Styles & Smiles: Friendly Fashion on J Street

Somehow, it happened: J Street is the unofficial ground-zero for Sacramento's indie fashion.  Teeming with small locally owned shops, J Street is an avenue of sartorial self-expression with a milieu of clothing choices for Sac-town stylistas.  Three shops in particular represent this rainbow of fashion flavor. You won’t find big-time labels or big-town prices or big bad attitudes inside these store’s doors.  Step into warm and friendly spaces with charming and uber-chic salesgirls who seem genuinely happy to see you.  Style meet smile.  Happy shopping, Sacramento!

Marilyn, Thunderhorse Vintage

Thunderhorse Vintage rode into the Sacramento fashion scene and into a wink of a storefront on J street over a year and a half ago..  Created by the colorful wunder-twins, Jen & Marilyn Ayers, this store is packed with funky goodness. The décor definitely smiles on the 1980’s but the vintage sold within runs the gamut of choice vintage pieces from the turn of the last century to the almost very nearly present. The funky decor is reminiscent of the Bay Area, but the style at Thunderhorse Vintage is pure Sacramento. Eclectic, colorful and personal, the inventory is hand-picked from the Ayers sister’s decade long collection, showcasing unique and quirky style. “We don’t do trends here,” says Marilyn, “we focus on classic personal expression.” Says the coolest kid on the block with shock-pink hair. The sales kids, like the owners, are no strangers to friendly, showering shoppers with warm and friendly chit-chat. At Thunderhorse Vintage, cool is in, but the cold shoulder is definitely out.

Thunderhorse Vintage

2522 J Street

(916) 444-7723

credit photo: shopcuffs.com

Across the street from Thunderhorse Vintage, you’ll step inside a whole different world of hip, Cuffs Urban Apparel. Cuffs is a young fashionista’s delight. This cozy 3 year-old boutique packs a punch with carefully selected new and vintage clothing that reflects the cool, chic style of the proprietress, the urgently lovely Lacadia Olsen.  Blonde, lithe & willowy, this California beauty radiates warmth & sincerity, and her style is at once cutting edge & classic. There seems to be a deliberate focus on offering affordable season essentials. What’s in for fall? Keywords here are lace, transparency, maxi dresses with boots, and socks with everything. 

Cuffs Urban Apparel 

2523 J Street 

(916)443-2881

photo credit: Sugar Shack Boutique

Presiding over the scene is the grand dame of Sacramento indie fashion: Mary Kawanao, aka Krazy Mary. One of the first to cultivate and support local designers in her shops, Mary has reigned as THEE Sacramento style maven for over a decade. She had, up until recently, not one, but two boutiques located on J Street. Sugar Shack, the little-sis to the more upscale Krazy Mary’s, still resides here, and for the past 7 years has been filling the large store windows with spirited fashions. Sugar Shack's style is constantly evolving. And what's developed this Fall?  Mary flutters her eyelashes, leans forward, and in with a low, smoky voice, whispers   “Ruffles & romance.” The clothing at the Sugar Shack is a lot like Mary: fun, flirty and very (pocket) friendly. 

Sugar Shack Boutique

2425 J Street

(916) 447-4435