Funk & Flash

Great store. Amazing selection of both men’s and women’s clothing that are absolutely not run-​of-​the mill. I greatly appreciate the time and attention the staff here obviously goes through to bring all of this together. And to top it off, they’re super nice people, always helpful, and it is entirely okay to browse.
Be sure to take some extra time and walk through the store twice. This isn’t because the store is disorganized (it’s extremely well organized) but rather because the merchandise is so insanely good that it takes a couple looks to actually see the details. Highly recommended.

This store is awesome! The clothing ranges from pretty low key to vibrant and «in your face.» Most of the things inside the shop are a little pricey but what you get is quality and more than likely what you’re getting was hand crafted!
There are a lot of options for both men and women. The accessories in the shop are fantastic! Some of the head wear is super awesome and gets changed out often!
I’ve boughten a few sets of plugs there and have been happy with what I have gotten. The staff is very friendly and pretty knowledgeable of all the products.
It’s a solid, wacky, fun shop!

Just received a nasty threatening personal email from someone at this store because of my review. I’ve reported it to Unilocal

This will be my second review of this store. It has changed to a new owner since my first review, and the vibe is much more casual.
Upon entering the store I greeted the first person I saw and was happly greeted in return. The person gave off the aura of person working rather than just a customer. As it turns out it was Jared, the owner. Upon establishing what I was looking for, he showed me some different designers and products. After narrowing the hunt to two to try on, I found the one, but as luck would have it, not in my size. Jared offered his own which were one size up but still not quite enough. He took the time to leave a message with the product designer, took my info and will be forthcoming with the results, fingers crossed. This visit has reaffirmed why I visit local stores with local people. Keep up the good work, Jared, and I look forward to my next visit. If you are looking for that eye popping piece for your next outing, please go and check this place out. The prices may be on the high side (in line with same lines elsewhere, you DO pay for quality), but then sometimes aren’t you worth it?

I am a SERIOUS fan of Funk & Flash. I found out about this place from a friend and I can tell you that I have no problem driving the 75 minutes that it takes to get here from the bay area.
There are SO many great items from lots of different local designers. And there’s really something for everyone here. It’s not just Burning Man culture stuff. Really stylin’ men’s clothing that can be worn anytime, anywhere.
Thank you Funk & Flash for existing in a world of mostly boring (sweatshop made) clothing shops.

I love this store — and more importantly the employees who work here, who have consistently made the space feel welcoming and vibrant, despite the lackluster spirit of the previous owner.
Under the old management this store was an uncomfortable and unwelcoming space, despite the solid efforts of the employees to mitigate the sour disposition of the owner. Under the old management, the store reeked of a crass consumerist mentality, where, as a customer, I felt little inclination to browse and explore for fear that I would be instantly singled out as a prospective «target» for the sale of merchandise. For me, the experience of shopping, especially in a town as committed to the spirit of local growth and inter-​connectivity, needs to hold in it some measure of give-​and-​take. At the very least it needs to understand that the customer sometimes wishes to browse for the sake of browsing, without worrying about being hawked whatever goods have been sitting in the stock room for too long.
But enough of the old, and onto thew new. For that is the real function of this review: a look into what makes the store tick, and what has given it new life and vibrancy in recent months.
Firstly I’ll acknowledge the improvements in the new owner’s mentality regarding the space, and the function of the space as part of the larger community. Here is someone who is obviously committed not simply to building a business he plans to sell off as quickly as possible, but someone who feels that it is important to maintain a personal connection with the people he relies upon for his business. You can clearly see the change already — even given the fact that change such as this traditionally takes a certain amount of time — just by taking a brief look at the rearrangement of the store’s shelving and décor — or the friendly, diplomatic comments left on this very site. The new owner clearly has a deep investment in the notion of community-​first businesses, and has gone out of his way to make it clear that the practices of the old owner are no longer the standard here.
Next, and perhaps even more importantly, let us discuss the employees, for in any business — especially the local sort — they are the lifeblood of the business; the marrow and blood at the heart of the venture. And, from what I’ve observed, the employees here are superb. The art of customer relations (and it is an art) when operating a floor cannot be underestimated. It takes a very specific persona to be successful in the long-​term in such a position, and it requires an invested interest in not merely the «art of the sale» but in the well-​being of the customer themselves. Additionally, it requires a fervent interest and dedication to the «feng shui» — if I can use that term — of the business. In other words, the employee should feel comfortable in the space, and be able to honestly show a spirit of connection and interest in the functioning and merchandise of the business. Put these together and you have someone who understands how to «work the space» — they grasp the innate concept of greeting and operating around a prospective customer, without making the customer feel as if they need to simply buy something and get out. That may be the way of things in a big box store, but in a highly neighborly community such as Sebastopol, the customer likes to feel as if they are part of the extended family of the town.
In all my time coming to this store (I usually stop in towards the middle of the week to browse) it has been the employee interaction, solely, that has allowed me to feel comfortable in returning. I am always greeted, and I’ve always noticed that the employees go out of their way to maintain a individual connection to each and every customer who walks into the space — always taking a personal interest in them, and making them feel welcome — just as much as they understand the need for the customer to feel free and uninhibited in the space. While a lot can certainly be said for the atmosphere under the new management, without the employees who understand the space working there, I doubt it would feel as welcoming and inviting — or that I would be prone to spend my hard-​earned money there.
In the current Sebastopol climate where several local businesses have recently gone out of business to make way for the uncomfortable sprawl of Whole Foods and other corporate interests, it is all the more important to find places that still maintain the good ideals of community, customer service, and friendly repeatability with the customers.

I have made several purchases over the past few months at this fabulously quirky store. From several pairs of fun sunglasses to some funky head wear, this store was a blast to browse through and even more fun when several of my friends met me at the store and we tried on all kinds of fun stuff! The über cool chick who was on the sales floor that day was accommodating, friendly, and completely knowledgeable on all of the products, accessories, and clothing. We didn’t spend a lot of money, but we were treated as if we had. It was a very fun experience and I and my friends are planning our next ‘Funk & Flash Mob!’

F&F is better than ever! July, 2015 Much love to all
Update review: Went in and my eyes, ok, basically all my senses were in heaven! Julie helped me and she is one in a million! Im so happy she is back! Way to go f&f! The store looks amazing and I am beyond impressed with the high quality variety of clothing, shoes, hats, wigs, jewelry, locally and hand made options and fun galore! This place has just about everything this big kid could want! This has been one of my favorite stores for years… now, under new ownership… my absolute favorite store, hands down! I can’t lie, I did have a bad experience once and this was in the process of all the changes… I had no idea. But Jared (the new owner) reached out to me and explained what was going on. Wow… this new owner really listens to his customers and cares very much about our precious sebastopolian funk & flash! Yesssss!!! Thank you Jared! He literally expressed not only his apologies for something that wasn’t his fault, but also filled me in on the transition, which really helped! Just his apology helped me change the way I felt completely… to me, this shows that he takes responsibility for his business and has both morals and integrity that I greatly respect. I really can’t stress how much I appreciate this! I was devastated that one of my favorite local shops had, what I thought, gotten rotten. Faith fully restored and I always have fun when I shop here! I feel like a kid in a candy store going in here! Love it!
Major props to Julie… she really is an amazing person and I don’t think she is replaceable, if you feel me? What a gem!!! She was multi tasking when I came in, I overheard her asking someone in the dressing room if they needed any different sizes, while organizing and putting away other stuff nearby. She saw me and greeted me with a big smile and offering help. :)) I didn’t think I needed help, yet she ended up helping me and picking out the perfect hula hoop for me! Lol! :)) She engaged with me while doing all kinds of other things (her hard work really showed, yet she makes it look effortless)…I think this might be because she loves her job? I notice that when people love what they do… they really get it done! I asked about the hula hoops and instead of lying to me or guessing, she helped me check them out and figure out if one would work for me. And it was only 40 bucks. Not bad! Yes, it’s a little old, but nothing a little grip tape can’t fix. I knew this when I bought it. So, what I’m saying is I got exactly what I wanted, I am happy and can’t wait for another shopping trip! I need to make plans for another event. then I can justify buying everything I want.lol. Thank you, Julie! You rock!!!
Part of my previous review: I went in to buy a wig for an event and realized quickly this was not happening… the selection was slim to none and scattered throughout the store (I remember a glass case counter with all kinds of fun inside/​wigs displayed behind it and also random wigs throughout the store)…sadface. NOTE: THIS IS BACK AND BETTER THAN BEFORE! GLASS CASE HEAVEN! & displays are on point! This is one of my favorite local clothing/​fun store, so I knew I could find something I wanted… I found the perfect «adult» hula hoop! Well… I thought I did. I walked up to the counter more than once (csr was chatting with some guy about jewelry, he wasn’t there to make a purchase is my point) I was not even agnowledged… so, after about 15 minutes, I decided to wait in «line». The what I was hoping to be a helpful employee, snaps «is there something you „need“?» Wow… ok…I replied, «Yes, I’d love to know what your hula hoops are made out of?». I went in to buy a wig, saw that wasnt happening, tried to make the best of it and wanted to buy the $ 60 hula hoop. She looked at me like i was an idiot and said plastic… these hula hoops are not made out of plastic and if they were, they would not be $ 60…or are they? If they are, yikes, might want to lower the price. I said, «ok…so they arent poly?» She then starts to tell me how old those hula hoops are (deterring me from my purchase) and then started to write some ladies name and number down… ok…so she doesnt want me to buy anything? And she wants me to call a stranger to inquire about hula hoops? I felt insulted for multiple reasons. I ended up leaving after almost 45 minutes of wasted time (that doesn’t include finding parking or driving there) and feeling very frusturated!
Support your local businesses and community! We are all in this together!!!

I walked in, was not greeted. I asked is they happened to have any body jewelry and was given a short «nope,» and a rude ‘Seriously? You should know this’ look from a worker with multiple piercings (i don’t know her name). Asked a question about another place and was talked to in a condescending manner and treated as if I were stupid and a nuisance. Here is what was said:
Me: «Hey, it’s weird that the piercer guy has to be there just to sell me a nosering, huh? I mean, it’s not like I’m getting a new piercing, right? He doesn’t have to be there, right?»
Her: *insert condescending manner and lack of respect here* «Uh, yeah. He actually does. He sells top of the line jewelry and the tattoo artist can’t just give you it…» You get the point.
Yeah. Never again.

Walked in, was given the «up down look» figured it was someone there to shop. Turned out to be the cashier. Didn’t greet us once, continued her conversation with what seemed to be another employee.
I am revising my review due to the fact that the owner kindly contacted me and offered to make it up to me. I probably won’t take him up on his offer, but it is still very refreshing to see that people still do business like that.
Thank you, Jared.

Funk and Flash. Leathers and feathers. Boots and furs. Lacy and racy. Any of those names would suit this place nicely.
A friend from Sebastopol walked me around town and pointed out that store before we parted ways, saying it made her think of me. After having walked through many other stores in town with scarves and socks and quaint trinkets, I was pleasantly surprised to find one that was more up my alley. I could pick out almost anything from in the store to wear to Burning Man (if it were a little less expensive). Or just to wear to a fun event.
Lots of metal and leather and unique designs — colorful clothing (both literally and figuratively). It was definitely the coolest store I checked out — but a little out of my budget for clothing.

This place has a great selection and good prices too. I came looking for something and I found it and inspiration!

I love this store! I love the unique and well-​made clothing. There is something for everyone! There are options for costuming, everyday wear, and dream-​come-​true clothing!!! Money is well-​spent on the quality of the products in this shop. Prices are set as they should be. You can spend a bunch or you can find stuff within your budget.
I love to support local businesses, but the owners and staff have to be nice, too, or I won’t go there. These people are lovely and kind. It feels good to shop at Funk & Flash.

Yeah, the owner likes to chat with customers and lean a bit cosmic – and that’s a bad thing? I don’t think so, as it brings a little more charm to this off-​beat clothing and costume store. They focus on local artists for clothing designs and have some really cool stuff. Soon as I get a new band together I’m coming back here to get my stage presence off to a good start!

You’re a cashier, not a therapist dude… your job is to ring shit up, not give life advice. The man working here was extremely rude to my mom when we came in here. I wouldn’t have been as calm, cool and collected as my mom was after all his psycho-​babble. I, personally, will never step foot in this place again.

There are some really great outfits here and the staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful. My kind of store. that’s for sure.

Funk & Flash – the emporium of flashy, eye-​raising clothing– is the place to shop if you’re looking for a unique get-​up. With options for new or pre-​owned clothing, you’re sure to find something funky and fun! Whether you’re a belly dancer, a fire spinner, a musician, a Burner, or the average Joe, Funk & Flash is full of clothing with style.
The shop can be pricey, but it’s a price to pay for the cream of the crop. The styles are carefully chosen with particular styles in mind. The workers are warm and friendly – always willing to help or give suggestions if you’re looking for a certain clothing article. It’s just an overall fun place to shop.
From vintage jackets to masks, goggles, hats, boas, tights, costumes, shoes/​boots, Funk & Flash has it all!

This place is such a welcome sight for Sebastopol. It looks like something out of San Francisco which makes me smile.
They have lots of new clothes as well as used ones. So the prices aren’t as cheap as ordering online, but I would rather support my local businesses anyways! The people working there are always super nice, and don’t mind people coming in and just looking around. There are tons of cool things, from top hats to feather skirts. Totally a place to stop by even if you aren’t in the market for neon pink booty shorts.

My kid and I had been referring to this shop as the pink store with a a fairy doll in the window for a few weeks after moving into town, but it wasn’t until a friend came to visit that I actually went inside and wow!
Sooooo much stuff to pick through and I’m the type that can spend hours doing such so this is a real treat. Everything in the shop has so much sass and attitude that I wish I was funky and flashy enough to wear more of it. I don’t want to say this shop is costume-​y because I think it’s a tad insulting to people with a more flamboyant and dramatic fashion sense, but it’s packed with pieces for steam-​punk enthusiasts, harajuku-​types, burners, strippers and anyone who lives for vintage fashion.
Some of the newer pieces range a bit on the high end, but you get what you pay for– awesome, durable, well-​made clothes that’ll make you stand out. But if you’re willing to dig you’ll find something you love at a price you can afford.
So far I’ve bought: a storm trooper helmet with voice modifier, vintage walkie-​talkies from the 80’s, a brocaded renaissance-​fair type gown, and a long military coat. I’ve had to exchange items and Shane was as cool as he dresses (super-​cool).
The oddities case in the back is worth its own trip. It has all sorts of awesomely weird items like taxidermy animals, human & and animal teeth, pelts, and even a set of carved, Balinese monkey skulls– awesome!
I love this store so much I’ll probably be labeled a loiterer at some point.

We love Funk & Flash! We found everything we needed for our entire wedding outfits — wild, fun, colorful and elegant. The price was right too! My «ice-​capades-​on-​acid» turquoise ball gown was estimated by the seamstress to be a couple of thousand dollar hand made dress. I found it at Funk & Flask for $ 60! My wife was harder to shop for — did not know where to start. The manager of the store took her under his wing and picked out her outfit for her — ruffled purple shirt, hounds tooth pants, polka dot bow tie, striped vest and top hat. We could not have been happier with the clothing we found; it absolutely made the day! All in one place and all completely affordable. Our «flower girls» found their outfits there as well. All the guests raved about our unusual, colorful wedding costumes. We are very grateful to Funk & Flash and we will definitely be shopping there again!