A newly open store in the Temescal section of Oakland. I was out for a walk and came across it so…read moreI decided to take a peek. We had a variety of items including clothing, shoes, jewelry to purses, etc. They also had a few items outside on a sale rack. It wasn't a lot of inventory so not much to choose from. The average price of some of the clothing items were in the $30 range. I didn't feel like there were things there that were more unique than what I would find doing a little hunting in a thrift store and would probably pay less. Given that they are new it's probably worth checking out and seeing how they expand and improve.

Stopped by on my way to a bar. This thrift store has a good mix of vintage items, earrings, purses,…read moreshoes, and a sprinkle of current clothing. It's a pretty small store with a select amount of items, which is helpful to some extent. However, some of the items do feel a bit high....but you outweigh that with how unique the item may be and your likelihood to find something similar.

I discovered this thrift shop by accident when I found a Kate Spade mini tote bag from their shop…read moreon Etsy. I haven't been to the physical location in Oakland but would like to one day. They did a great job packing and quickly shipping the tote bag. The purchase was kind of funny for a couple reasons. One, I thought it was a vintage bag because I didn't know you could resell newer items on Etsy that are not handmade. It looked vintage to me, so I didn't question it, but it turned out the bag is from a few years ago. No big deal. Second, I didn't pay attention to the bag's measurements or the word "mini" in the title. I had to laugh when I took it out of the box. It's so tiny. It looks like it will maybe fit my phone, wallet, keys, and that's about it. I was expecting it to be much bigger, but that's totally my fault for not paying attention. The tote bag is in excellent new condition with the tag still attached. It also came with a detachable long strap. I'm not sure what I will do with it because its teeny size feels too small for me, but it's an awfully cute bag.

Cute thrift shop with a wide variety of clothing and home goods. Some nice vintage items and period…read morepieces. It's run by very nice volunteers for a good cause. They have a cute Halloween display up if you want to go and find items to do some decorating or find a costume.

So many incredible 70s goodies! I was going wild pawing through the racks. I found a super fun…read moreyellow polyester blazer but was fooling myself believing that I could get into a vintage size 9. But at least now I know that Heads or Tails is going to be a source for the types of things I love. I want to be BFFs with their buyer! The space is tiny but somehow didn't feel cramped even with a number of fellow vintage fanatics roaming around. I felt like the prices were fair for a curated shop in a nice shopping/dining area. Parking wasn't too bad on a Sunday afternoon. Spaces were turning over on the side streets nearby. I would happily circle quite a few times to shop here again!

Beautifully curated vintage shop with local goods and reasonable prices :3 While on the waitlist…read morefor Mensho, I came across Heads or Tails Collective while strolling down the same street. Such a gorgeous variety of high-quality, stylish secondhand clothing and bay area vendors. I couldn't but get an artisanal candle, two adorable greeting cards, and a pair of sunnies. Had it not been for our text from Mensho, I'd have stayed longer to browse through their belts and jackets! Now I know to not give myself a timer next time...

One year on Xmas eve my husband arrived to pick up his paycheck too late - office closed. ( he…read moreoften ignored my pleas to leave early for important matters.) We sat in stunned silence . Christmas Eve, friends coming over, little money , what to do? He said," I feel like the grinch who stole Xmas." Gradually we pulled ourselves together, drove to Dress Best for Less . I bought us red sweaters to wear ( his was an expensive English brand), toys and trinkets for our friends. We ended up having a wonderful Christmas! When I told this story to a woman there, she said she'd had similar experiences. Flying home for Xmas is expensive . She has little left for gifts. At DBFL she has bought wonderful things that have delighted her family in a far away ( and very cold) country. As I told her my story I laughed showing the DVD id just bought at DBFL for my twin grandnieces: the Grinch who stole Xmas. So come on down ! Any time of the year. Great finds, and it's so much fun being there - especially before the holidays .

Stopped by to pass some time and was pleased to find a pair of Mother jeans for $50 and a Diane Von…read moreFurstenberg wrap dress for $60. Like any thrift shop, it takes a moment to find a bargain, but the mix of high and low is worth the hunt. They have jewelry and shoes - I keep looking and haven't found a match for my aesthetic or size just yet.

I love my embroidered pieces! Made such a meaningful gift for my family! Thank you so muchread more

One of my FAVE shops to thrift for vintage clothing. From the vibrant, balanced collection of…read moreclothing, to the big bud press like work wear designed by locals, to the custom embroidery options, down to the local vendors sold within like lemonade 510 and patches. I may not find something for me every time but I have the best time going through everything and it takes 5ish minutes

A well-curated charity shop in an upscale neighborhood, supporting a cause close to my heart. Since…read moreit opened I've invested in a some nice vintage pieces priced somewhere between thrift stores and Etsy. Something that happened on my last visit left me unsettled. It was a Sunday, and the manager I usually have a nice chat with wasn't there. I browsed around and found a good older Lands End barn jacket for $55. Unfortunately it was missing one of its logo buttons in the back flap, making the $55 seem kind of high. I took it to the counter to discuss. The staff member present that day pointed to the "no negotiations" sign next to the counter, and said that damaged goods like the coat would have been put in the garbage. I begged to buy it for $55 just to rescue the poor thing, just like I did with my shelter dog. Seriously brought up the stories of the Great Depression when big corporate farms dumped good produce and milk into the ground, rather than feed the hungry, in a move to fix pricing. Also, my 81 year old mum resigned from her volunteer position at a local church-run charity shop because they were throwing away perfectly good vintage clothing just because of some small flaw. Truly, if the manager of this shop wants to reassure me that this ISN'T store policy, it would make me more comfortable to come back and shop again.

Help fund a much-needed new building for Berkeley Humane (5/5 Green Stars)…read moreIn early November, the Berkeley Humane opened a second thrift store - right here in the Elmwood! I was already a fan of the Solano store - I think it's one of the nicest thrift shops in Berkeley. This branch is smaller but it's really focused on the nicest things, arranged beautifully. If you've never wandered into a thrift store and have reservations about going in, then start right here. Many items are brand new, with tags still attached, and I think the prices are reasonable, considering this. A large portion of the clothes are women's (although that hasn't stopped me shopping for a winter jacket) but there is also a small men's section behind the changing room. Check out the cool collection of Christmas ornaments, right now! 100% of proceeds benefit the Berkeley Humane nonprofit - particularly to help fund a new building that they need after a fire in 2010 destroyed a large part of their building on 9th and Carlton. As you may know, back in the 1970s, the BH made a commitment that no healthy or treatable shelter animals in the Society's care would be euthanized. It's amazing that the BH got started almost 120 years ago - in 1905, the Berkeley branch of the SPCA was set up with a mission to improve conditions at the "pound" (which were reportedly not good at the time). The current facility on 9th and Carlton was acquired all the way back in 1933. The new building will be named the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC), and will include a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center and will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support. It will feature significantly enlarged space for cat adoptions, including several "catios" that will provide felines with natural light and fresh air. Berkeley Humane is a private non-profit organization that does not receive government funding, so community support is essential to its mission. I'm giving the Berkeley Humane Thrift shop 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. This takes very little explaining. Buying clothes and other items from thrift shops is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint and improve your social impact. You are avoiding the production of new materials, with all problems of the fast-fashion-driven textile industry. At the same time you are supporting a nonprofit that has taken care of local neglected or abandoned animals for more than a century. This year, Berkeley Humane will have over $400,000 in expenses to medically prepare over 1,000 animals for adoption. Your support will save lives.

Delayed review -- I visited this shop a few weeks ago while out for a stroll and noticed the $5…read morerack, which had some excellent vintage finds! Inside, the displays were clean, and everything was well organized. I found a few more great pieces, and Alyiah was so sweet, professional, and helpful when assisting my friend in the dressing room. She also provided friendly service at checkout. She shared the store's mission of empowering single mothers with my group, and you can truly see that mission reflected here! Such a pleasant shopping experience. Thank you, Alyiah!

What a wonderful store with a powerful mission! They've got a $5 rack of clothing outside and all…read moresorts of lovely things inside like furniture, clothes, jewelry, etc... they're donation based so your purchase is for a very good cause. And the workers in there are great!

I've been visiting this place for years. Lars is very knowledgeable and honest. He will tell you if…read moreyour item is likely to sell.

Highly recommend. I discovered some old silverware sets in a storage garage owned by my ailing…read moreparents and needed to appraise them for their trust. I found the owner Niels of Montclair estates on the internet and he was great. Very professional, personable, experienced and knowledgeable. He is accredited by the International Society of Appraisers which is helpful if you need a legal appraisal document for insurance or other legal purposes. His brick-and-mortar storefront is temporarily modest for reasons you can read about on his website but more than adequate to meet with him so he can begin to evaluate and understand your appraisal needs. Thank-you Niels for the well documented 12-page appraisal I needed for the silverware from my parents Trust.