Best College Town Shopping
College Town Shopping – University of Texas – Austin
Adelante
It’s part vintage, part folk, but with a modern twist. You’ll find the sweetest home accessories, jewelry and handbags, plus many reworked vintage items.
Beehive
If Rachel Bilson is one of your style icons, then Beehive is a must-see. A blend of fashion-forward and laidback “Austin” style, Beehive gets it just right—with affordable prices to boot!
Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant will be your go-to spot for easy pieces from labels like Monrow, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Collective Concepts and Current/Elliott, plus fragrance and beauty items from Kiehl’s and Bond no. 9.
By George
By George is Austin’s perfectly well-edited designer boutique, featuring everything from Alexander Wang to Joie. Make sure to see both locations—the merchandise is completely different!
Eliza Page
This jewelry boutique, located in Austin’s trendy 2nd Street District, features beautiful baubles that range from dainty to statement-making, many of which are by Texas designers!
Parts & Labour
This store is the definition of SoCo eclectic. Located on South Congress, Parts & Labour carries merchandise that is exclusively by Texas designers. From fantastic jewelry to funny graphic tees, Parts & Labour is an Austin must-see.
STAG
Fantastic menswear doesn’t even begin to cover it. STAG is that rare guys’ store that manages to be trendy, but not overly so. The items are just special enough to have some serious street cred.
A SoCo institution, Uncommon Objects has been bringing antiques, vintage finds and other odds and ends to the Austin crowd for years. It has been called “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids.” Love it.
College Town Shopping – Texas A&M University – College Station
Eclectic best describes this shop, owned by sisters Amie & Jolie. Expect to find funky housewares and vintage finds from around the world, all with a Texas twist.
Perfect for those times when you want a new party outfit, but don’t want to break the bank. You’ll find all your trendy, fashion-forward pieces here, at affordable prices!
If you’re looking to score some authentic vintage tees or original albums on vinyl, head to Northgate Vintage, located right across the street from Texas A&M. Insider tip: They offer weekly specials and in-store coupons, so drop by the store whenever you’re looking for a bargain!
College Town Shopping – Texas Tech University – Lubbock
As soon as you walk through the door at Chrome, you’ll be transported from Lubbock to L.A.’s Robertson Boulevard, where all the hottest celebs shop. Chrome is loaded with on-trend brands like Wildfox, George Gina & Lucy, RARE eyewear, Carrera, Plastic Island and Bond No. 9. There are even separate rooms dedicated to shoes, handbags and beauty products!
Drest is designer heaven, carrying lines such as Elizabeth and James, Madison Marcus, Magaschoni, Leifsdottir and Michael Kors. It’s the perfect stop whether you’re looking for a standout party frock or an investment piece that’ll carry you through several seasons.
This store just makes you smile. The vibrant décor combined with the interesting, sometimes quirky merchandise strikes the perfect balance. Look for unique jewelry you won’t see on anyone else and easy-to-wear separates, as well as vintage and contemporary housewares.
Located right across the street from Texas Tech University, TC Elli’s is perfect for the sorority girl on a budget. You’ll find great day dresses and wear-with-everything basics, plus a great selection of statement jewelry and accessories.
College Town Shopping – Texas State University – San Marcos
It’s fitting that two of the country’s premier outlet malls are located to near a college campus, loaded with kids on a budget! San Marcos has loads of outlet stores to offer at San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center. Prime offers designer finds such as COACH, Barney’s New York, James Perse, Joe’s Jeans and Tory Burch. Tanger has Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, DKNY Jeans and Levi’s.
College Town Shopping – Baylor University – Waco
Owner Amy Bradshaw brings together a perfect balance of antiques and offbeat finds, such as mirrors, doors, brooches and housewares. Our favorite is the collection of linens made from vintage fabrics.
At Honey’s, you’ll find a mix of quality antiques, fine reproductions and contemporary home décor. Owned by a husband and wife team, Honey’s also offers custom upholstery services.
Prefontaine is hands-down Waco’s trendiest boutique. It offers lines such as Diane von Furstenberg, Pour la Victoire and Loeffler Randall, all in a beautifully designed space.
