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Urbanity Style Sharing
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Women's Clothing, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
1887 Solano Ave(between Fresno Ave & The Alameda)
Berkeley, CA 94707
Neighborhoods: East Solano Ave, North Berkeley
(510) 524-7467
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
About This Business:
At Chico's, it's all about making women look and feel fabulous--all the time. We've helped millions of customers look chic for over 25 years with a… read more »
27 reviews for Urbanity Style Sharing
Review Highlights
"I can always count on the owner Angela to help me find..."
(in 2 reviews)
"The owner is so friendly and helpful too."
(in 4 reviews)
"The staff are always friendly and cheerful."
(in 3 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Anna S.
Kensington, CA
Updated - 1/4/2012
I've been reading a few of these posts and feel compelled to offer my unbiased 2 cents.
I've been consigning and shopping at Urbanity for almost 4 years and, with over 23 years as a consignor in general, I know, first hand, that they do a fantastic job of managing their inventory and providing personalized customer service. I invite anyone to try and manage a clientele base of over 3,000 consignors and countless thousands of items monthly with the integrity, grace, and patience that Angela, Jesse and the rest of the staff have shown their clients. We have always felt welcome and our business appreciated in this establishment. As for requiring consignors to be mindful of when to pick up their items - this is standard practice in the consignment community and, for me, a small thing to remember in exchange for the thousands of dollars Urbanity has made for me selling my items. I enter a reminder in my phone to call in about 2 months to arrange pick up - couldn't be easier. Are things always "perfect" every single day in any consignment shop - no (wouldn't it be great if every single person actually made an effort to not get makeup on tops while trying them on?); does Urbanity work hard at making their consignors and customers happy and treating both them and their items respectfully - absolutely.
Bottom line: If you want to make money consigning in a clean, well organized, upscale yet not pretentious store that gets a ton of foot traffic in a great neighborhood - this is the place for you. Or, if you just want to shop and find amazing clothes, shoes and handbags at a mere fraction of what they would have cost new - again, Urbanity is the place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/23/2008
The pinnacle of consignment shops has arrived and, lucky for us, it's right in Berkeley. I have been… Read more »
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Review from Trixie J.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
CONSIGNORS BEWARE:
I've consigned with Urbanity several times and have not encountered any problems till recently. It was much like Ramona M.'s experience where unsold items were not returned automatically as they should be. They put the onus on the consignor to be "accountable" instead, which is really not a way to run a business when they count on consignors for their inventory. Assigning blame to the consignors just make them look like they are deliberately being dishonest. Or just plain lazy. I liked this place, and really want to continue patronizing and trusting this place, but these "new policies" they just mentioned to Ramona paint a picture of laziness and dishonesty, whether they mean to or not. Furthermore, these supposed new policies are nowhere to be found on their website.
It does not matter whether an item has "sentimental value" or not to consignors, as in their response to Ramona's review to suggest that people shoudn't consign sentimental items. Technically, these items belong to the consignor, and if there is a choice provided as to whether they can be donated or picked up, both of those choices should be honored. PERIOD.
I too have called proactively, and ON TIME, to check on my consignments, TWICE, and waited till the consignment period was over to go pick up my unsold items (specifically marked to pick up rather than donate, and I showed up in time). They actually do not give you courtesy calls on when your consignment period is up, even if they claim to. They also do not provide a detailed list of what you consigned with them. It's very vague, usually 1 clothing, 1 bag, etc. There is no further description of what the items are. Therefore I always add my own notes to the consignor slip while I'm still there, so I can keep track myself.
I got 3 unsold items back. Instead of getting a check right away like before, I had to put in a request to have a check cut, and then go back another time. I was accommodating and went back the following week to pick up my check. I should have looked at the check more closely while I was there. It wasn't until I was home that I realized that the math did not add up. I had consigned about 10 items in 2 batches, within a day of each other. Only 3 sold, yet only 3 were returned. Where was the rest?!! Unfortunately, they don't voluntarily give you the details of exactly what sold. I usually just wait for the breakdown printed on the check, since it has been clear and uneventful before.
I called back to question my unreturned items. The woman I spoke to tried to assign the usual blame in regards to picking up items on time. Which I told her I did, I've called and gone back to the shop several times. I received the unsold items...which means I did retrieve them on time. The question is, why was it only a PARTIAL batch of items? Then she backed off and said the items are probably not donated yet and she will go look in their storage warehouse. She said she'll call me back later when she finds them. Fast forward several weeks later, with not a peep from them. Which means I have to call back again on my time to see which clueless person I get this time, and explain to them yet again what the problem is and maybe get another lecture on consignors needing to pick up items because, jeez, it's never their fault.
The fact that consignors have to constantly police and purse these matters is beyond annoying and bad business practice. Whether it is deliberate dishonesty, disorganization, or simply laziness--wasting other people's time like this is just WRONG.
I have loved the principle behind this shop and overall their staff have always been pleasant in person. But now I question whether this is just a recent change in their quality control or have they actually always been like this and ripping people off? I sincerely hope they review and adjust how THEY operate rather than just change their policy for consignors whenever they need to excuse themselves from their operational screw-ups.Listed in: Daily Dose of Rage
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Review from Ramona M.
Berkeley, CA
10/8/2011
CONSIGNORS BEWARE !!!
Although this is a trendy, well located store it operates at the consignors expense. Very poorly managed. First, my items weren't displayed as promised- had to call back several times.
When I went in to see what had sold, the sales person "didn't have time to locate" 3 items that didn't sell and clearly didn't have a clue or clear records (tho' I was paid for a couple of items). I was promised that my unsold items would be returned and after several calls back and several months this hasn't happened.
Angela the manager never returned my calls or emails. It's unfortunate when a business profits at the consignors expense. It's also unfortunate when a business is therein unethical and free-weilding with consignors items that were my mothers and still had value to me.
Had a totally different experience at Sola Lucy on Delaware St. off of 4th Street in Berkeley. I've consigned LOTS of things- too bad there's some "bad apples".
Update: 10/15/11
After at least 3 calls and unanswered emails and several months of not hearing back from Urbanity per the unreturned items I'd consigned, I finally received my unsold item back (by mail) and compensation. The manager responded on Yelp within 24 hours and I received the mailed items within about 5 days of having posted on Yelp. The squeaky wheel gets the... box! Go Yelp!!Comment from Angela C. of Urbanity Style Sharing 10/8/2011
Hi again Ramona, we spoke on the phone a few months ago… More » -
Review from Felicia C.
Berkeley, CA
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Urbanity! I have sold many items of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories here. The staff is always very respectful, nice, and helpful in answering any questions I may have.
For the most part, I like the items they have in the store. I have seen some gorgeous silk dresses that I lusted after. I do think that the prices can be a little hefty, but they do put items on sale quite often. If you're into designer duds, this is a great place to pick up some staples without creating a burning hole in your wallet. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
12/3/2008
The Barrista at the Arlington complimented my jacket this morning and suggested Urbanity might be my style. Kind of a random referral, from coffee shop to consignment boutique, but I'll take it - the clothes here were definitely worth the visit.
The clothes are for the most part of recent (last 5 years) boutique origin, and there are some new items from designers like Made. The style is a tad older and more conservative than my general taste, but a lot of their sweaters and tops did catch my eye.
The shopkeeper was friendly and helpful, and what made this place really stand out to me was that it was cleanly organized and everything was on nice wooden hangers. ie NO WIRE HANGERS (ever). -
Review from Bay Area F.
Berkeley, CA
7/20/2011
I love this place. I had never sold at a consignment store before and Angela explained everything to me over email and when I got to the store, the person helping me also made sure I felt comfortable asking any questions. A week later, more than half of my items were sold!
I love the event rack. I wish I had known about it when I was going to 5 or 6 weddings a year, but at least now I have a place to sell all those dresses!
I can see how this can become slightly addicting. When I was in the store picking up my check, I looked around and realized that they sell much more than clothes and will be bringing shoes, bags, and accessories next time. My closet is going to be empty soon!
I heart Urbanity. -
Review from Jen S.
4/29/2009
I totally dig this store. The quality of the clothing that they have is stellar. It's organized well. The sales associates were super nice and helpful. The prices are pretty reasonable especially for the designers that they have. I bought a sweater and and a cute tank in prep for the summer weather!
If you provide your email, they can send you notices about upcoming "trunk shows" where designers bring their pieces to sell accompanied with wine and cheese. -
Review from Emeline H.
Oakland, CA
5/23/2009
For those of us size 10 and more curvylicious, a WARNING: While advertised as simply a consignment shop for women, the store manager told a consigner that they only accepts for sale size 10 and under. (And there were barely any 10s in the store). It's a cute shop if you can get into the small/medium clothes..and if you can stomach shopping somewhere so grossly unsupportive of your average to plus size sisters!
Everyone has to have a market; if yours is size 0-8, embrace it. I merely am posting on Yelp to let my size 10 and up sisters know the deal.
Urbanity, as cute as it is, currently, is "Consignment for smaller women" or "Mostly for Women 0-8".
(Shoes also went up to size 8 or so. But, the bags/accessories (except belts) there suit all sizes.)
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Update: The owner let me know that it's not their official policy to have only sizes 0 to 8...(phew!). However, it *is* their practice.
Most women's clothing/consignment stores in 2009 serve ladies through size 16 regularly (including another consignment store on that very street). Hot, practical, flirty, funky, clothes pretty readily available in 10-16; though Urbanity's not going to get any of the goods as long as they say to potential consigners "we just can't take anything 10 and up."Comment from Angela C. of Urbanity Style Sharing 5/23/2009
Your feedback is valuable,thank you.It certainly isn't our… More » -
Review from Tiffany K.
Sacramento, CA
9/16/2009
I was lured in by Yelp reviews and the $10 rack that was on the sidewalk. The clothes were arranged in a way that made sense! By size and season. There are also previously-loved handbags and shoes.
The stock is definitely up to date and hip. I found a very cute button-down blouse with embroidered flowers and crystals on it for $35. You're probably thinking, "Yeah, whatever lady." I guess you just had to be there.
Maybe I'm not used to high end consignment shops costing so much. I dunno...it just seemed a tad bit pricey for me. Maybe I'm just not a good boutique label shopper. Just last week, however, I bought a beautiful, hand-dyed cashmere sweater at a high-end consignment shop for $22.
I am not much of a label girl. If I like it and it looks good on me, I usually get it. If you are into labels and designers and don't want to pay new prices, then this would be a good shop for you. -
Review from Deborah T.
Richmond, CA
Updated - 4/9/2011
This is a pretty good consignment store. It is well merchandised and the selection is better than average. I found the owner to be friendly and helpful.
The young woman who works on the weekend is another story. She is one of the most disingenuous individuals I have ever met. As an African American woman who does not look for slights because of my color, it is clear - crystal clear - that this woman has a problem with people of color. Both times I visited the store, I felt like I was under such scrutiny that it was uncomfortable. I would prefer silence over furtive glances and smarmy expressions.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2010
Nice place, good selection of mid and higher end priced clothes. The owner is not overbearing but… Read more »
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Review from Lindsay H.
Berkeley, CA
1/13/2011
I always count on Urbanity to satisfy my need for new clothing. This place really helps my shopping addiction. I can always count on the owner Angela to help me find exactly what I need for every occasion. I go there at least three times a month to either trade or buy something. I am always so pleasantly surprised when I go in. I find the most exquisite dresses, blouses, HANDBAGS, SHOES and so much more. I LOVE this place.
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Review from Lee H.
10/28/2009
This is a consignment store that at first glance could double as a boutique.
The clothes are in near-perfect condition and the store is organized in a way that's easy to shop. You won't find Chanel, Dior or Givenchy, but instead mainstream labels like Diane von Furstenburg, Banana Republic, Vince and a large selection of fancy jeans. I did spy a Forever 21 shirt that was labeled for $25 which is probably more than it cost new, but other than that, prices seemed reasonable.
Urbanity Style Sharing also has a great jewelry selection that includes local designers like this 10-year-old boy's designs that is fantastic. I can't get one of his necklaces out of my head, so might have to go back and buy it. -
Review from Kisha G.
Oakland, CA
3/7/2010
Really liked this store. I am a consignment fan and was very pleased to see this store. The items are all in very good condition and up to date. Some of the items are a little on the pricey side but not many places you can get pair of barely worn Joe Jeans for $40-50 dollars.
I did most of my shopping on the $15 dollar rack and did very well. I thought the sales staff were very helpful and pleasant. (I was even being rude and talking on my cell phone and didn't get any attitude from them...but I also apologized for my horrible behavior). Lastly, I did consign some of my items here and think I got a good price on the trade.
The only negative and I say this about all consignment stores is I wish people would wash or freshen their items before they bring them in cause there is sometimes a "sour" smell in consignment stores and it was present in this store. But not a huge issue and yes, I'm still a fan. -
Review from Katie M.
East Bay, CA
3/27/2010
This is an awesome store I like to pop into whenever I am in the area. It's different from other consignment stores in that it's clean, well maintained, and has a variety of clothing. Each time I drop by, the store always has completely different stuff (great alternative to a mainstream new store). In terms of labels, they mainly range from Banana Republic/Gap to DVB and a mix of small high end boutique.
I'm not sure how pricing generally works at other stores, but this one strikes me as one on the pricier end (compared to Buffalo Exchange, Pretty Penny, Jeremy's). I purchased a dress for $50, belt $15, and silk shirt for $22. -
Review from L. L.
Berkeley, CA
4/6/2010
Good quality clothes in good shop, some outstanding pieces.
Stylish, not dowdy.
Very good prices.
I make Urbanity a "regular stop" when I'm nearby, because occasionally I will leave with something spectacular, for a fraction of the retail price.
Stylish store and very helpful (not pushy) saleswomen. -
Review from Deb D.
Berkeley, CA
1/25/2011
The owner of Urbanity has a fantastic eye for quality clothing & offers a great selection of designer pieces. The shop is truly a cut above the rest - consistently displaying high quality goods in great condition. I almost always find at least one fabulous find per visit. (as a matter of fact, a good percentage of my favorite pieces are from Urbanity...) They also have solid customer service - never a curt word or evil eye! - every sales person I've met there has been friendly and helpful, as well as knowledgeable. Everyone seems quite happy to be working there, too - a rare plus these days!
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Review from Jennifer T.
El Cerrito, CA
12/12/2010
Urbanity does a great job all around. The owner Angela really knows her stuff and has great style, which translates to the overall stylish and hip selection of goods. I consign and shop here regularly (for over a year now) and I love it! Do I find fabulous things in my price range all the time? No, but I accept the limitations that come with consignment shops. It really depends on the flow of goods coming in. There have been times where I've found some really wonderful stuff at a great price, so I make Urbanity a regular destination. Consigning is easy and I do love a good trade! The staff are always friendly and cheerful. Urbanity has found a loyal customer in me.
As for the comments about problems with larger sizes, Urbanity tells me all the time how they love getting stylish clothes and shoes in larger sizes. I think the challenge with clothing larger than a size 10 or 12, let's say, is that they may not adhere to the overall aesthetic/style that Urbanity is looking for, hence the lack of plus size clothing. And this is hardly the fault of Urbanity. Let's face it, the clothing industry decides what is fashionable and trendy and typically chooses not to make such clothing in plus sizes. I am not a small, petite woman--I know the challenges! I just wanted to throw out there that Urbanity does try it's best to stock larger sizes! -
Review from Romy D.
El Cerrito, CA
3/16/2010
i love love love this store!
and i'm thankful there are so many wealthy designer-clothes-buying women around here who consign at urbanity, because otherwise i never would be able to afford all the fabulous items i've acquired since shopping here!
i try to stop in once a week. sometimes - rarely - i strike out, but usually i come away with something fun to spice up my wardrobe. every single time i wear something from urbanity, someone stops me to ask where i got it. truly! angela, the owner, has a really good eye for clothing which saves me the trouble of hunting for the 'good stuff'. here, it's all good.
my favorite finds to date are a glamorous black faux-fur coat for under $30, a red purse with tons of zippers from barney's for $25 and some sexy-mama jil sander knee-high boots for $50. see?! -
Review from Ellie S.
Richmond, CA
4/7/2009
So I'm walking down Solano, window shopping/chatting, and then I'm almost at the top of Solano I see this upscale-looking boutique with a slanted door. I'm about to walk past when a sale rack outside catches my eye. I look at the price tags and think, "there's something fishy going on, this is a designer boutique but the prices are cheap" and so, like any good investigator, I walk in to check it out. Inside, my thinking that "it's a designer shop from heaven" are fueled by the saleslady telling me that, "yes, it's an upscale consignment store." I go back to a cute blouse I saw on the sales rack and try it on in the changing rooms. And this is when I'm wowed.
The changing rooms are like something out of a mermaid castle. Everything is gold and blue, with a little velveteen pouf seat.
Anyway, I decide to buy the top. The saleslady wraps it up in tissue paper for me, and I walk out. But I'll be back. In short: A consignment store sent by heaven to us mortals who want to be vintage and chic while being eco-friendly by reusing clothes. Oh, and I'm sorry, Goodwill. You're going out of business. -
Review from Brooke F.
Oakland, CA
7/27/2008 6 photos
a fabulous new store in the east bay. selling both new + higher end consignment. i almost felt like i was in a nyc boutique. the decor is wonderful.....yummy paintings throughout, cute dressing rooms. very clean.
NEW designer jeans, havaianas flip flops, viv&ingrid jewelry AND MORE ladies!!!! i got two great black + white LAmade t-shirts in great basic styles.
the owner and manager are very personable & friendly!
(finally i don't have to go to SF or walnut creek for jeans!) -
Review from sylvia e.
Kensington, CA
9/7/2008
Prior to the opening of Urbanity Style Sharing, Solano Avenue had plenty of places to find clothes, but almost none offering real fashion. This store is for the woman who loves the thrill of the hunt, whether or not she's on a budget. Everything from the meticulously sorted merchandise, to the well-appointed fitting rooms, to the final presentation (neatly tissued and bagged, as retail therapy demands!) makes Urbanity a timely update to the always-appropriate concept of upscale resale. Noteworthy new merchandise is presented alongside the previously-owned, all of it seamlessly upholding a standard of chic and cool that were seriously lacking in North Berkeley until now.
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Review from Cindy A.
Berkeley, CA
8/18/2008
FINALLY!!! This place is just what north berkeley needed! The owner is so friendly and helpful too. She has hand picked a wonderful selection of stylish and cool digs...she has a great eye. I wanted everything in the store! Her prices are very reasonable too. Guilt free shopping and I am recycling too.....what more can you ask for?
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Review from Erin Y.
Oakland, CA
9/28/2009
I love this store. After leaving home (and my mom's cooking) I found myself a size to two sizes smaller, and living in yoga pants due to the lack of clothes that actually fit me. Urbanity saved me. I was able to get some great 7 jeans in my new size, lots of unique shirts, and a GORGEOUS elie tahari blazer. The best part is that I walked out only two hundred dollars lighter, where that's less than I would have spent on the blazer alone new. This is definitely somewhere I'm coming back to. The staff was helpful, adorable, and helped me figure out my relative size. Everything was organized and in good shape. Yay for cute clothes at a good price!
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Helenas O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/25/2009
Ok update on 2/25/09
I gave Urbanity another chance since the owner did attempt to contact me after my first review. I was on a super happy high after a trip to Peet's coffee...so went in. This time was greeted..the sales gal was a doll and I ended up finding a pair of shoes that were cute (and new) and to my surprise were marked down...not a practical buy but it was pretty unique and the price was good...then on impulse bought a hair clip that I regret a bit...but it was good to support local the local artist that made it. Walked out spending $50.00 with merchandise that I really didn't know why I bought because I sure didn't need..but I was in the vintage mood and thought this was my way of extending my peace with this store. Will be back again to look around. I would say overall, they carry clothing with recognizable brands but it's a hit and miss (so go in often?)..I browsed and found a cute Theory jacket but the size was huge then everything else was bland...but I guess you can't blame the store it's the area..and North Berkeley is a bit more affluent but you get the older crowd....and they probably are the ones that sell to them as well (only my assumption). However, if you are looking for designer jeans and don't want to shell out a fortune..this is definitely a good place, they have a good selection (of course some are used but still priced reasonably). But overall, great concept and hopefully I will find a treasure next time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/20/2008
I write reviews for 1. If I had a GREAT experience or 2. The experience SUCKED. So this is for… Read more »
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Review from Marta S.
Berkeley, CA
7/16/2009
I love this place, I sell as well as I buy, and looking around the street how many places are closed, they are doing a good job remaining on business!
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Review from anna r.
Albany, CA
2/23/2010
After reading all those great reviews I went to Urbanity with my daughter expecting interesting, classy clothes at good prices.
Unfortunately, I found a lot of overpriced clothes.
Trendy, but all in one style - you saw one piece and you saw it all!
I have also noticed a woman who brought her clothes there, waited for a long time, was treated disrespectfully, and eventually decided to leave - too bad because she had some interesting pieces in her bag! -
Review from Elise A.
Berkeley, CA
12/28/2009
This is a great store. Buying or selling, it's just an a positive experience. They are friendly and reasonable and merchandise is current and high quality...plus they keep it moving, so there's always something new. Sign up for their emails--you get an extra discount sometimes!
