Stitch & Sparrow is a new and thoughtfully curated women’s fashion boutique that recently opened its doors in Berkeley. After three successful years of owning and running Bird & Bean children’s shop next door, Janel Andersen decided to expand into the women’s apparel market by opening Stitch & Sparrow in August 2019.
“I never thought that I would open a second location, but the space next to us became available unexpectedly,” said Janel, a children’s fashion industry veteran. “I grabbed it up (after some panic and sleepless nights overthinking it). It was another moment of the stars aligning and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”
With a diverse clientele ranging from millennials to grandmothers, Stitch & Sparrow carries a mix of styles ranging from Bohemian to casual chic. Popular brands they carry include Neve and Hawk, Emerson Fry, Tysa, and Elk. Retail price points span from $40 to $375.
“I am a 42-year-old very busy mom of two and I really like cute clothes,” said Janel, a longtime Bay Area resident. “I rarely found myself and my style represented in other boutiques, so I am catering to that demographic too. But, we truly have something for everyone and a very wide range of price points. I want the shop to feel accessible to a lot of people.”
In addition to clothing and accessories, Stitch & Sparrow houses a small, clean ingredient-focused apothecary section featuring jade rollers, Native Nectars, and Often Wander candles. For the holidays, Stitch & Sparrow offers free gift wrapping and gift certificates that may be used at either shop. Cashmere sweaters, genuine leather handbags, home goods, and luxe jewelry are perfect for gift-giving, and fresh new international labels will be coming soon.
Much like Bird & Bean next door, Stitch & Sparrow is community-focused and aims to serve local residents and visitors to the Rockridge and Elmwood shopping districts. The shop’s name derives from the first stitch Janel made over 15 years ago at her kitchen table in Oakland that ultimately led to her children’s clothing brand combined with sparrow, a fastidious bird known to symbolize joy, community, and loyalty to family.
Stitch & Sparrow is open seven days a week and is located at 3210 College Avenue in Berkeley, CA. To learn more, please visit www.stitchandsparrow.com.