Building a Sustainable Closet: Bay Area Shops

I’ve noticed that the Bay Area is seeing a growth in small businesses focusing on sustainability. Today, I’m sharing with you 5 Bay Area sustainable shops that recommend for you to check out. I have a love for small businesses especially ones that focus on sustainable brands and/or secondhand items. If the shop is woman owned, than that’s even better. In fact, I have a penchant for wandering through the cities in search of locally owned clothing stores. It’s fun to see the unique flavor that each shop brings. Check out the Bay Area sustainable shops that I chose to showcase below. 

1. Maker’s Loft, Oakland

Let’s begin this shopping journey in the East Bay. Maker’s Loft is a new shop situated in downtown Oakland. They carry my favorite woman owned brands like Chan+Krys, Poppy Lettering and Design, and Hathorway.  In addition to being a sustainable shop, Maker’s Loft also hosts community driven workshops. For example, they hold weekly classes in various creative pursuits like candlemaking and macrame.

Address: 308 13th St, Oakland, CA 94612

2. General Store, San Francisco

Next, I wanted to take you a bit outside of the usual SF haunts. General Store in the Outer Sunset District has two beautifully curated shops in the neighborhood.  Along with their original shop that carries clothing and paper goods, they also have a shop focused on housewares a short walk away. The unique architecture of the space coupled with the SF color tones makes General Store oh so dreamy. It’s hard to resist the urge to shop. In addition to perusing and shopping their goods, I highly recommend you check out their gorgeous outdoor garden as well.

Address:

• 4035 Judah Street SF, CA 94122 (clothing)
• 3928 Irving Street SF, CA 94122 (housewares)

3. Classic Loot, San Jose

Now, let’s get down to the South Bay. Classic Loot, located in Japantown, has a serious eye for  90s throwback items, locally designed jewelry, all around unique pieces. Owner, Tam Tran, knows how to dial up the nostalgia in a cool and fun way. Not only is Tam one of the coolest people I know, she’s also one of the most innovative.  In addition to the shop, she runs and operates the Classic Loot Fashion truck too.  You gotta check it out. It’s awesome. 

Address: 208 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

4. Black & Brown, San Jose

Moving over to the vintage row near downtown, Black and Brown is one of my favorite shops in San Jose. Part thrift store, part art gallery, Black and Brown has been setting the style and art scene for San Jose for years. Additionally, you can check out my full post about the shop here. 

Address: 751 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

5. Cameron Marks, Santa Cruz

And finally, our last stop is the sunny coast. A trip to Cameron Marks is the perfect way to break from the beach. Stroll through their sunny yet minimal shops to find a wide variety of sustainable brands like Ace and Jig and Ulla Johnson. In addition to their clothing shop, they have another boutique across the way that sells housewares and paper goods like from People I’ve Loved. 

Address: 402 Ingalls St #21, Santa Cruz, CA 95060