Easily the most stylish shop in Alameda, with reasonably priced and generally good quality clothes from a variety of designers.

Having visited Lilac a couple of times, it truly feels like the "Cheers" of clothing stores, you're always made to feel welcome. It's the kind of place where you can walk in feeling blah and, thanks to the amazing staff and fresh styles to explore, walk out feeling like a million bucks! Without hesitation, I can say that Lilac is a must-visit if you're shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift! read more

Lilac - Part of the women's side. Looks great! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alameda, California

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One of my go to shops in alameda if I'm looking for something unique and beautiful. My printed quilt sweater I bought there is my most complimented article of clothing I own - someone even knocked on the glass window of a restaurant to ask me where I bought it while I was eating. lol Also the jewelry is great. Location is right next to Blue Dot, an alameda favorite coffee shop. What's better than shopping and a little treat after? read more

Lilac - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alameda, California

The owner of Lilac is a lovely British lady. She was super helpful and very nice. Boutiques Dan be a mixed bag, but I really liked this one. They had nicely curated inventory that was really appealing. My friend found a good travel dress and I loved the shoes. They had Gola sneakers, which are Uber comfortable and soft sandals, ditto. I didn't get anything because they didn't have my size, but I would have. I think the clothes would appeal most to the over 30 crowd. Things were trendy enough, but not overtly so. I also really liked the Alameda themed clothing on the men's side. It's conveniently located on a corner and it'os easy to find street parking. will pop in the next time I visit Alameda. Recommended. read more

I love local boutiques and Lilac is a great spot with a great selection of clothes for women and men, jewelry from local designers, shoes, hats. The service is great and I love popping in to browse. read more

The owner is so kInd and really values her customers. She always give me great suggestions for pieces to try. Such personalized service is rare nowadays, this is a great boutique. read more

I love having local stylish boutique. Pilar, June, Dorothy are all so helpful. Seems like last minute before a travel I always need that 1 extra something and they never disappoint and I am sure to leave with that extra thing or 3! They are all so kind, it feels like you're shopping with your Friends. Also an amazing place to gift shop as I'm writing this I'm eagerly awaiting their open so I can grab a soft comfy guys shirt! See you all soon. read more

Pilar & her staff are always helpful & friendly. I love the quality and variety of clothing - something for every occasion. This is my favorite shop in Alameda! read more

I went to this boutique for the first time recently. The service was excellent and the variety of clothes was great. You could find casual outfits to a nice dress for New Years, and the prices were reasonable. There was also plenty of parking available and a nice cafe next door. I will definitely be going back soon. read more

I walked into this boutique days away from our son's wedding, looking for a few special outfits for the brunch and next day. Pilar was so amazing. She's not only found great stuff for me (and she's a great listener!) but also for my husband. I loved this experience and I'll be back again. Thank you Pilar! read more

I adore this place! Beautifully curated, timeless, easy to wear clothing, right in my neighborhood. I don't need to leave the island to find work and weekend ware and the owner is beautiful and fabulous! Every time I visit, I always find something unique, great quality and thoughts of future outfits to wear during my next vacation spot and special event. Thank you for staying open! read more

I have been so impressed with this boutique. They have the perfect clothing for any generation. I found the perfect dress to wear to a work event, a Bat Mitzvah and my own 50th birthday party. June and Pillar are lovely. Cannot recommend them enough. read more

Pilar and Ava make an incredible team and I could not recommend Lilac more highly for individuals interested in purchasing really beautiful, high quality clothing. Pilar was so unassumingly generous and I felt very supported by her. She treated me with such openness and genuine kindness and it make for a very special and memorable shopping experience. I recommend getting on her mailing list if possible, as that is how she announces her spectacular truck shows. :) Thank you Pilar and Ava!! read more

So my daughter found the PERFECT dress for her college graduation at Lilac Pilar was very helpful and we were all so happy. Unfortunately on her way back to Chicago she left the dress in the terminal of the Kansas City airport during a layover. Many tears and phone calls later, I came back to Lilac. They no longer had her size in stock, but Pilar and June were able to get a replacement dress ordered from their supplier, shipped rapidly, and sold to us at a discount. What a team! What a save! read more

START YOUR WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING HERE And then you will be done! I cannot say enough amazing things about Lilac. Pilar, Mila, & Ava are very special people. They helped me with my engagement party dress, my wedding dress, my day-of dress, and my peace of mind! I had a loss in my family right before my wedding which resulted in some weight gain and some sadness. But the ladies made the dress work for me that I had fallen in love with months earlier AND most importantly, they were incredibly and beautifully kind. This is more of a love letter than a review! Thank you to the ladies of Lilac! Besides their wedding dresses, they have great clothes and accessories. Ava tailored my wedding dress out of magic and she also hooked up my husband's suit. Love this business! read more

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This is the perfect place for brides who aren't looking for heavy, structured wedding gowns. I had grown so frustrated looking for wedding dresses that were just so uncomfortable and HEAVY, which led me to Pilar's shop. She has a wonderful collection of more simple gowns for a more modern bride. Pilar was so helpful when I came looking for my gown. I chose a Nicole Miller and it arrived at the shop just a couple of weeks later. Happy bride! Thanks, Pilar read more

Lilac - Women's Clothing Near Me - Alameda, California

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When I first visited Lilac I had already purchased a dress and was there for my best friend who, also engaged, was trying on dresses. By this point, I was having doubts about the dress I had purchased. While it was a fine dress, it was not "the dress" and I kept thinking about another dress I had tried on at a different boutique. When I saw that Lilac carried the dress, I asked if I could try it on (after my best friend was done, of course. I'm not that much of a bridezilla). Once on, I knew immediately it was the one but of course wanted to think about it before I made another big purchase. A few days later, I contacted Lilac and spoke with the owner, Pilar. She kindly explained the process, from ordering the dress to storing the dress, and answered all of my annoying questions. In a nutshell, she was absolutely wonderful! That same week I ordered the dress and two weeks later it arrived! That simple! I can't thank Pilar and Ava enough for making this task almost too easy. I can now happily check this off my uber long list of wedding to do's. read more

I love being able to tell my clients about a local wedding dress shop that has contemporary designs and name labels at reasonable prices. The shop is bright, cheery, modern and unpretentious. And Pilar is a friendly, unassuming personality who caters to her customers and helps them into dresses that are stylish and flattering. She makes a photographer very happy! Great reflection of the wedding industry right here in Alameda. read more

Have you ever walked into a store and you love everything so much you want to buy it all??? That's how I feel when I go into Lilac. I highly recommend you let any of the team help you find what you're looking for. They are welcoming, honest & never pushy. If you're looking for jeans, a cute tops to wear with jeans or a dress for an event, tell them. They are so great about finding just the right fit. One time I was trying on a shirt and they suggested I try the same shirt in a v-neck instead of crew neck....that made all the difference. Also Lilac always has new stuff so don't miss out-- make the trip over to Lilac ASAP! read more

A M A Z I N G. Reasonable Clean Fresh Variety Hip Thoughtful Loved, loved, loved this place. Having now visited a number of dress shops in the East Bay, I think I've become somewhat of a pro at picking up on the shop vibe within about two minutes. Meaning in other words... whether I'm a fan or not. And I can tell you that walking into LDB was like a breath of fresh air. Wood floors, big windows, well lit, high ceilings and gorgeous, affordable dresses. When bride-to-be explained that she was looking for something in the $800 range since she expected to spend up to an additional $500 in possible alterations, we were told no problem. No judgments made, no strange sighs or eyebrow lifts (as unfortunately experienced in other shops)... just optimism and sincere efforts made to help find my friend her "dress". What's more, it was obvious that she really listened to what we were looking for. So key, but so often ignored. Berkeley brides, do your self a favor, and take a little trip out to Alameda. Have waffles at the old timey Ole's Waffle Shop, then head over to Lilac Dress Boutique... You can thank me later :) read more

Huge thank you to Ava who helped us so patiently and wonderfully! We came in here after having a disastrous time at David's Bridal and Ava was incredibly helpful. They have a small section of wedding dresses and no appointment was needed. She was able to show my sister different dresses based on what my sister said she liked. She also described the details and alterations so we could help envisioning what the dress would be like. I also checked out the fun tops and outfits while I waited for my sister to try on dresses. Very cute shop and amazing customer service! read more

Found my Nicole Miller wedding dress here. Well worth the trek from SF, even though SF is littered with bridal "salons." How much do I love Pilar and Lilac Dress Boutique? Let me count the ways: - totally unpretentious and relaxed - totally honest if something doesn't look good - don't need an appointment - no one hovers, unless you want an opinion or assistance - huge selection of beautiful, non-poofy, comfortable dresses - reasonably priced - try on as many dresses and take as many photos as you wish - great advice on accessories, ways to modify dresses, etc. (this was KEY to convincing me about my dress - I hate strapless, but Pilar found a dress that looked great with some sample straps. Voila) Pretty much the opposite of my experience at other places. Who has time to make an appointment 3 weeks out to try on a dress that will take 3 months to be ready? Who really calls a dress "she" (as in, "she is made of silk crepe de chine")? WTF?! When my friend got engaged, I said don't bother with anywhere else, just go straight to Lilac. She did, and walked out 45 minutes later having found her perfect dress with no fuss. Also she referred me to Emily Mihal at New Parisian Cleaners in SF for alterations - good call! Thank you Pilar and Lilac for such a refreshingly different bridal experience! read more

Pilar is FANTASTIC! I went to her adorable dress boutique in search of a wedding dress. She made me feel at ease immediately. I knew I was in good hands. Before I knew it I was engulfed in happy tears. She had helped me find "The dress". The process leading up to finding her was not what I had hoped. Pilar was so INCREDIBLE I forgot all about the other snooty bridal boutiques. Thanks to her I have nothing but pleasant memories of my wedding dress search. By the way, Pilar recommended a seamstress to do all of the finishing touches to my dress. Malia is conveniently located just a few minutes away from Lilac. She was able to transform my dress into something that looked as though it was designed for me. GO TO HER! I love you PILAR and MALIA! *Update I recommended Pilar and Malia to one of my clients and she has since purchased her dress at Lilac, and hired Malia to do the alterations. She also has had a lovely experience. read more

I was very nervous about going "dress" shopping for the first time and Pilar made me feel right at home. I had no idea what I was really looking for (except that I didn't want a poofy princess dress) and Pilar was able to give me really great suggestions. She wasn't pushy and wasn't in my face, she was just extremely helpful and gave honest, informed opinions that were not motivated by money or time or anything. She also realized what "stage" of the process I was in and told me to take some time and think about it, which was really nice. I plan to go back in January and definitely try some more dresses on at Lilac. I highly recommend this place for those brides who have a budget, who don't want those crazy wedding cake dresses, and who want friendly, relaxed customer service. read more

This store is absolutely adorable! They specialize in cocktail and special event dresses. They have a small but well thought-out selection that is nicely laid out and very spacious. I was helped by Pilar the owner, who is so sweet and patient, but doesn't pressure you to buy anything. I did, however, end up buying two dresses even though I don't have anywhere to wear them. I'm now searching for two events... read more

Every woman in the Bay Area should know about this place. Seriously--ESPECIALLY the brides-to-be. I walked in with my two MOH's and two more friends of impeccable taste, intent on getting one of two gowns I'd seen online. Pilar was absolutely wonderful and helpful, in addition to offering mimosas to me and my four friends/panel of judges after we walked in the door! (FYI, it was a trunk show this weekend, so I don't know if beverages are a regular thing. WE certainly embraced the idea!) Pilar and her alterations specialist Cathy swooped in each time with accessories, suggestions, etc. I tried on maybe a total of 5 dresses, and it turned out number 3--a strapless taffeta number I probably never would've picked for myself--was The Dress. I was right on the edge when Cathy handed me a bouquet and Pilar said, "Go look at it in the light." Wham. Bam. I'll take it. Pilar was patient as well as extremely helpful, both with her eye for detail, and her incredible selection of dresses, wraps, trims, hairpieces, and more. Buying my wedding dress was a remarkably easy and joyous decision. What a blessing that we went to Lilac! read more

Pilar at Lilac is the kind of proprietor you want to go back to over and over again. She has a great eye for selecting variety, style and color. I purchased a red sateen bias cut dress which is absolutely stunning. If you are looking for a cocktail dress or wedding dress Lilac's should be on your list of places to check out. She also has a nice variety of accessories. She recommended Cathy Marie of The Sewing Cottage - a great find as well. read more

So I searched all over the Bay Area for a place that would have my perfect wedding dress. Lilac was the first boutique I went to and it ended up being my last. Pilar was so helpful and sweet and HONEST. If something doesn't look good she won't send you down the aisle in it. The dresses are all very reasonable (for wedding dresses) and you don't have to make a commitment a year in advance! Her dresses range from elegant, sweet, sophisticated and glamourous. Her evening/cocktail/day dress collection is also superb. In addition to getting my dress from Pilar, she also pointed me in the direction of Kathy her amazing seamstress and Clarice (Happenstance Jewelry) who made my earrings and headpiece matching my great-great grandmother's necklace perfectly. Not only is Pilar a great salesperson, she's just a great person. She makes it a point to support local/independent businesses and artists. I would go into her shop to put down money on my dress and end up chatting with her forever. Multiple thumbs up!! read more

Here's another gem of a place in Alameda you won't want to miss! So, I'd driven and walked past this store numerous times - stopping just once briefly to 'window shop' for a dress to wear for my dream wedding vow renewal party, but heading back from the tailor's with my husband one day, I let out a heavy sigh as we passed the store, and he said, "Why don't we just go back and go look in there? You know you want to." And, so, started my love affair with Lilac! I went in with a purpose. I really wanted the perfect dress for my 20 year high school reunion and I found it --- with the help of the wonderful Pilar! She has an eye for what works on a woman's body and is a pro at helping to select just the right color, cut, and style (almost like picking out a wedding ring - lol). Pilar made me feel comfortable right away and helped me try on at least a dozen dresses (oh the disappointment of having to pick just one -- there were so many awesome dresses that fit - and she carries a variety of sizes!!!). The funny thing was the dress I ended up buying was the first dress she selected for me, but the last dress I actually tried on --- I say, from now on, trust her opinion! I can't wait for the next big event I have to go to... because I can't wait shop with Pilar at Lilac again! read more

There are no superlatives super enough to tell you, Dear Reader, what makes Lilac Dress Boutique the best in the East Bay for new women's clothing. Here's a list in no particular order of what I love about this store: 1) Pilar, the owner. Smart, friendly, unpretentious, loves clothes and knows women's bodies. In her store, you can find things that combine loveliness with comfort and ease. 2) It's a pleasure to walk in there - airy, lots of natural light, clean and fresh-smelling, feminine and unfussy. 3) Other customers are usually happy, having a good time - When I go, I hear other women choosing - thinking out loud, considering, sometimes falling in love with a dress, and often I have the experience of seeing another woman blossom in a dress she's trying on. Then I feel hopeful about finding my perfect dress/pants/blouse. Pilar has a way of getting everyone happy, transformed, optimistic. Yes, I think clothes can really influence your mood, and a fresh new thing can give you a real lift. 4) She carries a range - young or mature, there'll be something you can look your best in, and now she has expanded her store to include more casual items. I'll leave it to other yelpers to talk about the brands, etc, but she carries Susana Monaco, Trina Turk, AG jeans and others... read more

I loved this place as soon as I walked in -- that may have had to do with the fact that there happened to be free champagne that day due to a special event, but that wasn't the main reason by far... The main reason was that Pilar is the kind of person you just instantly trust and love. She is careful to work within your budget, gives honest but not pushy advice, and glows with the love she has for helping people find the perfect individual look. I tried on a number of amazing dresses, but there was one that I had my eye on but assumed to be out of my price range. After a while, I decided what the heck, and I am so glad I did! It was a Nicole Miller dress that was originally way above my price range marked down to less than what I was expecting to pay, because they only had the sample dress in stock and Nicole Miller wasn't making any more. I put it on, and I just felt like myself -- but a more beautiful, confident, radiating version of myself! After it was clear how much I loved it Pilar let on that it was her favorite on me, too. This, even though, due to the markdown, it was less expensive than the other dresses I was trying on. I asked her to put it aside so that I could think it over (afraid of commitment, i guess), but the dress kept coming back into my mind. So, a few weeks later, I went and bought it, and luckily Pilar had kept it in the back for me all that time, saying that she would never have gotten it out without hearing from me one way or the other :) Then, since it was a sample dress, Pilar took it to be professionally cleaned herself so that she would get a better price and just added the cost to my overall bill. Pilar referred me to Malia for alterations, and I had the absolutely best experience with her as well! Malia is a true artist when it comes to sewing -- she designed an eye-catching and beautiful bustle for my dress, and she adjusted it to fit like a glove -- which took a lot of work because I was about 4 sizes smaller than the sample dress and I'm only 5'3" on a good day :) She was personally invested in making the dress perfect for me and even shared that she was sorta sad because it was her favorite dress in the store & now it would be gone! I came back to Lilac later to find a beautiful hair pin for my hair, too! Cannot recommend Pilar, her staff, and Malia enough! Not only will you find a beautiful selection, but you will also have a beautiful experience, and what bride to be doesn't want that?! read more

So nice! Even with a trunk show going on they took good care of me as I tried on dresses. They had a lot of great suggestions for the right kind of dress for my figure. No pressure, great dresses, this is how it should be! read more

After watching 78 episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, it became clear to me that I hate wedding dresses. They're beautiful, but they all look the same and they seem very difficult to move and breathe in - all for the bargain price of a small car. It was important to me to find a dress that would be comfortable, make me feel beautiful and confidant on my wedding day, and be unlike any other dress I or anyone else had ever seen before... for under $1200. I found it on my first try at Lilac! Pilar carries unusual dresses that still look "bridal," and I was shocked to find that nearly every dress in the boutique was within my budget. I totally forgot to bring important items like a strapless bra or heels, but Pilar had everything there for me to use. She made great suggestions about how to alter the dress (this is the one thing I learned from Say Yes... that you don't have to take the dress "as is"). Pilar seems more like a wise big sister or aunt - doesn't hover, doesn't pressure... is genuinely excited for you when you find your dress. The store has a very comfortable, lovely atmosphere. I'll be going back whenever I need a dress for a special occasion, or comfortable and stylish everyday clothes - I had to remind myself to stay focused on wedding dress shopping and not be distracted by all the other great clothing. Thank you Pilar for being a part of such a special memory for me and my mom! read more

I had such a great experience at this boutique I had to YELP about it. I highly recommend this boutique for modern (non-traditional) brides and bridesmaids. Also, to anyone who needs a cocktail dress! I was drawn to her collection of Nicole Miller dresses myself... Not only did I find a fab wedding dress, but I found a great handmade flower for my hair (no veil for me, thanks!), and a shawl. It was so helpful to have Pilar's input and she selected only the dresses that would flatter my body and that were well within my budget (note: all her dresses are budget friendly). My sister, who is visiting from NY and had watched me try on at least 80 dresses in 10 other stores for 2 days, was also very impressed with Pilar and the dress selection at this store. So much so we ended up buying a dress for my sister too;.-) The funny thing is I would have never learned about this place if the owner of Jorja (closing) hadn't suggested it. By the time we had heard about Lilac, we were pretty exhausted and ready to give up...and go shopping in NYC in May. Since we learned that we didn't need an appointment to try on dresses (I think only sundays), we headed over there just to take a look and BINGO...it's a done deal. I will pick up the dress in my size in a few weeks. I'm thrilled! And so is my husband-to-be. ;-) read more

I was really happy to see quite a few lace wedding dresses, all in the style that I was going for. These were all Olvi brand dresses, very stretchy, light, and comfortable. They were very forgiving (i.e. wouldnt need as much in the way of alterators for a perfect fit), but they were also pretty clingy, so unless you've got a perfect body, you'd want some Spanx! I liked the dresses that I tried on and thought they were beautiful, but they didn't match what I had tried on elsewhere. read more

Just to add one more glowing review to the mix... I went here today after beginning my bridal gown search at Nordstrom, one of the other local merchants that carries Nicole Miller Bridal. What a breath of fresh air Lilac was! Unlike Nordstrom, where they told me I had less than two weeks to order a dress if I wanted it to be ready in time for my late June wedding, Pilar and Ava immediately put me ease and reassured me that I didn't need to rush my decision. They were absolutely lovely -- incredibly friendly, helpful, and unassuming. Not once did I feel rushed or pressured. They had a fantastic selection of Nicole Miller styles including a number of heavily discounted, discontinued dresses that are an absolute steal. The atmosphere in the store is bright, airy and upbeat. Combine that with the super nice staff and you get the kind of shop that is worth making the trip across the Bay to come back to! Thanks, Ava and Pilar, for taking such good care of me and for making wedding dress shopping such a painless and fun experience. I'll be back, soon! read more

This was truly the best part of my wedding planning experience. Best selection of dresses in a fun, casual stress free environment. I spent a lot of time there and loved every second of it. Pilar is very honest, helpful and straightforward on what styles look great on you, and gives really excellent advice. I am so happy I found this place! P.S. Pilar can also refer you to a great seamstress - Kathy Marie (Alameda Sewing Cottage) that does an EXCELLENT job on dress and veil alterations - also local in Alameda. She re-vived the veil my mom wore at her wedding 30+ years ago and it looked excellent! read more

This review is actually WAY overdue. I've dropped into Lilac on and off through two pregnancies, and Pilar, the owner, has always been able to help me find dresses and undergarments that could accommodate and flatter my ever changing body. I once showed up at her store the day before my best friend's wedding to find a slip for my bridesmaid's dress. Not only did I find what I needed, but she steamed my dress (even though it was from David's Bridal). Pilar also helped my sister find dresses for her bridesmaids and matron of honor (me) for her wedding. All of my sister's friends were of varying heights and shapes, but Pilar was able to recommend a dress that could flatter everyone. (And it's a dress I've been able to wear to non-wedding events!) In addition to offering special occasion dresses, Pilar also stocks her store with fun flirty dresses for dates, casual outings and "just-because" moments. It's a wonderful place where one can indulge in some local retail therapy. read more

It's hard not to repeat everyone's rave for Pilar, she's truly amazing. I'd visited a few boutiques in the bay area, big or small, Lilac is hands down the very best, because of the simple yet elegant wedding dress collection it has, but more importantly, because of Pilar. Pilar has years of experience, and it shows. She's extremely friendly, patience, attentive, resourceful, genuine, professional... the list goes on... I told her I was looking for a particular Nicole Miller's dress I found on line, and she pulled out the dress I was looking for, as well as a few others for comparison. She was truly more like a sister than a business owner (as someone already mentioned), because she cares. She provided honest feedback on each one of the dress, and reassured that the one I picked out fit me the best, also suggested what kind of hair and heels would go with the dress. When I walked out of Lilac, I was thinking: I don't know why everyone made such a big deal and stressed out about dress shopping, my experience was so pleasant and effortless, but I know it is all because of Pilar. Bottom line: if you are looking for a simple, elegant and affordable dress for your big day, look no more, stop by Lilac, and you will see what I and all of the other reviewers meant. :) read more

I recently got married in the dress I bought at Lilac. I am SO happy I gave this place a try. I loved everything about the experience with Pilar at her wonderful shop. She gave me confidence, and I had fun every time I went in. Pilar really knows her stuff, and she cares about making her customers happy. She understands things like body shape, flattering cuts, budget, the importance of comfort, high quality fabric, styling, accessories, etc. She knows the dresses inside and out, and keeps very close attention to the styles her vendors sell, the material they use, and their reliability regarding shipping. She has great recommendations for where to find undergarments, alterations, etc. All of this means you get a very personal service, an experience that is very hard to find in clothing retail today. This wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to Malia, who did my alterations. She did a fantastic job, and conveniently met me at the shop for fittings. She is a total pro, and gave me total confidence. On the day of, the dress stayed in place all day, and looked great. Oh, and she makes really lovely belts for wedding dresses! Mine was ribbon and had feathers on it, I absolutely loved it. She has more styles on sale at Lilac. I really could not be more happy with the whole experience. Thank you Pilar and Malia! Edit to add: the store has expanded its space, if you haven't been back in a while, you ought to go again soon. read more