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Tail of the Yak

This is my favorite store ever. Its located in Berkeley, California right across the bay from San Francisco. I hesitate to put up photos a little bit only because its this special place that (usually) doesn’t allow photos so I feel like I’m putting up a spoiler because  you ever get the chance to go there it is like another world. I take people here when they come from out of town, and they always ask what kind of store it is and I’ve stopped trying to explain it because its unlike any other place I’ve ever been to. The owner and most of the people that work there are paper artists so the displays are incredible and always changing. It really is the most incredible and inspiring place I’ve ever been to.

All photos by La Dolfina

  1. Jennifer Michie

    July 20, 2011

    What a beautiful store! They are magical, these hidden treasures, you are kind to share, I have a few of my own and as selfish as it sounds, you just want to keep them hidden away just for you! The flower girl is amazing, what unbelievable displays! What a gem!

  2. Ashley

    July 20, 2011

    Oh my gosh, these photos are spectacular! If only I wasn’t a whole coast away, I’d be sure to check it out.

  3. Rebecca

    July 20, 2011

    I’d love to spend a few hours in this shop! What sweet party hats!

  4. Samin

    July 20, 2011

    Oh Jordan, Tail of the Yak is my absolute favorite! Bell’Occhio in SF and John Derian in NYC are close seconds! I always get the decorations for my birthday party from them, and next month they are doing a ton of the decorations and hosting one of the special celebrations for the 40th birthday of Chez Panisse. I wish you could be here to see it all–you’d die at the absolute gorgeousness of it.

  5. Shasta

    July 20, 2011

    If only I lived in CA! What fun! Thank you for sharing this!

  6. Brandi

    July 20, 2011

    It is settled hopping on BART as soon as possible and heading over to the East Bay to check this out! Thanks for the intro 🙂

  7. meghan

    July 20, 2011

    this store really does look amazing. i will definitely be going next time I’m in San Fran! Don’t know when it will be, but I added it to my bookmarks in must see and travel. And, I’m obsessed with paper products and paper goods, so I just know it’s a must!

  8. Ransacked Goods

    July 20, 2011

    I can’t believe I’ve lived in Berkeley for 6 years and have never been there. Just shows you how many treasure are tucked away in this wonderful city. I’ll take my daughter there this week and I’m sure we’ll both be delighted. Thx for the tip!

  9. Sarah York

    July 20, 2011

    I absolutely adore this store. I think I spent an hour in here, and it’s tiny! Everything in the store is so pretty, and I can’t leave without buying at least a little something.

  10. Laura Isabel

    July 20, 2011

    I love this store too. It’s so fun to just go in and browse. You’re not actually spoiling with photos because they are always changing their displays. Yeah for Tail of the Yak and fun French party goods, glassware, jewelry, adorable unclassifiable things, etc.

  11. laurie magpie ethel

    July 20, 2011

    I have had the pleasure of hitting this shop TWICE when visiting the San Fran area…both times it was one of the highlights of my trip. It really is a magical spot and I always find some special treasure there. (I also love to hit Castle in the Air, another favorite while in the area).

  12. Andrea

    July 20, 2011

    I love all the colors and the flowers the most!

    http://quiescentshimmers.com

  13. Jen

    July 20, 2011

    Thanks for posting this. We just visited SFO and I am bummed I didn’t know about it before. Tell the shop thanks for letting you post some pics!

    JBird

  14. Andrea@FancyThat!

    July 20, 2011

    That paper flower bouquet is magnificent. I want one!

  15. Leslie

    July 20, 2011

    I actually live in Berkeley and the minute I saw your pictures, I knew exactly what store you were talking about! It’s soooo much fun. I love walking through that store, though I avoid it now since I have built up quite a large collection of things from this store, a collection I can no longer afford.

    L
    advneturesofoldandnew.blogspot.com

  16. Shelby

    July 20, 2011

    This looks so fun. I’m sure there is always something new and exciting to look at there. They need to bring one over to Atlanta, GA. I’m sure it would do such a great job!

  17. clarity

    July 20, 2011

    There used to be a very similar store in SF just up the hill from Washington Square park that a lot like the photos of this shop- old religious figures, medical charts, taxidermy stuff. Do you know the one I mean?

  18. Misha

    July 20, 2011

    I can’t wait to move back to Cali, seriously. endless supply of fun stUFF….just stuff.

  19. Penelope

    July 20, 2011

    I live in Berkeley and this is really tempting me, but I did a quick search on Yelp and, being a college student, I won’t be able to afford to splurge much. I see some reviews complaining about the store owners’ attitudes and I’m really tentative about going; should I be too worried about that – Since I won’t be purchasing much (it seems like a great place for window-shopping and inspiration though).

  20. Meggie

    July 20, 2011

    I am in love with this store- it’s like Anthropologie on steroids! 😉 Next time I find myself on the west coast I am making a trip there! Thanks for the enticing photos!

  21. jaclyn @ thelateafternoon

    July 20, 2011

    next time i’m in berkeley i’m definitely going to check out this store — it looks super inspiring and filled with creativity!

  22. rebekkah

    July 20, 2011

    that place look very magical indeed!

    http://lifeishappymostofthetime.blogspot.com/

    xx

  23. Bijuterii din Argint

    July 21, 2011

    Seems amazing , full of life and color. I will visit it with the first occasion.

  24. Marlena

    July 21, 2011

    This is my dream style. There’s a great store in Portland, OR, similar to this, called Cargo. It’s in the Pearl District and it’s a MUST see!

  25. alex t

    July 21, 2011

    Have to agree – it is my favorite store in the Bay Area. With a stop to Jeremy’s afterwards, I couldn’t imagine a better afternoon activity!

  26. Nikki

    July 22, 2011

    What an adorable store!! I could find tons of motivation for my parties here. Maybe a trip to Berkeley is in store.

  27. Stace

    July 22, 2011

    What an adorable place! Do you know where to find the vintage clam poster in the background of photo No. 5?

  28. Jessica

    July 25, 2011

    I had forgotten about this amazing place! I went to school at Stanford 10+ years ago and used to drive up to Berkeley just to get ribbon and cards at this most amazing store. Fun memories!

  29. susannah

    July 25, 2011

    just got to stop in here today! (plus jeremy’s & espresso roma for a latte- a perfect combo) it is always amazing to me how tiny this store is, and how packed it is with amazingness. i love love love all of the little details in this shop, and even though it is pricey i can always find a little something in my price range.

  30. Shelby

    July 26, 2011

    I’m adding this to my must visit list. I lived in Bangkok for several years and the skirt on the mannequin is one that was sold/worn everywhere in the northern provinces of Thailand. Fun to see it in the States displayed in an artistic way. I love that when an artistic moment from one end of the globe collides with another. 🙂 Thanks for the store recommendation. I look forward to going when I am next in the Bay Area.

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    July 26, 2011

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