With their unconventional and extraordinary vibe, Austin’s trendsetters have marked their territory beyond the top-notch music scene and into the world of style and glamour. Amidst the avant-garde architectural specimens that have sprouted in the modest downtown grid, a new, chic shopping district has emerged, solidifying Austin as a city suitable for runway divas and fashion enthusiasts of all kinds.

The expansion of the urban real estate, including luxury lofts, condos and apartments all across Austin, has catalyzed an innovative form of living and shopping. A concept which has literally materialized into the buildings and stores that harbor the articles of clothing themselves: shop outside the box. Beneath the 15-story high-rise apartments, eclectic and eccentric boutiques feature cutting-edge fashion that transcends clichés and faux pas. At the convenience of the residents who live about these stores, anyone can live and shop without having to cross a single street.

Tourists and Austinites alike can easily become lost in a myriad of exclusive shops that line historical downtown districts, as well as areas in the northern and western parts of the city. Each has its own share of specialty stores and chic boutiques and authentic collections of local and international designer-wear, according to the Gridskipper, a fashion travel guide that rates cities throughout the world.

Austin’s homegrown stylists, designers and artists express their individual flavor, each one contributing to this continuously evolving and progressive city. Impressive sculptures with intricate detailing; timeless and elegant ball gowns; edgy handbags that imitate top-of-the-line brands; hip floral sun dresses; hand-embroidered guitar straps; and unique, funky impressionistic paintings entice even the most ambivalent window shoppers. Taking a peek inside the multitude of stores that have established Austin as the forefront for shopping never looked so appealing. 
 “A cool, spring day wandering down South Congress or South Lamar as I venture into a few shops to pick up unique clothing items or some pieces of art- that’s what I call an ideal shopping experience,” said Katie Walthall, a local jewelry maker.

Outdoor malls wrapped in verdant nature, rolling hills, native trees and streams create an entirely new shopping experience only fit for Austin’s year-round pleasant weather. A social evolution in shopping, a phrase coined by the Hill Country Galleria, Austin’s shopping scene has become a phenomenon any style fiend who craves the newest fads can appreciate.

Downtown:

Whit Hanks Antiques (a collection of fine galleries)

26 Doors Shopping Center (unique shopping, services, food and fun)

Things Celtic (can't miss collection of gifts and jewelry from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Cornwall)

Terra Toys and Dragonsnaps! (unique and hard-to-find toys and children's clothing on Anderson Lane)

Zinger Hardware (garden, furniture, paint, tableware, unique merchandise on Anderson Lane)

Turquoise Trading Post (local and Texas Native American art, gifts and merchandise)

Karavel Shoes (fashion, comfort, and life)

Great Halls Games (cards, miniatures, puzzles, games, so much more)

Arabic Bazaar (treasures imported from Morocco, Syria and Egypt from hookas to art to lamps to clothing and cosmetics)

Bella Maui Boutique (fabulous designer clothing in the Arboretum)

Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars (flavored oils, vinegars and a variety of pastas, jams, lotions and more, in the Arboretum)

Round Rock Outlets (a beautifully designed outdoor shopping mall with one-of-a-kind discounts)

Zoltan David (designer jewelry, found in the Hill Country Galleria)

The Domain (Austin's exclusive shopping center)

Lakeline Mall (convenient to North Austin)

All About Diamonds (unique, premier jewelry fashions)

Faraday's Kitchen Store (over 5000 tools for the kitchen)

Bead It (Austin's largest bead store- classes available)

Prime Outlets San Marcos (fabulous outdoor shopping mall convenient to South Austin)

Barton Creek Square (eclectic and traditional shopping)

Austin Gift Company (Austin and Texas souvenirs, University of Texas Merchandise, gifts, garden and seasonal)

For a list of locally owned Austin retail, please visit the Austin Independent Business Alliance!!