In the Raw

I love this shop. There is so much to look at just in the way the store is set up. It is so eye-​catching and lovely. A lot of space and tons of color. If you like colorful clothes go and check it out, you will not be disappointed.
A few years back I went into the place for the first time and I fell in love. I wanted one of everything, but held back. But since then I have been thinking about a jacket I saw there. I had seen it in catalogs, then I saw it there and now they are all over, but I wanted to get if from there. A couple of years later (yes, YEARS) I made it back and lo-​and-​behold, lucky me, they were on sale. And a GOOD sale too, not like a $ 1 off. A whopping $ 16 off. That is awesome.
And, as is my habit, I migrated to one that was too big for me. And I guess it was Harleen that picked out the right size. And yes, it fit perfect and looked correct, but I bought the big roomy one. And I love it.
I am happy to see the one review that states she has been going there since 2003. I love that he has been in business that long. I will get back soon this time!
Again, I am assuming the man in the shop is Harleen. .. . he has something about him. On the way home I was smiling and I felt extra (because I was already feeling peaceful after having taught a Nia class) peaceful having been in his store and having talked to him.

Harleen, the owner is amazing. He has such a kind soul and has the best taste in clothing. Harleen makes you feel like you have your own stylist. He just knows what will look good on you. His energy will pick you up if you feel down. In the raw is the ultimate retail therapy. I no longer live in the area but I always make it a point to go when I visit. Harleen remembered me and treated me like family even after not being there for years. Everytime I go, the clothing selection is even better than before and the prices are still very fair.

My mom and I come here every year on my birthday to break the bank with Harleen! He runs the place and is simply wonderful. He helps find amazing pieces to try on, both my mom and me. We buy so many pieces each year I think his stuff makes up about half my wardrobe now. LOVE this place. Great for women of all ages. Lots of tie dye, colors, fun prints, flowy beach-​wear, some great formal pieces, and fun accessories.

My 98 year old mom and myself have enjoyed shopping here for decades! Always new items coming in– great for young and young at heart! He has so many beautiful items to choose from, be sure to not be in a hurry. Harleen, the owner, makes shopping fun! His positive outlook and smile are eternally contagious!
Go now!!!

Harleen — You are the man! You truly know how to make a women feel and look great! Looking forward to the NEW store!

This unique shop carries colorful cotton jackets, perfect for cooler days around the coast — and the owner is the friendliest, nicest guy! And give you a piece of jewelry with your purchase! Very reasonably priced, I’ve bought a couple jackets here for myself and have been back several tines for gifts for friends. I get compliments on my jackets all the time!

Stumbled upon this place the other day and I am in love. The designs carried in the store are amazing and unique and I found some amazing pieces. Everything was a work of art. The owner is beyond amazing and pulled some gorgeous pieces for me to try — he’s got a great eye for dressing people and styling the clothing. I wish I had more time and could have bought more! The prices are great too… felt like I was stealing. Cannot wait to go back!

Because of the flood that ripped through the town,
In The Raw has temporarily set up shop under a tent canopy along with other shops just off the main street. Despite the setback, there is still a dressing room, racks of clothes, sunglasses and accessories.
Love the selection here! Lots of imported bright tops and dresses. Think Custo Barcelona meets Indonesian batik. The buyer has an eye for what looks good and is trendy. Price-​wise, it is on par for a boutique, although I did find a fantastic little dress for about $ 48.
The guy working here had a positive attitude even though he has to pack and set up his shop every day. Hopefully his shop is up and running again!

HARLEEN!!!
Since 2003 I always count on something from In the Raw to lift my spirits back up into the Butterfly Realm! My absolute favorite moment here in this store is when Harleen feels inspired to Ring the Gong!
It makes you dance and move around to show off all those wonderful parts God gave you!
Harleen takes pride in the things he finds all over the world and brings right here to the heart of Capitola to share with us! You will find that he will only have a few sizes of each design — so if you love it — get it & you will be satisfied in knowing that only a few others will have the privilege of owning something that resembles your find.
Everything in this store makes your skin come alive — the texture, the flow, the glow & frill ~ a great experience all around.
I’d say half the items in the store are more perfect for the average to thin size — BUT — Don’t be shy to come in here and see what you can find — Harleen is a very great judge of sizing and he can usually find something in seconds that fits me like a glove. & I have a round booty, big boobies and quite the set of thighs! haha

In The Raw must be the best clothing boutique on the planet. I have been there with my wife, mother, sister, cousins, and many many friends for the past 15 years, and each experience is absolutely great. With the variety of clothes to choose from, there is something for everyone no matter what your style or price range is.
Best of all, the store owner is just about always there to make it an incredible experience with his super personality, great music, and true love for his customers– besides the awesome fashions, you will want to take him home too.
If you are in the Capitola/​Santa Cruz area, you should not miss In The Raw.

I love, love, love this funky, cool, and very unique little clothing store in Capitola. You can find things here that you will not find anywhere else or on anyone else. Big plus! And, as the other reviewers have mentioned, the store’s owner will totally brighten your day. He is so sweet and boy, does he have great taste in women’s clothing! A must go-​to when visiting Capitola!

Love! Trendy and funky… Totally awesome!!!

Only 3 reviews… I am shocked because this is the hottest spot to shop in Capitola. I never considered it for myself because it appears to be a bit beatnik. I use to go in and grab what caught my eye in the window for my daughter (19). But about the 3^rd time I went in Harleen approached me and with an incredibly kind voice and demeanor suggested something he thought would look incredible on me. This guy has an incredible eye. I would have never considered looking at anything for myself, but he is so loveable I couldn’t resist. I looked marvelous, and I rarely say that about myself. He kept pulling things for me to try as though they came from a magic hat. He would swish things around, tuck here, slip it there and voila… again I look marvelous. Everything, yes everything I have bought from In The Raw has been complimented EACH time I wore it. You have to step in and let Harleen go to town. There is the designer clothes and there are the unique but very reasonable priced. If nothing else you will fall in love with Harleen! Don’t let my age scare you because it is also my 19 year old daughter’s fav also. Heck being In The Raw in Capitola is an experience you will want to share with everyone.
I just read the cons from Pam, and I think they are a plus. If there was multitudes of sizes in everything, it just wouldn’t be that special and unique. I have never seen anyone with anything I have purchased from In the Raw. the only con I have is that Harleen doesn’t come with the outfit !!!

This is my top favorite places to shop in Capitola.
Even without the fact I use to work here when I was 16. Hehe. Harleen is so awesome and is always complementing you and wanting you to try stuff on. The clothes he gets a very unique yet stylish and often I see him carrying clothes that end up being the next trend. Prices are such a steal, especially for being in Capitola. He is best known for having really cute dresses and skirts and great prices. Everytime I go in here I ALWAYS buy something. Seriously. It’s bad! Over the last couple years he has also added on bathing suits and sun glasses.

I can’t speak highly enough of In the Raw, and Harleen. His clothes are remarkable and unique, his prices are fair, and the service is out of this world! I have bought many clothes there over the last 10 years. I go for new and interesting pieces as well as to see Harleen who always brightens my day. Every time I wear something of his, I always get compliments. He carries different brands from all over the world. Everything is fun. eclectic, and exotic. Can’t wait until my next trip to Capitola!!!

On FIRE. The dude who owns this place is like Barney, Big Bird, and Ernie all rolled into one, except not as fat and a little more ethnic. He always greets you in a happy sing-​songy «hello» and is very helpful.
The pros:
*For someone with A.D.D. like me, I can zip here pretty fast. It’s tiny, but pretty well organized.
*They have $ 10 sarongs, and some great beach-​cover ups.
*I have found many last minute dresses here
*Good selection of cute tops. Not all are my style, but there are quite a few that I would try.
The cons:
*The sizing… they don’t have a wide range of sizes– I was looking at their jeans the other day, and they were missing a whole bunch of mid ranges– either 25s, 30s, or 31s. There have also been times when the dresses are either medium or large, no smalls.
Whenever I come down to Capitola, I usually stop in and check out what’s there… always good for ideas!