Blue Velvet is part of my North Loop Jaunt (every few months I head over to the neighborhood and…read morehit 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!

Blue Velvet vintage is a cool, quirky and eclectic vintage store! The store good variety of both…read moremen'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.

Love the amazing service here! The staff are so helpful and it's a gorgeous environment. You'll…read morelove it!

Such a wonderful experience! By appointment only, a small area within the Estate. They have some…read morepieces such as clothing, shoes, and makeup available. Once you make your appointment, Fifi (their wonderful stylist), can help pull looks you may like prior to your arrival. The space is full of light and very welcoming. If you're staying at the Estate, definitely check it out. If you feel like having an upscale shopping day, then this is for you. Partners this could always be a great gift experience

I just had the most wonderful shopping experience at Spring Frost Boutique. I popped in to take a…read morelook about 45 minutes before posted store closing hours, however another shopper and I stayed until 90 minutes post close, due to such amazing support from the sweet owner, Spring and her in house alteration lady, Elizabeth. Spring was so gracious about staying open late to give myself and the other shopper time to try on a variety of items and get measured for fit. Spring is very knowledgeable about her brands and their sizing, and has very high quality offerings including brands from Europe. Thank you Spring for a very fun shopping experience, I will be back the next time I visit Austin.

I've passed by Spring Frost boutique so many times and decided to finally pop in. Initially I…read morethought it was a consignment store after viewing the building's exterior. The boutique carries a mid-price range of clothing, shoes and accessories with some pieces having higher pricing. I did not see any statement pieces as the boutique appears to be a bit conservative in nature. The owner asked that no pictures be taken inside the boutique for competitive reasons, so I'm honoring her request.

Amazing store that has amazing vintage pieces and even better jewelry…read more The owner is very friendly and is very knowledgeable about vintage sizing and how that translates to new sizing. The jewelry section is by far the best. It's a must check out!!!

Amazing store! Adam the owner has exquisite taste! I bought the ESCADA (era 70s) black and white…read morecoat for my best friend's 30th bday. A timeless piece Lots of shirts and jeans (yes of course bell bottoms too), unique coats and shorts too, all really unique pieces!

Shopping in Austin isn't always the most pleasant experience--everything can feel a bit…read moreoverpriced--but never fear, Howdy's is here! The store is super cute and offers a great selection at really reasonable prices. I've purchased a few items from here that I wear almost weekly, which says a lot. They also host monthly vendor markets, and honestly, I think is one of the best in Austin. I highly recommend checking this place out.

Small vintage shop, but good enough selection to choose from. It's a pretty small shop (house) so…read moreif it is busy, you may want to wait outside if you don't like small spaces. Value is average vintage pricing, but I think you can find many of these items at a Goodwill. Little place to stop in while you are grabbing a coffee or taco next door!

Hands down the BEST thrift store in Austin!!! Like seriously thank you so so so much for…read moreexisting!!! I am a commercial actress and a stylist on set put me on to Heartening. I'm always on the hunt for commercial friendly clothing to add to my acting wardrobe closet without spending a ton of $$$ and I always have great luck here. The main section of the store, everything is $3!!!! Yes, you read that correctly: $3. Clothes, shoes, accessories/jewelry. $3. Everything is very organized & there are dressing rooms with amazing lighting. The workers are super friendly! They also have a big premium section with things ranging $15+, but items that are worth it! I found so many amazing unique pieces, including very flattering extra long vintage 90s jeans on the baggier side (I'm a tall girl) for $15 - I was SHOOK. I went there again yesterday and found amazing pieces! There is also a free section outside in the back (for those in need). Thank you for making a difference!!! This is what thrifting is about and way too many thrift stores in Austin have completely lost the plot. 1000/10, recommend Heartening!

I contacted the owner to bring my Girl Scout troop to Heartening (7 middle schoolers and 2 adult…read moreleaders), who were interested in learning about community giving and local donation resources. I reached out to owner Kelley Rytlewski in advance as a courtesy, when we could have simply walked. Her response was to tell us not to come to her store. Her reason was that she didn't want us taking up space for "real" customers. No explanation beyond that, no alternative offered, even after I responded to her question about whether or not the Girl Scouts would be spending money at her store. (Yes, she actually asked me that. My response was that they were all instructed to bring $30 but it was up to them to choose to spend it at her store or not.) As someone who reached out in good faith, I found the interaction dismissive and unwelcoming. The customer experience was a stark contrast to the warm, community-focused image the business owner projects. If you're a school group, troop, or youth organization looking for a welcoming community partner and experience in Austin, I'd look elsewhere. Imagine being a female owner of a community-focused business and NOT partnering with Girl Scouts. Mind blown. Note: My previous THREE reviews of my experience with this business have been removed by the owner.

I was so glad to see this spot was still here when I visited Austin again a few weeks ago!…read more I visited this fun store about 5+ years ago when visiting a friend who lives in Texas and I remembered on this trip that they have a table with a bunch of crystals on it. We were nearby having lunch and walked over and it's still there! Tons of beautiful crystals and I was able to get a Rose quartz and two smokey quartz towers - all really good quality for insanely good prices. They have some great vintage clothing inside and some cute accessories and fun items. Great location near to some other cool shops and finds and Hillside Pharmacy for fabulous bites. Super friendly staff who wrapped my gems up with love and care for the trip back to VA. A+

Charm School Vintage is one of my favorite stores in our neighborhood…read more They've carefully curated vintage pieces with western flair (clothing, jewelry, etc). In addition, you'll be able to find items from various eras as far back as the 30s through the 70s. I've seen some stuff there even older than the 30s. Everything is of exceptional quality and condition. Not only do they sell but they buy as well. If you've got vintage wear you'd like to get rid of, try them. They give cash or credit for things they'll buy from folks. As with most stores like this, you'll get more in store credit for your stuff. Fun fact: they've also got a location in Waco.

Kids LOVED all the squishy selections! They make their own beauty products and their signature…read morecandles and wax scents smell sooooooo good. Fun for the whole family!

If you are in town visiting, this is the perfect place to acquire a quality souvenir of Austin…read more High quality, creative and expansive range of items including clothing for women and the like. Very nice!

6:48pm say they close at 7 and the lady at the door said "we're closed" like damn girl you couldn't…read morelet me in to just get some heels lmfao

I was there a couple days ago looking for an outfit and I usually have no problem but on this day…read moreIt was a horrible experience, I asked for help and the manager I believe her name is Genissess (i asked another employee for her name) made another employee help me she said " I'm not going to do it you do it " in Spanish Im guessing she assumed I didn't understand she was just on her phone at the front the whole time while the cashier had a long line , do not recommend coming to shop here , I will not be going back to this location!

These ladies are delightful and the store quite lovely. upon…read moreentering you receive a very warm hello and start your browsing of the boutique. The store shares so many wonderful choices for a wardrobe choice, a home decore or many other choices. If it's a gift, the gift wrapping is unique and pleasant to the eye. I'd suggest a visit as you will find a great little or big choice. Always a fun visit.

I meant to keep this short, but Ozzy Osbourne just passed away, and I came into your shop hoping…read morefor a little distraction--what I got was quite the opposite. So, story time. Should've gone for another tattoo instead. But I digress. This was my third and final visit. Each time I've come in, it's been clear I'm not welcome--neither I nor my money, apparently. My first visit was after dinner at Santa Rita, my usual post-work go-to. I'd been curious about your boutique--since you can't see into the store from the street--and I'm not one to judge a book by its cover (a little something I suggest we all try). I was completely ignored by the cashier, but I brushed it off. The second time, I brought a friend. While your clothing isn't quite my style, I'd noticed a few charming pieces and thought she might enjoy them. Someone did come outside to greet us and mention more items inside, which was a refreshing change. My friend even returned on her own later and had a good experience. Today, I stopped in again--not for myself, but because I have a sparkly, pink-loving, Kendra Scott-type friend with a birthday coming up, and your store felt like the perfect match. Once again, I came in after work and was met with a flat, unbothered "hi..." from the girl in the green dress, who immediately turned back to her conversation with the woman behind the counter. I browsed quietly, giving the benefit of the doubt--again--while they carried on, clearly uninterested. Another woman walked in and was promptly helped--likely because she matched the aesthetic. I, in contrast, was overlooked entirely. When I walked out, the same girl, parked in front of the counter like an immobile house pet with selective vision, actively avoided eye contact and said nothing. No goodbye, no thanks, not even a glance. Message received. Maybe it was the tattoos. Maybe the black clothing. Maybe just the assumption that I wouldn't be spending anything. Wild, considering I had every reason to judge her in that pretend "old money" dress--but didn't, and that's beside the point. You've lost a customer, and the referrals I was more than happy to send your way (most of which do actually fit your aesthetic). Still, I genuinely hope the shop survives--though with a hidden location, zero visibility from the street, and an overwhelming number of sale tags (which tracks--$50 for matches?), I wouldn't bet on it. Signed, Less impressed with you than you clearly were with me. P.S. While it's disheartening, it is not at all surprising to see other reviews echoing the same complaint: poor, unwelcoming service. You can defend your staff's "intentions" all day, but in the real world, actions are what matter. Do better, babes. Longevity doesn't mean relevance--it just means someone's still footing the bill.