Sottovoce - Berkeley, California

Tina C.

DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE
I made a special trip to the store just before Christmas to select a leather jacket as a present to myself. I was greeted by a nice salesperson who helped me select several colors to try on. The salesperson put a few jackets in a dressing room, and I placed a few on a nearby chaise just outside of the dressing room. After trying on several colors and styles, the salesperson moved away, giving me space and time to try on a few favorites a second time. While I was doing so, the store owner, watching me, came to a clothing rack near the area, saying aloud (to no one in particular) that she needed to "dust" the top of a nearby clothing rack because "you wouldn't believe the amount of dust that comes in the store".

After selecting the color I liked, I noticed there was a small discolored spot on the jacket and asked the salesperson if they would consider a discount given the blemish. She asked the owner, who had finished "dusting" and moved away now that I'd made a selection. The owner returned and said, "No! I won't discount the coat! I can take it in the back and put some shoe polish on it." Instead, I offered to leave my name and number if she changed her mind or the coat went on sale. She said she wouldn't and suggested I not bother. The salesperson looked disappointed and embarrassed.

The experience with the store owner was disturbing. As a middle aged African American woman and lawyer, I know racial profiling (masked as "I need to dust the top of a coat rack") when I see and experience it. And while it was certainly within the owner's right to decline to discount the coat, I did not expect or appreciate the tone of her interaction with me. She did not have the right to profile nor speak to me in a rude or discourteous manner.

Given my experience with the owner, I thanked the salesperson that helped me and left the store to spend my well-earned money elsewhere.

T. Combs
December 2023

Nonie K.

Sottovoce has a wonderfully eclectic shop of beautiful clothing, adorable gifts and jewelry. The owner has a very good eye when purchasing for her shop. They carry a diverse blend of designers and vendors and are all of quality. It is good place to start if you want to add some panache to your wardrobe. Or just find a great stuffed animal for a family member. Have fun shopping!!

Theresa G.

I always find a fun and fashionable addition to my wardrobe when I pop in. Also, great gifts that the staff always put in a bag with tissue and ribbon!

Ladna

This shop helped me up my game for work. The stretchy office pants they sell here are amazing. I am going back for other colors today. Really nice service. Thank you.

Susan W.

Best women’s clothing shop in the Bay Area. Classic and funky styles, reasonable prices, friendly service. And a great selection of gifts.

Winifred A.

Superior service, fabulous clothing.

Jean J.

Tina Combs- I am sorry you went through that. Trust me, It’s not you! I’m white and Have experienced this snob. Frankly I see nothing whatsoever in her to be snobby about! I’m a Berkeley native.. born and raised, graduate of UCB. This is just a maladjusted woman who Doesn’t know or care about How to be gracious, warm and welcoming to anyone; in other words hospitable to anyone except her personal “besties” that come inside her store to shop. And I have bought so,so much from her store in the past. I care for the items in her store. Just not her.

judi G.