Shop Talk JANUARY 2009
Let It Shine
The newly remodeled M. Lowe & Co., next door to Chez Panisse in Berkeley, can offer its customers an international gem tour with Australian colored diamonds, Sri Lankan sapphires, Cook Islands black pearls and Northern California natural abalone pearls. The 22-year-old store sells an unusual combination of estate jewelry—ranging from lockets and bracelets to earrings, rings and brooches—and a contemporary design selection including hoop and diamond earrings, and silver jewelry. M. Lowe designers can also help redesign any estate jewelry to suit modern tastes, particularly now that master gem carver Charles Kelly has joined the staff. On Saturday, Feb. 1, an appraiser from “Antiques Roadshow” will be at the store 12-5 p.m. to appraise or buy estate jewelry. And visit the store on any Tuesday if you want a free appraisal of your family heirlooms. M. Lowe began hosting jewelry events last year to benefit local schools by donating 15 percent of all pre-tax sales. So far, Bentley, Prospect Sierra, Berkwood Hedge and Children’s Community Center have participated. “I love my job,” says owner Margo Lowe. “It’s really fun to help people find something that makes their lives more beautiful. We’re in on all the fun times—weddings, engagements, babies and anniversaries.”
M. Lowe & Co., 1519 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 486-0613; www.mlowejewels.com.
—Sarah Weld
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Sexy Soccer Mom
East Bay designer Erica Varize learned to sew from her grandmother when she was just 9 years old. And although sewing has since been her passion, Varize had to pass on an invitation to the acclaimed Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco and opt for work at Wells Fargo Bank to make a living as a young woman. Now the 33-year-old mother of Darius, 9, and Brooklyn, 7, has a flourishing career as a designer with her styles in 10 shops throughout the Bay Area and her own “cut and sew” boutique called EVarize on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley. “I’ve always loved to sew,” says Verize, a diminutive beauty who can barely step away from her sewing machine long enough to talk. “I sew like folks email.” At EVarize, clients can pick what Varize calls “urban, sexy soccer mom” styles off the racks or choose a style and color of skirt, top, dress, coat or pants displayed on one of several mannequins to be custom-sewed by Varize. She measures her clients and takes about 10 days to sew the pieces. The flavor of Varize’s designs are much more San Francisco than Berkeley—a hot, hip, style that can be dressed up or dressed down. But more than selling a style, Varize says she is building a compassionate company. “My ultimate goal is for my company to be known for great clothing but also for giving back,” she says. Bank of America recently honored Varize as a “local hero” and awarded her $5,000 to spend on the good work of her choice. She sent the check to Project Uganda, an organization that works with African children, some of whom are HIV-positive. Varize has been to Africa several times, most recently last year. In her sunny shop, Varize also offers sewing classes for children and adults.
EVarize, 2634 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, (510) 845-0376; www.evarize.com.
—Andrea Lampros
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Kid Green and Chic
Kid Dynamo is the new children’s clothing and toy shop—featuring nontoxic, green, local, fair-trade products—that opened next to Saul’s deli in North Berkeley in October. The bright boutique in the former Papyrus space, is owned by Erin Carter, 33, and Keri Levy, 38, two moms who met in Berkeley’s Totland two years ago and now live in the neighborhood. Carter and Levy figured they should be able to find organic, sustainable, healthy products for their kids—that of course met their urban (read cool) aesthetic. But alas, the store didn’t really exist in the East Bay. “We feel that we’re part of a new generation of retailers,” says Carter, “one that offers consumer products that are above board, products that don’t contain things like lead and flame retardant.” Kid Dynamo, named for a favorite childhood T-shirt and a neighborhood band from Carter’s youth in Santa Rosa, sells clothing lines up to size 8, toys, shoes, accessories and even furniture from brands such as Scout, Abe Jones, Plan Toys and ecotots. Levy and Carter say they are listening to what the Berkeley community wants in a kid shop, but says Levy, “We think Berkeley is ready for a little more style.”
Kid Dynamo, 1481 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, (510) 649-7446; www.shopkiddynamo.com.
—Andrea Lampros
