Helpers Boutique

Gems! Gems! Gems!
This store hands-​down is the BEST part of Ghiradelli Square. We would’ve missed it had we not put another .75 cents in the parking meter. My overall impression was beauty and awe. If you were moving to fast through the store, you’re definitely missing something special. I was plesantly delighted at the vintage jewlery because the brooches were so sosphisticated and popped in the light. It isn’t just a place for women, my husband found 3 mint-​condition Star Trek comics for under $ 10 each.
The guy in the store welcomed each and every person in the store. He was attentive to each customer asking where they were from, found excitment in your finds that he hadn’t found, and shared information about the store and Joy’s history.
It’s a treasure chest filled to the brim with any and every item you couldn’t possibly imagine you’d find. It’s not just any type of thrift store because the donations are quality and well-​maintained. I reccommend Helpers for the vintage enthusiast. The tourists will not bother, and the store vibrates with excitment.
FYI– if you stop between 9−12am parking is .25 cent/​hour. :-)

I came to Helpers Boutique about 7 – 8 years ago on a company trip, I bought a Moschino bag, some large frame sunglasses from the 60’s and a vintage silk scarf. I was so excited to get these awesome items but also to listen to the story of the store and the cause it supports.
I have to admit that with ALL San Fran has to offer, I really wanted to get back there to the store if I ever got the chance again. And I thought about it regularly…
I had signed up for their newsletter and I was always fascinated at the concept of someone giving these amazing vintage items and giving 100% of the sales to help a great cause. I honestly couldn’t wait to get back.
This week, I did just that. I made time on my work trip to go down to Ghiradelli Square and there it was! Finally!!! Unfortunately, the store was about to close so I didn’t have too much time to shop, but I got a mulberry– laptop bag and a LV clutch thing… I AM IN HEAVEN!!! :)
If you’re in to helping a great cause (first and foremost) and can appreciate vintage fashion and good finds, then you MUST come and visit this place. You won’t be sorry!

This is one-​of-​a-​kind store tucked away in a corner location downstairs in Ghiradelli Square. The store, an extension of Joy Venturini Bianchi’s «Helpers of the Mentally Retarded Charity» has an eclectic mix of vintage and other donations from various locations and people about the city. While everyone will not find something here, it is always worth a stop in when nearby. Cheers.

This place is such a gem, and gives one a reason to return to Ghirardelli Square time and time again. I have been frequenting this store for over a year now, occasionally running into an extremely charming lady with short light hair. I told her about my fascination with dolls last year and she showed me their unique collection of «Mouse Couture» and Barbie hand-​made fashion. While most of the toys and trinkets in this store are not of my interest, it’s still a tremendous atmosphere to be in and certainly worth a visit if you’re in the surrounding area. Also, their selection of greeting cards and other stationary, often vintage and visibly aged, is rather impressive. I found my mother a stellar card and envelope set from here, as well as a vital photo prop for one of my shoots. And best of all — IT’S ALL FOR CHARITY towards helping the mentally impaired. How much better can it get?

Oh Joy, I don’t thing I could ever write a review that would do her or her stores justice. Joy is the most lovely woman in the world and truly a fashion icon.
After visiting Helpers Bizarre in Ghiradelli Square, we had the opportunity to set up an appointment with Joy at her House of Couture at a different location. If you are looking for vintage or designer gems, you need to make an appointment to visit the other store. When we walked in we both about died. Vintage Chanel, Monique Lhuillier, Alexander McQueen. Just to name a few. She has each room of this house set up as a different little boutique with different treasures. It was a 1 on 1 personal shopping experience with Joy Bianchi.
We spent all morning looking through vintage dresses and shoes and coats for a New Years dress. Joy talked about her wonderful days of fashion and we could have spent all day there talking to her. She’s a wonderful woman and that collection of designer fashion is a gem in San Francisco.
The best part? All proceeds are to her charity. She truly has a passion for fashion and helping others. It was a one of a kind experience. If you are looking for jewelry, shoes, purses, fur or dresses? This is your place to find that one in a million vintage piece that was probably owned by Mrs. Getty.

I really enjoy going to this little shop. Located at Ghiradelli Square, whenever we stop for a Ghiradelli Sundae, I make it a point to pop in.
Not the best place for vintage clothing if you’re looking for hip and trendy, but by far the best place for little knick knacks, vintage jewelry and sunglasses, and trinkets galore.
Definitely worth a stop if you decide to go to the Ghiradelli Shop and you’re in the area.

I feel bad only giving 3 stars, given the store’s inspiring mission. However, I came in with rather high expectations set by the 5 star reviews. The vintage clothing corner is quite small, and women’s clothing disappointed. The selection had mostly very large sizes, was quite outdated looking, and only occupied a couple of racks.
If you are interested in costume jewelry, the store offers a bounty, including a number of fabulous animal and Chanel items I saw for less than $ 100 (whether they were authentic, I’m uncertain, but knowing that Joy gets donations from other socialites, they probably are).
If you’re looking to strike gold, I think the best bet is to make an appointment with Joy to visit her House of Couture. Next time, I am making mental note! However, the store was very clean and organized, full of nick-​knacks.

I have been shopping here for 10 years and it is always amazing! I especially love Joy Bianchi, who is so enthusiastic and welcoming. There are so many treasures here. Also recently open is the Helpers House of Couture, which you can access by appointment. Truly vintage paradise you can spend from $ 10.00 to $ 10,000.00. Every designer you can think of from shoes to hand bags and everything in between.

I died and went to vintage heaven the day I walked into Helper’s Bazaar. I spent about an hour there, prowling ecstatically, and left with the following:
1 cashmere coat, Hermes, formerly owned by Mrs Getty — $ 130
1 men’s french cuff shirt, Charvet — $ 25
1 men’s french cuff shirt, Zegna — $ 25.
1 hand-​painted silk scarf, Kenzo — $ 10.
1 french sailor shirt, Cable Car Clothiers — $ 25
1 men’s manual wind Swiss watch, circa 1950 — $ 48
This is not to mention the loads of treasures (Burberry, Jaeger, Ralph) I had to leave unpurchased because they didn’t fit. I also sent my friend M.B. to Helper’s, and he left with armloads of brand-​new Wilkes Bashford shirts for $ 25 apiece.
It got even better when I visited the house on Fulton Street where Joy keeps what she calls her «higher-​end stuff.» (Just call Helper’s to make an appointment to visit.) The house was like Bluebeard’s castle: Dries and Yohji, Blass and Beene, Lanvin and Valentino and Chanel… and that’s just the evening dresses! Then there was the men’s room, crammed to bursting with the most fabulous stuff from Irish fishing sweaters to Turnbull & Asser shirts, and the accessories — Louboutin, Manolo, Roger Vivier, Hermes scarves, Celine bags…
Folks, this was the one Unilocal review I never, ever wanted to write. Nothing personal, but if you had a source for brand new $ 80 Ferragamos (scored at the Fulton Street house, along with some other pieces I will cherish forever), would you want everyone else to know about it? But Joy asked me to tell people on «this Unilocal website» about Helper’s because she wants you to come, so she can use your money to help more people.
Seeing how much Helper’s has helped me, how could I say no?

Went to this beautiful antique shop over the weekend and was fortunate enough to have met Joy who is a SF fashion Icon. She is such a sweetheart. She told us so much of the history of the jewelry that we were looking at. Its definitely a gem located in SF. All proceeds benefit a wonderful cause.

Was pleasantly surprised to have found this hidden gem in Ghiradelli Square. Was mesmerized by all the fabulous things that were displayed here. When you first enter you are a bit confused but once you wander through this fabulous place you are so intrigued. I literally spent about an 1 ½ hours with my friends, going thru the vintage jewelry. We had such a fun time and Joy is such a sweet woman, so chic and full of fashion advice. She truly makes your visit there a memorable experience that you will never forget. I will definately be back to check on more great buys and to have another great experience with a true star in her own right. Go check this place out, you will definately be amazed.

First off, how could one NOT do their part and make a purchase for such a wonderful cause? And secondly (which really is more of an addition to the first off) how could anyone resist making a purchase of any kind with the fantabulous and iconic Joy Venturini Bianchi’s energy pushing you through this lovely place at her high energy fast pace? There are some amazing couture vintage pieces here (I think the majority are Joy’s and also her high society pals) and unlike a lot of other folks, I do not find them to be overpriced at all; this is a great way for regular fashionphiles to purchase couture at a fraction. Now definitely a lot of the clothing is/​are not my personal vintage preference (I feel much of it is styled for the older set) but its all super high end and in great condition– truth? making a purchase here on vintage=investment and you are also doing your part socially/​philanthropically speaking. Aside from my opinion re clothing, there are some amazing jewelry pieces, shoes, hats and clothing to choose from. And trust me once Joy aka madam socialite extraordinare starts talking and getting you all excited about what she feel/​has that will look great on you, etc, your in it for the haul… SO the next time you find some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket and decide its time to shop, do yourself (and a good cause) a favor and hit HB before other shops. Please. Pretty Please. With a fruit of your choosing on top. Because being fashionable yet having a clear and karmic conscience can really be equal and you will sleep a lot better at night, trust me!

Aka Mouse Couture, I was instantly drawn to this place just because of the name. Seriously, you have mice wearing Oscar de la Renta? Valentino?
And there they were. Actual stuffed mice (not taxidermied ones, mind you) in beautiful ball gowns, gracing a cigarette holder and looking oh-​so-​elegant in couture. Designed by the actual designers you read about in Vogue, you can buy them yourself.
Mouse Couture proceeds go to help the Helpers of the Mentally Retartded, an organization that was founded by Joy — who also runs the show there.
Part thrift store, part fabulous vintage finds and the occasional gently used designer piece, it was not the type of shop I’d expect to find in Ghiradelli Square. I’m so glad I did though. And I am so glad to have met Joy. She gives me hope that I can be stylish, unflappable and still do good for the community in my 70s.
What can you find here? A plethora of goodies:
* Fantastic rhinestone brooches — Some are «travel pieces» of the real Bvlgari (or other labels) brooches. The ones here are replicas done up in crystal/​rhinestones, the real diamond ones are kept in the safe.
* Hats! No cheapo straw ones. I fell in love with a cappuccino-​colored rabbit fur one. It retailed for £645 and was here for $ 195.
* Vintage clothes — I didn’t have time to comb the racks, but I saw a lovely shift & matching coat ensemble, it was around $ 120 or so.
* Usual tchotchkes — Xmas ornaments, postcards, shoes, sunglasses, etc.
There is the couture boutique which ranges from $ 100 to $ 15,000. For serious buyers only, it is by appointment and a purchase is expected. I like that concept, the organization is guaranteed a donation this way. Joy dropped a few names of the «girls» who bought items there — I read fashion mags so I knew of the top models she mentioned.
Check it out. Kudos to you Joy for your dedication and moxie!

I was visiting my family in San Francisco about 4 years ago. My aunt and I wandered into this store in Ghiradelli Square and immediately fell in love with the store and Joy Bianchi. Joy runs the thrift store and all the proceeds go to her foundation, Helpers of the Mentally Retarded. What a great cause! I visit her every time I’m in San Fran! She’s truly an angel and one of the most inspiring people I’ve met.
In addition, she has a couture house on fulton street that has a wonderful selection of vintage and modern jewelry, clothing, hats, (men and women). I’ve purchased prada and christian dior shoes, vintage coat, dresses, jewelry… such wonderful items! Call for an appointment M-​F (415) 387−3031…ask for Joy. The boutique is amazing! Please visit her stores… or consider sending a donation!

A Thrift Store in Ghirardelli Square. Believe it. Everything from vintage couture (priced a little high imho) to mouse couture (that you will have to stop in yourself to see; I can’t begin to explain it) to books to tchotchkes to costume jewelry, hats, stationery. A real mix of this that and the other like a real thrift store should be.
Prices can be a bit high but the store is well organized and clean. Got 2 boxes of nice Hanukkah cards today for $ 5 each and you know this ½ jew likes a discount card.
Minus one star as the hours are a little unpredictable. So glad they’ve been able to hang onto this space in the great Ghirardelli remuddling.

I’m no stranger to thrift or consignment stores. When I was in high school, my father was a bit put upon to realize that I’d bought a second hand outfit; he asked me, «Don’t I give you enough allowance.» Cheekily, I told him, «Not really.» But even then, the thrill of the hunt was part of the joy of thrift shops. These days, I don’t often indulge my shopoholic-​ness. Since I“ve limited time as a working mom, I usually spend my rare shopping time allotment at department stores — in and out, mission accomplished!
On a recent weekday, I was browsing through Ghiradelli Square. I wandered through the 360 Cellar store (that chicken salad with Green Goddess dressing and grapes and currants is AMAZING) and thought that I’d check out the first and second floors of the square — I hadn’t actually realized there were other levels! What I found was a little surprising.
I wandered into Helper’s Boutique. A bit confused, I asked the very stylish lady, «is this here year round? Or is this a special limited time store?» Well, she told me that it is, in fact, year round and that all proceeds go to the Helpers of the Mentally Retarded foundation.
I started browsing and found a cute jacket. The stylish lady (I found out later that she is the socialite Joy Bianchi, based on the letter she pressed into my hands that talked about joining the organization) pulled out a few other jackets for me to try. One of them turned out to be quite cute, and Ms Bianchi insisted on seeing it zipped up the entire way as «it should be worn that way.» I, of course, bought the jacket — paying more than I would have at any other second hand or thrift store.
What a delightful lady running a delightful store for a delightful cause.
side note: there is another store next to this one, but I’d spent so much time at the Helper’s Boutique that I didn’ thave time to explore it… it looked like it had quality wooden handicrafts.

I was a little confused, as the window says
Mouse Couture
wicked cool name.
Love the clothes, hats, jewelry, lightly used vintage store. Added benefit of having a soul! Proceeds benefit the mentally disabled. Not to mention the goods made by mentally disabled.
My favorite part really was all the ridiculously dressed mice. Crazy old lady shop, HOT HOT!

I read somewhere they’ve been here for 30 years?!? I have no clue how I could have missed this place for this long…
This is a high end flea market BUT it’s one shop you absolutely should not miss if in the neighborhood. Heck, you should come just for this shop because of the great selection (new, slightly used, vintage), fantastic price and most importantly the GOOD CAUSE. Yes, this shop supports the Helpers of the Mentally Retarded so every dollar you spend here is going to help someone in need. Someone who has no control of their condition but needing the love and helping hand from others.
Joy was there and she is full of energy. She was helping 2 customers from Mexico who are regulars as she was asking them when they will be returning… etc.
First, we were amused of such a shop existed then we learned of the cause. We stuck around because I wanted to know if they accept donation there. We have SO MUCH stuff from our recent move and to think it can go to such fantastic cause is very comforting.
When I finally got a chance to ask her, she told me the donation drop off is at 2626 Fulton Street M-​f but to call first (415−387−3031) because they are short handed these days. She also thanked us for thinking and considering them… what an angel. Google about the charity or her to learn more.
The background music was the theme from Somewhere in Time… so touching, so sad but yet so fitting… brought tears to my eyes remembering the movie but also of those this shop is set up to help.

As I’m nearing the end of March, I’m still checking off some New Years resolutions, one of which was to devote more time to worthwhile cause beyond finding the perfect outfit or pillow slip. Or man. For me, one of the causes that I hold dear is for those who suffer from mental and physical disabilities. It’s a personal matter for me as my baby brother was the victim of an injust medical system and is severely physically and mentally
a result. Thus, he like so many others is robbed of a normal life filled with the activities that we tend to take for granted. In this city, there are hundreds of social causes. For drug addicts, homelessness, to name a few, but most of these people have made some bad choices in life and are ultimately responsible for their problems. Whereas the disabled victims of chance, either they are born with conditions or are the victim of a horrific accident or procedure or immunization (in my brother’s case), thus having no control of their lifestyle or future from the outset. And they have it tough as the majority end up in a bleak institution with virtually no love or personal care. The greatest challenge is finding adequate homes for them to reside where the caretakers are decent human beings. And this is where the Helper’s Boutique comes in.
I read about this boutique a few months ago and was immediately interested, but a bit slow to react. The location is a bit surprising and an area that most locals rarely venture to (unless they’re hungover on the weekend and are seeking In-​N-​Out), but it’s definitely a worthwhile destination and worthy of a trip. Even if you aren’t hungover.
The woman that runs the shop has dedicated some 40+ years to the cause and is the epitome of a grand dame in SF society. And the 2+ hours that I spent in this shop on recent Saturday afternoon was one of the most powerful and moving shopping experiences of my life. The shop is crammed with odds and ends at every price point, many of the items have been donated by the city’s most affluent and influential residents. So there are some real gems from time to time, and lots of fabulous costume jewelry.
I would especially recommend this shop for ladies who are looking for a special event in their life and don’t want to buy off the rack. Joy is one of the most perceptive people I have ever known, correctly guessing my dress size in addition to my style icons. She managed to channel my inter-​Jackie! I managed to find the perfect dress and jewelry for an event that I’m hosting in a few months that afternoon, and I will definitely consult with her on future outfits needed for special occasions. She is the epitome of glamorous style and has the connections to make any woman’s fashion wishes come true.
So beyond all the shallow things I went about, I feel so much better dropping $ 100 at a worthwhile shop such as this rather than Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales or Macy’s. And the peace of mind that I have that I am in some way giving back to the community that has taken care of my brother feels, as Martha Stewart would say, like «a good thing.»

My family stumbled upon this wonderful shop yesterday during our visit to Ghirardelli Square. You must meet Joy — she’s wonderful. The concept of the store is wonderful. All the merchandise is donated, and all sales go to help the mentally disabled. Joy was so sweet — she encouraged our young daughters to try out and touch everything in the store. She went out of her way to adorn them with hats and cheap jewelry. Really an amazing store, run by a fabulous woman.
Parking around Ghirardelli Square is awful, of course. The lot below the square, if you can find a spot, charges $ 2.25 per 20 min, though some of the businesses there do a partial validation, which gives you a small discount.