I absolutely adored the vision that is Bella Vita. Walking in, I was taken in by the most amazing collection of barrettes I've ever seen. They had barrettes shaped like animals and fruit and adorable little hair claws shaped like bat wings. Bella Vita also boasted absolutely adorable pastel party decor for the girly girl at heart. The service was friendly and helpful, and I loved their overall selection of fanciful accessories. I will most definitely be back! read more

My wife and I got my nieces some cute Fairytale Star Double Alice Headbands ($18 each) and my wife got herself a fun Jenny Lemon's Banana Hair Claw ($24) at this store, Bella Vita, in Rockridge. This is a local boutique shop that's filled with lots of unique, high-quality apparel, accessories, and gifts for women and children. My sister, who lives in the neighborhood, has been a regular for years. She introduced my wife and me to this delightful place during our last trip to Oakland. We visited on an ordinary Monday afternoon. Owner Jennifer was the only one working at the time. She was friendly. She and my sister know each other from my sister's visits. Jennifer was also helping a couple women at the dressing rooms. The store was sizable, clean, and well organized. It had a homey, curated feel to it. I could tell a lot of thought had been put into each and every product, not only by Jennifer, but by the people who made them. If you're having trouble finding a good gift for a woman/girl, Bella Vita has many interesting and novel items to choose from. They also offer online ordering for pickup in-store or shipping to the lower 48 states. At the time of writing this review, you can subscribe to their emails for 10% off your first purchase at https://bellavitahome.com/ read more

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Lovingly curated shop with high quality and unique items. The owner has curated such a nice selection of locally made and small name designer items. It's a treat to shop at and experience the beautiful environment. The prices are reasonable and the women's clothes are swoon worthy! read more

This is an excellent store. I purchase gifts for my granddaughter along with my niece and nephew. The selection and quality of the products is excellent. The kids have consistently enjoyed these products. I highly recommend this store!!! read more

After a 3 year long COVID induced shopping drought it's back! At least on College Avenue. And for sure at Bella Vita. I used to shop everywhere . . .The City, Marin, Palo Alto, Los Altos but so many stores are closed now and it's been depressing and my shopping gene has been very unhappy. Then, a few days ago I was in Rockridge to go to Market Hall and took a stroll and found Bella Vita. My credit card and I jumped for joy! I don't know if the gal who helped me was the owner (gray curls, great mascara'd eyes, cool eye wear, fun and really nice) but whoever she was she was a peach. I loved the clothes (COLOR!) and I loved the hair do-dads, and accessories. Lot's a whimsy for one's home, and if children are in your orbit this would be a great place for that too. Damn did I have fun! read more

Cute kids clothing, accessories and toys! Less than friendly and welcoming staff. We were not greeted when we walked in and then not acknowledged when purchasing an item from them. The staff were too busy conversing between one another to engage with my daughter and me. Honestly, I would have spent more money and time there if the customer experience was better. Looks like I will be doing my shopping across the street and on the other side of the tunnel. read more

I love this store. It's a great place for gifts. Their kids clothes are adorable and their women's clothes are perfect. Everything is high quality. They wrap gifts too. I looooove this store. read more

Walked by this shop on the way to Rockridge Cafe and immediately stopped because there were so many adorable things in the window. The window display was quite enticing starting with a dog printed dress! Luckily it was open when we finished breakfast and my daughter and I went inside. I was DE-LIGHTED to find the dog dress had POCKETS! Ladies.... don't you feel like ALL dresses, skirts, and pants should have pockets?! I normally don't splurge on clothing of this caliber, but I was feeling pretty, pretty good and once in a while you have to TREAT YO SELF (and your kid). I found an amazingly soft and adorable grey tee with rainbow on it. It was a cheesy rainbow either, it is a rainbow that reminded me of my yoot in the 80's when everything I owned had rainbows and/or unicorns. I found another dress WITH POCKETS which was quite bright, but oh-so-springy and just a delight. Again, it was way more than I'd usually spend on a dress, but I decided to treat myself. I actually wore it recently to Disneyland, because WHY NOT?! I received so many compliments that day! My daughter got a fantastic dress with palm trees on it, but sadly no pockets. Still, she loves it! The best part was the owner - she is SO friendly and fun! We were immediately and brightly greeted. Honestly the impeccable level of service was the tipping point to me dropping that much dough on wearables. I am sad to say I'm el cheapo when it comes to buying clothes for myself especially. However, I feel just a treat in my new dresses and shirt and look forward to returning with M for a little Mom/Daughter retail therapy. read more

Great children's clothing here and great accommodating staff. Wow! I was so happy to stumble upon this store after not finding it in any of my Google searches for children's clothing. I found their selection was incredibly thoughtful and their customer service really delightful. Thanks so much. I'll be back. read more

I bought the most fabulous 1950's cocktail dress here to wear to the Academy of Friends Gala. And it only cost me about $100!! The owner of this store is a gem! She had me try on a bunch of dresses and model them- what fun we had! She also helped me pick out a very pretty vintage clutch purse to go with the dress. read more

I love this shop so much. Arguably the cutest shop on College Ave., which is saying a lot given how many adorable shops there are! Beautiful clothing, great gifts, and wonderful artwork. Customer service is fantastic too. Highly recommend it. This is why I love supporting local businesses! read more

Wonderful little shop on College Avenue in Rockridge. I particularly love my new "I love Oakland" t-shirt! read more

Bella Vita - For those of us who were born and raised in Oakland, this is a perfect t-shirt! - Children's Clothing Near Me - Oakland, California

I was in desperate need of a dress (for my cousin's wedding in Orange County in September) and so wanting the prerequisite dress not to be an obvious "wedding guest dress". I scored a vintage cocktail dress that had been made by hand for some big-haired Texan socialite in the 60's - which is a good thing. The chocolate silk chiffon shift was in MINT condition and the tiered ruffles at the knee were fluffy, frothy and turned by hand. All this for $85 bucks out the door, with only a few minor nip/tuck alterations needed at the tailor... plus pearl studs/YSL leopard print pony wedges, a cream colored ostrich hand bag, matching kid gloves and a vintage cameo pinned at the waist, plus a dainty little hat I scored at Pimlico Place - it was perfect! But enough about me. The vintage frocks are extremely well edited and supremely wearable. Be sure to peruse the jewelery and assorted baubles in the case - it's a mix of vintage and contemporary costume pieces that range from flirty to elegant. Stationery, hand bags, candles and playful household items adorn the walls and displays of this boutique... not to mention a children's section upstairs that will make you want to procreate/rescue a dog/be a kick-ass aunt or god-parent. If you're not going the breeding route... Here are some helpful suggestions: www.SFspca.org and my niece is named Katie. read more

Service from Jennifer is impeccable! She helped me try on a dress-a cute vintage one. Umm... I tried on one dress. It said it was a size 9 or 10. So I trounced down the stairs asking for help to zip up. Well, Jennifer tried and I busted the dress because what back fat I do have got in the way. hee hee... But she was really cool about it. I fixed the zipper! I needed some gifts for my Aunt and my friend's soon to be new arrival. I found some cute stuff that was reasonably priced for a nice gift. She wrapped the gifts the best EVAR. Good ribbon choices that went well with the gift wrap. I was able to get a birthday present and a baby shower present. She has vintage handbags- including a vintage Gucci, circa 1950, vintage dresses, vintage/deco jewelry of all colors, umbrellas, accesories, curios, and the cutest baby stuff. I found an organic cotton hat for my friend's soon to be newborn with two pom poms that look like ears for 16 bucks. Beautifully handmade. Also a cute brown sweatshirt with an elephant applique. For my aunt, a Cookie and the Dude custom headband that not only is beautiful, using kimono fabric prints, but anti-headache inducing. Nice. My aunt loved her present BTW. It really is a beautiful store and you are sure to find a perfect gifty gift for either a gal pal or a baby boo. Yay! read more

Everything in this little shop is so adorable! Jennifer, the owner is as sweet as can be - if you're looking for something cute for yourself or if you need to pick up a little hostess gift go to Bella Vita! read more

This is my new favorite boutique! They have a great selection of unique clothing items and gifts. I found so many sweaters that I wanted to buy. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the prices were reasonable too! Typically boutiques like this are way more expensive, but I found an amazing sweater for $52 that I just had to have. They also have a section full of adorable baby/kids clothes. I'll definitely be coming back here to shop! read more

Belle Vita's new store is delightful! A visit to the old store was always an adventure because it felt like exploring a fun closet that was jam packed with goodies, but now that Belle Vita is where Rockridge Kids used to be, you can really look around without fear of knocking over something really expensive. It's a lovely space filled with cute clothes and toys. The clothes do seem more geared towards females (both adults and children), but there are some clothes for boys (like the dinosaur and fox jackets that I would gladly wear if they came in my size and didn't cost $$$ - https://www.etsy.com/listing/57910243/fantastic-little-fox-coat). The toys are also unisex. The owner, Jennifer, has fantastic taste and her young helper, Olivia, was very friendly and cheerful as well. The things here aren't cheap, but they are sure to bring a smile to your face. read more

The cutest baby/toddler clothes EVER! I would so wear most of the little kid clothes if they were big enough for me. The jewelry they have is very nice as well, but quite pricey. The baby cowboy boots they have are darling! read more

Bella Vita is a darling boutique for vintage home furnishings, accessories, and children's clothes. Jennifer the owner is friendly and welcoming. She clearly puts a lot of attention to detail into her shop displays. Bella Vita is high on my list, whether for gift shopping, browsing or merely to find inspiration. I fell in love with this pretty pink tutu... http://www.flickr.com/photos/missvivigold/6169778253/in/photostream/ read more

This place is adorable and has the best-edited, if small, selection of vintage dresses. But be prepared to pay dearly for them.

Even though I live a stone's throw from College, its not often I just peruse the local stores. But on Saturday I had some extra time so stopped in Bella Vista to have a look around. I really think this store is mislabeled as an "antique" store. While their vintage dresses are darling, they also carry a wonderful selection of gifts and handmade children's clothing. This is definitely a "go to" spot if you're in need of an emergency gift. read more

For vintage anything, in a well organized and designed shopping experience, Bella Vita is a sweet little place to find that "one of a kind" anything. Their new items have a vintage flair and well chosen. read more

Such a lovely store! The other reviewers are right, Jennifer has impeccable customer service and taste, her merchandise is carefully selected and she supports local artists and designers. You can purchase one piece and it can make your outfit. I have some laser-cut earrings that I wear every week and people stop me on the street to ask about them. Love this store, it's a gem. read more

I love so many of the items in this store. Everything is cute and stylish but not overwhelmingly so. And the staff is always super friendly and just the right amount of chatty. Great spot! read more

Is it possible to add a business on Yelp to more than one category? Everything my sis and I ogled and picked were brand new and made by local artists and designers. Love the darling baby clothes! read more

Always great products, a good mix of old & new... The kids items are a little pricey, but unique and good quality. Great customer service and overall a great little shop! read more

Bella Vita is an adorable kids clothing boutique that also sells some women's clothing. I bought a tee there and was disappointed to find a whole in it upon first wear. When I brought it in to exchange, the woman working wasn't very sympathetic and sent me away without even the faintest of smiles. However, they did call me to let me know that they'd offer me store credit. I think I'll get something for my son, as their kids stuff seems to be of great quality. Hopefully someone was just having a bad day. read more

Really appreciate the service and attention I received yesterday from the staff (owner included) at the store. It was obvious when I walked in, as a man by himself, that I could use a little direction and guidance about what to buy a niece. They were able to offer suggestions and advice without being intrusive. They had a great variety of products - clothing, dolls, toys - that I could choose from. Really appreciate their Christmas wrapping as well as it was obvious they were happy to take the time to make sure I had the perfect gift, rather than rushing me off despite having several people in the store. Great customer service is worth the price here, as well as having an authentic experience of small business shopping. read more

i just love bella vita!! jen the owner is the nicest person and her personality just explodes throughout the store from all the goodies she's hand-picked to the unique way she merchandizes them!! this is my go to place whenever i need a gift whether it's something shiny and vintage (for me!) or something very cute and little (for a new baby) or something that will make one of my girlfriends very very happy read more

Beautiful jewelry and beautiful vintage dresses. Adorable children's clothing and accessories that make me wish I could return to my childhood. Friendly owner. I was only disappointed to find the store much unchanged when I returned a couple months after my first visit. Still managed to find some cute coral clips that always bring me compliments though. read more

I have been in this store twice, and both times I have been given horrible customer service. The items in the store are cute, but each time I entered the store either the sales associate was just watching me or ignoring me. This store is in Oakland , so you would think the sales associate would be use to seeing folks of color. I hatend it when I have money to spend and no one to help. I won't be going to this store again. read more

LOVE. This place is so eclectic. Cool vintage dresses and and jewelry, adorable/unique children's clothing, stationary, etc. The clothing is made by local designers so you are free from mass produced merchandise. If you want to give a unique and thoughtful gift that surely won't be found at Macy's or the Gap, this is the place. Everyone is always friendly. This is why I love Oakland and Rockridge. read more

I'm not a parent, but I have many friends who are. Bella Vita is my go-to place for kids' presents, and I always have great luck shopping here. I'm able to find unique gifts that make both my friends and their kids smile. The staff is always so helpful (I'm absolutely clueless about children's sizes, so I definitely need the professional guidance!) The new space is great and super-convenient. read more