Vintage Shopping in Austin

Austin, Texas is one of my favorite cities in the US, and every time I visit, I try to spend some time shopping in one of the many vintage boutiques. Why buy vintage? A lot of people don't understand it, claiming that vintage is just a fancy word for old. There are a several reasons I enjoy shopping at thrift, resale, & vintage stores: 1) It's sustainable. 2) Fashion is cyclical. Yesterday's fads are tomorrow's trends. 3) It's an easy way to add an individual touch to your wardrobe. Wearing unique, recycled pieces means you're not going to be caught wearing the same outfit as your best friend, coworker, or professor. 4) It allows me to be creative. Strolling through a vintage shop turns the wheels in my imagination, trying to envision how an outdated dress could be styled for modern wearing.  With that said, here are a few of my favorite vintage stores in Austin:

Prototype Vintage Design

1700 1/2 S. Congress Ave. (entrance on Milton St.)

Prototype is my favorite vintage spot in Austin. It's well-organized and has a killer t-shirt selection as well as a few pieces of retro furniture and decor. The owners tend to select pieces that are well-suited for modern style and their prices are reasonable. Don't miss this one!

I picked up this acid wash button down and square scarf from Prototype.

Feathers

1700-B S. Congress Ave.

Right next door to Prototype and well-worth a stop, Feathers has amazing vintage pieces that are worthy of a New York boutique. The prices tend to be a little higher but aren't outrageous when you consider that many of the clothes are designer label. The store has a great aesthetic and I always feel inspired after browsing the collection of dresses, handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

Uncommon Objects

1512 S. Congress Ave.

A SoCo classic which everybody should experience as least once, Uncommon Objects is a treasure trove of antiques, furniture, vintage maps, salvaged jewelry, and trinkets. It's like rummaging through your grandma's attic, but so much better!

Off the Wall

1704 S Congress Ave.

Off the Wall has an awesome selection of furniture, antiques, and collectibles as well as vintage cowboy boots and handbags. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's easy to lose track of time as you sift through the many shelves of curiosities and odds and ends.

New Bohemia

1606 S. Congress Ave.

With styles from the 40s to the 90s, New Bohemia maintains a rotating collection of vintage frocks, boots, handbags, and jewelry. Browse the sale rack outside and admire the glittery store sign.

Cream Vintage

2532 Guadalupe St.

With over ten years of experience, multiple locations, and more than 15,000 vintage pieces in stock, Cream  knows what's up. Their location on the Drag at UT has sale bins for rummaging and they offer in-store alterations.

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Consider this a beginner's guide to vintage shopping in Austin. The list is short, but it's concentrated in two areas and easy to do in one afternoon. I hope to improve it in the future, adding new stores and photos. Did I miss your favorite shop? Where should I go on my next trip to Austin?