Solid Gold

This store was notopen during posted business hours. I called ahead to check before fighting rush hour traffic because I was seeking jewelry by a particular artist the carry. Looks like a fun place through the locked door. Very disappointing.

Update: adding stars because the owner called, graciously apologized for an employee leaving a few minutes early,and offered to meet me. Can't ask for more than that.

Super Cute! I've been by this place 100 times, but never had the chance to go in. But I went by today and was not disappointed.

I went thinking I was going to look for a cute fall dress, but then ended up finding 2 pairs of awesome pants. One pair was on sale for 80% off and 20% off of the 80% off price...bargain!

The store owner was really helpful in picking out things that I would like and would fit. She was very friendly.

I'll definitely be going back. The only negative: things were relatively expensive, but many items were discounted between 20-50% off.

Solid Gold would be too expensive for me to frequent often if it weren't for the incredible sales. Seriously, every time I go in, there's some sort of sale going on. And these sales a supreme. First, the discounts are substantial, often 50% off. Second, the stuff on sale isn't the picked-over, ugly stuff, on sale because no one wanted to buy it. Sale clothes are items you will definitely want to buy! Make sure to get on the mailing list to find out about the great deals they offer.

The owner/buyer has a keen eye for style. The selection is trendy, yet sophisticated, tasteful, and flirty. Most of the designers can't be found at any other store in Austin. You will find unique, yet classy pieces to add some kick to your wardrobe.

Solid Gold is aptly named!

"Follow the golden fox"
...ooooooo...
"through the golden door"
....yeah....
"take the golden key"
...alright...
"go down the golden hall"
....yeah man....

If you have not heard Solid Gold by The Golden Filter, you probably should. I'll wait here for you to give it a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcO4DUSUWcA

Now go to Solid Gold and see if that song isn't controlling everything in your head. I approached the door and my hair suddenly circled up and around me, billowing as though a giant fan was positioned at the entrance to this sweet boutique. But if you don't have disco-inspiration in your head, it's ok: they'll have some MGMT on to sparkle-and-glitter your shopping experience.

I was torn between two sale dresses - one prim and proper vintage ($34), one a perfect blue shirt dress ($38; I know, I know - but support local business). The selection was varied, which made it a fun stop. The boy approved of both items, he of the cute and unhelpful variety. I decided on the blue dress; it cut perfectly on the thigh, and can be worn differently out on the town or to work (with an undershirt or something).

So where did I wear it? To a samba class, where I was the only participant not in gym sneakers and workout gear. I whipped out my dance heels and waited for the disco ball to drop. Make it solid gold, darlings.

Anthropologie what? Do you really want to give your money to the Man for a jersey dress??

If you want sweet dresses, and you want to patronize an Austin boutique, come here. Their dresses range from fancy to casual, chic to bohemian, and their selection is totally up to date. The price range is fairly wide so depending on what you're looking for, there are definitely some reasonable priced dresses.

Check it out for sure.

Twiggy shops here....not amazon me. sigh.....

In my mind, this nugget (ha!) is one of the best boutiques in Austin. I always swing by here after getting my hair cut at Method, and I always walk out with something I love.

Their selection of clothing is small but extremely well curated. They choose designers that are craftspeople, not celebrand trend-exploiters (I'm looking at you, Elizabeth & James). I wish I could buy more clothing here, but I'm extremely petite and even the smaller sizes don't really fit me.

I always come for the jewelry, though. Unique, handmade pieces that use genuine, authentic materials that have a sense of place. I hate cheap metal/plastic jewelry. These are thread and beadwork and gold and precious stones and all have that delicately rugged feel that mirrors Texas Hill Country.

These are certainly high-end boutique prices, but you absolutely get what you pay for.

I wandered in here one day after getting an expensive haircut (worth it) next door. I wanted a new dress to go with the new hair. Man! I didn't expect to find 10 different dresses and 5 shirts to try on! The place is small, but great. Expensive, but great! I'm so glad I found this place because it had really good women's dresses and clothes- casual to fancy. The style was vaguely youngish, hippish, comfortablish. the clothes weren't too crazy or kitsch.

The owner was really nice and helpful. It was a neighborhoody place. Her one friend's dog sauntered in, but then raced outside to pick a fight with some other dog. The owner ran to the doorway of the store and screamed at the dog in full force to get back in the shop! then came back in and kept chatting with her friends, who were like ooh and ahhing over her handbags, but obviously not going to buy anything.

It was cool.

When I have money to burn again, I will happily return.

What a pleasant little boutique!

I thought the prices were a bit high, especially for the neighborhood - is this little strip trying to be the next SoCo? I say, OhNo.

However, I can't complain, as I found my favorite shoe designer's pieces on sale for a fraction of what I would pay on the other side of town. So I picked up a pair - in purple - because it's summer and I just got paid and how fun, right?

If you offer to not take a bag with your purchase, you get a stamp on a card, and after quite a few stamps, you can get some sweet discounts. So all in all, the owner was delightful, helpful, and I'll be back.

As soon as the next shipment of those shoes come in.

I have to agree with what Katie, below, said: I was reminded of Anthropologie when I went in to Solid Gold for the first time today. But where Anthropologie has manufactured and mass-produced faux originality, Solid Gold has a lot of pieces with the same (or similar) rustic/vintage/Parisian feel from smaller labels (and some big ones, too). And if you buy something there, it's won't be the case that every fourth woman in the country either owns it, or saw it and liked it but couldn't afford it.

Apropos prices, the range is really wide. I saw things from about $39 to $400. And the $39 pieces were dresses, not a headband, not a pair of tights.

My only misgiving is not really a misgiving- she has a handful of vintage pieces interspersed through her collection. On the one hand, they seem to be handpicked with very high standards for look and condition. No fillers. But they're sold for prices that South Congress wouldn't dream of - I'd say twice as much.