Rare Bird Vintage — Local services in Bozeman

I was aimlessly wandering around Bozeman trying to find some good shopping, as I needed something to remember my trip by. I stopped in about 8 different stores, but nothing was really speaking to my soul. It felt more like shopping in LA than what I thought Montana would be like. “Boz Angeles,” as one of my uber drivers called it.

I was dejected from not finding anything, and set off to meet the rest of the bachelor party at a steakhouse. It was then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw 2 rustic yellow chairs with a sign that read “Rare Bird Vintage.”

I entered into the small, highly curated space that is an ideal vintage shop. A healthy mix of clothing, old trinkets, bags, books, postcards, shoes, etc. The tags on everything have handwritten prices and notes on each individual item of when it’s made. This attention to detail can only come from passion.

I immediately pulled off a denim jacket off the rack and tried it on. The owner, Olivia, ran over and said “That looks so good on you, but I have another deadstock denim jacket from the early 90s that I think would look AMAZING on you.”

I tried it on and loved it, but it was slightly oversized. I’m really shy and insecure so I asked Olivia’s opinion. “It honestly fits you perfect. It reminds me of something that I would see in Shibuya, this is a classic Japanese look.” 90% of my personality is my trip to Japan and how much I love Japanese culture, so I had no choice.

She and her mom, who also owns the shop, gave me a full rundown on how to wash this deadstock denim and why it is such a unique piece. You could just feel the passion oozing out of them.

While checking out for both denim jackets, I found a sweatshirt for my girlfriend, a vintage coffee table book about Florence, and a cool Hokkaido pin. I just shook my head and said “I gotta get out of here…”

I was BUZZIN in here. It’s electric. Thank you Rare Bird, I will pass these jackets to my kids once the curtain closes on me.

IG @jnov_ Tiktok...

The owner (frizzy gray-haired woman) seemed upset that she failed to properly price a pair of shoes I wanted to buy. There was a price written in marker at the bottom ($5.99) which I thought was what she had marked them at. When I brought them to the counter she seemed pissed she couldn't think of an obscene upcharge on the spot, asking me "Welllll do you want these?" When I politely explained that I thought they were $5.99 she said "definitely not" quite rudely. She then asked again if I wanted them; well why would I want to buy something I don't know the price of? Her attitude was so off putting I simply left without buying anything. I can see why I was the only customer in the store. At least she did greet me upon me entering the store I guess, 2 stars for that. Nice stuff even if upcharged heavily, terrible...

Where do I start. I got no greeting from either of the two employees behind the counter ( they weren't busy). The youngest employee was complaining about her boyfriend the entire time I was there ( probably less than 5 minutes due to listening to her ramble). After hearing her use an explicit to describe the boyfriend ( yes, there were other customers in the store) I was done. The other employee ( middle aged woman) did nothing to make the atmosphere more pleasant. On my way out I didn't even get a goodbye, thank you are even a " was there something special you were looking for?" Sad thing is I spend a lot of money on vintage clothing for theatrical purposes so I'll just spend it elsewhere. We get better treatment at Goodwill, Bozeman Vintage and...