If you’re in the market for gorgeous jewelry that’s anything but ordinary, Fiat Lux is where you’ll find it.
Over the last 20 years, owner and jewelry designer Marie McCarthy has honed the art of authentic adornment through eye-catching pieces that range from the classically inspired to the darkly mysterious. No one nails femme, individualistic cool the way McCarthy does at her stores in the Mission and Lower Pac Heights, and sister shop Rose Gold’s Tattoo & Piercing in the Haight.
We caught up with the stylemaker at home in the Outer Sunset, where she lives with her partner and nine-year old “rascal,” to ask what’s in her Bay, from her go-to neighborhood joint to the locally made items she can’t live without.
(Courtesy of @damnfineco)
What is your go-to neighborhood spot for food or drinks?
My go-to is Damn Fine Pizza (3410 Judah St., Outer Sunset). The pizza & cocktails are amazing but the staff and the playlist are top notch. The owner is super friendly and always takes the time to chit chat and get to know everyone.
Where do you dine when you want to splurge?
My favorite splurge is definitely Linden Room (292 Linden St., Hayes Valley). I don’t think many days have gone by when I don’t think about the savory donut with a teacup full of broth or tell someone about it. The food is creative and has a bit of a sense of humor. Exactly perfect. Also, shout out to the caviar and ambiance at Bar Crenn (3131 Fillmore St., Cow Hollow).
Which restaurant are you excited to check out?
I’d love to go to Noodle in a Haystack (4601 Geary Blvd., Inner Richmond)—though I may never actually go since I’m not that good at grabbing hard-to-get reservations.
"I never took care of my skin before I discovered [Vetted Dermlab] and now I can’t live without it," says McCarthy.(Courtesy of @vetteddermlab)
What Bay Area-made item can you not live without?
Two: Vetted Dermlab’s skincare is the most amazing thing. I never took care of my skin before I discovered it and now I can’t live without it. Three gorgeous Bay Area female derms started the company. Freda Salvador (2011 Fillmore St., Lower Pac Heights) makes the best shoes. The question is how many pairs I can reasonably buy per season. Two gorgeous strong women own it, too. Suppose I’m seeing a trend here.
Do you have a favorite Bay Area shop?
Connie McGrath's Veer & Wander apothecary (6 Brady St., SoMa) always has the coolest things in it. You didn't know Sigur Ros had a perfume? Coolest hair clips? Best wallets? She's got it.
"[Indian Springs Resort & Spa] is so classic California," says McCarthy.(Courtesy of @indianspringscalistoga)
Is there a California hotel or resort that keeps you coming back?
I'll still always go to Indian Springs Resort & Spa(1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga). It's so classic California and I love only wearing a robe for awhile. I miss the Lauren McIntosh mural in [their restaurant] Sam's, though!
Where do you like to take out-of-town visitors?
I like to take visitors sailing in the Bay. It feels a little like vacation but can be challenging and wild. There’s nothing like seeing the GGB from underneath, and you come back with that sweet type of exhaustion that you only get from the sun, sea, and wind.
Got a beloved date night spot?
Mine is very specific because it opened at the same time as I started dating my partner. I think on our second date we went to Frances (3870 17th St., Castro). Since then, they’ve watched my child grow up, my businesses flourish, and have treated me so well. I love them (and the food) so much! Always order the damn fish!
// Catch Marie at Fiat Lux (1942 Fillmore St. and 3169 16th St. ), fiatluxsf.com; and at Rose Gold's ( 1157 Masonic Ave.), rosegoldsf.com. On August 27th, she'll join us at 7x7 Social Club for a special Carve + Cast workshop.
