Stepping into this small shop is like being in the dressing room for a fashion shoot. These are extremely stylish clothes for younger men that are surprisingly affordable. The style is street-skate-surf-retro-smooth, not every guy can pull it off, but those who can wear it well. Designers include BC Ethic, Filter, Fossil, Vans, Johnny Suede, Dickies and more. Mixed in with the cool threads are all kinds of curios, namely stickers, wallets, dancing dashboard hula girls, Mexican wrestling masks, inflatable clocks and so on.
The Arboretum, an upscale shopping Mecca located in North Austin, has a much more sophisticated and urban feel to it than you will generally find in this laid-back, low-key city. Located in a suburban area that has seen great growth and development in recent years, many stores and notable restaurants surround this center. Shops at the Arboretum include Barnes & Noble, The Pottery Barn, Victoria's Secret, Arbor 7 Theater (mainstream, independent and foreign films), The Sharper Image, Banana Republic, Fire Island Hot Glass and several fashion boutiques.
This unique shop offers an extensive range of ecologically friendly, all-natural products, from clothing to home accessories, furniture to objects d'art. Example items include baby clothing colored with non-toxic dyes, bath towels free of pesticides, herbicides and dyes, organic cotton mattresses, wood furniture, organically grown cotton slipcovers, candles, soaps and more. This store proves that you do not always have to sacrifice quality or fashion for the sake of the environment.
The premise behind these upscale stores is simple, sophisticated fashion that allows the wearer to express their individual style. Looks are classic, yet hip and contemporary. Designer lines of shoes, clothing and accessories include Diesel, BCBG, Jill Stuart, Vivienne Tam, Theory and Kate Spade. By George, the store on The Drag, tends to attract a younger crowd, whereas By George Women (2905 San Gabriel) is popular with a more mature, yet stylish, patron. Selections available in each store reflect this division.
Those who regularly indulge in the vintage apparel scene are no stranger to Blue Velvet. This small but eclectic vintage store is located on North Loop right next to Epoch Cafe. There is no shortage of choice from the 80s accessories to glam rock shoes! As you walk in, you'll be greeted by chandeliers of colorful petticoats and plenty of sparkle. In terms of era, Blue Velvet mostly sticks to 80s and 90s, but also dabbles in the 70s. It is a great place to shop for Halloween costumes inspired by the movies! Their collection is of high quality and the price is definitely right. Most Sundays between 7-9p, you will experience the Blue Velvet sale with 20% all merchandise, funky music, and free cocktail! - Temitope Eletu-Odibo
Looking for a place that has all your dream brands in one complex? Well, The Domain has all the name brands, ranging from luxury brands to a few more affordable brands. In addition to boutique shops, there are also some department stores that are quite big. It also has many restaurants, coffee places, and even a fancy movie theater! It's located in the North Austin area and has a modern look to it. All the stores are on the first floor because the other floors are lofts and apartments. If you're looking to shop, eat, relax and have a good time, make a stop here - you will not regret it! -Victoria Perez
Although a head shop first and foremost, Oat Willie's has other trinkets and knick-knacks that the sober can enjoy (although, truth be told, many of these objects are evocative of the drug culture). The smell of New Age herbs, oils, and incense permeate the store, while the music of the 90s Grunge Rock scene fills the air. Hats and clothing fabricated from hemp adorn the racks in front of a display showcasing posters for sale (Bob Marley album covers, Japanese wood prints, etc.). The jewelry and ethnic mask collection are impressive, but the following item seals this store's classification as a haven for left-wingers: a Former President George W. Bush Voodoo Doll, anyone? Do not skimp on the free magazine selection on the way out. - Freddie Obregon
Austin is ripe for vintage fashion, especially on South Congress. This boutique might be small in size, but is big on personality. They tend to offer 1970s retro attire mixed with boho chic and some very feminine styles. Every corner of this store seems to have some treat or theme, so you are sure to find something that really excites you. They sell not just apparel, but shoes and gorgeous accessories to match! If you are bold about your love for retro chic, this is definitely the place to go! -Tope Eletu-Odibo
If you're serious about vintage fashion, then do not miss the opportunity to explore Prototype Vintage. It's a South Congress gem that offers a selection of both male and female vintage apparel. The store tends to stick with styles from the 1970s and 1980s, with a great range of cowboy boots to add a Texas feel to their collection. The store tends to change its wares, but there's always a theme to what they have. You can also check their website to find out when gorgeous new pieces arrive and snap them up before they disappear! -Tope Eletu-Odibo
The Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar is, arguably, the most famous of the bunch due to both its location in the funky 78704 district and its notoriety in attracting mainstream celebrities to its midnight premieres. So, the addition of the petite specialty store, Mondo Tees, raises this particular theater a few more notches on the coolness scale. Inside, patrons will find action figures, customized posters, stickers, and T-shirts of cult film favorites (Troll 2, anyone?). The staff at Mondo Tees also sells DVDs and VHSs of rare, obscure, cult films, such as Birdemic and The Room. Appetites grow after extensive shopping, so customers will be happy to discover that Japanese versions of American candies (such as peach-flavored Kit Kats) are available for purchase. -Freddie Obregon
Description:
Did you run out of film in the middle of
a shoot and its 3am? Available by 24 hour digital pager, Pro Tape and Communications Supply are major supplier of film, magnetic tape and production supplies for Austin's music ...
Description:
The Beauty of Simplicity is the theory behind Sanctuary, a
boutique gift store located in Westlake Hills. A pure white backdrop is the canvas for soft colors & textures showcased in the carefully chosen lines from established, independent & ...
Description:
The Flower Bucket is an unusual spot, selling both flowers
and South American art under the same roof. Alongside roses, mums and other traditional floral offerings, you will find a good selection of folk art from Mexico and Guatemala, ...