I enjoyed shopping in Personal Pizazz. The selection of vintage looking clothing is strikingly well done. I particularly enjoyed the discount rack with items from $5 to $75. There are rows of cool tops, cashmere items and jeans for days. The jewel selection is very interesting and I'm sure everyone would find something to take home. read more

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This is a special store whose owner really cares about personal style. I had an amazing experience there today shopping for a "fancy black dress." The owner was so honest about how each dress looked on me, it was like having your mom or a reliable friend give you the true low down on your look. This is the most fun I have had shopping. Thrilled to take home a fab frock and look forward to having an excuse to return! Thank you! read more

Omg. This place is wonderful, a lot of great items, but their outside $20 clearance rack is what lured me in. We are talking some items normally at least $400. I ended up getting a very nice dress which I don't need and is too tight but I will try to lose weight for it and find a place to wear it! read more

Feel the need to shout out this hidden gem. I was window shopping down College Avenue the other week, passing quite a few nice but overpriced shops without seeing anything that caught my eye. I was heading back to my car when I saw a clearance rack in front of this store and decided to take a look. I was surprised to see some very high quality new jeans for $22. Without any hesitation I went inside to purchase, and quickly found more high quality pieces for ridiculously good prices. I left with four or five items spending a little over $100- mostly Ted Baker London, which can easily run well over $100 retail for a single shirt. Definitely swing by this spot next time you're in the area. read more

Tucked away around the corner from Star Market is this surprising find in the Elmwood/Claremont neighborhood. I'm not a big shopper, and I'm not high style, but this place has got me hooked. I can't tell you how many days I now go out of the house to find I'm dressed entirely in clothes from proprietor Laura. An early purchase I made was an incredible suit from Tom Nygun. It's comfortable, unique, well fitting, and machine washable (!!). I also have yoga gear from Maridade (now sadly, only in her sale area), several cashmere sweaters, an amazing sample suit jacket from Zelda, a cashmere scarf, and then my everyday tees, (incredibly soft Adam & Eve), some jeans, even my socks, tights, and undies. I've bought two amazing special occasional dresses for my daughter, and gifts here, as well. Prices are high (although not Red Bird high), but quality is incredible, so it's always worth it. Laura fits an amazing quantity of merchandise for women and men into this little boutique, and she'll help you find what you need, what you want, and what you didn't know you needed until she's shown it to you. The upstairs is a bargain hunter's dream with some items 75% off, often sweetened with extra deals like buy 2, get 1 free. The big rounder in the center of the store is also full of samples; these meticulously made clothes are at 20-50% what they would normally cost. This woman has fashion sense, and it's not middle of the road. Berkeley doesn't have another store like this, and it's a niche that needed to be filled. read more

Oh yes. I have found my boutique source for a beautiful, well tailored, and unique business wardrobe. It was a magical experience... .... cool fall day, everyone else out playing, I'm trying on fantastic clothes that make me look fabulous, the owner is sifting through stock to find gems for me, all in a sunlit little shop. I feel like I'm in France and it doesn't stop - almost all my goodies were 50% off!! Now, I can't say I'd wear everything in the store, but I'm not the typical client for a place like this (pssst, I'm not very Claremont). The owner, Laura, is great, she knows her stock and can help find things that are just right for you (at least she did for me!). She says she's trying to fill the niche for high quality basics that aren't boring - ding ding, I say. Quality of this degree is not cheap, and it shouldn't be. But she has great sales (did you hear me, 50% off!!!). You owe it to yourself to check it out after a crap day at Jeremy's. read more

I can't, in good conscience, NOT leave a nice 5-star review for this boutique. It is amazing. Pricey, but amazing. And, if you appreciate beautiful, interesting designer clothing, but don't want to pay sticker price, try the clearance rack. The owner (I think it was the owner...) was extremely nice & helpful. I spent a lot & will be back for sure. read more

For the times when you need men+women's formal wear and there's not enough time to get to SF and back, this store is a lifesaver. Not only that, it has great finds. Not always the cheapest but for the quality and selection, super reasonable. I find something every time I go. And I love the boutique selections! I am always assured that no one else will be wearing the same thing. Styles are more conservative but classic. Pieces that are made well that I can keep for many years and wear again as I gracefully age. Note: store moved from the corner to the front on claremont. read more

Confession: When an uber-stylish friend raved to me about Personal Pizazz, I was skeptical. I'm an enthusiastic and frequent shopper, but I gravitate toward outlet stores and warehouse sales where I'm completely on my own. Personal Pizazz felt too ... well, *personal.* And too jam-packed. And too purple. Maybe a tad too boho for my taste. The website confused me. (I work in marketing, and I care about that sort of thing.) Fortunately, I gave the store a second chance, and I'm now a believer. Here's why: 1. I love finding and wearing clothes that are a little different but not outrageously so. Personal Pizazz specializes in clothing from small, niche labels you won't find elsewhere. I adore my jeans from Vitamina, an Italian company that designs straight-leg, mid-rise styles in an elegant dark wash--at prices considerably below those of the famous "premium" denim labels. PP also carries the young Israeli-born designer Ronen Chen, whom I'd never heard of and who makes some of the most interesting dresses and separates I've ever seen. (They're an amazingly good value, too.) I'm not into retro styles myself, but if you are, you'll love the Zelda pieces--many of them at sample prices--that owner Laura Leventer discovers and brings back to the shop. 2. I've grown to appreciate the level of attention and guidance Laura provides. The big benefit of having the owner in the store is that she really knows every piece of clothing: This item runs small; this one runs large; this one will be coming in a new color in the spring. If she doesn't have your size, Laura will move heaven and earth to get it -- and then send you an email to let you know it's available. And you're under no pressure to buy. I graduated from believer to proselytizer when a friend who hates to shop visited from L.A. She admitted she needed new clothes; she detests malls, hadn't been in a store in years, and was wearing outmoded, unflattering items from L.L. Bean. I took her straight to Personal Pizazz, thinking she might come away with a better-fitting pair of jeans and (maybe) a shirt. Four hours later, this self-proclaimed anti-shopper walked out with a huge smile, 33 fabulous new items, and a whole new view of herself. Laura had sized her up, picked out a selection of items, and given objective feedback. When the items were selected, Laura laid them out on a sofa to show how outfits could be assembled. My friend is back in L.A. now ... and talking about a return trip to Personal Pizazz! read more

I have to echo the raves about Personal Pizazz and Laura (the owner/proprietor). Great stuff and unique in the near East Bay, at least for men. When I need something this now the first place I go. As for the service, what can I say? Laura remembers what I've previously purchased and even the size. And she occasionally sends me email about what she's thinking about ordering to see if I'm interested. While the prices sometimes sting a bit (although the sale items are incredible), the value for dollar makes it easy to shop here. I'm happy to pay a bit more for something I'll really want to wear on a regular basis and to get the fantastic service. read more

The absolute best of the best! Great boutique with fabulous Zelda, Ronen Chen, Tocca- so many of my favorites I'm breathing into a bag just thinking about the wondrous pieces! Laura, the owner offers personal service and knows how each and every piece in her shop fits. This saves time and energy as she gently advises on fit and style. I bought a Zelda coat dress in a style I might not have even tried. I receive compliments with every wearing! Dresses, skirts, blouses, bags, cute jewelry- in all price ranges- I can't compliment this shop enough! This is one of the best boutiques in the San Francisco bay area! read more

Love this store. I don't remember how I first came across it years ago, at their first store which was no bigger than a closet, but I've loved it ever since. I bought one of my favorite dresses ever here, the evening dress for my son's bar mitzvah. Laura's has selection is amazing and her taste and advice is always welcome and has always been right for me. I always know that if I need something special, I can come to the store and I will find it. read more

at first I had my reservations about this place. it seemed a little out of the way and sort of strange (the purple everywhere) anyway, BOY was I wrong. They have a great selection of ted baker ties and other accessories that I couldn't find anywhere else. They special ordered things for me and when I told them what else I was looking for they looked around and found stuff for me I cound't find myself. They are a great asset if you have something specific you need and can't seem to find it. they also followed up with me and were sure to make suggestions even after I left via email. read more

Laura, the owner relocated a few months ago to a busy section of College Ave between Ashby and Russell. She has always had a terrific selection of women's (and some men's) clothing. It is a great place to go for a special dress, work clothes or even basic T-shirts. The clothes are all great quality. You can even find cozy cashmere sweaters on sale! One of the nicest designers she carries is Samantha Sung whose dresses are works of art and worth every penny. The fabrics are gorgeous and the details like pockets hard to find in today's cheaply constructed garments. Best of all Laura is helpful and great at making suggestions. If you want to shop and get some personal attention stop in to this lovely store. read more

Just wanted to update since PP moved around the corner to a bigger space on Claremont ave. I haven't been in since the move, but I'm psyched it's the same neighborhood, and I can't wait to go back. Whenever I have an event that calls for me to elevate my (depleted) wardrobe, Personal Pizazz is the first stop on my list! read more

So this place is a hidden treasure! If you are male or female, and you like fashion with an old movie star flavor, this place is for you. Everything from samples from the Zelda line (gorgeous, impeccably tailored women's clothing), to the most fantastic Men's shirts and ties in the east bay. And the accessories...forget about it. I spent an entire afternoon playing dress up and could have spent a fortune on everything from incredible formal/party wear to jeans and workout clothing. They carry Hue leg-ware...stockings, socks, etc., great under garments and incredible jewelry, handbags, hair thingees...you name it. And the bargains on items like the Zelda samples are incredible. Check out the website for more details. read more

My mom's been telling me about this shop for months. And I thought, hmm, our styles are so different that I highly doubt it'll be my type of shop. One day, I said, "mom, let's go check out this store that you've been telling about." Wow. I love their stuff! They're beautifully made and unique. I bought 3 dresses and a belt. I've gotten tons of compliments on them. In fact, I'm wearing one of the dresses right now. This is where I'm going to get all my lovely outfits from now on. read more

They have a beautiful selection of well made clothes, from wardrobe basics to special occasion wear. Since my first visit six months ago, I have returned several times and always find something precious. It's a lot of fun shopping here. You will see designers not present in other Berkeley clothing stores and recieve intelligent personal attention. read more

This is a great store. The owner is experienced in helping with a selection but not pushy. She welcomes browsing. She carries high quality product at a middle price point. I've gotten amazing clothes there from smart casual to evening wear. She also carries business wear. Well worth stopping in for a gander. read more

One of the few clothing stores that keep me from missing NYC. This is a great boutique with wonderful customer service and fantastic communication with clientele. It's just 3/4 of a block from the Elmwood area of College Avenue and a hidden gem. Carries unique accessories and clothing lines. A must visit, if only to see what is in the East Bay with respect to great clothing and accessories. read more

Laura's store is a gem, and she is a gem. The clothes are comfortable and varied, and she remembers your preferences and will let you know if something you might like comes in or goes on sale. It is fun to shop here, and no one will glare at you or follow you around. Beautiful scarves and other accessories, and wonderful soft T-shirts and leggings. read more

There are many small boutiques carrying great clothes. The difference here is the personalize service from the owner, Laura L. and how she puts them together. This is a woman who has great taste and fashion knowledge. What really stood out for me was her expertise and sincere desire to see you, the client, look great. It is not a hard sell approach. Her ability to identify what would look great on you, all the while really listening to your requests, is a breath of fresh air. It is 5 star service. When you want personal service in a great atmosphere with a terrific selelction of apparel, this is the place. read more

I just learned about Personal Pizazz and now I'm an ardent follower! The clothes are gorgeous, designer labels, incredibly well made, and at good prices! The only thing else you can ask for is that the service is out of this world. Laura is the owner and I haven't had the kind attention and smart advice from anybody in more years than I can remember. She is very easy to work with - no pressure at all - and she'll really tell you what looks good and contemporary, and what doesn't. Then she starts learning your preferences combined with her opinions and you end up with clothes you love. Check it out - on Prince Street so no problem parking and the store has a really nice vibe. I'm going to make it my first stop from now on when I'm looking for something before moving on to the impersonal world of other boutiques and department stores. read more

I am at Star Market every week and just recently discovered Personal Pizazz. The Clothing selection is uniqueand fun, the prices are great and the service is unbelievable. Laura, the owner is always available to give her honest opinion, or help you find that perfect something. This is a great find. read more

The owner really knows her merchandise and how it will look on you. I'm difficult to fit, but she knows exactly what will work on me. She also provides excellent and honest feedback on items and will go the extrta mile to see if she can find the right size at the place she bought it. I understand she goes to New York several times a year to bring back designer clothes at the best price. A special place to shop. Yes, it is still expensive on my budget. I pace myself. read more

Really beyond Berkeley-this is Manhattan!!! Once you have crossed the threshold of this gem of a boutique, there is no going back. Proprieter Laura, Leventer is classy, energetic, stylish and tuned in to her clientele. She has an amazing ability to dress you to fit YOUR style: age appropriate, big, little, in-between. She doesn't know the meaning of pushy. She does know the meaning of SERVICE. This shop is full of tasteful, elegant, classic and modern clothing. I hesitate to tell how truly unbelievable her sales are (a Zelda all-season coat-75% off. And there were loads and loads of fabulous things on that rack. In all sizes, not just itty-bitty Kate Moss sizes). How she manages to keep her huge inventory in this little space is nothing short of a miracle. Need a special occasion outfit---done! And I'm telling you, she has those great-fitting skinny jeans (waist high if you prefer) in your size.....and every wash. And every cut. The best thing? She does the work of finding it for you--just hand stuff out of the dressing room and she'll bring you the next size, different color, belt, jacket...There is nothing more to say. read more