First biannual vintage fest vamps

The clicking and clacking of hangers on clothing racks rang through vintage shops all over town Nov. 26-27 for the first ever biannual Austin Vintage Style Fest. Locals armed with wristbands parlayed and gazed at frilly frocks, strapping pearl snaps, bold boots and kicks, nostalgic looks, retro jewelry and exquisite mustaches at participating boutiques.

Purchasing a wristband to the fest, for $5 in advance or $10 the day of, gave attendees access to free food and drinks, major discounts on vintage threads, decor, music and more. Cream Vintage, Blue Velvet, Frock On Vintage, Retro Rubbish, The Fresh and several other pastime boutiques hosted the festival, all offering free beverages and snacks and exclusive discounts on all merchandise.

Out of town vendors and others set up shop at Empire Automotive to display their vintage finds, authentic Americana gear and mustache- themed accessories while Jason Austin (Disc Jockey Pop Noir) mixed funky, soulful rock hits of yesteryear Sunday, Nov. 27. The festival came right after consumerist shopping holiday Black Friday, partially to promote a new shopping movement – Small Business Saturday.

The two-day vintage- style tour was founded by SLACKER Magazine owner Andy Kaminski and sponsored by his magazine, Do512, UWeekly Austin, Tito's Vodka, Maine Root, Zico Water, Rockstar Bagels, KVRX, 101x, KLBJ, Beanitos, Zenify and more. According to the fest's website austinvintagestylefest. com, all wristband proceeds were donated to the Movember movement, which helps bring awareness and provide support for men's health issues.

Owner of Redemption Garb Vintage in San Antonio, Shelby Guevara said she was invited to showcase her shop's kitschy style and unique clothes. She said the fest is a fun way of highlighting local shops and celebrating vintage style.

"All of us get together [and] give everything at a discount of 25 percent," Guevara said. "So it's kind of making people aware of our stores whether it's online or at events."

It's a great way to have fun, have some drinks and try on clothes, she said, and all of the local shops drew plenty

of attention over the two-day tour. Guevara said her shop

will be an exhibitor at the next festival in six months under a new name — Indigo market — and hopes to open a location in Austin in the future.

Gary Rivers, friend and helper of Cream Vintage owner Rob Janzentskey, said he noticed a sizable boom in the shop's business compared to previous years' post- Thanksgiving numbers. The festival brought a lot of traffic to otherwise off-the-radar type boutiques, especially with all the attractive discounts and freebies. He said customers seemed to really enjoy the vintage gathering as well.

"Everybody who came through [Cream Vintage] with a wristband had really positive feedback on the festival," Rivers said.

For more information about the festival, its sponsors and vendors, or becoming an exhibitor in the next event, visit austinvintagestylefest.com.