Sotto Voce is a wonderful place of magical intent translated to calm reality through the method of introducing the premium ultra chic novelties, notions, soaps and lotions and ladies' clothing in abundance and infinite changing type and variety. read more

**So...once again...my review was removed...** Why? Hurt feelings? As I discovered this...it only gave me more incentive to address this business again...5 years later...what for? Racism. So yelp...don't have a cow...plenty of reviewers have cited racism by literally using the term "racism" in their reviews on yelp when they review other businesses...and their reviews are still up for all to read...Stop removing my honest, truthful reviews - you want an honest community...then let your reviewers speak truth, .racism exists, and plenty of yelpers call it out: In 2020 I entered Sotto Voce... in the neighborhood I grew up in, a resident of this same neighborhood since 1968 in the Thousand Oaks Neighborhood, of Berkeley, CA...daughter of a physician, and mother a nurse...all three of us hold degrees from UC Berkeley - or "Cal," as we refer to this institution of higher learning, which most people are fully aware...and 4 siblings, one who attended Cal, and the other 3 were admitted to Cal, but attended other universities... Now...back to 2020 (BTW...my daughter was given admission to every single UC...including Cal...and a full Regent's Scholarship to her choice of UC...not based on financial need, but based on academic merit...just to give this business owner an understanding that one should not offend someone and make assumptions because other people of color may have injured your sensibilities once upon a time). And...don't demean the youth of any race or age who frequent your business either...clearly you have issues. Otherwise post a sign saying "Youth not welcome." That's sarcasm...or is it... I was with my elderly mom, and daughter...daughter who is Black...and dropped them off at Sotto Voce to do Christmas shopping, as I went about to find a parking spot on busy Solano Avenue...both my daughter and mom entered Sotto Voce together. Upon my entering this business, I saw my daughter at the back of the store, doing her Christmas shopping, as my mom was at the front of the store looking at jewelry in the front glass case....what I witnessed was: A caucasian woman walking behind my daughter's every step her eyes locked in on my kid...and was no less the 3 feet from her...my daughter saw me enter and gave me a look...when I stepped closer, not saying a word to anyone, the woman departed my daughter and went back to the front...where my mom was ALL ALONE. My mom is white. I knew the expression on my daughter's face, and what was going on...The woman had zero idea that I was w/ my daughter and mom...I immediately turned around, and walked up to the front of the store where my mom was, and this woman, greeted me like I was her best pal...hmmmm....she had no idea I witnessed her profiling my kid, and no idea she herself was at that moment speaking to another Black woman...yeah, it's like that. My daughter later told me what happened from the very beginning...that this woman was "on her from the moment she stepped into this store." I proceeded to drop a good $225.00 for Christmas gifts, and did not address this woman because not frequenting her business any longer speaks louder, and my elderly mother was present, and both my daughter and I were trying to have a nice day with her...we just want this woman to understand that if she is the owner, or if she's not... Black people know when others are acting irrationally...we are a well established BLACK family from your business's neighborhood...so please don't assume my kid was looking to steal from you...you have offended three generations of Berkeley residents in one fell swoop...who really have nothing more to say to you...this review stands. You made a great kid feel like she doesn't belong in your store...and traumatized her...and frankly, she's too good for for your store. She's such a great kid, she had no problem w/ me spending money in your store...because we don't hate...we speak the truth...but not with hate. She found a few things her grandmother loved (my mom) and we were not going to allow such an experience ruin our day. In a quiet voice (sotto voce) we will never, ever patronize your business again... The End. read more

I love this store's selection of classic clothing and accessories, cozy socks, exquisite soaps, and sweet baby gifts, like the softest Jellycat stuffies. This boutique is a delight to browse, and prices are reasonable, with a great sale rack in the back! I find something unique and fun every time I stop in, and feel good about supporting a local shop. Highly recommended. read more

If I'm looking for something special for a holiday, birthday, baby shower, or whatever celebration it is, I'm coming to Sotto Voce to get it. I can't count how many times this place has saved me during a last-minute gift scramble, and their staff is always a great help in finding what I need. A true local gem. read more

Sotto Voce is my go to store whenever I need some new clothes or a birthday present for a friend. There is a great selection of apparel that has been thoughtfully curated by the owner and she always has good advice on what style and fit will work best for me which I appreciate. The customer service is great at this store and I find the quality and the value of the clothing makes it worth my trip. I would highly recommend hitting up this local gem. read more

I've been going to Sotto Voce for years and can't recommend this store enough! All of their items are high quality and wonderfully curated, it's the perfect place to shop for yourself or (my favorite) gifts for loved ones. Everyone who works there is incredibly helpful, including the owner who is so lovely -- I feel welcomed every time I walk into the store. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Lovely experience at Sotto Voce as always! Great selection, I always find the best gifts here and the owner is so friendly and helpful!

Cute stuff! I popped in here while waiting for delicious Greek food next door. I got some squishy stressball mushrooms, a decorative glass mushroom and the cutest jellycat stuffed pig! Great place to stop in for unique gifts. read more

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I wanted to give a shout out to Sotto Voce - it has been my go-to spot for gifts - and especially holiday shopping - for years. I always find something for everyone on my list - and I appreciate the range of price points. I actually find that their merchandise is much more reasonably priced than what you find on 4th street. If you're looking for high quality candles, scarves, cashmere sweaters and gloves, jewelry, a swank leather jacket, baby gifts, unique socks, hip reading glasses - even luggage! head over there and feel great about shopping local! read more

Just had the most fun at Sotto Voce in Berkeley! I've gone up a covid size and needed some new clothes especially during this heatwave. Excellent customer service, super nice and flattering clothes, I am thrilled! read more

I have been shopping at Sotto Voce for over 15 years. I always find something there because of the variety of clothing, accessories, jewelry, and gifts to choose from at a range of price points. It has a great community vibe and the owner is so friendly. Highly recommend. read more

The store is well-organized with many items made of genuine leather and natural fibers, and an adorable toy collection. The two ladies working at the store were well-organized and helpful, and even recommended other shops on Solano. Love to see businesses supporting one another! read more

Bought a couple of pairs of shoes there. Full-retail. I could not get the store owner's attention for more than about 60 seconds at a time, and almost left without making a purchase because I felt neglected. When I got to my friend's home with my purchases I discovered two things: (1) I was given two different sizes on one pair of shoes, even though size was my main concern (i.e. the service was as bad as I felt it was); and (2) I could have gotten both pair online for $40 less with no sales tax and free shipping. I will be returning them tomorrow during the few minutes I have to spare before heading to the airport. Had they been the right size, I would have kept both pair and not worried about the price mark-up. Next time I feel neglected by a salesperson, I am going to follow my instincts and leave empty-handed. Follow up: I came in the next morning before my flight, and discovered that Sottovoce does not give refunds, even though I had no way to use a store credit because I was returning to my home in Scottsdale, AZ, and had no idea when I would be back. However, after I fumed for a while, a very nice saleslady there let me trade up to a different style. I had originally gotten flats but was able to exchange them for more expensive platforms without paying extra. So I was satisfied with the outcome, but the overall experience was not great. My friend had wanted to buy something, too. But she, too, could not get any attention from the owner, who seemed more interested in chatting with her friends. I've been married to an airline pilot for 30 years, whose company is well-known for excellent customer service. So I know it when I see it, and when I don't. The owner would have made more sales that day if she hadn't treated my friend and I, both 50+ females with substantial incomes, like we were not all that important. read more

The clothes in this shop is for 40+ women. The accessories are more for the 20 something crowd- bright colored mushrooms, skull stickers, and other random housewares. They also sell archipelago candles. read more

Let me be clear, this review is not for the quality of the clothing or the customer service...both of which are good. My review involves their return policy. My husband bought Christmas gifts for me here for around $300. For various reasons, the blouse and sweater did not work. When we tried to return the gifts (unworn and with original receipt) owner would only give us store credit. The handwritten receipt stated they do not return for cash or credits back to cards. My husband does not recall being told that at the time of the purchase. And on the handwritten receipt seems a little late to make that known. I will use the store credit and tell this story to everyone I know. read more

I feel I must leave a review to balance out the old negative reviews. FYI it's clear they don't offer cash for returns and if it's not all one has to do is ask. We've all been shopping shopping before. My friend and I shopped here yesterday and the experience could not have been better. They have a wonderful collection of clothes and accessories. The cashmere gloves and hats are fantastic! We were really just killing time before a movie but I ended up buying an absolutely beautiful reasonably priced leather bag. The salesperson was friendly and helpful without being pushy. She knows her merchandise too which is always appreciated. We both walked away vowing to return. My advice is not to believe everything you read. read more

I've popped in a few times for smaller gifts and the staff has always been extremely kind and helpful. They sell wasabi mint scented candles which i'm addicted to. read more

This lovely place sells women's clothing. Conveniently located next to cafes, grocery stores, and antique shops. It's expensive, but great leather jackets, scarves, jeans, etc. Some not so great things. They gift wrap. read more

I love the clothes and gifts here! It is great to find a place you can get stylish clothes without breaking the bank. The jewelry is also beautiful. I do not agree that the clothes are all for the over 40 set, but I do think the professional woman will find many useful things here. read more

I walked in for the first time and walked to a sale rack, seeing something of interest. I moved on to other racks and pulled out a pair of pants to try on. More than once a saleswoman told me, pointedly, "those are not on sale" "those are regular price" and " sale items are here." I was dumbfounded and the other saleswoman was embarrassed, apologizing "sotto voce" as I purchased the pants. Because of other comments in reviews, I will reveal that I am white, in my 60s, and dress like I live in Berkeley--expensive black jeans and Gap cotton long sleeved t-shirt. Icky place. read more

I just went back to my favorite boutique in Berkeley. I was impressed with all the selection. There are no great places in Berkeley to find substantial fall wear. I was wowed by all the professional collections and great sweaters. They always have something great to find here! read more

I enjoy stopping in for the occasional browse when I'm out for a walk in the neighborhood. The owner and staff are very friendly and kind and I like that they remember me, even though I don't come in all that often. More than once I've bought clothing that I never would have selected for myself, but the owner or sales clerk suggested I try it and I ended up loving the items. I found the best brand of pants there, too, at the suggestion of the owner, and have returned to buy many pairs of them. read more

Very nice experience today. Beautiful pieces to choose from. Something for all body types. I went away with much needed tops and a super flattering pair of pants. read more

I've been shopping here for years and find the staff quite friendly and helpful. The owner has a sharp sense of style and stocks the store with lovely items. I love the honest feedback regarding outfits, etc. A fine selection of the best sweaters, handbags, and an awesome selection of Jeanine Payer jewelry. read more

What a great shop!! Lots of different types of clothing, some very casual and some more sophisticated and dressy, but all of good quality. Found the most comfortable and warmest pair of fleece leggings for this winter. Great quality, not see through, a nice thick matte black color, and a very reasonable price. But the customer service was exemplary! I think it was the owner, a very friendly and helpful person, and very down to earth. I had a great experience there and am definitely going back to another pair of these leggings! read more

Sotto Voce has very stylish clothes and accessories, plus cute gifts like jellykat stuffed animals, baby sox, stationary, soap etc. etc. Feels maybe sort of european? Everything I've purchased there (especially jackets, tunics ) just look good forever. I walk by a lot (they're on Solano Ave.) to ogle the stuff in the window. They just got a shipment of beautiful cashmere scarves for 1/4 what you'd pay at big dept. stores. read more

I'm at the stage where I don't need many new items , but when I do I check them out for both gifts and clothing. Nice helpful staff, good quality and unusual items. It's worth a stop just to admire the well organized and pleasant space. read more

This store is unbelievably great. I've often thought I couldn't afford the clothes so I only went in for a quick browse. Today I lingered longer and I'm so thankful. There was a sale going on so I got some great items as well as some non sale items that weren't too expensive. I *really* want to extend my thanks to an exceptional salesperson, Nora, whose patience, perseverance, and honestly were invaluable in helping me to pick out just the right clothes. THANK YOU NORA!! I will definitely be back because of her fantastic service. read more

*Uncomfortable* shopping experience. As a business owner in the service sector I strive to give excellence customer service to my customers and to treat them all with respect and dignity. So I know first hand when employees fall short and I jump on it. So here's a heads up - this establishment needs to improve how they do business. I've shopped her before and thought I would give it another try. But I have to say that I felt like the sales clerk was eye balling me way too much. First, I thought it was just me - trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. But then - no. It was one of those uncomfortable feelings and experiences like "she's watching me because she thinks I'm going to steal." As a Latina - I know when this is happening and unfortunately this was one of those times. Also, another dynamic often occurs in this situation which is the need for the sales clerk to follow the customer and arrange/"fix" all the clothing on the racks after the customer just perused them. This also took place. I get the need to have a visually appealing store but it also makes the customer self conscious - like they are somehow messing things up and should not be touching or moving the clothing. I couldn't stand it any longer and I asked the sales clerk if she had a question for me because I felt every time I looked up at her she was watching me. She said something to the effect that she does that to all the customers. Sorry - but I'm not buying that - or your merchandise. Please train your sales staff ASAP and if you are the owner - I advise you to take note of the numerous empty store fronts on Solano avenue and think long and hard how this kind of behavior is good for business. read more