Austin Motel on South Congress Avenue – 35mm film
If I were headed to SXSW, these are the places I’d like to know about. Heavy on the vintage.
South By San Jose: My biggest SXSW shopping tip can only be used during the music portion of the festival (March 13-16). It’s a parking lot full of pop-up boutiques outside of Hotel San Jose on South Congress Avenue. I go for the vintage. There are also bands performing all day and it’s free.
Feathers: This is a lovely spot to practice a little retail therapy. Filled with great vintage and boutique designer labels. Clothing is arranged by color, which I find helpful. Don’t forget to peek above the racks and below the clothes for fantastic handbags and shoes.
Prototype: Conveniently located next to Feathers, this is the perfect place to continue your vintage journey. My current favorite purse is a unique find I purchased here. (Both Feathers and Prototype have an entrance on Milton, a cross street of South Congress.)
Uncommon Objects: Fantastically overwhelming collection of antique and vintage. You might need a Xanax, but it’s worth it. It would take at least a month of non-stop exploring to really uncover all of the goodies nestled in here.
Laced With Romance (update: brick & mortar closed summer 2013): When I’m looking for something otherworldly, this is where I go. Thoughtfully curated vintage, local artisan jewelry, and in-house label Dust & Drag. Clothing arranged by color. Small collection of vintage for men too. Bonus: Texas Custom Boots is next door.
End of an Ear: My favorite record store in Texas. No filler. All items are personally selected by the staff. Loads of vinyl, including a wonderful used section.
Solid Gold: Featuring independent designers from all over, as well as Raven & Lily products. (Raven & Lily creates “sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized women”.) Check out Busy-Being art gallery and shop, located inside Solid Gold.
Wheatsville Food Co-op: My favorite grocery store and also the only retail food cooperative in Texas. Vegan, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Raw, they’ve got it. Grab a young Thai coconut from the produce section. The produce department will cut it open for you and you’ll have the cure for that hangover. Drink two and thank me later.
