Stores We Love: Branch Birdie
Settled nicely for the past four years in the Montavilla neighborhood, Branch Birdie houses a variety of items outside of just women's fashion and accessories. Some have compared the roomy and open space to Anthropologie, but it's less chaotic than that; there are many things to look at, but not too many to distract. The immediate calmn that ensues upon entering the boutique begins with Voluspa scent radiating from the candles being burned (one of which I immediately set aside for myself).
There's an area of the shop devoted to clothing, where pieces from Samantha Pleet, Maison Scotch, Tambourine Studio, and shop favorite Ace and Jig hang from rope-hung racks. The kids' section represents with miniature versions. Speaking of, have you ever been in a store that has a playroom besides Fred Meyer? One of Branch Birdie's wondrous features is this little room where a table sits with some toys, a play kitchen, an entire chalkboard wall, and a slide. If you're a parent and find it hard to boutique shop with the kids, this you'll appreciate!
You'll also find a small rack dedicated to vintage wears, a shelf filled with beautifully handmade Kantha quilts from rural India, and a few items representing the mid-century modern inspired design aesthetic, Fishes Eddy/Todd Oldham-collab drinking glasses donning Charlie Harper art, and original paintings by local art legend, George Perrou. Owner and proprietress Anna Fickle is passionate about curating her space with special items and careful attention to clutter; or rather, the lack thereof. She personally owns most of the things she's selling, and when asked about them is delighted to explain the story and their importance.
Mercury: How did your inspiration arise for Branch Birdie, and how would you say your boutique is unique from others in Portland?
Anna: I love to shop and I love to decorate and create! Owning a shop always seemed like a distant dream—I opened an Etsy shop in 2008, where I started selling my handmade jewelry and home decor. It went surprisingly well, which gave me both the encouragement and funds to get Branch Birdie, the brick and mortar edition, off the ground in 2010. I've always had big love and been inspired by nature, indigenous textiles, and vintage furniture—these ingredients fill Branch Birdie and offer me happiness each day I spend working at the shop. Branch Birdie is unique in the way that it covers a wide variety of needs and lifestyles. For mamas there is a sizable playroom and comfy yet modern clothing, for grandma there are plenty of special baby gifts and home decor, we also have fashions and accessories that the 20-year-old college student can covet.
Are you consistently seeking new products and brands, or do you have a pretty solid set up?
I am always on the hunt for a new line to brighten things up. I scour Etsy, showrooms in New York and Los Angeles, and estate sales on the weekends! The buying is one of my favorite parts—I generally gravitate towards pieces that speak to me personally. I've taken on the motto "If you love it, someone else absolutely will love it too." A few of my favorite lines coming this fall are Peacock Perfume, Ace & Jig (I wear their textiles almost every day!), and Fishes Eddy glassware.
Which local brands do you carry?
We recently started carrying Jacobsen's Salt Company, I can't get enough of their new Salty Caramels! We carry local textile designer, Anna Joyce's modern and lovely handmade clutches and bags,Taeko knitwear by Corie Angel, art by Anne Rogers and George Perrou, and leather goods by JT Leather Craft, just to name a few...
Do you have any events coming up we should know about?
We participate in Montavilla's First Friday each month—generally we offer sales throughout the store and are open late. On November 7 we will be celebrating Branch Birdie's fourth birthday with cupcakes, champagne, and of course a SALE! For more info you can follow us on facebook and Instagram @branchbirdie or sign up for our newsletter on our website branchbirdie.com
With Branch Birdie's anniversary party coming up, and dare I say it?...The holiday shopping season, this boutique has so many wonderful gifts to give. Don't most people start collecting right after Halloween? Either way, this is a great place to start.
Branch Birdie: 8021 SE Stark
