Rana has a unique and wonderful eye for finding the coolest fashion from around the world. I treasure my collection of the outfits I've acquired from Chic over many years. Dressing up is fun and provides me with extra motivation to keep getting out to do interesting things... read more

Rana was sooo nice! I had read the reviews and thought I'd splurge on a nice classic but one-of-a-kind dress for a special event. I texted her (due to COVID, still only by appointment) and she replied immediately and I visited that day! I described the event to her, the theme, who I would be meeting, what location it would be, and she totally ran with it and pulled some unique, brand-new couture dresses from Berlin to Tokyo. We were both excited it seemed, and in the end it was so hard to choose! This stuff is quality and comfy! Don't be afraid to tell her what you enjoy and don't enjoy about the dresses, Rana has plenty to choose from and knows what to do with that information. I eventually ended going with a comfy, flattering and elegant black dress that will last me forever. But a close second was a smoky pink feminine asymmetrical dress that made me look like a million dollars. I may be back to splurge on that dress too, as I'm sure I'd wear it plenty and by the 5th or 6th wear I will have already gotten my money's worth! (Rana also gave many tips on how to dress it up or down, style it a bunch of ways... the versatility makes this clothing so much more valuable.) Go ahead and treat yourself, everybody deserves a big girl dress in their closet. It's a huge difference from fast fashion and will probably last you 200x as long. The quality is incomparable. Thanks Rana, I'll see you next time! read more

when you wanna buy absolutely unique, high quality clothing- you should go to CHIC. fantastic shopping experience- you feel the love, creativity and the passion of the owner (RANA) Have a close look at chic's window: it always tells a special story ;-D read more

Chic is unusual in my experience. It is a high end clothing store with beautiful, unusual, carefully chosen items with a European flair. Often in stores such as this one, the staff are impatient, unkind, suspicious, and generally unpleasant. Not so at Chic. I have come to love this store, and especially the beautiful Spanish-looking woman with the accent (is she the owner? I will edit this review when I find out). She is tall and stately and very gentle. She finds me beautiful dresses, gently encourages me to show her how they look, and is genuine with her assessment of whether it works or not. "You need a padded bra for this to work," she said to me. I trusted her, bought the dress, tried it with the right bra, and voila: chic. She has earned my trust thousandfold. I've come to appreciate the value of a well-made, classic, beautiful dress, and this is the place I come. I've bought two Nicole Miller dresses here that fit perfectly and for which I always receive enthusiastic compliments. The fit, the drape, the style, and the reliability mean that I wind up wearing these two dresses far more and with more pleasure and confidence than my less expensive dresses. In the end, I've found the better deal is the Nicole Miller dress that I can count on. Chic is warm, friendly, and a class-act. I don't bother with any other stores for a good dress for any occasion. read more

Chic is a gem of a clothing store on College Avenue. I stopped in there last weekend with my sister and niece, as my niece is looking for a wedding dress and wants something a little different, rather than the standard David's Bridal fare. Chic is just packed with wonderful, gorgeous dresses, gown, trousers, accessories - you name it. The clothes were beautifully cut and are very unique. I love the dresses with all the pleats - kind of a Fortuny style. The salespeople were just lovely and very helpful. There were only a couple of dresses in my niece's size, but she tried them both on with the help of the kind salesperson. Unfortunately, they didn't work for her, but the store took down her contact info and said they would give her a call when something comes in again in her size. I should also add that the store is a jewel box - beautiful decorated, very luxe and really comfortable. I would definitely recommend checking out Chic for any special occasion you have coming up. read more

This is such a beautiful store, as are the owner and her staff. I have to admit up front, I cannot afford all of the things I want in this store. I cannot afford a fraction of the things I want in this store. Nevertheless... I did not regret the Nicole Miller cocktail dress that made me feel like the million bucks I didn't have to spend at Chic. Every now and then you have to spurge. Now some of you probably get to splurge more often than I, and to you I say, enjoy. Everything in Chic is unique and stunning. read more

Lovely, lovely clothing. Way out of my price range, but I love to go in just to look! I would definitely head here if I had a big important event to go to. LOVE the window displays, esp. the current one with the Obama family! It's total art. The staff is oh-so friendly and charming! Of course, the best part is that they're one of Rockridge's fantastic local, private businesses. There's no need to head out to the city to shop with places like this in the neighborhood! read more

Chic is absolutely the place to go if you have a special event coming up and you want the perfect outfit. Rana (the owner) selects the most beautiful merchandise for the store (usually clothes that you can't find in regular department stores), and she has a wonderful eye--she can help you find exactly what you're looking for. The store is pricey, so I only go when I'm looking for something special. But the pieces I've bought there I'll keep forever. read more

Fabulous neighborhood gem. Great for sophisticated dressing (both men and women!) great for a little something special for a girlfriend (scarves and accessories) and fabulous for that special outfit you need for a gala, night out, etc. Prices are on the moderately high end - think Nordstroms not Saks. But design is unique european chic not mall-tastic like nordies. read more

Great place; perfect service and clothing for men from the best European and Asian designers!

I am so pleased that other reviewers have recognized the unique, personal and tasteful qualities at Chic. I've referred a number of friends to take a look at the fashions and everyone has thanked me. For a special event there is no place like it. Plus, and I want to be sure to mention - once you've met the salespeople and they get an idea of your style - it's the perfect place to "send" or "invite" your honey to visit for you. The Valentine's gift from Chic is just the thing. And the salespeople will take care to assist your honey in choosing just the right thing. read more

Style on College Avenue! So so so welcome. Raina finds fashionista clothes from around the world -- well made, different, flattering. And she is so great. She helps a lot, without being at all intrusive. I love this store. read more

Rana, is so talented and knows what she is doing when she buys these beautiful garments. It's always a pleasure seeing her. As a stylist I strongly recommend CHIC! read more

Love this store for its unusual clothing. The prices make it the kind of place you can't go to everyday. Then again, you know when you do buy something it's highly likely that you won't see anyone else wearing the exact same piece. Unlike some other people reviewing, I've found the sales staff to be pretty low key. In fact, several time they've been helpful and then understanding when it became clear that Chic wasn't the place for me on that particular day. read more

This store is your ultimate place to visit when you want an absolute good quality and trendy piece of cloths. Despite my geographical distance, I've gone there many times and been VERY happy leaving the boutique with a beautiful piece or two in my hand. The owner, Rana and her assistant, Nancy are two wonderfully professional ladies. I highly recommend this place. read more

Who needs to go into SF or out to the malls in the suburbs (God forbid) when looking for stylish clothes? Rana is amazing. All I have to do is go into her store and tell her what I need. She instantly hands me the perfect piece. Her things are not inexpensive but she frequently has beautiful items from other countries etc that are unique and very high quality. I missed her semi-annual sale because I was traveling for work but Rana honored the sale price for me because I was within a week of the sale. This woman has style to burn and we are lucky to have her on College Ave. read more

You MUST visit Chic's holiday window display. Just strolled down College Avenue for some early X-Mas shopping and discovered the most brilliant over-the-top window display at CHIC at Rock ridge district! This review is for the displays! CHIC scores points anyway. Rana & Behrouz Mazandarani have a penchant for creating beautiful window displays. Well, CHIC has itself a real life Switcher. Give those artists a fat bonus. Seriously, it is a stunning and passionate display of artistry. My favorite is the window theme that produces infinity right in the window. Vast and infinitely Chic They are talking about the universe! It is beautiful so nice that I cannot describe so just view for yourself read more

Today I am happy that I do not have a credit card. I would have happily maxed it out in this beautiful boutique. The pieces are breathtaking. I did not purchase anything today because I am looking for something specific, but if that hunt proves unfruitful, I will be back. read more

Stunning clothes from new European designers. Every item could be a museum piece. Many garments designed for taller women, too, like me. I just wish I had more events to attend to wear these stunning dresses! read more

My favorite shopping in the entire Bay Area! Very upscale! Nicole Miller Collection, Neesh etc. Rana, the owner travels to Italy, New York and France to buy only the most unique and best. If you are into fashion and want to ooh and aah, this is the place. Voted best of the east bay. This is a not to be missed experience. Update: So now we are in 2010 and I still shop at Chic. I get to travel to Europe and other parts of this country, including LA. People stop me and want to know where I buy my clothes! On a personal note, Rana has helped me to develop my own personal style and become comfortable as a woman. I now know how to really "wear" the clothing so that my outer self and inner self match. My inner confidence is reflected in these one-of-a-kind pieces. read more

The clothing might be nice but the woman who owns the store is awful. She was helpful when I was in the store but then followed me across the street to where I was getting my haircut to accuse me of stealing a dress. She even accused the woman who owns the hair salon of lying as to whether I was a previously known client. Five minutes later she called me at the hair salon to apologize saying the dress was in the dressing room the whole time. (She obviously hadn't bothered to look for it before accusing me.) And if all this sounds far fetched, all I can say is I wish I were making it up. read more

I always visit Chic first when I'm looking for something that is individually "me." When I want to feel extra special - the kind of occasion where you really want to look your best... maybe stand out - or maybe "whisper" your presence, Raina knows best. She will assist you in a professional, personal manner, in choosing something you can't leave without a smile on your face. You'll be glad you visited Chic, read more

I love this shop! I've shopped here for years and I always find something real special as the owner Rana has such a terrific eye for beautiful fabrics and design. She and her staff are very helpful in selecting what looks great on you. I fell in love with this stunning dress designed by Anett Rostel and I wore it for my daughter's wedding and received so many compliments. I highly recommend Chic for special occasions and for everyday clothing that are unique and special that flatters your figure. read more

Chic is one of the most beautiful women's boutiques in the area. The owner, Rana, puts her heart and soul into make the shopping experience there special and outstanding for every one. The clothes are truly gorgeous and amazing quality. it is one of my favorite shopping boutiques. what an experience! read more

very nice window displays, thats what lured me inside. Once I stepped inside I was instantly bombarded by a sales assistant and then one minute later by the owner. I really just wanted to take a look at what they have to offer but immediately felt unwelcome. As a textile designer I can appreciate the fabrics and selection of the store but they really need to ease up on the customer service. I felt eyes on me the entire time and it was uncomfortable. read more

I try not to go into this boutique very often, because almost every time I do, I find something really wonderful and want to buy it! I have bought a number of items at Chic, including costume jewelry, scarves, blouses, T-shirts, skirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets over the years. I have bought gifts for people who are special to me in there, too. The recipients seemed to love them because they are so unique and often are like art pieces. People often comment on the Chic items I wear. My Ocelot clothes, which are really convenient for travel, feel so luxuriously comfortable, wash beautifully, and elicit compliments. The owner, Rana, selects the clothing and often wears them creatively. Her great eye for clothes enables her to size you up and choose things that might look good on you - kind of like your own personal shopper. Many of the items are very expensive, but there are good sales now and then, and some of the accessories are kind of affordable. I admire the place and wonder how in the world it will make it in this terrible economy. read more

I was not at all pleased with Chic. Yes, they have lovely things and the salesperson was wonderful when I was there. However the very expensive long sweater "cape" I purchased began unraveling after I wore it once. I called and left 2 messages before hearing back. I wanted to bring it in and exchange it for other merchandise and they said absolutely not. The most they would do would be to repair it. I could tell it was something that would happen and over and over again and repairs were worthless- salesperson even mentioned to me that if it unravels (after I paid) to just pull it back through! I felt like I bought something that was beautiful to look at but could not be worn; Like a raincoat that would get ruined in the rain. I explained my unhappiness with the woman who called me but she said because it was from France they had no recourse. So the problem is mine!! I asked her to have the owner call me. That was months ago and I never heard from her. I am busy - I have an expensive sweater I cannot wear (which I recenlty saw at a Walnut Creek boutique for less $) and I am not happy with their lack of understanding and ethical customer service. And I was not asking for my money back!!! Someone else recently mentioned to me that they had a similar problem at Chic. There are enough other places to spend my money without being treated so poorly. They may be helpful upfront but look out afterwards!! read more