Halmoni

My trip to Halmoni this past Saturday was one of the most positive, life-​giving experiences I’ve had in recent memory. And I’m not just talking about how I feel when it comes to getting the chance to shop, haha.
I stopped in on a whim after stuffing my face at PieTisserie and having a pretty good, but tough, conversation with a dude I had just met. Ya’ll know how that goes, right? Lol. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular; I just wanted to check-​out this colorful, inviting space. To be quite honest, the whole «vintage» word and world is a little intimidating and confusing to me, but Halmoni just seemed too cozy and warm to just pass up on account of trivial insecurities and uncertainties.
Natasha greeted me right as I walked in, and asked about my day so far and what brought me to the neighborhood. Her genuine smile and easygoing demeanor seemed like an invite to share, and that’s exactly what I did. She heard allllll about the kinda-​sorta-​but-​not-​a-​date thing at PieTisserie, and my relationship history since I started dating in 2013. And instead of giving me a «That’s TMI» look, and getting back to her work, she engaged and we had a real analytical, totally Virgo sister, heart-​to-​heart.
As I browsed through the carefully curated racks of clothing, we ended up talking about our moms, and all of their wisdom. Seriously, her mom’s words likening talking negatively about your friends and family, to spitting in your own face, have sunk in deep for me. As I eyed the earrings, sunglasses and other accessories on display, we talked about her New York City upbringing and the way life is out here in the Bay.
I ended up trying on a number of dresses and really fell in love with a groovy, green, mod-​style dress. I also couldn’t pass up a pair of cat-​eye sunglasses and intricately detailed earrings. Natasha carefully packaged everything together and started me up on a Giving Back Card. There are 10 hearts that can get punched out each time you spend $ 20+ at the shop; a fully punched card = free accessory or top!
I signed up for her mailing list and she also gave me a flyer for her upcoming A Naked Lady Soirée in November. The ANLS events sound like a great opportunity to get together with Natasha and other women to swap clothes, stories and support, drinks and plenty of laughs. More info on her website —
!
Natasha is a really wonderful, stylish soul who has created on heck of a treasure trove near Lake Merritt. If you haven’t already, stop by and show her some love!

Got in when it was open this time, interesting selection and very nice owner. I’ll definitely check it out again.

One of my favorite vintage shops. The owner, Natasha, is the sweetest.
She has a great selection of menswear too, which seems to get overlooked at many vintage shops. I also appreciate that she has a wide range of sizes and styles/​eras to choose from. Also, her housewares are a unique way to spruce up your home.

Natasha was so welcoming and awesome! She helped me find two dresses that look great on me and the prices were not that bad. I feel like I met a new friend in my neighborhood today. Thank You Natasha! You are awesome and I love your shop.

Ran across Halmoni on The Bold Italic and decided to drop by on a random Wednesday afternoon. I didn’t know I’d be in for such an amazing shopping experience! Natasha greeted me as I entered and chatted at length with me as I shopped amongst the amazing selection. Out of the 7 or 8 items I tried on, I walked out with 5! I’ve never had such a positive experience while thrifting as a curvier girl.
Natasha has a huge range of items (despite a deceptively small space) from tops to dresses to outerwear to shoes and accessories of all types, and her eclectic and lovely sense of style shines through in each of the items on the racks.
Most of all, I love the positive energy and intent behind Halmoni. Thanks, Natasha! I’ll be back for sure!

I love this little place! Generally, I am a bit scared of vintage stores (i.e. appropriation, only tiny clothes, lack of poc employees) but I happened to meet Natasha before going to the store and when I went to the store (if I remember correctly) they were displaying art that was making fun of/​calling out appropriation, so I this is my favorite vintage store, hands down. Anyway this place is great, very nice selection of both feminine and masculine items.

I love this little shop! The owner Natasha is awesome and super helpful. I came in to find a shirt for a sock hop party that evening and she hooked me up! I also found a cute little pair of earrings for my girlfriend.
It’s a little store but with everything hand picked by an expert eye and brimming with so many cute little things like magnets, plants, accessories etc you can not go wrong stopping in here. This is local business at it’s best.

Owner Natasha makes Halmoni such a hub for body-​positive, vintage-​loving community! The service here is out of this world: Natasha will suggest pieces and make shopping feel like a best-​friends sleepover. It’s very evident that everything in the shop is thoughtfully selected — excellent quality, with little to no imperfections, and priced very reasonably. Halmoni offers a great selection of larger-​sized vintage, too. The shop hosts great events with special guests and a regular clothing swap every other month. Halmoni is like Mary Poppins’ carpetbag: somehow everything fits inside and the contents are magical. Visit the shop ASAP for a boost!

My absolute favorite vintage store in Oakland. Natasha, the owner, is so sweet and caring. I’ve visited a few times and I already feel like we’re close friends. She encourages trying things on and experimenting, and she already knows what kind of thing I like. One thing that I love in this place is that, if you want, you can have a very communal trying-​on experience: when you step out of the dressing room there’s a whole store of people ready to tell you how amazing you look or what might work better. In other places that might make me self conscious but here it really adds to the sense of community.
There’s also wonderful events, for example, I’ve been to an event here about plus-​sized fashion with Virgie Tovar and am going to a clothes swap on Sunday evening. I can’t wait!

The Good: This place is owned by a hella cool woman of color, and she actually stocks plus-​size vintage finds. The shop is very cute, all the pieces are hand-​picked, and her prices are more than fair. Very friendly, very welcoming space. They sometimes host events, too!
The Bad: I only wish she had more space!
Overall: You never know what you may find here. It’s always something new and different, and it’s worth it to check in frequently. Total recommend!

Very cool little shop. Natasha is very wonderful and truly cares about the neighborhood. Wonderful stuff though there was nothing that I absolutely needed so I left empty-​handed. Will definitely return when I’m in the neighborhood.

Natasha and Halmoni are leading the coming 2^nd Ave renaissance (it’s coming, people!). I wandered in one day post-​yard sale — I promise I wasn’t at the Rockin’ Crawfish — and was immediately taken by Natasha’s choice of pieces for the shop. The space is cozy, but I was interested in checking out almost every single piece — and I’m picky. Was also thrilled to see a pretty even girl /​guy split, in terms of which items were for who.
Most importantly: no holes, no stains, no suspicious smells, and no seams ready to blow out on second wear. What I bought showed the greatest care and concern for detail. And the prices are totally reasonable — with Halmoni in the hood, I won’t be going to Pretty Penny or that bougey vintage spot on Piedmont for a long time.
Don’t miss out. oh, and, add to the fun — can’t wait to check out their monthly art party!

Nice hidden gem vintage store by the lake in Oakland. The proprietor Natasha is super nice and helpful. I’m not big on vintage but it’s fun to take my GF here for her to browse the racks. They have mostly (if not all) women’s clothing with some various vintage knick knacks here and there like pins, bags, etc. Worth checking out!

I was biking by and spotted this place. What a little gem! Good prices and unique items. The owner is also very sweet and friendly.

This boutique is definitely a hidden treasure I hope more people in Oakland will discover! When you walk in, you’ll notice an eclectic array of vintage clothes that are actually wearable. The styles were cute, and I was able to pick out a mini jacket with the help of the owner, Natasha, who is super helpful and honest. She doesn’t just try to sell things to you, but gives her genuine input on your choices – even though it’s small, she gives you plenty of time and space to just look around without feeling pressured.
Make sure you take time to look around, because I always THINK I’ve seen everything, only to miss something cute in the corner somewhere, or on some shelf. You can tell a lot of love was put into the store – everything from the business cards, email lists/​events, to the cute teal plastic bag you get with your purchase! I’ll definitely be back.

This lovely boutique is full of great energy and great pieces, specializing in both men and womens wear. Halmoni also offers an assortment of colorful, fun, and bold accessories.
The owner is very genuine, kind and stylish and welcome to give personalized and honest feedback. Halmonis warm environment gently coerces you to try on everything and play dress up.
This is a great place to go alone or with a group of friends

In case people don’t know what halmoni means… it means grandmother in Korean.

Every item at Halmoni is chosen with an impeccable vision for the individual’s swagger.
Friendly and honest consultation is the standard.
A definite joint!