This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Party

This past weekend was practically a bonanza of awesome events in the Bay area. One of my favorites was the launch party for This Is Oakland (read more about this awesome book over on Anthology). In the true spirit of this awesome community, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and makers flocked together to share their wares in celebration of Melissa Davis’ new book. I haven’t spent much time in Old Oakland, but the event was enough to make me fall in love with the historical neighborhood. The shopping alone (and donuts from Doughnut Dolly) is enough to keep me coming back over and over again. Here are a few of my favorite sights from the party.

jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Partyjojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch PartyOne of my first stops was the Flora Cultural Society. This sweet boutique is the perfect inspiration for slowing down and appreciating the small things in life. One of my favorite ‘moments’ was the flower menu. How sweet is that? I walked away with a bundle of blooms, plus some new bath treats.

jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch PartyI think by now we all know my adoration of all things vintage… but Mercy Vintage seriously blew my socks off.

jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch PartyWhat’s a Saturday afternoon without a spot of rosé (plus, the boys at the table were really cute)?

jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Party
jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Party
jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch PartyAnother favorite shop was Oak Common. They have an amazing assortment of jewelry, soaps, candles, and ceramics. I think I’ve found my newest ‘go to’ gift shopping location.

This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Party This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch Party One more favorite: Umami Mart. This place satisfies my cravings for Japanese treats in a big way. I walked away with some fancy Cheetos and umami salt… I’m planning to use the latter to perk up my bread dough. The store itself is minimal and really beautifully curated, almost like a museum.

jojotastic - This Is Oakland + Old Oakland Neighborhood Launch PartyIf you’re in the Bay area, I urge you to pick up a copy of This Is Oakland and explore the neighborhood for yourself.

photography by Jojotastic

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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2 Comments

  1. 6.25.14

    this looks like so much fun :) wish i was there!

    • 6.25.14
      joanna said:

      it was so much fun! next time ;)