This place is a gem. Their clothes are beautiful and their staff is a delight--helpful, thoughtful, kind, and fun to work with. It makes "shop locally" a pleasure. Wendy L. read more

Just had a great visit to pick up a new pair of Equestrian pants (11 y.o. pair is still wearable but snug now). This brand isn't cheap, but 11 years for something I wear often? Amortizes pretty well. Margaret helped me and was just as kind and charming as she's been on previous visits. Great shop w/ lots of interesting accessories, too. read more

Unique clothing, high end but worth investing in. The owner, Parvin, in particular, is very patient and spends time with you to help you with appropriate look for your style. She is very creative about combining various pieces of clothing and accessories for an understated stylish look. In addition to clothing, Patina has jewelry, scarves, hats, purses, jewelry, socks, lingerie. Great for special occasion wear. read more

An absolute gem of a store - nothing like it in Berkeley, or anywhere, for that matter (probably why they've been in business for 20+ years, if my clock serves me right). Both European and local labels, all seemingly selected for more than just their obvious "high quality" and beauty - they're also versatile and classic, meant last a lifetime. I still have a tulle dress that I bought here ten years ago for a wedding - wear it when the season's right, and get compliments on it every time. I love knowing that every time I wear one of my Patina 'fits, I will be the only woman in the room wearing anything like it - truly one of a kind. More recently (as in last week) I came hunting for shoes (lots of comfy options...on trend, but with East Bay walkers in mind!) and fun 'please help my drab work wardrobe' enhancements (ended up with a asymmetric hooded tunic and legging pairing. I feel like a model). What really "makes" this boutique, however, is the attention and service of the ladies who work here. Somehow, they are able to help both me (an athletic woman in her 30's, no style sense) and my mother ("mature," top-heavy, and überstylish) find what's right for our bodies/place in life, and make us feel our best. In particular, the owner (can't remember her name, even though she always remembers mine...very sweet and stylish with dimples) has come through for us many, many times, whether it be a rush order, exchange, ridiculous "can you find something that goes with this dress I bought somewhere else" request - she goes waaaay out of her way to make it happen. Again, this is THE ONLY store that makes both me and my mother giddy. And beautiful. Thank you so, so much for being the delight of both my closet...and my mother's...and for being an awesome part of the Solano community. Can't wait for my next excuse to drop in. Oh wait, I don't need one. read more

I can only echo the other reviews. Great clothes, super helpful (but TRUTHFUL) saleswomen - Margaret helped me. I will definitely shop here again. Clothes are unique, yet classic in their own way. read more

Very nice, high end boutique. What I really like is the personal attention. The women working there have great personal style and will suggest things you might like and ways to combine items. Their clothes are not cheap but they have a lot of unique and interesting garments you won't fine elsewhere. read more

Since my original review, I've been back to Patina many times. Each time, I walk away with something lovely and unique. About 2 months ago, while shopping there, a middle-aged, non-English speaking couple came in to get an outfit for the female. They were going to be married and she needed a frock. I can't actually speak Spanish but I do understand enough words and phrases to be able to communicate with those who do. I "translated" for the couple and the saleswoman (not Parvin, but the other lovely lady). The bride began trying on clothes while I was still trying on things and we gave each other our opinion on what the other was trying. I felt like I was part of a family that day. In addition to leaving with a drop-dead gorgeous kimono, I left with a warm, happy feeling. read more

I have been to Patina four times. I have a friend who lives nearby and when I am in town I like to stop in and see what's new. Until last week all my experiences have been positive. I explained that I couldn't see dark colors due to an eye condition, but I was assured the clothing I chose was well fitting, plus it was returnable for exchange only. I got home and saw the outfit ($300+) in natural light and couldn't take it off fast enough. Problem: I live out of town and the return limit is within 7 days. OK, my error for not asking about the fine print for returns...I drove back, 45 minutes each way and I found a dress that was lovely and a blouse that was just above average. But wait, I have $30 dollars left over, there must be something I need, the kind lady asks. Alas, there is nothing in the store for a mere $30, and the next time I'm in town, I'll look again. I just looked at my store credit receipt "good for 6 months" hand written on it...I really have an issue with this kind of return policy, so it looks like I won't shop here anymore. I understand MollyB's has similar merchandise. In my perfect world, a high end designer dress shop has a mirror which allows one to see their front and back sides clearly; lighting is bright near that mirror and clothing can be returned the next day for full credit if these consumer aids are absent. read more

Shopped here and found a dress. Mirror is hard to see exactly how it fit. Tried it on at home and it clearly had some stitching problem that did not hang right. So went back the next day. New employee said she'd call owner. I explained I wanted a refund not a store credit as the dress was defective. She told me I would have to come back the next day (a work day) and talk to the manager. They would decide if it was defective, then they would send it back to the vendor who would then correct the defect and send it back. I said that I felt they should take responsibility for their own merchandise. But owner wouldn't listen at all. Ended up with a 6 month store credit. I'll be forced to buy something else but will never darken their door again. read more

Patina offers some of the most interesting fashion and wonderful service in all of the bay area.I have known Parvin for so many years. She and her team really understand emerging fashion and know how to make it work for you. They always stand behind their products and helping customers find unique pieces that are truly flattering is their number one priority. read more

Based on reviews, I visited Patina looking for a special occasion outfit. As I entered w/ a friend, I said, "I don't think I'm going to find what I need, but this place looks like fun." Wrong and right -- I found EXACTLY what I needed, and it was loads of fun. The salesperson (how I wish I knew her name -- a lovely silver-haired beauty from Iceland) encouraged me ever-so-gently to try on a couple things I didn't think were my style. They were perfect! Equestrian pants are my new favorite brand, and the Babette top goes w/ everything I own. She also opened a shipment she'd just received to reveal a gorgeous gold and black, asymmetric jacket that is destined to be my favorite top of all time. Visit Patina, and take the advice offered. Bet you'll be as happy as I am. read more

Went into Patina's today to help a girlfriend pick out a wedding dress. The customer service was FANTASTIC. Even though I live in Lafayette I will be making Patina a destination shopping place. Wonderful selection of unique clothing and again, wonderful customer service. read more

Patina is the most delightful and beautiful women's dress boutique in Berkeley, setting the standard for classic, well-made and charming clothes. Not only is the selection of the finest quality but the attentive, sensitive and individual customer service surpasses any other place in the area. Parvin, the owner, and Margaret, the manager, both personify elegance, good humor and kindness, I was surprised to read a recent negative review. In my experience, over 20 years, I've found that Patina strives to help every customer look their best, They will work with you to resolve any problem. They truly care about their clients and their reputation. All of my favorite clothes come from Patina! read more

What does this shop offer that you won't find anywhere else? Superb, professional stylists with taste AND experience. You don't have to be a size 2, or 20 years old, for the women at Patina to select pieces that will bring out the best in your body type, coloring, and personal flair. It will be expensive, and it will take time. But you will leave with an excellent investment in apparel that will last for multiple seasons. read more

I asked the owner if she had any clothes by a particular designer I liked, and she replied that she used to carry items by that designer but now considered them old-fashioned. She had better things in her store, she assured me. I thought this was a rude and manipulative response, a not so subtle way of dissing the designer and making me feel bad about the clothes I liked. Kind of funny as there were plenty of "old-fashioned" things hanging on the rack in her store. read more

It is not an exaggeration to say that Patina was the best shopping experience of my life. Parvin, who is there on Tuesdays treats her customers like dinner guests. I walked in with my partner looking for clothes for a wedding. We thought we would find her something but I was sure Patina was not my style. Parvin entirely changed my outlook. She stayed late doting on me and my sweetheart until we found the perfect outfits for the wedding and a couple items more. Patina is like a magic suitcase. As soon as you think you've seen every item in the little shop--there is another treasure. And the sizes are amazing. It seemed like almost everything my partner and I tried on fit--and we're very different shapes. The clothes are made with quality fabrics. Many lines imported from France. I felt so fancy! It gave me this sense of comfort in the idea of having a few nice things instead of a drawer full of okay clothes. My experience was nothing short of an adult dress up game that left my child-self giddy and fulfilled. I highly recommend stopping in. read more