He's Kind of a Baldwin

Swanky L.A. fashion brand brings 'modern essentials' to new North Austin shop

Baldwin opens at the end of October.

Maybe it's the tacos, maybe it's the tax structure, but another California fashion brand is opening an Austin outpost. The Los Angeles-based Baldwin is opening its doors on October 26 in the Domain Northside, according to a release announcing the news.

Baldwin creates both women's and men's ready-to-wear pieces billed as "modern essentials." These essentials range from investment cashmere sweaters and tailored denim to classic outerwear and on-trend pieces like pajama-inspired women's blouses. For the grand opening of its new store at 11621 Rock Rose Ave. Ste. 116, Baldwin is offering both its fall and holiday 2018 collections, ranging in price from $58 tanks and T-shirts to $1,198 coats.

Inspired by the collections, the interiors of the North Austin store — the brand's first in the Capital City — are sleek and minimal, complete with midcentury furnishings, wood paneled walls, and industrial steel fixtures.

The Domain Northside shop is the latest chapter in Baldwin's journey from a Kansas City, Kansas, denim designer to a burgeoning L.A.-based retailer. Opening in Austin, says Baldwin president Johnathan Crocker, was in line with the brand's aesthetic.

“We are honored and excited to be a part of the thriving community of creative talent and authentic spirit of Austin and look forward to having our customers experience Baldwin's modern American design amongst all of the culture within tech, design, art and music industries here,” Crocker said in a release.

Like most retailers opening in Austin, it's not enough to simply peddle clothing. Baldwin says it also wants to be a part of the community, rolling out "curated events and activations" throughout the year. To begin, the brand is rolling out custom wool hats emblazoned with an A ("for Austin" notes the release) to the first 50 customers with the purchase of $200 or more.

Austin is Baldwin's seventh store, and the brand's second in Texas. In addition to Dallas, Baldwin has shops in Los Angeles; New York City; San Jose, California; and two in the Kansas City area.

best-dressed openings beauty

Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

local business cocktails shopping