Gamine

Oh Gamine, why did you leave me? Where else am I going to find untrashy size 0 clothes in Berkeley?

This store is a great find — although dangerous to the wallet! It has just enough merchandise to make it not overwhelming like other boutiques. I always naturally make my way around the store (literally) — the layout is perfect. Some stuff is overpriced for the quality of the clothing, but the sale racks are great. I hope it can stay in business for a long, long time!

Every time i go into this little shop, I feel, well, overwhelmed. It’s laid out really nicely and the clothes are really cute, but it’s always so much to take in at once. I always leave wishing that I had found something that better suited my slightly curvaceous body.
Then, I saw a skirt in the window that I thought was pretty cute. Lime green with polka dots; 2 of my favorite things in the world. Alas, again, it did not fit. As I sighed, head bowed in defeat, and hung the skirt back on the rack, I passed the «sale» corner, where I saw the cutest little dress marked down to almost half price! I thought, «well, what have you got to lose, you’ve come this far, haven’t you?». So, back into the dressing room I ventured to try, yet again, only to discover that I can wear dresses. VICTORY. It not only fit, but it has become one of my favorite dresses very quickly (not that I have many in the first place).
The proprietress also has a knack for matching up the clothes with the accessories she has for sale at the counter, as well. She sells jewelery, scarves, frilly lacy girly things; and as a self proclaimed Non — Girly Girl, I have to admit, it pulled my femininity back to the forefront and inspired me to go out and buy some slightly more feminine garb. At least until summer is over anyway.

I pretty much agree with Diana S.‘s review – Gamine is a cute store that adds a pleasant spot of color to this area of Shattuck. I’ve gotten a few items here that I looooove. The buyer has a great eye for pieces that are fashion-​forward yet wearable, and the prices are very reasonable. The look here is feminine and fun. My only complaints are that most items are made with non-​breathing fabrics like polyester, rayon and spandex (possibly to keep prices down), and the size range is limited. One of my friends couldn’t find anything here to fit her, and she’s about a size 12 or 14. I think college girls will probably find more to like here than older women, but, hey, there’s always the pretty selection of jewelry and scarves, if none of the clothes work.

Gamine is the kind of store that I usually intend on going into, but (for one reason or another) never do. Luckily I have a friend who fell in love with it the first time she went, and pretty much demanded that I go. The shop itself is small but clean and uncluttered. Clothing is arranged by color (which looks neat), and there’s always a good sale. Gamine is moderately priced, and seems to feature mostly small and/​or local designers. The atmosphere is a nice break from Shattuck’s dingy loudness, with soft music playing and light colored walls and dressing room curtains. SPACIOUS dressing rooms, man! Awesome! I’ve gotten a variety of clothing from Gamine, and am a repeat and satisfied customer.