Vintage Clothes, Futuristic Wheels

New Shopportunities in Alameda

Juniper Tree Vintage

Vintage Clothes and Accessories

A former Oakland-based fashion retailer has recently planted its roots on Park Street. Juniper Tree Vintage, a store specializing in vintage clothing and accessories for women and men, sells items mostly from the 1940s to the 1970s. Housedresses, skirts, blouses and coats, ranging in price from $20 to $175, are clearly labeled with the decade they came from. An impressive selection of new and vintage costume jewelry made of glass and thermoset, a popular plastic material used in jewelry design from the ’30s until the ’60s dot the store.  Formerly based on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, the store has gone through a series of transformations over the last several years. Owner Susan Lemmon originally started her shop with home accents and bath and body items, and five years ago the store began to carry clothing. After coming across some fantastic vintage finds at estate sales and online and developing a deeper appreciation for quality materials and exciting prints, the shop began to stock vintage wear. Most recently, a store employee who lives in Alameda suggested the Island as the store’s new location because of the bustling main street and the local clientele’s love of everything vintage. Other interesting offerings include vintage postcards, lingerie, sunglasses, hats, belts, men’s ties and wallets.
1320 Park St., (510) 865-1577, 11–7 Mon.—Sat., 11–6 Sun. www.junipertreevintage.tumblr.com

Spyder Rentals

Can Am Spyder Roadster Rentals

Expect to turn heads on the road and answer some questions by curious motorists at traffic lights when you climb onto a Can Am Spyder Roadster. Resembling a futuristic hybrid motorcycle, the Spyder, with three substantial wheels and streamlined styling, was featured in movies such as Transformers 2 and G.I. Joe. Capturing a little of your own futuristic adventure is easier than you think. Since the vehicles aren’t classified as a motorcycle, thrill seekers need only a driver’s license to rent it. Plus, the Can Am Spyder features a clutchless semi-automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes and computerized stability control system for added safety. Owner David Chu was captivated by the Can Am Spyder when he first spotted them at the International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo four years ago. After being laid off from a large technology company, Chu combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his interest in riding Spyders. Spyder Rentals is one of a limited number of rentals in the country, so in addition to Bay Area adventure seekers, international customers from places like Brazil and France eagerly come to Alameda to experience their piece of adrenaline rush. Prices start at $185 for eight hours, which includes an hour of instruction, and allows renters to drive within 200 miles.
1825 Park St., (877) 518-1444, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tue.—Sun., www.spyder-rentals.com

This article appears in the September-October 2012 issue of Alameda Magazine
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