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About Leaf & Petal
Leaf & Petal is an independent women's boutique on California Avenue in Palo Alto. It calls itself "The Palo Alto Boutique Store for Women" and describes the business as independent, women-owned and operated. The shop has been "thoughtfully curated since 1979," according to its website. In a few places the site also says it has served the community since 1982. Its About page gives 1979 as the year it opened its doors, so that is the date we use.
In 1996 the owners opened a second shop, Cassis, which the boutique calls its sister store. The two Palo Alto locations share a website and an online shop, though each keeps its own phone line. The boutique says it wants shopping there to feel personal and stylish. Its staff aim to help customers dress for everyday life, travel or a night out.
What the shop carries
The boutique's website groups its stock into clear categories:
- Clothing: dresses, sweaters, tops, jackets and bottoms such as pants, jeans, skirts and shorts.
- Shoes and accessories: belts, scarves, bags, hats, eyewear and socks.
- Jewelry: one of the site's main categories, with labels such as Tai Jewelry.
- Home and gifts: cards and stationery, candles and diffusers, books and kitchenware.
- Bodycare: a small range of body products.
The brand list runs to more than 50 names. Clothing labels include Bella Dahl, Frank & Eileen, Inouitoosh, Margaret O'Leary, Mother, Rails, The Great, Varley, Velvet and Xirena. Not every name is a fashion label. The list also includes a publisher and a toy maker, which supply the gift side of the shop. Stock turns over with the seasons. When we checked in late October 2026 the website was featuring an autumn edit and sweater weather pieces, so expect the floor to look different from visit to visit.
Styling help and appointments
Personal service is a big part of how the shop presents itself. Its customer support page offers help with styling advice, sizing questions and orders, both in the store and online. The boutique has also run a separate booking site for virtual shopping and one-on-one personal appointments. That page still refers to COVID-19 safety measures, so call to confirm the service is still offered before you book.
The online store ships orders. The website also includes a wish list and a newsletter sign-up. If you live nearby, shopping in person is the simplest way to try fits.
To ask whether a piece is in stock, call the shop directly. Leaf & Petal answers at 650-329-8070 and Cassis at 650-327-2997. The website also has a contact form for questions about online orders. If your size is gone, ask whether the sister shop has one.
On California Avenue
Leaf & Petal is part of the California Avenue shopping street, within walking distance of the California Avenue Caltrain station. The street has a mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, which makes it easy to pair a browse here with lunch. Our California Avenue neighborhood guide covers the district in more detail.
On Sunday mornings, the California Avenue farmers market runs year-round on the same street. The shop opens at 11 a.m. on Sundays, so you can walk the market first and then come by. Expect busier streets on market mornings. The train is a good option if you are coming from downtown or from farther up the Peninsula.
Tips for visiting
The posted hours are shorter than at a mall store. Leaf & Petal opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday, so plan a weekday visit for lunch or early afternoon rather than after work. If you are looking for a gift, the cards, candles and small accessories make it a useful stop. Our gifts and souvenirs guide lists other local options.
For a wider look at independent shopping in the city, see our Palo Alto shopping guide. If you are comparing women's boutiques, Town & Country Village on El Camino Real has another cluster of apparel shops.
Location and getting there
Leaf & Petal is at 439 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 6 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday to Saturday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Vin Vino Wine, food shop, under 0.1 mi
- Ramen Kowa, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Mediterranean Wraps, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- Namaste, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Kali Greek Kitchen, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.3 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.3 mi
- Peers Park, 0.4 mi
Other clothing, shoes and accessories nearby: The Cobblery (under 0.1 mi); Pacific Precious Metals (1.0 mi); Everything But Water (1.2 mi); Johnny Was (1.2 mi). Browse the full clothing, shoes and accessories list.
Before you go
- Return and exchange policies vary by store. Keep your receipt and ask about the policy at checkout.
- Alterations are often available for a fee. Ask how long they take before you buy for an event.
- Sales tax in Palo Alto is added at the register, so tagged prices are before tax.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Leaf & Petal website; About Leaf & Petal; Customer support and hours; Brand list; Appointment booking. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Leaf & Petal in Palo Alto?
Leaf & Petal is at 439 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away.
What is the connection between Leaf & Petal and Cassis?
Cassis is Leaf & Petal's sister store. The boutique says it opened Cassis in 1996 and the two Palo Alto shops share one website. Cassis has its own phone line, 650-327-2997.
Can I shop Leaf & Petal online?
Yes. The boutique sells online through lpetal.com. Its customer service team can help with styling questions, sizing and orders. Its booking site has also offered virtual shopping and one-on-one personal appointments.
Does Leaf & Petal sell gifts as well as clothing?
Yes. Alongside women's clothing, shoes and jewelry, the shop lists home and gift categories such as cards and stationery, candles and diffusers, books, kitchenware and bodycare.
What are Leaf & Petal's hours?
Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..