Oakollectiv

Amazing that Oakollectiv has been around for a year and somehow I only happened upon them days ago while I was on a frantic hunt for a suitable gift for the quasi-​mom-​in-​law. As wise women know, those mom gifts are more crucial than the ones you buy for the son attached to them, so clearly, I was stressin’.
En route to Awaken Café, this spacious indie boutique caught my eye with funky graphic tees, handmade leather goods, and jewelry presented meticulously. More than a shop, it’s also a gallery of local talent; fit for folks who appreciated one of a kind finds. I spotted a pair of dainty recycled metal earings with turquoise accents (peep the pic), sleek stylish wallets, and big linen scarves all under $ 50. Not that you can put a price on winning maman’s heart.
Though the selection is somewhat limited, it’s a great place to browse for a unique, made in Oakland gift that says «I put some thought into this» and doesn’t say «I found this on Amazon for really cheap.» Voila, points for you.

I’m not a huge contributor to Unilocal,but when I do, I’m usually a big fan of the underlying business.
I’m a big fan of OAKCOLLECTIV, for several reasons.
(1) Bought a big and long striped scarf made with this vintage looking linen. It was also progressively designed, high quality, and styled without all the pretense of labels. Functional, affordable, but also definitely not mass produced.
(2) Bought a super cute grandpa style vintage speckled rust/​burgundy wool vest for cheap.
(3) It’s all stuff from local designers.
(4) The said local designers are good.
(5) Nice space and easy-​going staff.
Check it out.

A hip collaboration between two local designers to bring much needed life to downtown Oakland, showcasing their fashion designs in a space that doubles as a venue for local indie artists. Stop by and say hi to Penelope and Rachel!