With spring comes motivation to start anew. The temperature warms, we spend more time outdoors, and those of us that are fashion-frenzied redirect our wardrobe and accessories towards summertime-chic.
We've rounded up our favorite uniquely Austin boutiques to celebrate the new season (you know, the one that lasts for a few short weeks before we're trapped in triple-digit purgatory for the rest of the summer).
If you're looking for on-trend, of-the-moment fashion at a stomachable price-point, Beehive is the shop for you. Owner Claire Fields has an uncanny knack for stocking her store with trendy but tasteful (and stand-up quality) fashion, jewelry, sunglasses and a small collection of vintage. The merchandise is replenished frequently enough that you could visit each weekend and continually go home with something new.
Our vote for chicest boutique in town, Kick Pleat is where you'll head for contemporary designer names like Rachel Comey, Acne, Maison Martin Margiela, VPL and Lizzie Fortunado. It's going to do some damage to your checkbook, but you'll walk away with classic pieces that will fit in just as well on the streets of New York City as in downtown Austin.
Schatzelein focuses on handcrafted jewelry by the likes of Fail, Canoe, Julie Nolan, Bethany Cocco and so many more gifted designers it's a wonder they all fit into the shop's South First Street outpost. The merchandise covers a wide range of tastes, whether you lean towards a modern, dainty or earthy aesthetic.
One of the newest kids on the 2nd Street block, Etcetera, Etc. has impressed us with its ability to seamlessly stock hip and sexy swimsuits next to cheerful dresses and unique geo-jewelry in a bright and airy space. Owner Emma Kate is often supporting the local art community, hosting happy hour and parties at which all are welcome.
It's hard to keep up with the airstream's schedule, but Bootleg boasts a show-stopping collection of shoes straight from New York, Paris and Milan showrooms. Nestled on South Congress and the brainchild of stylist Sarah Ellison Lewis, Bootleg is open on the weekends and by appointment. There's no more unique place in Texas to find Jil Sander, Laurence Dacade, LD Tuttle and Miista than in the cozy, striped, traveling airstream.
Plain Ivey Jane is positioned as an "overstock boutique," meaning it's a great place to find previously high-ticket items for 30 to 75 percent off. The feel of the merchandise is tailored and towards the preppy side, featuring designers Dear Creatures, Nicole Miller, French Connection and Rebecca Taylor.
If you're a night owl, you're most likely to cultivate an attention-getting wardrobe at longtime boutique, Estilo. The downtown shop features a large selection of denim and form-fitting dresses from the likes of Young Fabulous & Broke and Karina Grimaldi that are perfect for the adventurous crowd.
Bonus: Prize
Prize is a one-stop-shop for a mishmash of goods from photography books to totes and candles, but what few people know is that the store stocks a killer collection of strong, bad-a jewelry from Ax & Apple, Gemma Redux and Erickson Beamon. The finds are always so surprisingly good, we couldn't not mention it!
Sarah Ellison Lewis perched on the steps of Bootleg.
