It takes a village
Mix of old and new boutiques transforms Town & Country into a tony retail destination
A dozen or so years ago, unless you lived near Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village, chances are you didn’t venture to the strip mall. Built in the 1950s, it was feeling a bit outdated and was in need of a refresh.
And that’s exactly what it got. Today, the plaza is so busy, complimentary valet parking is available at lunchtime Tuesday through Saturday. The transformation has been remarkable.
In 2004, Ellis Partners purchased Town & Country and initiated a $20 million renovation that included structural upgrades as well as an influx of new retailers and restaurants. These businesses have certainly helped revitalize the mall. While some longtime tenants are gone (Hobee’s blueberry coffeecake is still missed by many), others have survived (like Village Cheese Shop).
The following boutiques — a mix of the old and new — are just some of the reasons folks are flocking to T&C and making it a destination.
Hudson Grace: The latest outpost of Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton’s housewares shop opened in March. The store stocks its in-house collection of tableware and candles, along with vintage finds and other entertaining necessities, such as the linen napkins that come in a rainbow of colors. No. 135. (650) 328-7400. www.hudsongracesf.com.
Ruti: In addition to her own line, owner Ruti Zisser’s 5-yearold shop carries designers and brands from her native Israel. For instance, there are handbags by Daniella Lehavi and shoes by United Nude. The jewelry selection includes some unexpected uses of materials — like a soft, thick rubber collar accented with copper rings. No. 64. (650) 391-9719. www.ruti.com.
In Her Shoes: This is a win-win — shop for shoes, and for a good cause. Pamela Rosekranz opened In Her Shoes in 2006, with 100 percent of the profits going to the Global Fund for Women. But there’s more than just footwear here; the store also purveys apparel, handbags, belts and jewelry. There’s a case of Toms sunglasses, too. No. 45. (650) 326-9644. www.inhershoespa.com.
Margaret O’Leary: Specializing in knitwear, longtime Bay Area favorite Margaret O’Leary opened up shop in T&C last month, completely making over a space that previously housed a cobbler. The long, narrow boutique is filled with sweaters of her own design — mostly cotton and cashmere right now — plus jewelry, denim and footwear brands that comple-
ment her aesthetic. No. 43. (650) 681-8000. www.margaretoleary.com.
Intermix: For about a year now, New York’s Intermix has been outfitting local fashionistas in the latest trends from top labels. No. 36. (650) 462-1275. www.intermixonline.com.
Cisco Home: Cisco has occupied a large corner spot at T&C since early 2014. The inventory ranges from accessories like pillows and lighting to furniture for every room. Each piece is fabricated in the company’s Los Angeles headquarters. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced choices abound. No. 127. (650) 324-7922. www.ciscohome.net.
Malia Mills: Summer is just around the corner, which means: swimsuit season. Malia Mills is a one-stop shop for
stylish swimwear, cover-ups, totes, hats and other resort essentials. No. 10B. (650) 5591922. www.maliamills.com.
Honeys & Heroes: Since 2007, Honeys & Heroes has been a Palo Alto go-to for clothing and shoes, for newborns through preteens. Although the size of the store was reduced a few years back, it continues to provide friendly service and a good assortment of brands, including Quiksilver, Ella Moss and Vans. No. 120. ( 650) 326-1899. www.honeysandheroes.com. Fuel up: For a cool treat, pop in to Tin Pot Cream
ery, a small-batch ice-cream shop with both familiar (vanilla bean, strawberry, mint chip) and more unusual flavors (guava key lime, Earl Grey tea, cinnamon snickerdoodle). A short walk away is newcomer
Tout Sweet, offering macarons and other confections, and Douce France, which was started by a couple of French pals in 1981 and serves pastries and light fare.