Berkeley Parents Network: Clothing Shops

Berkeley Parents Network

Clothing Shops

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > What/Where to Buy > Clothing Shops

Funky Fun Clothes in My Forties

May 2005

Here's my dilema. I am 39 yo, have 2 little girls and am a stay-at-home Mom that will be looking for work soon. All my life I have been an ''edgy'' dresser. Nothing shocking (unless you count the phase in the early 80s when I wore 1950s bullet bras as outerwear but that's another story) but mostly mixed vintage looks. Anyway, I am having so much trouble finding some fun, funky clothes that I can feel comfortable in. Any suggestions for shops? Here's my three criteria:
1. I don't want to look like one of those 40 year-olds who are trying to look 20.
2. Must carry clothes for real women - I'm not an itty bitty size (probably an 8 or 10).
3. Not too expensive - I can't spend $200 for a pair of jeans or anything.
Please share any cool stores - I can't look like an OLD NAVY clone it's ruining my self-esteem. Thanks! lynn

Why don't you try Crossroads on Shattuck or College Ave.? I always find great funky stuff there, the clothes are good quality, and you can find a great outfit for less than $35. Seriously. They carry a lot of different sizes, too. I'm in my 20's, but I often find things for my somewhat-funky 50ish mom there. Funky shopper

I asked my teen daughter who shops mainly vintage and she says: My main suggestion would be Stop the Clock (on Addison near Shattuck). Others that are slightly more 20-s geared are: Wasteland (the Haight), Mars (on Telegraph), Step Back (I think this is what it's called)(the Haight). Also, Buffalo Exchange is always good, though not quite as excitingly vintage. I second the ''Stop the Clock'' suggestion. R.K.

Try The Outback in Emeryville on 66th Street between San Pablo and Hollis Avenue. They have great prices on Citron, Cutloose, and Natori. Berkeley rather than S.F. edgy but definitely NOT Old Navy. They also carry local designers, GREAT shawls and interesting jewelry. Karen H.

As much as I wish I knew all about fun and funky clothes, I don't. What I do know is that there is a website: http://www.punkymoms.com that is all about fun and funky moms like you. I bet they'd be a great source of cool shopping ideas.

Hello, I am a 40 year old mother of 2 babies. I have finally started shopping back for myself. I have always dressed nice, so here's my recomendations. First of all, there is nothing wrong with Old Navy. You can mix & match with their items for such a good price. Here's the places I love to shop, clothes are comfortable & cute & most of the time I find great items on sale. New York Company, Target (yes Target), Banana Republic, Lauren's Closet, AND Old Navy. Shelly

Try some of the nicer used clothing stores for nice, sometimes sophisticated, sometimes fun clothes. My favorite is Sol y Lucy up above 4th street shops (directly up from Peets, above 5th st). I always find something very nice or unique and it's never too expensive because it's used. There are others in San Rafael 4th st area as well. Anonymous

Plus size shops

March 2004

Hi. My parents are visting at the end of the month and my Mom is looking to do some clothes shopping. She is a larger sized lady and I was wondering if there was a good spot for shopping for clothes. Nothing too expensive, but not cheapy stuff either. Thanks! Lisa

In Full Swing, in Oakland, I think on College Ave. margo

Try ''Avenue'' either in El Cerrito Plaza or in Pinole. And then there's ''Lane Bryant'' in Hilltop Mall, Richmond. Good quality stuff, moderately priced (some things a bit pricier) but definitely not cheapy. anon

Really nice expensive clothing at Harper Greer in San Francisco, Says Who? on Piedmont has cool hip clothing, also a bit expensive. Consignment at Seams to Fit on Telegraph, which may have some of the above. In Full Swing has some nice things, on College. Good Luck.

All the More to Love is a plus-size consignment store on Park Street in Alameda -- they have great clothes. anon

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