Ferdinand

Indie shopping haven. That's our review of Ferdinand in a nutshell. Owner Diane Toepfer creates quirky and appealing designs that grace her note cards, t-shirts, tote bags and tea towels.

We first found Ferdinand online while compiling our list of shops and restaurants to visit while in Portland, Maine. Located on a small strip with other shops, cafes, and the Angela Adams studio, you might miss Ferdinand if you stay in the Old Port district.

On our visit, we were in luck as Ms. Toepfer herself was manning the store. The Congress Street location also serves as her studio where she does much of her own screenprinting.

The long wall of neatly stacked onesies and baby t-shirts really are a show stopper. You can't help but buy at least one. On the other side of the store we found a large basket full of hard to find Cram Cream items on sale.

In addition to her own beautiful designs "Fashioned by Ferdinand," Ms. Toepfer carries vintage accessories and goodies from other independent designers as well. We left with a couple of onesies, a lap tee and some treats for ourselves.

If you won't be in Portland anytime soon, Ferdinand's online shop is a pleasure to shop. Thanks, Diane for talking with us!