I never go into boutiques. I don't like to shop for clothes. I was with a friend who shop there, so I walked in. This was much more than what I expected. First, their interior - decor, organization, furnishings - are so pretty. I think the owner is also an interior decorator. The clothes are nice -- not sure how to describe it, but it's probably more for middle aged women. Most of them are casual/classy, but not gaudy. To my surprise, I ended up buying a simple jacket. There are some consignment items. Lots of jewelry -- all clean and elegant design. This store really made me change my mind about little boutiques. Nice place to shop at. read more

It's a good thing this store is actually closing! The owner is really rude and doesn't know anything about customer service. It was as if you had to be a certain type of person to walk into the store and shop. Not only did I not get a greeting or a hello, but she had a very snooty attitude towards me and while I really wanted to support her store (because it's local) I felt extremely uncomfortable and left. read more

I told the woman here I will absolutely not recommend her store to anybody. We were in the store for no more than 30 seconds, when we were shoed away. My 2 year old came in because she saw pretty things. I would have never set foot in this store if it were not for her. I agreed - they did have lovely things. My daughter picked up a pillow and placed it on the bed on display. She saw a children's book and picked that up seconds later. The woman was on us in a moment stating something like "if you have no intention of shopping then we have a problem" Well I have no idea how this place stays in business and as promised: I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE FOR ANY REASON. There are plenty of other places on 4th Street to find lovely things. Expletive this place, and expletive this business owner. She gives 4th Street a distinctive egg / sulfur smell. read more

I wish I had read the Yelp reviews before walking in the door. While I was there, I overheard the owner telling some poor woman who had sold an expensive item on commission that the person who had purchased it had switched price tags with a less expensive item, so they had sold it for far too little. As a result, they would not be giving her the full amount that her item had been worth. I was shocked. That is about the worst customer service I have ever heard of. What shop owner would not stand by the price and admit that their staff had not caught the switcheroo? If nothing else, you take the hit because it's the right thing to do. It's called integrity. I felt so bad for the poor woman who trusted them to sell her item. I will not shop there and I certainly would never, ever sell commission there. Shame on the owner. read more

Can I leave ZERO stars? A little sad face? .... I was in there today, the older rude lady was there. Never greeted me, never acknowledged my presence. When I went to the counter to make a purchase, even though I was the only customer is the whole damn store, she finished some conversation with another clerk about a candle, then still took her sweet time to "help me". When she went to ring me up, she very curtly said "we do not do sales on credit card for less than $10", even though I was making a $9 PLUS tax purchase. What a dumb policy. Walked right out and will never ever ever ever go back. I can probably buy the same crap at the Goodwill for a buck. read more

I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised about the recent service I received from both the owner and her employee. (I must admit I feel bad I don't remember their names, I am horrible with names) I've been going to that store for several years. I have bought many items from them. I like their selection of jewelry. Its pretty cool and not something you see every day. Also I think their price points are pretty good. I found a great set of dishes that I bought about 4 years ago and to this day I love them. I do agree with Emily regarding the owner. Most of the time when she is working if she is talking to somebody else or on the phone she won't take 1 second to even acknowledge your arrival. I think a welcoming smile or even a short "welcome to Avant-Garde" is all that store needs to be top notch. Because their clothes, housewares, furniture, jewelry will easily sell themselves. Now the employee she has working is a walking customer service STAR. She is perfect. Recently I went to the store and fell in love with a skirt. They didn't have my size, but the owner said no problem I can get you one in a day. And she did... it was there... I said..."but what if that one doesn't fit I don't want you to get stuck with an item" and she nicely said... "don't worry... I need that size anyways... its a popular size"... Hint to Stella's in San Anselmo from my review of them below. Well the skirt is perfect... they held it for me until I could get back down to pick it up. Also they gave me free parking validation for two of the garages in San Rafael. I can't in all good faith give them anything other than a 5 star rating. Maybe its my mood, but I think if you know up front the owner isn't going to welcome you when you first walk in, however if you ask her a question or require assistance she will jump through hoops to get you want you want. read more

I have always loved Avant Garde. It is well a thought out women's clothing store with lots of fun accessories, home items and consignment furniture added to the mix to makes it a fun shopping experience. The store is also well lit which adds to the pleasure. (Oddly, so many stores don't understand the importance of good lighting). The owner and her staff are always available to help at the same time they know when to leave me alone. Now that I live outside the Bay Area, I make it a point to stop in to find a great piece of clothing to add to my wardrobe. Oh...prices are also reasonable which is not the case in many of today's clothing stores! read more

The owner is NOT HONEST! I am glad she is retiring and close her store tomorrow. I was there yesterday bought quite a bit of stuff. I asked if I could leave them on her counter as I pick and walked around the store. Then I found out she folded the fabrics and other stuff I picked in the bag, so I paid and left. After I got back home, I took them out. I found out a table runner had a few dark hard dry soy sauce like stains, a shower curtain inner layer fabric was cut lose with several holes, a sleeping bag was with a dirty grey mark on the surface which she sold me for 3.5 times more of marked price. I am so upset... I wish I has looked reviews first. read more

Avant Garde is my "go-to" store whenever I want to purchase stylish clothing or jewelry or interesting home furnishings. I don't like spending a lot of time shopping so I head there because I know that I will always find something great - and at affordable prices. Gisela, the owner, is always super helpful and she has a really great "eye". I was just there and bought a lovely sweater with an unusual asymmetrical collar. I love it! read more

I don't know how she does it, but this shop owner consistently pulls together the most eclectic (and comfortable!) clothes and shoes, which pair easily with her fabulous accessories - for everyday and special occasions. I just bought the perfect pair of booties which I've been searching for for the last three years, and paid much less than I would have at any other boutique in Marin. LOVE this store! read more

Odd that there are all these glowing reviews 5 months ago as she was getting ready for the close out sale. Many negative reviews prior to that. I only stopped by this week because of a $150. credit I'd had for a year. Walked in thinking of something else, head down and not looking at the windows. When I went to 'pay', I asked if she'd be getting more clothing as there wasn't the normal inventory. Her response: 'I'm retiring! How did you miss the signs?? They are all over!!' No need to be so insulting - I had just been preoccupied. Yes I shopped more to try to use up the credit (but forgetting I had used $12. of it months ago) so when she said I owed $, I didn't understand and asked her to add it for me. She could have done this nicely, respectfully, but instead she snapped that $150. wasn't the actual credit, didn't I realize that??!! She has Such an unpleasant delivery! Tries to belittle the customer and that's putting it nicely. In the end I still had $10-$15 credit, told her to keep it, that I did not want to come back. She has had great items over the years but her manner is Awful. Good riddance. No more opportunities to be unpleasant to customers, to ignore them or to insult and belittle them. read more

Owner is rude and arrogant. Hate 'workers' who think they're better than customers. Get over yourself. Try to treat people kindly, especially when you're trying to pawn off shoddy merchandise. Charm school might help read more

Customer service was awful. I had one of my sons with me and the saleslady did not bother to acknowledge our presence the whole ten minutes + that we looked around. The inventory was OK but nothing special but what really stood out is that they really did not make me feel welcome. I thought maybe it was a guy thing or she didn't want kids in the store. Regardless she won't have to worry about us returning. read more

On Fourth Street there are many choices to shop and spend your hard earned dollars. This is one of the few consignment stores on Fourth and one of the better ones. Everything changes here, weekly. There are always new things too check out and try on. They have a great purse and belt selection, shoes are usually from consignment so sizes vary. The clothing is a mix of new and used, but it is all fashionable and affordable. I have scored on the same visit: a great silk sweater, basket for my fruits and veggies and earrings. Parking is street and metered, but you can usually find it, there is always a sale rack out front. Like I said things change here, so if they don't have what you want, they might next time! The owner is usually here, the last few times I have been in the store she has not said hello or even said a word to the people browsing. She is friendly if you engage her, but not engaging herself. The other woman who works there is super friendly and sweet. read more

Despite the beautiful items in the store, dont bother going there. The owner is impossible to talk to. She has a superiority attitude and nothing you say or do is right. Since when is being rude and nasty good customer service? I have never met her employee, which from the other reviews, is great, so perhaps if only she were in the store it might be a different experience. read more

I was in Avant-Garde today and bought a necklace for my daughter. I almost didn't by it, because of the owner. I assume it's the owner from the other reviews I've read. She had no interest in me at all. I practically had to drag answers out of her, and she acted as if I was interrupting her whole day. I would like to buy a chair in the store, but I don't want to buy it from her. I guess I'll have to call to see when the nice person is working there. read more

I think the buyer for this store does a beautiful job. As a 60 something I don't want to be dowdy, but not a teenager either. I always find items that are unusual and stylish. I also think the price of things there is great for Marin. I rarely fall for something that costs more than $100. I also appreciate their seasonal adjustments. The buyer/owner is very talented and I've always has polite and good service! read more

The quality results of having Gisela Greene of Avant-Garde rearrange my home, room by room, using most of my belongings turned out fantastic. Two hours and a few dollars for new items allowed my home to go from so-so to fantastic. The new arrangement of furniture, rugs and pictures showed off the room and allowed the colors and items to pop. Her knowledge of colors, tones, placement and number of items in an area allowed my home to shine read more

This is truly my favorite clothing store in Marin County. I always find something I love at Avant Garde. The clothing is very current and stylish as well as relaxed and comfortable for work, dressy or casual. Gisela, the owner, has wonderful taste and always helps me find just what I need. I prefer to shop at small, local boutiques. This one is a gem! read more

Over the years I've bought many items at Avant Garde, from furniture and lamps to jewelry and clothing. I'm consistently happy and satisfied with my purchases. The price tags are not just reasonable, there are many amazing deals! The store is beautifully arranged with unique, quality items. The owner is a real professional and very helpful. I highly recommend Avant Garde and suggest you go find out for yourself why it should get six stars! read more

Love this store! So many treasures, so reasonably priced. Gisela is wonderful at helping me choose clothes that look best on me. Such a fun place to shop! Highly recommend! read more

I look forward to going to avant garde in san rafael. the owner has a great eye and finds amazing inventory for household purchases and for womens clothing. i enjoy going there as an experience in good design and artistic presentation. there is now an ajoining business sharing the space. it is a gift and jewelry business called velvet ice collection. this is a great duo in one space to enjoy shopping in. read more

Avant-Garde is a fabulous shopping experience in Marin. The owner's taste is exquisite and the price points reasonable. The jewelry and accessory collection goes great with the clothing and one item is more beautiful than the next. The other miscellaneous items, such as things for the home, make it a wonderful shopping experience. I really appreciate that the owner's heart is in the right place. Not only does she sell consigned items that look new, but she also donates a percentage of her proceeds to heartfelt causes. This is a store worth supporting. read more

When AG store first opened it was mainly a consignment store for furniture, misc. items and some clothing. Over the last couple of years the store has evolved as predominantly a women's apparel and jewelry destination...and it's great. The items are unique, stylish, good quality, reasonably priced. Sizes are sometimes limited because the cost of a huge inventory is prohibitive for a small business but sometimes the owner can get your size. This is not the mess or magnitude of a big chain store. It's usually easy to park on the street nearby or use the multi-story C Street Parking garage and walk half a block. I did most of Christmas shopping here (with a little treat for myself too!) The one drawback is that you cannot get a refund but then I understand that is common for most small privately owned retailers. I believe you might be able to get a store credit for most items. read more

After reading the reviews posted for Avant-Garde, I honestly must say I'm not surprised. I've been a loyal customer for years! From the time the owner was in a different location. She has such a great eye for just about everything! I've spent a lot of money through the years and have referred many friends. I left a couple of items with the owner on consignment and one of the items apparently walked off on its own. Imagine that! It was rather large. Instead of the owner taking the hit, it was at my expense. As painful as it is for me, I will NEVER ever step foot in the store again and I no longer refer my friends. It's validating to read the reviews because I thought it was just me and that the owner didn't like me. She apparently doesn't treat anyone any differently and this is sad. I love her helper, Christina, and the owner could take some lessons from her on customer service. She could actually learn something. Christina isn't even enough to keep me coming in at this point. DONE!!!! read more

This OWNER is totally lacking in social graces and even simple common decency to customers. She's snooty, with an air of hostility! Can't seem to go by the shop without feeling that negative vibe from her. She's a total snob who desperately needs therapy. read more

Not a reliable place to shop. Disappointed by the attitude of people who work here. On one occasion I went to pick up unsold items I had consigned , and an item was missing. No apology, never found, that's it. My most recent and disappointing was a bait and switch. I was told The price of a set of chairs I was looking at was $50 each. I agreed to buy them , paid by credit card and loaded into my car. The clerk came to my car and said my card didn't go through and she had to run it again. I was a little suspect but gave her the card again . She was hoping I wouldn't notice, she had run it for 95 a chair! That was the price on the chair but she said she would sell it for 50, then denied saying it ! They were loaded in the car and i didn't want to hassle so we compromised on 85. I then found out they were ikea chairs I could have bought for. $69 at ikea! My biggest problem is that she was being so deceptive and that's what I find about this place. Won't be going back and I caution others. read more

I love this store. No matter when I walk in, it is always arranged beautifully, with great stuff to look at. I find the customer service great-- and personally I like that I am allowed to browse a bit without being hassled right away to buy something, yet if I ask, someone is right there to help me. Their product varies and so it is always good to go in periodically and see what is new. It is always changing. read more

Wonderful store! It's not your typical second hand stuff. Great finds- easy to shop there and come up with something differerent. I'd like her to come to my house and re-place my stuff- I'm sure it would look 10x better. Gisele has an incredible eye for merchandising. And, I have to say, who cares if she doesn't greet you when you walk in. Perhaps because she's European? I don't know. If you want greetings, go to the Gap. She's not unfriendly. I've even sold things there and was quite happy with the return. I have to admit, my things looked better in her store than they ever did in my house! read more

This is the best place to get fashion advice, chic clothes that are different from department store items, less expensive to buy than Nordstrom, and expensive looking. The great thing is, that you can go in and the owner Gisella will help put you into a complete outfit. I have a closet full of her clothes, and they wear beautifully, are good quality and all go together. I get lots of compliments on my Avant Garde outfits. It's the best-kept secret in Marin! read more

I discovered AvantGarde about 3 years ago. Gisela, the owner, has always been attentive to my shopping list desires; helping me find cloths that look good on my body type, even when I didn't think it would look good--it always turned out great looking. She has a very good eye for style and color. I've enjoyed several pieces of jewelry purchased there. I always get positive complements on my clothes and jewelry from this store. Some of the pieces are quite unique and different. I have also found gifts there on many occasions. And the prices are reasonable. The store is so much fun to explore as it's changed from time to time and has new merchandise. She has also helped me decorate my bedroom. She has a great design mind, sensitive to color, shapes and placement in the room. I purchased a great artzy lamp and with her suggestion the location in the room illuminates that corner. I really appreciate her input. Whenever I get the shopping bug, AvantGarde is my first stop. read more

I live in the East Bay but whenever I have lunch with my friend who lives in San Rafael, it is a must for both of us to visit Avant Garde. Never do I leave there without finding some treasure, may it be clothes, gifts, jewelry, or household items. I even travel to the store when I have no reason to be in San Rafael. The store is beautifully arranged and the prices are very reasonable. Very gently worn high style clothes are always high on my list and there a lots. The service is outstanding and there is no sales pitch. I love the element of surprise when you wander through the store. Simply fabulous shopping!!!!! read more

I love this store! The owner has impeccable taste! There are wonderful bargains on used items as well as (new and used) clothing and shoes. Top notch at reasonable prices. Everything is there from furniture to glassware to jewelry to clothing. it's one of my favorite stores in Marin! I've purchased clothing, tablecloths, wine glasses, jewelry, purses, shoes, clothing and a frying pan there. read more

This is my favorite store on Fourth Street. Wonderful clothes, bags, furniture, plate and glassware, just about anything stylish, and mostly very affordable. I've always found the owner to be very pleasant. I hate to be fawned over by salespeople. read more

I love this store. The staff is friendly and the quality of goods is amazing. I wonder in just browsing, but usually end up purchasing something. I have to say, I especially love the displays and the merchandising, everything looks so beautiful! read more

I truly love this venue to review businesses and especially those I choose to frequent. It's unfortunate that people use it as a porthole of manifestation to express their dissatisfaction which sometimes has little to do with the experience of their business interaction. Such is life I suppose. Well, when it comes to Avant-Garde there is little if anything about which to complain. I prefer to shop locally whenever possible. It's good for the local economy and it promotes societal interdependence as well. Of course expectations vary from person to person with regard to any business interaction so the extent to which subjectivity comes into play is seemingly infinite. I don't disparage those who feel they have had an inferior or mediocre experience but I do feel to chastise a business or business owner who has not mistreated a customer directly is where I draw the line with regard to a scathing review. How unfortunate it is when humanity feels the need to overtly criticize a business or business owner who had no intention of alienating the disgruntled individual. When one owns a business there is pleasure which is derived from the creative process and supporting the local community through the offerings of that creative process. Given this reality I would commend the owner of Avant-Garde because her taste is exceptional and her offerings are unlike any which can be found in this locale. Unlike her critics I see the positive in her decision to do business in San Rafael and of course there are many more customers she has served which are happy she has continued to do business in this location for twenty years. I am one of those thankful customers. Does anyone think that she has been doing business in this location for twenty years accidentally? Of course the reason she has succeeded there and continues to succeed is because she knows how to bring customers that which they appreciate and enjoy. If more businesses existed like this the malls of America would cease to exist because people would wake up and realize that their "experience" in a retail store is all about it's selection, price and perceived value....a difficult juggling act to manage for twenty years. Thank God people like this owner continue to make San Rafael their "business home" because when they leave, there will be a dearth of creativity in San Rafael. I won't go near a mall as I see that venue as one which is incredibly and consistently predictable. It's all about the "trends" which so many of us feel the need to follow. How unfortunate we cannot emerge from that abyss as a society. I own a business and understand that treating my customers is an important consideration yet I also feel it's a two way street as we both bring something important to the party. I thank the owner of Avant-Garde for her incredible resilience and persistence and for her patience when it comes to those who choose to use this venue unjustifiably. It does not surprise me that those who choose to criticize businesses like this don't possess the business experience or acumen to understand how complex small business can be to operate effectively and efficiently. This business owner focuses on each customer individually and intently. Therefore if she does not instantly recognize or acknowledge each and every patron it is not a deliberate commission. She is one person who prefers to provide each customer with individualized attention as much as is humanly possible. I will continue to enjoy my shopping experience at Avant-Garde and not allow the inferior Yelp reviews to salt my experience in doing so. read more

I contemplated about writing a review for several months. After reading some of the other reviews I felt a responsibility to chime in. First and foremost the owner is toxic. She has a sour puss and acts as though she is doing you a favor to allow you to spend your money there. I have shopped there for years and have brought friends in, we have spent a lot of money in there over the years, there are generally nice things to find. The last time I was in, I paid cash for an item. At the end of the day the owners register didn't balance. She insisted that I walked out without paying. Fortunately, the woman who was working with her that day insisted that was incorrect and the money was misplaced by her. This challenge of my integrity is unacceptable. It is the shop owner who needs a lesson on how to treat the public with integrity and respect. Shame on her and forget about going to avant gard. San Rafael and Marin county is loaded with fabulous other choices. Stay away! read more

I had not read reviews before walking into this store because the window display looked promising, I had $100 that I intended to spend today as a treat to myself for personal reasons. So I walked around, I even lingered briefly by a few things ( which would prompt any normal store clerk to ask if I had questions). The woman wa at the counter, reading or working on computer, never looked up, never said hello. Finally, she looked over at me and caught my eye but still didn't speak. I'm all about customer service, as I own a retail store myself. I was taught to acknowledge a customer within 30 seconds of them entering the store. Even if you can't help at that moment, you make eye contact or say something that lets them know you see them. Even when this woman made eye contact with me, she said nothing. I walked out and would never ever buy anything from this store, or even go there again. Now I read these reviews and wonder why the owner isn't paying attention. I was the only one in the store and still she didn't have time for me. What a shame. read more