by Sarah Stefaniuk | Apr 9, 2020 | Gift Inspirations, Montclair Village & Piedmont Ave, Women's Style
We started our Shop Local Oakland adventures in February 2019 knowing that Oakland had a burgeoning independent retailing scene. But we must confess: We had no idea just how dynamic, diverse, and vibrant our local shopping is. And the merchants are all Oakland... 
by Sarah Stefaniuk | Jan 9, 2020 | Body & Soul, DIY & Do-It-Together Creativity, Gift Inspirations, Montclair Village & Piedmont Ave
Every neighborhood needs a Rare Bird Gift Shop and Artists Studio. But, then again, it wouldn’t be a Rare Bird anymore. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons shopping local is so special. Indeed, each shop is unique and grounded in the owner’s individual... 
by Sarah Stefaniuk | Jan 8, 2020 | Downtown Oakland, Gift Inspirations
PART 1: A Story From The Owner Tracey Friley of Oo La La Gifts & Accessories has such great stories. Better than anything we could tell. She is a natural storyteller. And, she has a lot of gems to relate to us because she’s seen a lot go down on Channel 17... 
by Sarah Stefaniuk | Dec 23, 2019 | DIY & Do-It-Together Creativity, Downtown Oakland, Gift Inspirations, Oakland Love
One day, I had just finished up some LOCALMOTIV errands and was about to head back to the office—er, home. I was standing at 13th and Webster–which is probably an example of the rough and neglected side of downtown. Coincidentally, it was also my state of mind.... 
by Sarah Stefaniuk | Dec 13, 2019 | Gift Inspirations, Grand Lake District, Home Goods & Decor
Urban Indigo, in Oakland, is a very handy store if you need to buy a gift for someone. So you best be putting it on your list of shops to visit. Particularly if you have a really tricky gift giving challenge. So, for example, let’s say you have an uncle that’s... 