Oakland Shopping Trip: Neighborhoods: luckymag.com

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Over just a couple of years, this Bay Area city has become a hub for some of the coolest independently owned boutiques.

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A collection of ramshackle antiques lends an old-world feel to this clothing and design shop devoted to all things eco-friendly. We especially love the hand-screened cotton slipdresses and Coe & Waito's raw porcelain vases.
5453 College Ave., 510-923-0543

A prime resource for on-the-cusp fashion, this gallery-ish spot is known for carrying arty, streamlined pieces from the likes of Martin Margiela and Kristensen du Nord—and the sales staff couldn't be friendlier.
5410 College Ave., 510-652-2711

The denim-centric inventory here includes a bit of everything—high-waisted styles, super-skinny stovepipes—all meticulously picked from lines like Rag & Bone, Cheap Monday, 18th Amendment, and Kasil.
815 Washington St., 510-444-8815

Inside this minimalist, architect-owned shop in downtown Oakland you'll find scores of awesomely unconventional housewares. The aesthetic falls someplace between futuristic and organic, including honeycomb-shaped stools made out of kraft paper and a high-backed armchair covered with jet-black feathers.
831 Broadway, 510-451-9900

This spot manages to offer up equally compelling selections of both work separates and party attire, from brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim and Cynthia Steffe. Also look out for delicate gold jewelry by Bay Area locals and a tempting array of Côté Bastide bath products.
5902 College Ave., 510-597-1558

Bargain hunters flock to this consignment shop for its gently used garments by contemporary designers. On a recent visit, we saw a current-season A.P.C. shawl-collar cardigan ($75) and an irresistibly lovely Antik Batik silk floral top with a sequined neckline ($55).
3251 Lakeshore Ave., 510-419-0677

The emphasis at this North Oakland newcomer is dresses, from Robert Rodriguez's romantic ruffled shifts to body-skimming wraps by Diane von Furstenberg. A few choice separates (like Gryphon's infinitely wearable trench coats) round out the mix.
4395 Piedmont Ave., 510-420-6906

It's packed from floor to ceiling with girly bits of decor—fleur-de-lis glasses, hand-cut soaps from Marseille, and ticking-stripe table runners—yet Mignonne never feels cutesy: It delivers vintage Parisian charm spun in the most elegant way.
1000 Jefferson St., 510-444-5288

With stock entirely composed of the house brand of stunning, Italian-made footwear, this is a highly satisfying place to get items both flirty (embellished flats) and slick (sexy knee-high boots).
5856 College Ave., 510-594-2201

Owner Tyranny Allen, a former member of legendary hip-hop band Digital Underground, is wildly successful in his mission to carry only the best limited-edition sneakers (like Nike Air Force Ones in cherry red satin).
461 Ninth St., 510-663-4400