Lovebird Boutique has long been a beloved shopping destination for Santa Barbara locals and visitors alike.
Tucked into the charming Presidio neighborhood just off State Street, the store opened in 2009 under the vision of jewelry designer Jennifer Scarbrough.
Her dream was simple and heartfelt — she wanted to create a cozy neighborhood shop that served women of all ages with eclectic fashion, handcrafted jewelry, modest price points, and a friendly atmosphere that felt more like visiting a stylish friend than stepping into a store.
After Scarbrough’s 2020 death, longtime customer Nancy Burgner and her partner, Peter Gaum, made the decision to purchase the shop at 7 E. De la Guerra St. from her family and carry her legacy forward.
What began as a COVID-19 pandemic project quickly became a passion. The timing was chaotic.
The sale was finalized just as the world shut down, and suddenly Burgner and Gaum were learning the ropes of fashion retail during one of the most unpredictable moments in recent history.
Timeless silhouettes and natural fabrics anchor Lovebird Boutique’s thoughtfully edited clothing racks. Credit: Lovebird Boutique photo 
Lovebird Boutique owners Nancy Burgner and Peter Gaum purchased the beloved Santa Barbara shop in 2020 and have continued its legacy of thoughtful curation, warm hospitality and timeless style. Credit: Lovebird Boutique photo 
A curated selection of women’s apparel reflects Lovebird Boutique’s relaxed yet refined Santa Barbara style. Credit: Lovebird Boutique photo 
Handpicked accessories and jewelry at Lovebird emphasize craftsmanship and everyday wearability. Credit: Lovebird Boutique photo 
Carefully selected merchandise showcases Lovebird’s focus on quality, value and personal style. Credit: Lovebird Boutique photo
But those hurdles shaped their perspective and sharpened their instincts. They elevated the quality of merchandise, introduced standout international and domestic brands, and prioritized a warm and memorable customer experience.
In doing so, they honored the original spirit of Lovebird while giving it fresh life.
What keeps people returning year after year goes beyond clothing racks and jewelry cases. Lovebird has found a sweet spot in the midmarket, a place where thoughtful curation matters.
Burgner admits it is the trickiest tier to serve. If price is no concern, anyone can create a beautiful collection. If budget is the priority, fast fashion is everywhere.
But finding pieces that deliver style, quality and value takes intention. Lovebird will never offer T-shirts priced like designer gowns, nor will it chase fleeting trends.
Instead, the store focuses on items they would proudly wear themselves. This philosophy allows customers to trust the selection without hesitation.
The boutique’s location adds its own magic. Nestled beside historic Casa De la Guerra, the space naturally invites intimacy.
Shoppers often find themselves swapping compliments with strangers, sharing dressing room discoveries, and offering opinions as if they are all in a friend’s closet.
Lovebird has found a sweet spot in the midmarket, a place where thoughtful curation matters.
Visitors wandering off State Street often stumble in first, curious about the charm tucked around the corner. Burgner jokes that Lovebird is the unofficial visitors center of downtown.
She and her staff frequently share recommendations for wine tasting, restaurants and even the nearest public restroom.
Hospitality comes first, retail second, and people can feel it from the moment they step inside.
The staff knows the inventory as if it were a familiar wardrobe. They know what is coming soon, what just arrived and what is hidden in back for a special moment.
Customers are thrilled when someone disappears into the stockroom and returns with something perfect that has not even been displayed yet.
Wish lists are tracked, phone calls are made, and style encouragement is freely offered.
Lovebird’s aesthetic reflects the essence of Santa Barbara itself. Refined yet relaxed. Elevated but never fussy. The boutique leans toward natural fabrics, comfortable silhouettes, and timeless shapes that suit wine-tasting weekends, wedding celebrations and breezy travel alike.
The store avoids logos, loud patterns and bold statements. The atmosphere is confident but effortless, which is exactly why it resonates with both locals and visitors from around the world.
Outside the store, Burgner and Gaum indulge in passions that spill easily back into the boutique. They love wine, food and travel, and those interests often shape conversations with customers.
International visitors are delighted to chat with Gaum about Europe and his German roots. Travel-friendly clothing is thoughtfully stocked, and customers often ask what Burgner wears on long flights. Sometimes they even walk out wearing her personal airplane uniform piece by piece.
Those exchanges build community as much as they build closets.
In many ways, Burgner and Gaum embody what Lovebird has come to symbolize. They celebrate comfort without sacrificing style. They encourage curiosity. They approach life with joy.
Whether someone is a fashion lover or someone who claims to hate shopping, they tend to leave the boutique smiling. Lovebird remains a space where kindness meets personal expression and where every guest is treated like a friend.
After more than a decade in Santa Barbara, the boutique is not just surviving, it is thriving. And as long as the doors remain open, shoppers will continue to discover something beautiful, something unique and something that feels just right.
