Costume Shops: A few of Austin's biggest thrift stores, some specialty shops, and a few stores that make costumes their specialty.
Thrift Stores
Goodwill on 183
(512)832-0004
The largest Goodwill in town and the best-stocked, with a wide
assortment of clothing in a variety of tastes and styles--it is
the place where bridesmaids' dresses go to die. A good array of
strange stuff and brick-a-brack, enough to build a good costume,
but as thrift stores go a little pricy. Best during the early
fall (when they put the winter coats out) and near Halloween.
Found a trenchcoat that changes color here. Good store hours--open
9-9 Monday through Saturday, and 11-7 Sunday. (8965 Research,
a block or two south of Burnet)
Salvation Army on South Lamar (512)443-7565
Halfway decent thrift store, with more "normal" clothing
than most. Best reason to go to this store is the large number
of stores around it--Savers, Blackmail, Flashback are all
nearby on Lamar, and the shopping center has two or three good
vintage stores--check out "Let's Dish" and Big Bertha's
Bargain Boutique (1142 S. Lamar)
Savers Thrift Stores
(512)442-8011
A large "thrift mall" with aisles and aisles of clothes,
some eccentric stuff--much better prices than Salvation Army or
Goodwill. Check the glass cabinets for neat old stuff--ancient
Kodak cameras and other interesting bits. (4001 S. Lamar Blvd)
Thrift Town (512)445-7200
A great shop in and of itself (picked up a military trenchcoat
here for $5.00, if it's been worn before I can't tell--JVW). Excellent
prices and selection. Good for any modern costuming. If you're
on a serious thrift store run, swing by Thrift Town, then go to
the Goodwill in the same center, then head up to Stassney and
catch Thriftland (512 W. Stassney, another large thrift store)
and the Salvation Army on South Congress near St. Elmo. (5726
Manchaca Rd.)
Specialty Stores
Flashback (512)445-6906
A good retro store, worth visiting for the Austin Powers experience.
(2407 S. Lamar)
Blackmail (512)326-7670
A nice, if pricey, vintage shop. Small selection (the shop's about
the same size as a large kitchen). Some period Victorian clothes.
Blackmail's Unique Selling Proposition is that most of its merchandise
is black. Mmm, black victorian dresses. Blackmail seems to have
moved from its purity of purpose (they had a lot of modern shirts
in the men's section, less unique vintage clothing, over the few
times I've visited--JVW) (2040 S. Lamar)
I'd love a review of Hog Wild, E. North Loop, and Flipnotics, Barton Springs road.
Costume Shops
Aaronika's
Year Round Costume Shoppe (512)476-6900
Never actually been to this one, but have heard nothing but praise
for it. A more complete review would be appreciated. (713 E 6th
Old Pecan St.)
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (512)444-2002
In the SoCo shopping strip along with Uncommon Objects and a half-dozen
vintage/junk/antique/retro/toy stores. Primarily a costume rental
store, and their prices reflect this, but they've got a good selection
of costume jewelry (some "period" stuff) and accessories
as well, and if you're shopping for ideas, it's a good place to
visit. Decent historical costuming section, an easy store to get
lost in. (1506 S. Congress)