Most of us do not associate the word asylum with anything particularly positive. But this asylum is indeed sweet and lovely. You will find items here for gifts or for home decor and use. The store is elegantly appointed and well-organized. Parking is on the street or in a near-by lot. read more

I absolutely love this store! I'm a local and whenever I visit I always find something I love. We've been shopping there since my daughter was in a stroller and now she's 15. She's always called it the mermaid store. The store has an amazing vibe. The owner is always warm and welcoming. Everything is made very well and good quality. The price point is normal, like what you would find at Nordstroms. And she has great things for gifts. I highly recommend stopping in and feeling the good vibes and look at beautiful things! read more

In this store's favor, I will say that they have some nice clothes from quality labels. The prices are not cheap, but they are high quality clothes, and they seem to be carefully chosen. Unfortunately, what killed my experience at this store was the really unkind vibe of the owner. When I entered I was the only patron in the store. I was not greeted, which is a little weird but fine, but then after a couple of minutes of browsing our glances happened to meet, and I smiled at the owner, only to get a kind of tight-lipped frown-smile in response. It was just a really weird moment that is pretty much the opposite of any other boutique I've ever stepped into. Things did not get more mellow or friendly after that, and being in the store eventually became pretty uncomfortable. I don't know if I just happened to get this woman on a bad day, but it was a really bad vibe in this store. There are lots of other boutiques in Capitola where the owners and staff are a lot more friendly, and they were the ones that got my coin. read more

I got some hammered hoop earrings from Sweet Asylum. It's like shopbop.com come to life in here! There are a lot of great pieces to look at in here, from accessories to contemporary apparel. Quality costs a little extra...so bring a little extra coin. Definitely worth the visit! read more

I discovered Sweet Asylum by accident years ago on my first visit to Capitola after moving to San Jose/Los Gatos. 9 years later, a move home and now back to SJ again, it remains my favorite boutique shop in the entire SJ/Santa Cruz area! Stacey, the owner, has amazing taste that is constantly evolving yet keeping within her beachy/bohemian theme. There are always new and fun things to see. She is amazing about selling and mailing things via the shop's Instagram account, as well. It is always a treat to shop there, visit with Stacey, and see what's new, even if I am unable to make a purchase. (rare) LOL. Amazing clothes and jewelry, among other cool pieces sprinkled throughout. Definitely worth your time! read more

If you are looking for a store that makes you feel welcome this is not the store for you. As a local, I was prepared to make a sizable purchase but felt the need to leave this store as soon as possible based on the uncaring, why-are-you-here experience. read more

I came to this boutique originally because they sell a friend's jewelry line and I wanted to check it out in a retail space. I was really glad I did. What cute clothes and jewelry. Stylish and prefect for beachy chic occasions. I am definitely stopping in before my next trip to Cabo (planned by a few months away). Prices are reasonable but on the higher side. The owner (I think it was the owner working that day) was super sweet and informative. read more

This store deserves a shout-out! I love theme of the store and I would totally decorate my house one day like it...if you haven't been inside, check it out.. This store is perfect for you if you like and look good in linen & cotton type of fabrics. You will find one of a kind pieces that both flatter your shape and complement your complexion! I can always find a piece or two when I shop and the prices are reasonable! I also love the Marisa (perfume). Feels so fresh and not overpowering :) read more

LOVE this boutique!!! its at the top of my "to do" list every time I visit Capitola. The clothes are always adorable & top quality. The decor is inspiring and relaxing at the same time. Its odvious the owner loves her store and clients. During my most recent visit I bought a beautiful green blouse. the fabric is amazing and its so comfy. I must of received 13 compliments on my blouse in one day. I'm an Executive Assistant and i'm always looking for great stylish pieces to mix with the sometimes stuffy corporate dress. The owner hand selects all of the pieces, every time I'm there I feel like I have a personal stylist because I always love everything!! read more

Hands down the best boutique in santa cruz county, the owner knows exactly what women want to wear. It is like going into a beautiful alter world of clothing, jewelry and scents. I would buy everything in there, her taste is immpeccable. There are clothes that are casual and then some that are good for work and others, sweetly romantic. read more

This store is romantic, whimsical and just lovely. Windows are always nicely done and it is always my mission to visit this store when I am in Capitola. You will always find something special that you wont see anywhere else. The owner is especially sweet and I have enjoyed getting to know her each visit. read more

A beautiful, little boutique. Ashley Lynn was amazing with helping me pick out just what I needed! I got three beautiful pieces. Can't wait to go back! read more

Sweet Asylum is a little gem in Capitola. I love the clothing and jewelry lines she carries and whenever I need a gift or a little retail therapy, I head over for a treasure! read more

My favorite place to shop in the county hands down. I love everything in there. The clothes are a beautiful, simple, understated style which I love. And everything I have ever bought there has lasted. Including the jewelry... All my earrings are from here, and I have very sensitive ears. I wear them every single day and they never loose their shape. read more

BEST boutique in Santa Cruz County.....Pretty clothes, SOFT fabrics, DIFFERENT looks...Jewelry and accessories are well-selected, as is the decor...It's like walking into a vacation that you can shop in! read more

We went on a day they were having a trunk show so the shop was packed with friends & family, which would have been fine if the friends & family were considerate of shoppers. No one greeted us nor made it easy for us to shop. Even the artist having the trunk show ignored me. My daughter wanted to show me a dress she wanted to wear to her High School graduation and I had my eye on a leather necklace from the trunk show. Because we were ignored & treated rudely, we left. We looked the dress up online and bought it elsewhere. This shop may be fine for tourist but this local won't step foot in it again. read more

The best shop in Santa Cruz hands down. If you love high quality fabrics, beach inspired clothes and home decor this is your spot. The care and detail this shop puts into every piece is impeccable. The jewelry is one of a kind that you'll never find anywhere else. read more

This is a great boutique in Capitola Village and the customer service is awesome! They also carry a lot of April Martin Designs Jewelry!

If only I could give zero stars :-( I came in to inquire about/purchase an item from a certain jewelry designer that the store was known to carry and that I have purchased from before. When inquiring about some earrings in a case, I asked the owner if the earrings were made by the jewelry designer. The owner very rudely replied "no, we no longer carry her items". I was surprised but told her the earrings were lovely and looked very similar to the work of the designer they used to carry. She looked offended and responded with "Oh, I so don't think so", and swiftly turned and walked away. Ouch! No idea what that was about but I left without purchasing anything and will not return to this store. I do not want to patronize a store that so flippantly disregards a local artist in the community, especially an artist that the store did have a prior (and apparently mutually beneficial) relationship with. This is bad business and definitely left a bad taste in my mouth :-( I found out the jewelry designer's line is being carried by another store just around the corner and will take my business there. read more