An untraditional blend of individual style, State Street’s True Grit is one of Santa Barbara’s best stores. A meld of high fashion, local designers and eclectic styles, True Grit is truly one of Santa Barbara’s hidden treasures. For the past three years, True Grit has been at its current location 625 State St., stocking everything from vintage jeans and Italian couture to Gwen Stefani’s new line, L.A.M.B. for LeSportsac.
True Grit opened to the public 13 years ago, selling only vintage American jeans. Over time, owners Wallace Piatt and Jill Johnson expanded the store into the arena of high fashion. Local labels make True Grit a distinct shopping experience. Even co-owner Piatt sells his ink-pressed designer T-shirt line, called Particle. Other Santa Barbara creators include True Grit’s store manager Brandon Gadow’s line, Scumbag, along with local suppliers, like Purses by Emily, and a line of tops, called Elizabeth. Bringing a local taste to the store’s “modern inventory” are Medium shoes; created by native Santa Barbara rock climbers who were looking for the perfect shoe that mastered the difficult combination of comfort and style.
True Grit also carries a plethora of name brands like: Gucci, Juicy Couture and Miss Sixty in addition to its wide variety of European clothing. Labels such as Andrea Palomino from Italy and Amsterdam’s G-Star are just a sample of what True Grit has to offer. If you are looking for a one special item or a complete outfit, one of True Grit’s affable employees will gladly lend their fashion advice and expertise.
In the back end of the store you will find not only a worthwhile sale rack, but also a selection of truly amazing and affordable footwear: including heels, sneakers, sandals and flip-flops by top designers like Fornarina. Also, don’t forget to take a peek of the fabulous funky jewelry displayed at the counter.
Combining classic, trendy and high fashion with a fun atmosphere and extremely friendly customer service, True Grit is the pinnacle of any State Street shopping excursion.
