James Rowland Shop

The stand-​outs at this boutique are most certainly shoes and bags, with a random basic off the racks set outside the front. I cannot leave this store without purchasing anything from the aforementioned.
However, I find the designer vintage rather flat and overpriced by at least 20%. The items themselves are clearly lovingly culled from circa 90’s minimalism, but I find a tradition ensconced in silhouettes, Japan, luxurious simplicity hard to relate to without a contrasting edge or strong ensuing sense of being able to commune with a garment. But, I think it’s because I’ve been spoiled by having lived in NYC for 10 years with shops like Narnia.
I find that the salespersons all share a lovely aesthetic that represents the shop well, although one or two do not seem readily engaging. It can be off-​putting, but I assume it’s due to shyness or something.
In the year I’ve lived in Berkeley, JRS stands firmly in the top three of favorite vintage shops in the Bay Area.
Oh, and check out their namesake line of shoes. I bought a pair of functional, yet appealing, sandals that look quite nice on the feet. And exceptionally comfortable! And reasonably priced!

This is actually the only place I buy my clothes from anymore, apart from an occasional Etsy seller or an American Apparel top.
Their selection is so well curated; it’s so great to buy outfits here– and that’s really rare! The owner is kind and so are her employees. This is the best clothing store ever and although some items are a little pricey I think it’s worth it.

i’ve actually been here twice. the first time i came here, i was pretty impressed. maybe it wasn’t a good day today, but i thought that the store was kind of empty compared to last time. it looks great from the outside, everything is carefully curated. there are some good brands. however, i felt like when you look closely at some of the pieces… they’re kind of ordinary… from stores like talbot. i’m sorry but i just don’t want to wear talbot. i’m still young…

You’d think you’d have to go to sample sales in New York to see clothes this beautiful. An absolute gem tucked in just off telegraph. Very high quality items at utterly reasonable prices. There isn’t another store in Berkeley this well curated and chock full of enviable pieces — in fact, I can’t think of another store in the Bay Area that offers anything like this.

The kind of shop that makes you press your face up against the window to get a better look (when they’re closed, that is). It’s about the size of a spacious shoebox, but is comfortably filled with in the most glorious vintage finds, and handmade local jewelry and accessories. Some vintage shops have a mish-​mash of odd pieces, but James Rowland has really distilled their aesthetic. Most of the vintage pieces here have clean lines, minimal flair, and are made from quality fabrics (they kind you just can’t find anymore, thanks to «fast fashion»).
My take-​homes:
— Leather & Leopard belt (Coach), $ 18
— Sheer pinstripe, 100% silk wide leg pants, $ 60
My wish-​list was a lot longer, especially with their collection of vintage Coach backpacks. The prices are on the higher side, but if considering everything is one of a kind, the splurge can be justified.
Next time you’re at Joshu-​Ya Brasserie (next door), stop by and take a peek!

I love this shop! They have the best shoes EVER! I love their clothes too and the people who work here are really nice.

Shoes! They have the best shoes ever! If that’s not reason enough to check out this shop, how about the great jewelry and vintage? Everything I’ve purchased I’ve gotten tons of compliments on.

There really isn’t any other place like it in the bay. Impeccable taste, and down-​to-​earth friendly vibes. The owners obviously love fashion and approach it with humor and playfulness. I always go here first when I want something really eye-​catching and unique. They are hip to trends in vintage dressing, but the choices are high-​quality and classic enough that you’ll want to keep them in your closet forever. I can’t say enough about this shop. The store is just like the owners: cute, classy, fun and tasteful. Yay!

I’m in love. This spot rules so hard. I get all my shoes and jewels from this place. Prices are totally fair and the selection is very well curated. I get complimented on every piece I’ve bought here. Haven’t been feeling the clothing selection lately, but throughout the year I’m usually able to find at least one item every visit that I love. It’s just a very cute and mellow shop and I’m so glad it exists! Plus the owners are sweet, which just adds to the wonderful feeling of dropping cash here. FYI they have an etsy store too. Check it!

I have yet to buy anything here but was really impressed by their well curated selection of handbags, clothes, shoes and jewelry! They have some amazingly beautiful one of a kind pieces of jewelry. Both times that I went in the person working was extremely nice and helpful. I look forward to buying from them soon!

The ONLY place I’ll shop for shoes.
Amazing, unique vintage shoes, bags and clothes.
High quality, reasonably priced.
The staff really knows how to find great stuff.

It’s as though someone curated my dream closet. I don’t have anything to say except this: James Rowland is my favorite clothing store, and I credit my sense of style to the AMAZING pieces I’ve purchased there. Just go. Everything’s appropriately priced and great.

Bitchin’ boutique. Being an avid Etsy-​er, I’ve been spying James Rowland for quite some time and was stoked to hear they’re now accepting public good for trade or consignment. Brought it a handful of things and they took a couple (the store is incredibly well curated so selection is a tad picky). Opted for trade since the percentage of money back is higher that way. And therefore got myself a pair of righteous roper-​esque lace-​ups. The prices can be a bit steep on some things. But if you’re looking for a spot that has impeccable vintage goods instead of rummaging through crap to find the gems, give them a holler. Also, man-behind-the-counter-who-helped-my-mother-and-I-out-and-who’s-name-I-forgot, SUPER NICE! Extra friendly! What a cutie! Having worked in retail for eons I can say that a dope, approachable and personable demeanor goes a long way in my book. I like giving my money to people who are kind, and sadly there are a lot of pricks out there in the commerce world. These folks are dandy. Two thumbs up to the man-​babes and babettes affiliated with this joint.

Best. Reasonable prices, great shoes, leather jackets and «statement pieces». I bought high waisted red leather booty shorts for $ 34. Vintage that mimics brands like Chloe, Acne and Jil Sander.

This is a unique shop with the most wonderful owner and sales folks. They have an unusual selection of vintage boots and other interesting items, styles of boots I never seen in other vintage stores. It’s a small but very selective collection. I called the store to see if they could find and hold a pair of boots that I wanted to buy my daughter as a surprise — a pair she had tried on and liked. The owner provided incredible personal service over the telephone, helping me identify the pair I wanted and going out of his way to make sure they were available when I wanted to pick them up. The sales person in the store was friendly and helpful. Visit this store! It’s a terrific place.

I haven’t to Berkeley in awhile, and with reason, as it seems that alot of my regular shopping haunts have dwindled and withered away into Kelly Osbourne’s dress size. Good shopping in this area is just nearing the brink of non existance. All that we’ve got left is one vintage store, shoe/​skate shops, and hippie necessities.
How sad I was to discover that yet another one of my favorite stores, Momoca was gone, and replaced with another store. A rack of interesting vintage pieces in front caught my eye. A darling red cape and some wonderful winter wear pieces. Vintage leopard shoes, leather bags. Oh my! I don’t feel sorry for Momoca’s departure anymore… (sorry!)
Oh my goodness. I love this store. Yes, some of the items were a bit out of budget, but I can tell that this will be my go to place for one of a kind pieces, especially with the shoes. This store also has an etsy shop:
Take a gander for the awesome vintage pieces in store!
A sprinkling of designer pieces (hot pink Thierry Mugler side bandage top anyone?) to $ 34 pink silver studded flats? YES PLEASE!