Wardrobe Talk
Where to shop right now: Austin's best vintage clothing shops, from upscale to thrift
Spring and cleaning go hand in hand, and by the time April rolls around, we’re ready to clean out our closets, and well, buy more stuff. In this month’s selection of shops around town, we highlight some of Austin’s best vintage clothing shops, from upscale to thrift. Because simply put, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.
Sam Hill
Owner, Kyle Muller, is obsessed with rare, vintage clothing. In fact, Muller spends most of his free time zealously digging through mounds of used clothing in order to find that gem to sell in his vintage menswear store, Sam Hill. And his merchandise is evident of that. Each item is handpicked, exceptionally preserved, and often comes with a historical tale, to boot.
MOSS Designer Consignment
MOSS is a consignment store that specializes in high-end designer brands and resale clothing for women. Currently, MOSS is featuring items from Isabel Marant's edgy fall/winter 2013 collection. Additionally, MOSS is having a Spring Cleaning Sale that includes 40 percent off all final markdown items through the end of April. MOSS' stock is constantly changing and new merchandise is added daily, so frequent trips are a must. For those interested in trading their duds for cash, MOSS also accepts seasonal consignments in excellent condition.
New BROhemia
The name says it all, bro. This bohemian menswear shop is a must-stop vintage shop for tourists and locals alike. Vintage enthusiasts will find miles and miles of used boots, ironic recycled T-shirts, and other classic thrift shop finds.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange may be a national chain, but this Austin outpost fits perfectly into the funky little Guadalupe strip, just north of campus. The music blares, while twentysomethings comb through racks of used clothing. Although the store caters to the Urban Outfitters crowd, sometimes you can find that perfect vintage score. What’s more, Buffalo Exchange is one of our favorite places to unload wardrobe purges.
Charm School Vintage
This boutique not only hosts some great parties and cool art shows, but also has an amazing selection of women’s vintage clothing for even the most discerning modern shopper. Proprietress and stylist, Shari Gerstenberger, merchandises her feminine, recycled finds with the utmost care and attention. Also of note: Charm School Vintage will be featuring one of Austin’s favorite photographers, Jackie Lee Young, beginning on May 22.
The Vintagemobile
This former school bus is home to Austin’s newest mobile vintage shop, which sells everything from housewares to clothing. Every inch of the bus’ interior is thoughtfully laid out and the clothing is adorably organized by color, with most pieces deriving from the 1950s to the 1980s. This green bus can usually be found parked on South Congress, but check the Facebook page or Twitter for exact store hours and locations.
Las Cruxes
Located in the former Domy Bookstore space, this chic East Austin boutique and gallery space, displays its vintage goods very much like art. The selection is small, carefully chosen, and in pristine condition. Las Cruxes also sells beautifully handcrafted jewelry, which should not be missed.




DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri