Urbanity Expands to Piedmont Avenue

Urbanity Expands to Piedmont Avenue

PHOTO BY LANCE YAMAMOTO

Angela Cadonga has opened a second Urbanity shop on Piedmont Avenue.


Feathered Outlaw hosts an art party and herbal maker workshop, and Rare Bird enlarges its maker studio.

Endlessly chic consignment shop Urbanity has expanded to a second location on Piedmont Avenue. The store opened its Oakland doors in May with complimentary bubbles, nibbles, and giveaways. But if you missed the party, don’t despair. Its constantly shifting selection of styles is enough to make any fashion lover happy. At the Piedmont Avenue location, you’ll find a fabulous mix of luxury labels and affordably chic designer fashion—similar to the original location at 1885 Solano Ave. in Berkeley. Think Marni, Derek Lam, Miu Miu, and so much more.

“We are so fortunate and happy to introduce ourselves to the Oakland community and look forward to continuing to serve the beautifully eclectic Bay Area women who value fashion sustainability and supporting local businesses,” shared owner Angela Cadogan. Consignment shopping is sustainable fashion at its finest. You score gorgeous clothes, you ease environmental stress by keeping pre-loved clothing out of landfills, and you reduce pollution that can result from the textile and manufacturing process. In addition to stylish slow fashion finds, Urbanity stocks the jewelry cases with locally made, high-quality creations by area designers. More interested in financial inflow than buying new-to-you Isabel Marant ankle booties? Consign your quality clothing and accessories and earn cash or shopping credit with Urbanity’s generous consignment process. Stay up to date on sales and events via Instagram. While you’re there, walk through the connecting door to Rare Bird next door. 3879 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, ShopUrbanity.com and Instagram at UrbanityStyleSharing.

 

Newly Expanded Craft and Workshop Space

Rare Bird revealed a newly remodeled space this spring. The intentional shift to create a larger maker studio was a response to both the shop’s desire to focus more on classes, art, and creativity and the local community’s interest in learning to make things by hand. June workshops vary in price and cover everything from encaustic wax collage workshops and candle making to beginner’s weaving. “The Oakland customer base is so appreciative and respectful of the creation process,” said Rare Bird manager Alexandria Bull. “Locally and handmade items can cost more,” explained Bull, “but we’re seeing how much Oakland cares about how goods are made and where materials are sourced from. They are willing to invest in sustainable goods.” That’s not to say handmade or local needs to be pricey, and Rare Bird offers a variety of gifts, cards, apothecary potions, handmade jewelry designs, and locally made clothes for a range of budgets. Also in June, artist Katie Evans will be showing her exquisite handmade jewelry line that features ethically sourced butterfly wings, snakeskin, beetles, dragonflies, and more of nature’s treasures. The delicate natural elements are carefully encased and soldered using the Tiffany Method of stained glass soldering, resulting in brilliant wearable art. Rare Bird also hosts team-building workshops and private art parties. 3883 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, 510-653-2473, TheRareBird.com and Instagram at RareBirdOakland.

 

Learn to Make Sugar Body Scrub

Feathered Outlaw is hosting a Make & Take workshop led by Melissa Rivers of Herbal Gypsy on Friday, June 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each month guests learn to custom create a bath and body treat such as lip balm, essential oil perfumes, or scented lotion using herbs, flowers, and other natural elements. In June, the Herbal Gypsy will lead you in making a nature-inspired sugar scrub. It’s perfect for birthday presents or a self-indulgent treat, and you’ll take home your custom crafted scrub as well as the know-how to recreate your little luxury. Tickets are $25 and include scrub ingredients, snacky treats, and beverages. If you can’t make the workshop, Herbal Gypsy has a range of her special herbal elixirs, lotions, teas, and potions available inside the boutique.

On Friday, June 8, be sure to pop in the Feathered Outlaw between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the monthly Art Soiree. Each month, Feathered Outlaw features a local artist to coincide with Alameda’s Second Friday Art Walk. Enjoy light bites and beverages and, in addition to the art, check out all the temptations that owner Marie Ortega has hand picked for her boutique. Find custom-printed apparel, unique vintage styles, new clothing, and a carefully curated selection of gifts, handmade jewelry and accessories, art, decor, and other cherishable goodies. 1506 Webster St, Alameda, FeatheredOutlaw.com and Instagram at TheFeatheredOutlaw.

 

This report originally appeared in our sister publication, The East Bay Monthly.

Faces of the East Bay