The Happy Cabin

Totally rad little shop with cool clothes for both guys and gals — I actually have a guys shirt from here that I fell in love with so a friend got it for me :)
They have Herschel backpacks which are always rad and some cool little knickknacks too. Definitely worth popping in to have a look!

It’s a small store but it packs a punch. What an adorable, special little place. It’s thoughtfully set out with the woman’s section towards the front, men in the back. The store smells bloody amazing which I know may seem like a strange thing to include in a review but when you walk in to a place that is pleasantly scented you just feel okay about being in there.
The owner is an absolute dream. Very helpful when you want to browse which actually really speaks to how well she knows her customers and her shop. To be able to allow your customer to browse while still being present, helpful and chatty without being pushy is really a talent. She seriously knows her stock too. Every single thing I picked up she had a helpful hint or quirky tidbit about. That’s my kind of shopping experience.
Naturally I burnt some cash in there but I challenge you not to. It’s a great place to grab gifts. That’s actually the majority of what I grabbed. And the store supports homegrown talent. Handmade cards made right there in west end? Check! Lush candles handmade in rural NSW? You bet! Local designers? Check it off! I will definitely be checking this place out regularly now.

I had the pleasure of going to a Unilocal Elite event here, but one visit was not enough. Neither were two. Or, like seven. Happy Cabin’s happy little owner is just so sweet that you will keep coming back, even if it’s just to enjoy her handmade bunting hanging out the front.
I always fall in love with all the women’s wear on offer (and some of the men’s wear. Those animal pocket shirts are adorable). But some of my favourite items have to be the shop label’s sandals. They may never come in my size (giant feet) but they are just lovely.
Plus, the shop’s blog is pretty delightful too. This place is well worth a trip to West End for and you’re sure to come away with something cute and a little bit different from the usual crowd. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.

The Happy Cabin have been picky and choosy with their stock, not having a ridiculously large range but being 100% behind every item they’ve decided to sell.
I was pleased to correctly identify the shoes and bags as coming from ex-​Etsy store Golden Ponies, where everything is beautifully handmade in Mexico. The gent behind the counter informed me that almost everything in the Happy Cabin comes from Etsy sellers, so that’s pretty great. Having such a small and hand-​picked collection of wares, I’d love to see a couple of plus-​size items on the racks too. There are only so many bags, shoes and notebooks I can pick up while glancing at the stacks of clothes racks I can’t buy from. Speaking of notebooks, though… I’m a stationery addict, and I couldn’t leave without letting myself buy the limited edition National Crop Edition of Field Notes memo books.
It was nice to observe that there isn’t a ridiculous retail markup on any of the items in store, either — stay off etsy and just visit the Happy Cabin, Brisbane.

On Vulture Street just up from The Cupcake Parlour and before the strangely out of place Asian grocer sits ‘The Happy Cabin’. Walking through the doors you’re greeted by a carefully collected emporium of unique, kitsch and Etsy-​esque wares. The stores motto says: «A haven for sexy lumberjacks, dorky girls and lovers of worldly design and trinketry.» Couldn’t have said it better myself.
There’s the mint green brogues, the gold boots, Field Notes pencils and notebooks and a geometric print onesie that I imagine is only able to be worn by a Ginger bearded man with a fox hat on his head.
As I’m distracted by the wonderful eye candy within this absolutely happy cabin I chatter with the owner’s partner, Jaime and this is all part of the experience. It is so inviting and homely, as a cabin might be, and I want to pull up a chair, grab a coffee and continue nattering away. Truth be told, the space would be rather fitting for a in-​store café and maybe even a roasty faux fire to give a true cabin feel.
And points to the owners for creating a store where you walk out feeling happy, creative, embracing your dorkiness and plotting how you might acquire a few more things from their range.
Joining venues like The End, I think The Happy Cabin will be one of the first in a line of new additions to West End that will only add to the revitalisation of this end of Vulture Street.