Mano pasta-ing in Hayes Valley. The Gallery Pop-up will be a month-long event run by and featuring art by ceramicist Erin Hupp and abstract artist Jaime Lovejoy. Translation: Whenever you visit, at least one of the artists will be there to provide the scoop and process for all of the works on display (and for sale).

“Visitors and passersby love seeing more art in the neighborhood—a welcome resurgence of activity in otherwise empty/boarded spaces,” says Lovejoy.

// Noon to 6pm, Oct. 15 through Nov. 13th; 327 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), erinnhuppceramics, jaimelovejoy.com

The Rug Company debuts a Guo Pei collection. Obviously, your digs need a museum-worthy rug.

The rugs designed by China's premier couturier, Guo Pei, are just as gorgeous as her wearable works of art. (PSA: The Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy exhibit runs through November 27th at the Legion of Honor.) There are seven stunning rugs and two cushions to ogle and shop in the Rug Company's Guo Pei collection, fittingly named Opulent Nature.

Each rug is woven by expert artisans in Nepal using the finest wool and silk. Both TRC and GP share a passion for preserving traditional techniques through contemporary styles and cultures.

"In developing the Opulent Nature collection, I wanted to tap into the rich heritage and tradition of Chinese culture. It was important to reflect its beauty through the careful curated application of motifs, symbols and ideas, and develop them into a visually engaging manner," says the designer.

The thing is, whether or not you can drop several thousand dollars on a rug (the cushions are $999), it's worth checking out the San Francisco showroom just to see the inspiring wares. You know, like visiting your favorite museum.

// 722 Montgomery, St. (Jackson Square), therugcompany.com