Aritzia

I had been planning a visit to Aritzia for sometime, so when Friday morning rolled around I was quite excited about finally being able to check out one of my favorite shopping spots. Now I know what you’re already thinking, “Where is Aritzia?”, “Good for you, but I can’t afford anything there.”, “How do you even say it?” Well allow me to introduce you to the store you thought you knew.

Aritzia (pronounced A-rit-zee-aw) is located in Valley Fair, on the second floor. At a quick glance you might miss it, but once you step in you’re never going to forget it! The beautiful gold logo, and stunning decor might be a bit intimidating at first glance, but I dare you to go in. You’ll be greeted by some of the kindest, most helpful, well dressed associates you’ve ever met. Although on this day I had an appointment to take advantage of their personal shopping service, my experience has always been positive with Aritzia, even when I’ve gone in with a double stroller looking like a mess!

When I walked in the wonderful staff had already pulled a great selection of clothes for me, and I couldn’t wait to dive in! But I wanted to take a stroll through the store and see what else caught my eye. The set up of the store made it very easy to navigate and almost everything I grabbed was available in my size. The ones that weren’t available in the store were available at another location, and only a phone call away.

When I went to take a closer look at what was pulled, I almost screamed for joy! Right there laying a few inches away from me, was the J Brand “Houlihan” Skinny Cargo in my size! I had been looking for these pants since seeing them on every celebrity from Rihanna to Kloe Kardashian. The only problem was that they were pretty much sold out everywhere! But leave it to Aritzia to have the hottest celeb item of the season!

My J Brand jean find was just an example of the great selection of clothes at Aritzia. What you may not know is that they carry many designers that up to now have not been available to Bay Area shoppers. This store is must for anyone seeking trends, and quality and wants access to the hottest and most desirable items each season. Besides the multitude of famous lines carried at Aritzia, they have 5 lines that are specifically created for them.

I had picked up items from these lines many times in the past, but I never knew that they were from an exclusive collection. The funny thing is out of the 5 items I walked out with on this day, 4 were from either by Wilfred or Talula. I believe that these lines give you the same look and quality of much more expensive pieces at great prices. One of my favorite items was a super soft sweater for only $35. Just last week I almost picked up one like it for over a $150 at another store (so glad I waited.)

So here is my breakdown of Aritzia and why it’s on my list of “Must Shop” places in the Bay Area. I can’t wait to hear about your great finds at one of my favorite shopping spots!

Atmosphere- Very inviting, and easy to navigate. The dressing rooms are roomy, and the curtains stay closed and don’t swing out (this is a huge pet peeve of min.) There are also 2 large mirrors located outside of the dressing rooms with great lighting for you to see what you look like, from head to toe.

Staff- The staff is highly knowledgeable in the products that the store carries. They’re great at taking you body shape and sense of style into consideration and making great suggestions based on that. I told them of my love for a plunging V-neck, and they brought me a little black dress that was perfection from the minute I slipped it on!

Prices- While Aritzia does carry high end designers; they also have a great selection of highly fashionable pieces at great prices. I would recommend coming in and checking out Aritzia like it was your first visit even if you’ve been in before.

Perks- Aritzia offers personal shopping services. All you have to do is call and make an appointment and they will create a great shopping experience for you. Another amazing perk is layaway. Yes you heard you right; you no longer have to walk away from that highly sought after item you’ve wanted for so long. Just put 20% down, and you will have 30 days to pay off the rest. Never loose a must have item again!

Private Labels-

Talula: Junior Lifestyle
Talula Babaton: Professional
Wilfred: Modern
Wilfred Free: Modern
Wilfred “Little Moon”: Season specific capsule collection. Seasonally the name on this line will change to reference the inspiration.

Designer Labels- This is just a peek into the hottest lines carried by Aritizia, take a trip in to see the all they have to offer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Winter Kate: Nicole Ritchie’s Label
MM6- Maison Martin Margiela
Rachel Comey
Mackage

Denim- My top picks

J Brand
Citizen of Humanity
Nudies
Hudson

Must have items now: Their amazing selection of leather jackets, and Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags.

For anyone that is not located in the Bay Area, check out their web site at www.Aritzia.com for great trends, fashion news, and your nearest location!