The Boutiques of Each Neighborhood are Hyper-Local Gems
Written By: Melissa Mitchell North Park
What exactly is the stuff communities are made of? Sure it’s the people and the location, but it’s also the places and the feeling elicited by seeing, walking in, and reminiscing about those places. And we all know there is one category of places where you can actually bring a little piece of them home with you: the shops! If you’re visiting San Diego’s North Park or South Park, you’ll likely find yourself overwhelmed by the plethora of shop names and storefronts, each one more unique than the next. We’ve collected all the must-visit shopping-bag-fillers you need to drop by while visiting these two neighboring hoods.
NORTH PARK
The Fresh Yard
Home to contemporary streetwear with hip hop and pop culture influences, patrons typically already know what they’re looking for when they enter this swag establishment. Along with their already-established array of apparel are a line of custom t-shirts featuring none other than their trusty hood: North Park.
Fresh Yard, Fresh Beer: One of The Fresh Yard’s latest neighborhood friendly custom tees reads “Drink Beer in North Park” with a backdrop of the famous North Park water tower. Locals can literally display their community pride right on their backs in these North Park-lovin tees!
3773 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.287.1980
Overload
If you’re in the market for some hard-to-find, extraordinary, limited edition sneakers (aren’t we all?) then a visit to Overload needs to be on your to-do list. Along with their unique kicks is an array of skateboard apparel and streetwear fashion for both men and women.
Celebrity Overload! Skateboard legend Nyjah Huston stunned patrons during his latest visit to Overload. Check their website regularly for upcoming athlete-inspired visits and events!
3827 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.296.9018
The Girl Can’t Help It
Where can you find burlesque dancers, collectible Hawaiian shirts and never worn vintage swimsuits? None other than North Park’s premier vintage boutique, The Girl Can’t Help It, which specializes in garments from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This vintage glam shop around the corner features an array of hand-picked pieces from the 1930s to 1960s, with some 70s inspired items mixed in.
What’s In a Name? Wondering how The Girl Can’t Help It got its unique name? The store co-owner’s friends used to quote Gail’s favorite Little Richard song saying “The Girl Can’t Help It” in reference to her perpetual desire to collect things. It’s a good thing for the patrons of North Park that Gail couldn’t kick that habit!
3806 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92014
619.795.7169
Hunt and Gather
You won’t find the unique, interesting pieces housed at Hunt and Gather in any mall or chain store. This North Park mart offers a mixture of both vintage and local exclusive designs. Along with the abundance of fresh clothing for men and women, you’ll find a few specially selected pieces for the kiddos! As if Hunt and Gather’s merchandise isn’t enough to keep patrons coming back for more, they’ve also been known to host live DJ parties as well as an array of outdoor sales you won’t want to miss.
Top Pick!: One of Hunt and Gather’s big sellers is a jewelry line, Serene, featuring the noteworthy creations of a local artist. Comprised of both up-cycled and new materials, these one of a kind pieces are worth a looksee at this North Park boutique!
2871 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
619.297.3040
SOUTH PARK
Junc Life
From hummingbird skull jewelry to timeless men’s and women’s apparel, Junc has been keeping South Park styled for the past 13 years. Ladies, if you’re looking for something casual and classic with an easy, feminine vibe, the inventory at Junc has got you covered! Gents who are in the market for relaxed streetwear with a Colorado-esque feel (swoon!) are probably already regulars at this South Park centerpiece.
Creepy Junc-tion: On your next jaunt to Junc, be sure to inquire about the ‘creepy cabinet’ where you’ll find everything from metal wisdom teeth jewelry to taxidermy art!
2209 Fern St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.283.2611
Graffiti Beach
From dresses to trucker hats for infants, to fashion forward dog collars, there is literally something for the entire family at Graffiti Beach. Built on the notion of supporting local artisans and designers, Graffiti Beach hosts monthly art shows spotlighting neighborhood artists. Can’t make it to the store? Check out their full service website which allows you to shop their exclusive products straight from your computer!
Name that Beach: The name Graffiti Beach grew from the notion of an artist’s path to creation. “Graffiti” symbolizes the wild, angst feeling that artists go through during the process of art creation, while “beach” embodies the peacefulness and calm of the finished product.
2220 Fern St
San Diego, CA 92104
858.433.0950
Brake and Rumble
This automotive related specialty shop has everything from vintage clothing and boots to hot rod-inspired apparel. Though small in size, the shop proportions speak nothing to the many wonders to behold inside. In addition to the niche clothing and jewelry, you’ll also find an assortment of art and rugs inside this humble abode. As faithful participants in the quarterly South Park Walkabout, you can be sure to encounter unique pop up booths at Brake and Rumble which spotlight local artisans. At present, this one-of-a-kind shop is featuring a local designer who creates custom shifter knobs for hot rods!
Hear that Trolley Rumble: In the early 1900s, a trolley used to run right through the corner of the storefront, with trolley tickets being sold right amidst Brake and Rumble’s locale. From it’s vintage merchandise to its historic location, this boutique is overflowing with nostalgia!
2209 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.746.1506
Crow Thief
Custom craftsmanship is the foundation behind this South Park menswear shop. Whether you’re shopping for shirts, pants, leather goods or cologne, Crow Thief strives to provide a product tailored to the individual’s style and frame. As if Crow Thief’s motto of ‘We don’t follow trends, we follow instinct” isn’t enough to steer you into the store, their attention to detail will keep you coming back for more! Visit their website to shop some of their hottest items, some of which feature their ever-intricate insignia.
Native Knowledge: The custom pieces in this one-stop-shop for men are not only sold in stores, but are also designed and cut inside the shop as well! Talk about taking “keeping it local” to the next level!
3009 Grape Street
San Diego, CA 92102
619.961.6210
