Shopping It Up in Austin

You’ll have to sort here, but it’s worth it. I love looking through the prom dresses from decades past, their industrial polyester staying stiff for the ages; trying on aviator jackets with sherpa collars offering faint hints of mothballs and cigarettes; and attempting to pick just one clutch purse, dazzled by the selection. And don’t pass by the extras: there’s always a wide selection of old patches to dress up your jeans, funky buttons, and great belts.

Start shopping: 1606 S. Congress Ave., open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Therapy

In the “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?” category, Therapy offers fashion, accessories, and chocolate all under one roof! Genius owner Jyl Kutsche knows how to appeal to her demographic—if the great fabrics, cool designs, and flattering cuts don’t get you coming back for more, the chocolate certainly will. And if things weren’t already good enough with that triumvirate, Kutsche is dedicated to sustainable/eco-friendly and fair-labor companies, so you can purchase many of the store’s pieces with an even clearer conscience.

Look for designers such as Betty Belts, Maitlands, Puella, and Kutsche herself for the clothes, and Ithaca, Lake Champlain, and Vosges for the chocolates.

Start shopping: 1113 S. Congress Ave., open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit TherapyClothing.com for a preview tour.

Allen’s Boots

Many head to Florence, Italy, for a new leather jacket, or Ireland for the warmest wool sweaters. Naturally, Texas is known for the best, most authentic cowboy boots, ten-gallon hats, and other Western gear. And in Austin, Allen’s Boots is the place to go for the perfect pair. 

A fixture on South Congress for more than twenty-five years, Allen’s sells boots from brands including Frye, Old Gringo, and Corral. They also stock plenty of jeans, hats (including Stetsons), Western shirts, and jewelry. Whether you want just a standard pair of brown leather boots, or fancier ones with lacing and embroidery, they’ll have them here. I’ve had my eye on a pair of chestnut-brown Frye’s for awhile now. Maybe next time I go to Austin I’ll finally get them.

Start shopping: 1522 S. Congress Ave., open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. See the wares online at AllensBoots.com.

Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds/Electric Ladyland

If you’ve passed the rooftop zebra dressed like Carmen Miranda, you’ve gone too far: Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and Electric Ladyland (two stores in one) are not for the faint of heart. This emporium of the unusual and offbeat offers costumes and vintage threads for the woman who wants to be noticed. No wallflowers need stop by here (unless you want an actual flower costume)—these outfits will guarantee the command of any room, from holiday bashes and cocktail parties to disco-ball lit nightclubs.

In business since April Fool’s Day, 1984, the store spans more than 8,000 square feet (that’s a lot of costumes) in the center of South Congress street. Costumes are available for both rental and purchase. And if the outfits aren’t enough, stop by the Party Room to make the ensemble complete. Possibilities include twenty types of hairspray (choose from black lite, multicolored glitter, and purple), Abe Lincoln beards and fake goatees, and all kinds of wigs, among other amusements.

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Start shopping: 1506 S. Congress Ave., open generally 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., see the store Web site for full details. 

Related Story: Boston’s Fashionable North End