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March 12, 2007

Rocked-out rockabilly, vintage dancing queen, pure country two-stepper, '80s Zolo warrior, off-the-wall zoot-suiter—in Austin, anything goes. A blue oasis in a red desert, Austin has earned its keep as the South's most beloved laid-back music scene, a hot and hilly hub where individual style extends from a way of dress to a way of life. If you're heading there for SXSW it's imperative to know where to shop, where to eat, and where to hang this week when the city comes alive and stays awake for a week of non-stop live music.
Shop.

Kick Pleat. 910 South First Street, 512-445-4500

Some of the greatest local businesses can be found living in old Austin homes transformed into spaces that are comfortable, contained, and incredibly personable. South Austin's Kick Pleat is no exception, displaying the top independent women's designers in an open, friendly, downright homey space.

Vintage shopping for men and women at a store that's less like your granny's attic and more like an urban boutique. This is the place to come for one-of-a-kind party wonders, be it a Polynesian mini-dress, a killer set of suede zip-up boots, or a combo of both.

Blackmail. 1202 South Congress Avenue, 512-326-7670

What's an urban wardrobe without a little noir? Or in this case, a lot of it. Another South Congress favorite, Blackmail narrows the choice to one color, but opens the doors wide to interesting designs, textures, and compositions.
Eat.
El Chile. 1809 Manor Road, 512-457-9900.
In Texas, Mexican food is an obsession—beans, tortillas, guacamole, chips, margaritas, and hot, hot, hot salsa. At El Chile, you get all this, a commitment to quality flavors and ingredients, and a nice patio where you can enjoy it.
South Congress Café. 1600 South Congress Avenue, 512-447-3905.

Shopping on SoCo can be hard work. But happy hour may be the best reward, especially when Mexican Martini's, $3 Mojito's, and Queso Flamado con Rajas are involved.

Hotspots.

Club deVille. 900 Red River Street, 512-457-0900.

A dark, slightly disheveled, but decidedly artsy ambiance makes this outdoor/indoor hangout the best spot for a martini, a chat, and some awesome style sitings.

The Scoot Inn. 1308 East 4th Street, 512-478-6200.

An eastside establishment that was recently revamped by the owners of the Longbranch Inn, the Scoot Inn has an incredible tree-shaded backyard and an impressive roster of shows for the week.

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