Austin
Design by Grace Han
Austin, Texas’ capital certainly possesses a timeless fame as the “City of the Violet Crown” due to its ethereal glow at sunset. Renowned too as “ The Live Music Capital of the World”, this cultural beacon coupled with its natural beauty is certainly reflected in Austin’s fashion district which may not be as well known or as obviously chic and stylish as destinations such as New York and Miami. Austin prides itself on its mantra: "Keep Austin Weird", and its eccentricity and uniqueness definitely define its fashion identity, and if difference defines you, Austin’s weird and wonderful boutiques are certainly worth a visit.
Domain Northside
Domain Northside hosts a number of unique and mainstream fashion brands many exclusive to Austin all of which will appeal to the wealth of personalities you will find in Austin. One of the standouts here is Nina Berenato, an Austin-based jewelry designer whose custom jewels have accessorized the likes of Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, and Janet Jackson. Make it a day out to remember because Domain Northside encompasses not only its chocolate-box selection of boutiques behind its walls, it’s also home to an eclectic mix of coffee shops, street-food markets, fine-dining restaurants, and of course, cocktail bars. To look out for at Domain Northside are its events and because it’s February, Valentine’s day is the theme! Located next to NORTHSIDE lawn, keep an eye out for the Valentine’s Vannagram - a picture-perfect, pink VW awaits all you Valentine’s Instagram needs, and February is Looking Rosy, what will be NORTHSIDE’s romantic exhibition abundant in roses.
Address: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Phone Number: (512) 758-7937
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10AM to 9PM
Sunday: 12PM to 6PM
Price Range: $$$$
Website: Domain NORTHSIDE - The Best Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Austin, Texas
The Arboretum
The Arboretum boasts something a little bit different to the usual shopping experience an an open-air mall. You won’t be too far from nature and Austin’s famous purple sunsets for The Arboretum is set amidst luscious greenery in a beautiful garden setting with idyllic picnic spots, cascading fountains, and of course, Austin's landmark marble cow sculptures. Bringing the outside in is The Arboretum’s aim, setting it apart from other malls that can be considered claustrophobic making it the perfect relaxing day of retail therapy. With over 40 shops and restaurants, you’re certainly spoilt for choice here, and to top it all off, The Arboretum’s Book Nook and Giant Chess Board provide that little dash eccentricity and fun that helps “Keep Austin Weird”.
Address: 10000 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759, United States
Phone Number: (512) 338-4755
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10PM-9PM Sun: 12PM-6PM
Price Range: $$$$
Website: The Arboretum | Top Outdoor Shopping Mall in Austin, Texas
The Domain
Often considered Austin’s Premium fashion destination, The Domain hosts all that luxury retail has to offer. With over 100+ shops in its directory, The Domain is home to iconic fashion powerhouses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Ted Baker, beauty and cosmetic diamonds including M.A.C and L’Occitane and the quintessential accessory necessity, Tiffany & Co. All is not lost for those who seek high-fashion vogue on a budget, because in The Domain you will find high-street favorites including H&M, ALLSAINTS and ZARA mixed in as hidden gems amongst those jewel-studded fashion beacons - there is something for everyone in the stylish, upmarket fashion experience.
Address: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
Phone Number: (512) 795-4230
Hours: Mon-Thu : 11AM-8PM, Fri-Sat: 10AM-9PM Sun: 12pm-6pm
Price Range: $$$
Website: Welcome To The Domain® - A Shopping Center In Austin, TX - A Simon Property
2nd Street District
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, 2nd Street District is the ultimate location for a metropolitan retail haven with a twist of the extraordinary. Very much centered around Austin’s Live Music branding, 2nd Street District is defined by its alternative, indie style and retro culture - answering what its website asks us: “What could be more Austin than that?”. Find here amongst the endless entertainment venues including the Violet Crown Cinema and edgy street-food choices, vintage shirts at Francesca’s, beautiful boho jewelry at Eliza Page, and of course seek out indie fashion’s very own Urban Outfitters in its most fitting setting.
Address: 214 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone Number: 512-968-4777
Hours: Mon-Sun: various
Price Range: $$$$
Website: 2ND Street District
SoCo or South Congress Avenue
In keeping with the indie spirit of Austin’s center, South Congress’ strip tells a past tale of retro furniture shops and vintage fashion that allowed it to metamorphose into what is now SoCo - it is said that on this strip at Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds is where Bob Dylan shopped for his iconic looks. Now SoCo seeks to preserve that individualistic feel of Austin’s yesteryear by investing in its indie culture. Here you will find unique, local shops such as Prototype Vintage, Triple Z Threadz and of course Allens Boots, selling the must-have classic: the Texas Cowboy boot. Parading the strip are all-manners of restaurants and iconic murals like Austin’s “I Love You So Much” located at Jo’s Coffee or “Willie for President Catch” at The Continental Club and Güero’s Taco Barof. To finish with a little, well kept secret: on every first Thursday of the month, South Congress transforms into a giant block party very much in keeping with the community feel of this shopping district and the "weird” and wonderful vibe of Austin.
Address: South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone Number: n/a
Hours: Mon-Sun: various
Price Range: $$$$
Website: South Congress Public Improvement District (visitsoco.com)