Style report: What people are wearing at Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Some notable outfits at one of downtown's beloved coffee spots
Just like the Santa Barbara farmers’ market on Saturdays, Handlebar on Canon Perdido is an excellent place in town to observe local style.
There is a fresh, creative bent to the looks (and people) I witness there. Students, working professionals, families, and retirees all convene in this town square of coffee every day to sip and eat, meet and greet, work and think, and see and be seen.
It’s certainly a vibe that inspires dressing with intention.
It’s been a bit of a rainy week, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival just kicked off on Tuesday, so I wasn’t sure what (or who) I’d find. I was pleased to see a mix of everything from bold opticals to vintage reworked pieces, and yes — even a classic pair of rain boots.
Kenan
Refined, layered, and slightly monochromatic, Kenan’s look screams Santa Barbara winter. He said his wife is a wardrobe stylist who has helped him find his way through fashion over the years. I particularly love his striped sweater — by Wunderkind — and opticals from Occhiali in Montecito. His hat is one of many in his collection — which he once displayed across an entire wall of his home (he showed me the photo!).
Nico
If you couldn’t tell by his outfit, Nico just got back from a writer’s retreat in Hawaii. The bright, 70s-vibe of his sleeves caught my eye from across the room. The hoodie is a reworked vintage piece by Vulture Reclaimed (the styles are fresh and funky!), the Bronco hat was a yard sale find, the white pants are Dickies, and the shoes are Hokas — a Santa Barbara staple.
Tu
Tu looked straight-up chic — and it was only 8am! Along with her cream-colored bubble sleeve knit and camel pleather pants, she was wearing pieces she got in London (where she had been living up until 6 months ago), including the boldest, baddest rain boots I ever did see (didn’t catch the brand) and an amazing coat by Barbour.
Joanna
It’s always a sweet joy to run into Joanna of Bea Furnishings! As a skilled upholsterer and furniture designer, Bea truly puts the work in workwear. Here, she’s wearing a Carhartt vest over a vintage Silvana, California shirt she copped on eBay. The pants are also Carhartt and the shoes are a lovely brown pair of P.F. Flyers.
Mike
Remember Mike from his style philosophy feature in Picnic last August? He’s always around town lookin' sharp. Here he’s sporting a vintage letterman jacket and plain white tee over some Japanese denim. His shoes are the Sato Oxfords from SeaVees. My fave bit? His silver chain with pendants of la Virgin de Guadalupe and a horseshoe — all from Mexico.
Bob and Doris (and Cookie 🐶)
Where function and fashion collide! Both former farmers, Bob and Doris showed up in what they called their “ranch uniform.” I loved Doris’ amazing dark green fleece jacket with colorful threading, accessorized with a knit scarf and Summer Solstice cap. Bob’s layering was also something to appreciate: a red button-down, under a brown, thin-down jacket, topped by a tobacco-colored barn jacket. But it was the wellies (and maybe also Cookie on Doris’ lap) that stole the show!
Cami (it’s a-me!)
No lie: I’ve been living in this exact outfit (or a slightly different version of it) for a few weeks. It’s slightly sporty, the colors are bold, and the overall feel is cozy — just how I like it. I snagged the striped long sleeve from Favorites (the name rings true — this is one of my favorite pieces right now), the pants are (randomly?) Free People, and the clogs are Dansko.
The rain and slightly chillier weather provided the perfect moment to wear this brown Amomento coat, which I got for a steal at last year’s Jake and Jones Warehouse sale. And I’ve been loving my Amiacalva crossbody bag, which holds my laptop and other bits and bobs comfortably — and with style!
I loved this roundup - Handlebar is the BEST for people-watching, and I feel my most writerly when I'm there. :)