The beauty of a vintage store is that the merchandise is forever changing. You may go in one day and find nothing attractive, but on another visit, you’ll find a treasure trove. While Austin also has plenty of thrift stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, vintage clothing stores are more focused on trendy items. If you need used clothing and aren’t picky, go to a thrift store instead — the prices are much lower. But if you’re looking for pre-worn fashionable goods of higher quality, visit one of these Austin vintage stores or high-end consignment shops.
Blue Velvet
217 West North Loop, (512) 452-BLUE
This funky vintage clothing store and costume shop in Austin has reasonable prices and various used goods, including men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, wild hats, sunglasses, shoes, and jewelry. It also has a large and quirky costume section, so if you’re in the market for go-go boots or a colored wig, this is your stop. The store is tiny but full of character and treasures waiting to be found. Nothing new is sold here; it’s all retro goods. Make note that the shop has moved from The Drag to the North Loop area.
Buffalo Exchange
2904 Guadalupe Street; (512) 480-9922
Buffalo Exchange is somewhat of a combination of a vintage store and a thrift store. Ordinary people bring in things they don’t want anymore. If the picky employees decide it’s hip enough, they buy it from the person in exchange for cash or store credit (you get more money if you opt for store credit). Then all of those goods go out on the racks for shoppers to buy. Sometimes you will find a bunch of lame things to pick through, such as plaid flannel T-shirts from the ’90s, but you can also find gems such as pairs of nearly-new Michael Kors heels and retro sunglasses. Buffalo Exchange sells men’s and women’s fashions, bags, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Second Time Around
5100 Burnet Road; (512) 451-6845
This consignment fashion boutique has been around since 1974. It sells designer, couture, and other high-quality goods that are very gently used. The items aren’t exactly “vintage,” but perfect for the discerning shopper who can’t afford to buy high fashion brand new. Here you can find women’s clothing, shoes, bags, and an incredible jewelry collection. Can’t afford to buy a spanking new Louis Vuitton purse? You can find a barely-used one here for much less. The list of designers you can find here is extensive, including Cynthia Rowley, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Betsey Johnson, and Christian Dior. They also carry items from stores such as Gap, Anne Taylor, Bebe, and J. Crew.
Sonny’s Vintage
2928 Guadalupe St #104; (512) 628-0670
With the gigantic Jimi Hendrix poster in the window and the smell of burning incense, you may think you’re back in the ’60s when you enter Sonny’s. This hole-in-the-wall vintage store is best known for its collection of vintage microphones, recording equipment, and musical instruments. Still, it also has a sizable offering of vintage clothing and accessories. They have both men’s and women’s clothing (many cute dresses and tops), in addition to hats and purses. There are occasional in-store live music shoes.
Cream Vintage
2532 Guadalupe St and 2210 South 1st Street; (512) 474-8787
What makes this vintage store unique? It has its own in-store seamstresses, so if you find a killer vintage outfit and it doesn’t fit quite right, you can have it altered before you leave. Cream’s original store is in the campus area, and the second location recently opened in South Austin. They carry over 15,000 hand-picked pieces. Whether you’re in the mark for vintage concert T-shirts, leather jackets, boots, jewelry, or even old records, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you enter Cream. The prices can run a little high, but their goods are high-quality and truly vintage. New shipments arrive on Thursdays or Fridays.
Second Looks
4107 S Capital of Texas Hwy #600,
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-9797
Stop by Second Looks to find the highest quality brand name clothing at a fraction of what you’ll spend anywhere else! If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us and one of our trained staff members will be happy to assist. To get the full experience and really understand what we’re all about though, we encourage you to stop by our store. We’re constantly updating our inventory and take pride in providing everything you’ll need to always look your absolute best! – secondlooksaustin.com
Hill Country Consignment
711 FM 2325
Wimberley, TX
512-847-8100
Amy Guynes, the owner of Hill Country Consignment, began her consignment business in 2009 and is focused on providing the community with a cost-effective way to buy and sell their items and accessories. Amy, who served her community providing Occupational Therapy to the homebound, along with her new business partner, Donna Wyatt, have grown the business into a consignment shop that offers a variety of items for the entire family. Women, Men, Children, Jr. and Teen Clothing, Home Decor, DVDs, Vintage items, Furniture, Jewelry, Sports gear, Baby gear, Shoes, Purses, Bedding, Toys, Knick-Knacks and much more! – hillcountryconsignment.com
Flashback Vintage
1906 S 1st St.
Austin, TX 78704
512-445-6906
Created in 1982, Flashback has become an Austin institution. Beginning in a small house on South Lamar, little did we know then that Flashback would grow to be one of the premier vintage stores in Austin. Throughout the years, we have dressed musicians, theater groups, hippies, flower children, hipsters, punks, soccer moms, celebrities, and everyone in between. We have a loyal following of regular customers who come back often to see what new treasures we’ve discovered. – austinvintageclothing.com
Thrift Town Stores
5726 Manchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78745
512.442.7200
Thrift Town Stores are happy to have you as a customer, and we appreciate your loyalty to our stores. Shop online with one of our partners! Find new, pre-owned & vintage items. – thrifttownstores.comthrifttownstores.com
Uptown Cheapskate Austin
3005 South Lamar Blvd. Suite 110-A
Austin, TX 78704
(512)462-4646
Do you need to update your wardrobe? Do you want to sell some of your clothes and accessories? Uptown Cheapskate Austin is the place for you. Our retail boutique has gently worn and new clothes arriving daily. It’s recycling that pays and you’re sure to find some of the hottest trends for less! At Uptown Cheapskate, you’ll find fashionable clothes and accessories from all your favorite brands at a lower price. We buy apparel and accessories daily and are constantly adding new items to the racks. So make sure to stop by to see the latest trends. – uptowncheapskateaustin.com
Bloomers and Frocks
1628 S 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 715-4611
Specializing in rare, unique, and one-of-a-kind finds, this is the must-stop shop for any aspiring fashionista who wants to dress unique. From quality, classic pieces to bold statement pieces, we have one of the best collections of women’s vintage clothing and accessories from the 1910s to the 1980s. Our specialty is classic dresses 1960s and older. This isn’t your typical vintage shop; everything here has been hand-selected for wear-ability and cleanliness. It doesn’t smell like your great aunt with too much perfume or mothballs. Everything has been professionally laundered and cleaned so you can walk out rocking your newest find. – bloomersandfrocks.com
