• August 29, 2023
  • Lauren Critzer
  • 0

Expanding the Austin Boutique Guide: From Kick Pleat to Hemline

Austin, Texas, a city synonymous with culture and creativity, is a vibrant hub of cutting-edge fashion as well. In the midst of this thriving city, a few local boutiques truly stand out. Let’s dive deeper into the ins and outs of these seven fine establishments.

Local Boutique #1: Kick Pleat

Kick Pleat is more than just a store; it’s a lifestyle. This distinctive boutique is adorned with minimalist aesthetics, featuring chic woven metal fixtures and sleek, vast mirrors that capture the essence of every item. The boutique’s staff, known for their warmth and style expertise, embody the boutique’s vision of marrying high fashion with the practicality of everyday life.

  • Services offered: Kick Pleat right from offering personal styling, appointments to alterations, has got it all. They also accommodate private shopping events.
  • Noteworthy: Their e-commerce platform extends a seamless shopping experience with items meticulously explained and visually represented.
  • Best time to visit: Monday through Friday during lunch hours or late afternoon when the crowd subsides.
  • What’s nearby: After shopping, head just a block west to Tiny Boxwoods, a picturesque spot perfect for a meal or coffee.

Local Boutique #2: By George

By George, a stalwart of the Austin shopping scene, reflects an outstanding offering of fashion, homewares, and lifestyle items sprawled across its expansive floor space. Established by husband-and-wife team Larry McGuire and Kris Swift, the store’s philosophy is set in modern simplicity with natural, untouched aesthetics.

  • Services offered: Exclusive personal styling and shopping assistance from a skilled team.
  • Noteworthy: By George hosts special events where customers can meet designers and view their collections.
  • Best time to visit: Saturday mornings or weekday evenings.
  • What’s nearby: It’s adjacent to the serene Austin riverfront. Consider a quiet stroll before you explore the boutique.

Local Boutique #3: Sunroom

Sunroom, a vibrant corner boutique in South Austin, has a unique vibe encapsulating the laid-back Austin way of life. Its interiors are filled with natural light, potted plants, and beautiful copper fixtures that enhance the pleasing tropical aesthetic.

  • Services offered: Apart from clothing, Sunroom offers an array of exclusive beauty products. They also ship worldwide.
  • Noteworthy: Sunroom regularly hosts special events featuring new designers and artisanal products.
  • Best time to visit: Sunny days for that perfect Insta worthy shot.
  • What’s nearby: Unleash the foodie in you at South Congress Café, just a short stroll away.

Local Boutique #4: Charm School Vintage

Charm School Vintage is a curated consignment and vintage boutique that transports its patrons to a different era. The ever-changing collection is displayed in a tasteful amalgamation of sumptuous color, texture, and pattern, with oriental rugs adding an earthiness to the ambient space.

  • Services offered: They offer a full range of vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home decor. They also provide rentals for photoshoots or events.
  • Noteworthy: They’re environmentally friendly ensuring that goods are ethically sourced and recycled.
  • Best time to visit: Shop on weekdays or early morning on weekends to avoid the crowd.
  • What’s nearby: Enjoy a beverage at Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors located just around the corner.

Local Boutique #5: Olive

Olive, a women’s boutique with a rustic-urban aesthetic, has a thoughtfully curated selection of fashion-forward items that reflect Austin’s eccentric vibe. The store features floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves filled with eclectic home goods, handmade jewelry, artisan skincare items, and more.

  • Services offered: They offer an array of independent clothing brands, accessories, and home goods. Custom-made orders are also entertained.
  • Noteworthy: Unique hand-selected items from emerging brands worldwide make the offerings stand out.
  • Best time to visit: Early afternoons on weekdays to get undivided attention from the staff.
  • What’s nearby: After your shopping spree, head over to Franklin Barbecue, an iconic Austin eatery.

Local Boutique #6: Co-Star

Co-Star is an urban-chic boutique known for curated style. The Spartan décor, industrial atmosphere and organized merchandise displays make it a magnetic destination for today’s fashion-savvy crowd.

  • Services offered: Presents a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories from popular labels, independent designers.
  • Noteworthy: Co-Star often collaborates with local designers, hosting trunk shows and designer meet-and-greet events.
  • Best time to visit: Afternoon or early evening, on weekdays, to avoid weekend walk-in traffic.
  • What’s nearby: Indulge in culinary delights at the vibrant South Congress hotel.

Local Boutique #7: Hemline

Ever since Hemline’s arrival in Austin in 2014, it has been turning heads and winning hearts. Hemline’s southern hospitality, glistening chandeliers, velvet textures, and animal print accents exudes luxury while maintaining an inviting atmosphere.

  • Services offered: Personal styling assistance, wide range of accessories, footwear, and clothing lines for different occasions.
  • Noteworthy: The boutique often collaborates with local designers bringing fresh fashion to the forefront.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for personal attention.
  • What’s nearby: After shopping, head over to nearby Violet Crown Cinema for a relaxing movie night.

Final Note: Austin’s Unique Boutiques Await!

These seven trend-setting local boutiques truly manifest Austin’s unique fashion spectrum. Each has its distinctive character, ranging from sun-soaked beachy elegance to timeless vintage charm, satisfying every style preference and need. The culture, fashion sense, and vibrant community make Austin a must-visit shopping destination. So why wait? Plan your Austin fashion journey today!”

Lauren Critzer

I was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and after college, I moved to San Francisco to explore new opportunities and broaden my horizons. I fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and unique atmosphere, but eventually, I moved again, this time to Austin, Texas.

As much as I loved living in different parts of the country, having a baby boy brought me back to my hometown in Charlottesville, where I now live with my husband, our little one, and two furry friends. I enjoy going to wineries, taking my pups everywhere, and spending quality time with my family.

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