An airy and spare but welcoming shop, Bluebird has become a shopping mecca for Twin Cities trendsetters. Low-hung racks line the walls, populated by gauzy knits, long-length tanks and tees, smart cotton jackets, and loads of desirable denim. The shop’s co-owners are vivacious and helpful, but also make their store friendly to the shy shopper: plastic sleeves holding pages from recent fashion magazines hang among the clothes, showing patrons how to pair and wear what’s on the racks. You’ll also stumble upon assembled outfits hung among the separates – perfect pairings of belts and tunics, unexpected layerings, and other subtly helpful suggestions. The buyers appear partial to solids and muted tones, so a few bright fuchsias and teals stand out among the quietly elegant blacks, olives, golds, and grays.

This boutique focuses on separates: tees and tunics, sweaters, slacks, jeans, and the occasional skirt. Dresses aren’t a staple, although a few peek out from the racks. A small side table offers beloved and renowned Hanky Panky lingerie while the check-out counter showcases a carefully selected assortment of vintage jewelry, all reasonably priced and fabulously funky.

Generally speaking, Bluebird’s wares are meant for the slender girl. Most styles are snug, or meant to be worn in a contour-conscious manner. Some of us curvy types might feel a bit too shy, but if you’re slim or happily uninhibited, you’ll be blissed out at Bluebird.