Sotto Voce

*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.

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.

Odd selection. Overpriced. Terrible customer service.

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!

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.

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.

The prices are cheap, but you get what you pay for. If you need the basics you can happily shop here, but anything top-​notch and you’re better off looking elsewhere.

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!

i walked in recently to check things out. the woman behind the counter was talking extremely loud on the phone (gossiping a might add) and never greeted me, but continued to greet every other woman that walked in after me!!! how rude. once the annoying woman finished her phone conversation she walked from around the counter and followed me around the store (waiting for me to steal?). at first i thought i was being paranoid but surely i wasnt! i tried to be a trooper and keep shopping but eventually it became unbearable and downright embarassing. my bruised ego and i shuffled quickly from this store and heading down to lava 9. icing on the cake — the woman followed me all the way into the other store to investigate! ive never been so offended in my life! not even just offended my feelings are a little hurt.

I’ve shopped here off and on for years and they have interesting, contemporary items both in clothes and accessories. The owner is very friendly and the staff are knowledgeable.

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.

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.

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.

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.