On the other side of Lake Merritt, on a rapidly developing block, the vintage store Halmoni (1601 2nd Ave., Oakland, 510-788-0296, Halmoni.net) adds a little funkiness to Oakland's vintage specialists (alongside Pretty Penny, Rare Bird, and Mercy Vintage Now). Owner Natasha Harden is super friendly and bubbly, and her store is definitely a reflection of her personality ("halmoni" means "grandmother" in Korean, a nod to her maternal roots, and Harden'shalmoni is pictured on the store's earring cards). Given the small space, its selection of vintage Seventies and Eighties dresses, sweaters, sweatshirts, and T-shirts is limited, but that also means items are specially selected, and you won't have to dig to find them. Best of all, Harden (who's originally from New York) has a community-minded ethos, and is already organizing clothing swaps, First Friday art parties, and women of color business-owner networking events. We think her halmoni would be proud.
Check out the other shops in the full article...http://www.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/the-politics-of-shopping/Content?oid=3131922