Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Jun 3, 2011

A Day at the Nest: Visiting Birdie

The brilliance and beauty behind Birdie is Katie Huskerson. Birdie and Katie are almost one in the same. When you walk into Birdie it is light and lovely, just like Katie. Katie’s kindness and creativity is in every part of her store. Pieces from flea markets that I would call garbage have been given a second life, restored and placed with care to showcase her beautiful bouquets of flowers and thoughtfully selected house wares. Katie is a florist and her approach is elegant yet fresh. Her commitment to sustainably grown and locally grown flowers means her arrangements feature wildflowers, Oklahoma flowers and color schemes that go beyond traditional arrangements.

Katie’s creativity as a florist spills over to Fin and Feather the clothing side of the store where she carries items for men and women. All items have been chosen with the same care she shows with the floral side of Birdie. The clothing items are either organic, hand-made, fair trade, recycled, natural or some combination of those five. For me, the phrase “green clothes” conjures up images of faux hippies at Bonnaroo or the Jesus rope sandals I had my freshman year of college. Really earthy, not necessarily really fashionable. But the jewelry, clothes and handbags Katie picks are modern and practical yet unique and stylish. She knows the stories behind the brands and has picked them with intention.

The word “boutique” gets thrown around about as much as the word “green” so to call Birdie a green boutique would be easy but somewhat of a disservice. Rather Birdie is a true local store meaning they know their suppliers, pick their products with care and build relationships with their consumers and their community. Stopping by Campus Corner in Norman and meeting Katie yourself is a must and I guarantee you will find something truly green and special.

You will also want to mark your calendar for August 27th for the Dustbowl Arts Market. Katie is one of the co-founders of this biannual event that sells art and handmade wares that will debunk your traditional notion of “craft show.” It is easy to buy local when the selection is this good.

Jan 31, 2011

Guestroom Records

The city of Norman is a college town filled to the brim with cool art galleries, bars, great restaurants, music venues, indie shops and a ton of other stuff that any young hip go-getter can stand behind. While there's plenty of material to choose from, I feel the need to highlight a place that's very near and dear to my heart: Guestroom Records.

Guestroom Records is an Oklahoma hipster* institution, serving the general cool faction of the state since it first opened back in 2003. It's hard to go anywhere in the OKC metro area without seeing one of their stickers on the back of a car or a Guestroom t-shirt being worn by an impossibly beautiful girl with glasses and cute bangs. Hell, I even have a friend who's lawnmower has a few Guestroom stickers on it.

The permeation of Guestroom's image is certainly no accident. Owners Travis Searle and Justin Sowers started Guestroom in college as a humble record distribution enterprise. In less than a decade they've managed to open two stores (the other being in Oklahoma City) and are seeing their sales rise in a time where most other record stores are barely getting by. The guys have cultivated an incredibly loyal clientele of music lovers through love of the game, and good ol' fashioned business sense.

If Size Records is the diggers paradise, then Guestroom is for those with a well planned record shopping agenda. Their catalog is impeccably organized, digitally inventoried, and voluminous. Guestroom reliably carries new releases, and has an excellent track record for keeping the classics stocked on the shelf at all times.

Guestroom also runs a record label from the store under the same moniker, and has put out some wonderful records from locals like The Starlight Mints, Rainbows Are Free, The Boom Bang, and Shi++y/Awesome.







Ten years ago, I used to take vacations just for the purposes of finding a decent record store. Now when I travel, I don't even bother. Between Size Records, and both Guestroom locations all of my record needs are fulfilled inside and out. Whether searching for obscure collectible rarities, or just making sure I have a run of the mill copy of Meat is Murder I can rest assured that my record consumption is taken care of on a very local level.

What I find more comforting however, is that both shops have a deep involvement in our local music scene. Sure, business is business, and there's money to be made, but I can honestly say that my town's record stores care about, and help foster the local counter culture.

-Austin

* I mean hipster in the non-pejorative sense, as in general bohemian types.

Oct 13, 2010

The Plaza District

OKC's Plaza District
When we set out to create this blog we wanted to introduce you to places we know and love in our local neighborhoods, while also showing you new things we discover in our travels across the state. One place that immediately comes to mind for me when thinking about local personality is the Plaza District.

Located on NW 16th between Classen and Penn Ave. in Oklahoma City, this small commercial district sits right in the middle of a neighborhood brimming with creative energy. From art galleries to restaurants to retail shops featuring wares made by talented Oklahomans, the Plaza District has come a long way from its days of abandoned storefronts.

Last weekend the Plaza District hosted its annual festival and I was reminded once again how much I love this colorful part of OKC. The vibe of this community is evidence of the many artists that are staying in and moving to Oklahoma. Ten years ago this wasn't the case for most creative types, but I'm thrilled that this is changing and continues to evolve into a vibrant and thriving art scene.

I don't just mean galleries and music (although those things are good), but everything from cutting edge hair dressers to tattoo artist to t-shirt designers are contributing to Oklahoma's creative culture. The best part is these shop owners are so friendly and welcoming, it's easy to feel a part of the community.

My husband and I have enjoyed many art galleries and art openings, but it's always more meaningful and memorable when we get to meet the artist in person. This is a common occurrence at the Plaza District which makes me understand and appreciate their work on a deeper level.

I also love to support local designers whenever possible and the retailers along the Plaza District make it easy to find jewelry, apparel, housewares, even baby stuff all made by hand or by local Okies.
The Plaza District is perfect for cruisin'

Here's another great way to cruise this family-friendly strip
A caterer + event planner + photographer = 1708, a creative co-op

Collected Thread is always one of my weak spots, as is DNA Galleries

Check out the live mural painting going on during the festival. Very cool!

Looks like I'm not the only one that's impressed!
Didn't make it to the festival? Don't worry, just mark your calendar for LIVE on the Plaza which happens every second Friday of the month and features live music, film screenings, performing arts and more.
-- Lindsay