Blue Velvet is part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the neighborhood and hit up my favorite places). It's also been sitting in my draft reviews for quite awhile (for those of you tracking). Started coming here a couple of years ago, around 2023 and just love it. It's a smaller store but they have lots of well-curated pieces and a really good selection of formal wear, dresses, skirts, jewelry, etc. I was prompted to take care of this draft review and a few others today because of a dress in the window here. A friend was recently in town visiting and asked that I go back and get a picture of the dress in the window. She is thinking about purchasing it (or having me purchase it and send it to her lol). Anyway, here's something to know: items displayed in the window have waitlists for folks intersting in purchasing. Anytime I have been in the shop, including today, service is friendly and helpful. The store is clean and the vintage pieces they carry are in pristine condition. You know what I like to say at this point-shop local, support small businesses! read more

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Blue Velvet vintage is a cool, quirky and eclectic vintage store! The store good variety of both men's and women's vintage clothing, spanning multiple decades (notably mid‑20th century through late 20th century). Interestingly, the store combines vintage items with some modern items. For example, socks, some jewelry and sunglasses are non-vintage. While the store is small, it is easy to browse. In addition, clothing and shoe items are spaced apart where you can easily view them and ferret through the racks. The value of items are reasonably priced and some items as low as $5. I did not find anything I could not live without, however, I will definitely pop in from time to time. Also, there is a fair amount of free parking. The store manager was super helpful and personable. read more

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It is cool, kinda of overpriced. Most items were over $30 and t-shirts were over $20. A pair of black tights was $22 . But I recommend a place to check out for unique items. read more

I come in pretty often and always have a wonderful time even if I don't find anything (rare). Not too often you see authentic vintage clothing in such good condition these days! Staff is always sweet and inviting, recommend this store to anyone who wants real vintage. read more

Great vintage store with a fantastic selection - from dressy to fun pants and tops. Dead stock leather bracelets from the 70s. Really boss polyester pants in plaid, lingerie, belts. Things are curated nicely with the size and era and they're often displayed by era. Lots of beautiful finds - from a 60s silk dress to a 70s cowboy shirt. The people who work there are friendly and helpful. read more

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This place is great! I can always count on great finds and friendly staff. I found a super cool Marlboro jacket from the 70s here and it was reasonably priced. Great location too! read more

I popped in to sell some old military uniforms I had been using for costumes. I was bummed to find out they don't buy from the public. But the good news is the person working the counter was extremely helpful in directing me to a few other places where they do. The store is clean, well laid out, and bright. You can browse through and see a ton of great vintage clothing. And it's a really trendy part of town, so of course there's a great coffee shop on one side and a vinyl records shop on the other. It's a seriously cool place to find everything you need to get some chic funky threads for a night out. read more

What a wonderful vintage store!!! We just happened to be driving down the street exploring and we decided to check out this cool place!!! We are visiting from Las Vegas and this store is TOP NOTCH compared to the vintage shops in Vegas! So cool, clean, neat and organized. The ladies were so kind and had positive energy and made us feel so welcomed! We appreciate that! We bought retro glasses, a hat and a cool retro Fanny pack!! We love supporting locally owned businesses and we are glad we did and we found new friends in Austin! Buy local! read more

Blue Velvet - My cool 70s retro glasses! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

We walked in and made eye contact with the long dark haired girl standing at the register, she immediately looked away and did not greet us. I decided to say hello since that was very weird and awkward and she ignored me. We immediately turned around and left because we were weirded out by how unfriendly the staff is and how unwelcome we felt. read more

This was the second time I have attempted to shop with visiting family members and I will not visit again First time I was asked "can I sanitize you ?" Before I could say anything the lady squirted sanitizer at me. WTH? Second time was yesterday and a BIG space wasting table is set up inside the shop only allowing a few people in at a time letting at least 10 people in front of me know that they could set a time for us to come back I said nope I won't come back I watched all those other I folks get in there car and drive off also. Won't attempt to return again. Owner should think about removing the giant table to allow for more space for actual buying customers read more

This place has the best jewelry and bandanas and everything is very reasonably priced. The staff are always exceptionally friendly.

Amazing unique finds and such amazing staff and customer service. Above and beyond. Thank you so so much for everything! Def recommend a visit! read more

Blue Velvet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

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One of my favorite vintage shops in Austin! They don't price gouge unreasonably & I always end up finding something when I come here!

I've been going to Blue Velvet for the last decade in Austin and have never had a poor experience. Their pieces are really one-of-kind, in great condition (I've owned many for years without needing any mending which is rare for vintage pieces) whilst also remaining very reasonably priced considering the current market and their consistent cult popularity. I always take my sister here when she visits because I know it won't disappoint and she'll always find something (she's quite petite but they carry a lovely spectrum of sizes and styles). The people here are always kind and also not overly pushy with salesmanship which makes for such a pleasant, unhurried feel. It's one of my favorite spots in Austin because even after 10+ years and all the changes culturally I've witnessed, it's preserved the best aspects of Austin from when I first fell in love with this place as a 20-something; this 30-something still adores it. I truly hope it never goes away. read more

Fantastic local small business to find very neat pieces of clothing, jewelry and accessories for yourself and house. They are currently doing 12 people limited capacity bc of Covid but are very kind and workers will help you out in the store. Most things are priced to that of a small business but like I said everything is so unique! They have a great store and definitely worth to go check out! read more

Blue Velvet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great place, nice staff! Not pushy or rude, just helpful but not in your face style ;) great organization by decade. Was a full day of thrifting this was one of the top two. They also sell novelty sunglasses and socks they are too cute! read more

Blue Velvet - One of the shirts I bought 90s western I plan on editing it some to fit me but love the 90s graphic - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Blue Velvet never fails when looking for something unique! Their selection is diverse and detailed, but the quality comes with boutique prices. I don't mind paying more though because I always find something that fits my needs. The sales staff is very cordial and helpful too! It's definitely worth the experience! read more

Blue velvet is becoming one of my favorite vintage shops in Austin. First and foremost, because it's probably the best/most reasonable priced vintage your going to find here in Austin. Not only are the prices reasonable, but they have a constant stream of new arrivals. There are always a few hidden gems in this shop. Also, if your looking for some cool earrings this place never disappoints. I personally have hard time not buying a new pair every time I drop in. Least I forgot, I've only had awesome customer service here. Thank you Blue Velvet for being a reliable vintage stop for me! read more

I adore this store. Inevitably I find something fab-u-lous -- whether it's some patent leather thigh highs or a pair of wrap around geordie laforge style sunglasses that i wear to all the hipster bars to start the trend. It's a little crowd-y but there are so many gems in this store you should just allot some time to browse around. Pricing is reasonable, the ladies are super helpful and as a bonus, they have sidewalk sales, concerts pretty consistently. I'm not typically a vintage shopper -- given that I have little patience and also birthing hips. For some reason, Blue Velvet gives me the warm fuzzies. Maybe it's the owl logo or the oh so hip jewelry hanging just inside, but it's one of my favorite places in the city to bring friends who I want to impress with this super city of ours. read more

Awesome little vintage clothing store. Staff is welcoming and prices are fairly reasonable at $20 or $30 for real vintage items. Some of course are a little more depending on age. Things are sorted by type of clothing and then by decade. Large area of men's clothing as well. Mainly things are 80s, 70s and 60s. Small section of formal dresses and a few vintage kimono and satin robes. Plenty of parking. Next door to a coffee shop and a neat record store. read more

We strolled through and looked at some of their clothes, everything was organized pretty well, I hate looking through clothes just to find my size and this place does it the right way. read more

Blue Velvet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

This was a true gem! We heard the reviews and gave it a try, and we are so happy we did! Reasonably priced, well curated items, and fun!

For regular "Austiners," we know that this city has no short supply of vintage clothing, whether it be on the person, or on a rack. Blue Velvet is one of the best. It's got a great location, in the same center as "Epoch Coffee?" Every time I go to one, the other isn't far behind. Love the selection, the music is..*ahem* "Groovy," employees are sweet and accommodating, prices are decent and it's just fun experience, all around! If you're in the neighborhood, check it out! read more

Blue Velvet - Accessories! - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I'm a stan for Blue Velvet. This has been one of favorite vintage shops since I moved here almost 4 years ago. I feel like I always find what I am looking for if I need something in particular or I find a treasure when I'm not expecting it. I never break my piggy bank either. This is one of the few vintage stores in Austin that has good pricing. I hate when some vintage shops hike prices up just because it's vintage. Sorry, but I am not paying $100 for a band t-shirt when I can buy a band t-shirt at Blue Velvet for $30. I bought a cool Kids in the Hall tour shirt here. I found this amazing legit 1950's Jonathan Logan dress a couple of years back. I ended up wearing it one year for Halloween and was a zombie housewife. The dress was less than $30 bucks. I also found this Halloween themed orange dress last summer and I wore it this past October for a decades day at work. I love the little things too. When I am not finding awesome dresses to wear, they always have cute cheap earrings, jewelry, buttons at the cashier's front. One time I also received a grab bag for $5 that had some random stuff like a iron on patch, cassette tape, etc, but it was worth $5 for getting cateye sunglasses included in that bag. Some of my other favorite finds were floral sunglasses that an employee had made themselves that were cheaper than getting them on Etsy and also a headband I needed for a 1920's theme party. I never get tired of coming here, and it helps that there are other shops in the North Loop that I like going to so I can get all my shopping finished in one place. I will continue to come here. read more

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It all started with an email saying 50% off sale. Ok, thats a beacon in the night for me. Its super far north for me and I really did have to use my GPS. North Loop? Yeah, can't get there from MoPac. It was well worth the trip though. I discovered a new part of town that I need to explore. Focus...Blue Velvet. I scored a babydoll dress that was just plain yummy. I also got a golden orange shirt for the hubs, a couple of scarves, and an apron. Love me some retro aprons. There was a long peach dress that looked like the fair dress Sandra Bullock wore in Hope Floats. Totally not my style but it was too cute, soft, and I wanted to live in it except it didn't fit. Believe me...I tried! Next time when I have more time, I will grab some coffee from next door and really dive into every single rack. read more

Blue Velvet Vintage is the best vintage clothing shop I have been to so far since I've been in Austin. It's tucked away in a small shopping center next to cool coffee/tea shop. What I love about this place is the fact that they have everything organized by decade and by style. Most other vintage shops just have everything lopped together and it makes theme and style shopping very difficult. But here it's laid out with rack labels and the staff is more than happy to answer any questions you may have about suggestions or ideas. I come here to shop for vintage goods from the 70's to pay homage to my Dad, and no other place has made the experience so simple and nostalgically pleasing. How or where they find some of these items is a total mystery because I've actually seen them carry new-old-stock of some real deal stuff from the 60's to the 80's. They tend to carry more of a selection for the ladies, but let's face it.. ladies shop for clothing more than men do. But their men's clothing selection is pretty darn good. Now one could complain about their prices, but keep in mind that these guys go out and hand pick this stuff. It's not some typical "take in donations and sort through it for old stuff" kinda place. So that perfect vintage dress or shirt that you find here went through a lot of hoops just to end up on their racks. So with that in mind, I don't mind paying the extra finders fee considering the amount of hell I would have had sifting through thrift shops and other "vintage" shops to find what I needed. I consider this place a once in a while treat for me and shop here in moderation because it can become addicting. But be sure to frequent it at least once every few weeks because their selection changes all the time. I drive all the way from Houston just to shop here and it's one of the main reasons I am considering moving back. read more

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Well this place is not service dog friendly! Didn't even ask me if my service dog was there to assist me they just kicked us out. Over priced store with RUDE service I'll shop up the street. read more

I reluctantly write this review, cause I don't want all you fools knowing where I get my coolest vintage clothes. That said, Blue Velvet has *so much* great gear, that I'm ok with sharing my favorite spot. Half of my closet is from Blue Velvet: one of a kind shirts, tie clips, ties, deadstock levis, cardigans, 1960s, 1970s, 1950s...even as much of the clothes from those classic MCM years seems to be disappearing, Blue Velvet somehow is still able to turn up with a bunch of it. There's one main reason that I've been following this store around Austin as they've moved from location to location: they are the best at what they do. read more

The worker was having a severely personal conversation on the phone as we entered, but once another customer walked up to the register he hung up. Besides this small complaint, the selection in this store is phenomenal and I enjoyed sifting through its vast variety. I will definitely be back. read more

I was able to find a few cute things here . Nice selection of 70s, 80s, and Hawaiian . I did notice some things from dollar tree- but didn't really effect my visit . Store was EXTREMELY cramped and hard to move around . Long dressing room wait . It was a Saturday afternoon - so maybe just a rush hour . Staff is friendly read more

A cute little gem! I have been wanting to go here for the longest ever since I heard of it through a friend when I complimented her patches . I finally did get to a few months back and I got the cutest accessories such as pins, earrings, patches. The close are super cute as well but slightly pricey. Then again, they are vintage. I definitely recommend going her if your looking for a vintage style boutique - you'll get some great finds. read more

Ugh. I wish this store was my closet... it's just as cramped! The space is pretty small and overflows with clothing racks; you will be saying "excuse me" quite a bit (unless you're impolite and prefer to wordlessly squeeze past other customers).The racks are organized well by era/style/size, but there is soooo much to look at... many gems to uncover. I love Blue Velvet's range of clothing - there are complex, expensive pieces from many decades ago; '70s prom dresses, Gunne Sax, '60s wild print shift dresses, basic I'm-a-good-housewife shirt dresses, '90s Express skirts (which are arguably not true vintage, but they are in style)... and beyond. There are showpieces and then there are everyday wear pieces. Clothes are definitely the focus, and women's clothes at that... there's a less substantial men's section, and there are accessories (bolo ties, shoes, purses, jewelry) but not a whole lot. The caveats: The staff is not overly friendly in my experience, and the prices can be a little high (a lot of items are between $30-40 if I recall correctly, which can be a steal for some clothes and a rip-off for others). Perhaps my biggest complaint: The store blurs genuinely vintage with vintage-inspired. if you're a vintage purist, be careful. Some items don't have labels and may be mixed in with everything else and appear to be genuine Old Stuff, but are in fact not. I had this experience with the shawls in particular. I didn't really care, because I still liked them, but it is a little misleading especially when you could find the same thing at a thrift store for a much lower price. read more

I understand that there are Covid procedures in place and I actually respect what they're doing but people still need to be allowed to shop. When I arrived I had to be put on a list in order to enter the store because space is limited and this is a tiny shop. I waited roughly 25 minutes to enter and once I did I was pleasantly surprised that their fitting rooms were actually open. I was searching for costume pieces and therefore I was looking for something specific. I browsed for about 10 minutes and then tried on a few garments. As soon as I exited the dressing room I was accosted and asked if I was ready to check out. I was not ready yet and still had other shopping to do but another employee then came In from outside and Informed me that there was a line to get in and I needed to hurry. I felt completely rushed and pressured to exit the store. I did buy one small thing but that was only because I wasn't allowed to shop further. I feel that it would have been adequate for them to allow me to shop at least as long as I was waiting outside. I also didn't realize that they were only letting one customer in at a time. Had I known that things would have gone much differently. I feel that since I didn't look the part of the young hipster environment that I was pushed out and "pretty womaned". Well they lost out big, huge in fact because I was prepared to drop money in there today. It's very sad. I really love this store and it's the best vintage store in Austin. It's pricy for sure but the selection is pretty authentic. It's just real sad because I won't be returning. I guess they will just have to rely on the younger cooler crowd to keep them in business. In the end if there is a time limit to shop that needs to be made aware to the customer up front so we don't waste your time and you don't give dirty looks and pressure to your customers on their way out the door. read more

Believe it or not this locally born & raised Austinite went to Blue Velvet for the first time this weekend! Pro's: I love what I purchased. YAY! I got a Dodgers T-shirt, white overalls (which I will dye red), and a beautiful sequined top (1920's style). Con's: This is more of a specialty store than a "thrift shop". It is pricey (average prices not thrift store cheap). Totally worth the money! However, if you are looking for $9.99 work slacks that have a funky edge this may not be your first stop... read more

I actually had a shirt stolen from me at this place. HORRIBLE customer service. Can't believe I forgot to write this review! SO I went in Halloween eve with my toddler and was in quite a rush as I was on my way to teach a yoga class. I by accident left my toddler's sippy cup and a shirt of mine in the dressing room. I called back 10 minutes later and the girl said yes she had the shirt and cup at the front and not to worry. I told her I'd be there tomorrow to get it. WELL I go the next day and the sippy cup is there, but low and behold my shirt is mysteriously missing. It was a really cool shirt. It was there when the morning girl was there, then the afternoon girl worked with a "friend" (ahem, non employee) and the shirt grew legs and walked. It was in a safe place behind the counter away from customers reach with a note on it. We scoured the store to see if it was on the racks. The girl who worked the night of the shirt disappearance was horribly rude to me. I was still (peacefully and hopefully)) looking on the racks for it and she actually asked her friend if she should get her lawyer. HER LAWYER! I asked if they would at least give me store credit in exchange for my stolen shirt (I still have the receipt from the shirt) and the girl looked at me like I was crazy. Please don't patronize this store. There are so many other good vintage stores with AMAZING customer service like Cream. Blue Velvet has no concern for its customers, I was treated so horribly on top of having my shirt stolen. Whoever's wearing that shirt has some bad karma. read more

Yesterday was probably not the best day to browse a vintage clothing store for the first time. We had just eaten, I had to pee something wicked, but we were driving by anyway so I demanded we stop in so that I could finally check this place out. I am going to come back when I really have time to stop and shop. I was more so doing a drive by at the time, but what I did see I was impressed with. This store is very tiny, yet extremely well organized. Clothes are arranged by year (ps, since when are the 90s vintage?!..sobs), all the shoes are aligned perfectly next to their partners, and the jewelry is displayed beautifully. They have everything from t-shirts, to pearl snaps for guys, jean jackets, fringe, robes, fur coats, and lovely dresses. I came THIS close to buying a pale pink Jackie O number that had sparkly rhinestones around the neckline until I remembered that for me dressing up means leaving the house in something other than my pajamas. The prices seem fair and their accessories are fun. I felt like I was inside a time machine, swearing that some of the things I saw my own grandmother and mother once owned. They do have fitting rooms and even though the parking lot is madness, spots directly in front of the shop are for their store only so it makes it easy. I'll be back! read more

Looking for yellow, knee-high boots for your Rogue Halloween costume? Blue Velvet's got 'em. Need a classy cowboy shirt for the North Carolinian boyfriend who's still trying to mold with Texas? It's hanging at Blue Velvet. Have an evening to waste with fun? Just tromp on past the Open sign. Blue Velvet answers pretty much any desire. Although technically a "vintage" store (which people associate with costuming), they also have racks of clothes which could be worn daily, at work or out on the town. Quality, cheap, unique clothes? Yes, please! Not to mention, it's just a hilarious, beautiful, happy business. Last time I visited, the store was brimming with browsers & chatters, a live band (it's Austin, what do you expect?) & drinks for sale. You don't find that atmosphere at the mall. & they're situated right next to Epoch. After an afternoon of exuberant window shopping or incredible buys, just hop next door to quench that shopping thirst & fill an empty belly with pizza. Their name perfects the whole experience. It's Blue Velvet, for gosh sake. What opulence. What texture. If you have any imagination, that name just emanates "come hither." read more

I live a block away from Blue Velvet. Heavens, how my vintage pocketbook from Blue Velvet suffers for it! This is the richest collection of vintage clothes I've ever stumbled upon, and I've been thrifting since I was a pre-teen. Dresses range from about $18 to $28. Don't fool yourself thinking this is expensive. You could spend your whole life in Goodwill, Salvation Army or Treasure City looking for something as cool as any given thing in this place. Also, remember that piece of instant regret you bought from American Apparel or Urban Outfitters last month? . . . Yeah. That cost as much as an entire outfit from Blue Velvet, and half of UT is already wearing it by now. The salespeople are friendly yet aloof (which I like--I hate the breathing-down-your-neck types--) until you need help, and then they transform into customer service super heroes. They applaud your best finds as you emerge triumphantly from the dressing room seeking affirmation. They cheerfully select your accessories for you if fashion eludes you like it does me sometimes. They give discounts on clothing that is missing buttons or has ripped seams without fail. As a curvy size 6/8 (by current American standards), I have trouble finding clothes in contemporary stores that flatter my shape. Anything from the 50s or 70s seems to do the trick, though, and each time I visit Blue Velvet, they've got a whole new slew of unique, waist-defining dresses for me try on. It's a problem I love having! read more

There is a problem (if you choose to call it that) which I encounter each and every time that the sun shines as brightly and clearly as it did today: I find myself bolstered by the sheer exuberance of the sky and set out for new sunglasses. This in and of itself probably isn't a particularly groundbreaking development, I mean hell, even Randy Newman loved LA when his car's roof was pulled back. But fact is that I had to get out of the house, found myself with only a trick pair of fake rock n roll gag shades in my ride, and I needed a pair of glasses interesting enough to wear and cheap enough that when I leave them sitting on a bench accidentally somewhere, I won't have to slit my wrists. This seemed as good a time as any to head out after a vintage store that I'd not hit yet, and Blue Velvet recently moved from their former perch on the drag to this cozy shop next to Epoch Coffee on North Loop. What they lack in size they made up for in quirky charm (we really do have it good here when it comes to thrift stores) and I had a good time thumbing through some of the kitschy and cool threads they had on the racks. I will say that one thing I didn't see as much of as I like in your typical thrift store was an almost total lack of anything new. I know, I know...it's a vintage shop. But I always love the random newish retro styled shirt that some stores will stock, and this wasn't the place for that. That said, I found a great pair of shades on the cheap that worked out just fine, and if they turn up missing tomorrow I'll still be ready and able to gamble on another pair. Some days that's just the price of opting semi-cool instead of half-tragic. read more

Blue Velvet - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Austin, Texas

I would be hard-pressed to find a vintage store with better prices or selection than Blue Velvet. I don't have the fattest wallet or the smallest figure, so I can appreciate the volume of plus sized vintage at reasonable prices. Another thing I appreciate is the condition of the clothing. I won't name names, but I've been to a few vintage clothing stores in town that have tried to sell me torn and stained clothing. In addition to quality vintage clothing, the store is always stocked with original pieces made by the owners and workers. These people are not only creative, but talented as well. The shopping experience is always enjoyable. The store is well organized, the staff is friendly, the music is good, and the space is attractive. An added plus is the location, right next to one of my favorite coffee shops. read more