The Lazy Eye Shop in Old Town Goleta offers a unique shopping experience with a curated selection of vintage apparel and a commitment to community and sustainability.
In the heart of Old Town Goleta, a distinctive shopping experience awaits those in search of vintage treasures at The Lazy Eye Shop. Located at 5879 Hollister Avenue, this boutique has captured the essence of what makes independent shopping appealing, combining a well-curated selection of apparel with a sense of community and personal connection.
Owner Andy, who grew up in the area and previously managed a thrift store in San Luis Obispo, opened The Lazy Eye with the vision of filling a local gap in the retail landscape. “You can be lazy, and we can be your eye,” she stated, speaking to Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine about her approach to curating the shop’s selection. The store is an invitation to explore, with colorful clothing arranged tastefully among vintage furniture and lively green plants, all bathed in warm sunlight that enhances the intimate atmosphere.
Visitors to The Lazy Eye can find a range of vintage clothing from the ’90s, unique accessories, and even upcycled pieces that showcase modernized cuts. The inventory features a collaborative effort from six other vintage sellers, resulting in a diverse array of styles, from Western cowboy boots and vintage jeans to romantic blouses. Notably, Andy emphasizes wearability in her selections while maintaining a vibrant aesthetic, as seen in her fondness for bright colors and florals.
A unique aspect of The Lazy Eye is its commitment to sustainability. Customers are encouraged to trade in their old clothes for store credit, thus keeping inventory fresh and promoting eco-friendly practices in fashion shopping. The store’s merchandise rotates every two weeks, ensuring that repeat visitors will always discover something new.
Andy’s personal journey toward opening a shop reflects a blend of her interests and heritage. She has drawn inspiration from her grandmother’s timeless glamour and her father’s Western style, both of which have found their way into the shop’s identity. Its establishment wasn’t without hesitations, given the rise of e-commerce, yet taking “baby steps” allowed Andy to gain confidence and affirm that shoppers still appreciated a hands-on retail environment.
The Lazy Eye’s success can also be attributed to Andy’s passion for fostering a community around her shop. She delights in connecting with her customers and other local retailers, creating a friendly atmosphere where clients can freely engage with the merchandise and each other. The shop not only sells fashion but hosts a connection between people, demonstrating the value of a tangible shopping experience in an age increasingly dominated by online retail.
In short, The Lazy Eye Shop in Old Town Goleta stands as a testament to thoughtful entrepreneurship in the realm of vintage fashion. With its dedication to customer experience, sustainability, and community, it has become a beloved destination for those wishing to discover unique pieces while supporting local artistry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
