Austinites are creative, whether it’s through music, art, film or technology. Not surprisingly, many feel the need to express themselves through their wardrobe as well. Vintage stores offer a place where they know it’s possible to find unique pieces that are absent from chain retailers. This week, we explore the vintage side of Austin style.

Cream Vintage

2532 Guadalupe St, 78705 and 1714 S Congress Ave, 78704

Cream’s two locations are in the middle of some of Austin’s prime shopping locations, South Congress and “The Strip,” near the University of Texas campus on Guadalupe Street. As such, the owners say they see a variety of customers each day, from bands looking for unique style to Austin visitors checking out the local shopping scene. Cream is one of the few vintage stores to offer alterations services, and also has its own line made from recycled vintage clothes and fabrics. Check out Cream at creamvintage.com.

South Austin Roadhouse Rags

1600 Fortview Road, 78704

A self-proclaimed “destination store,” Roadhouse Rags caters to musicians looking for stage wear, which includes pearl snap shirts and worn-in cowboy boots. The owners, Clay Connell and Kelli Archer, said they are happy to help customers bring out their creative side when buying clothes. Archer said she and Connell enjoy working together with other vintage store owners around the city to “share the wealth” of the vintage market. Check out Roadhouse Rags at myspace.com/roadhouserags.

Prototype Vintage

1700 1/2 S Congress Ave, 78704

Owners Audrie San Miguel, Emily Larson and Sarah Evans keep their motto of “All killer, no filler” when they buy clothes, shoes, accessories and furniture for their vintage store on South Congress. San Miguel said she and the other owners were inspired by department stores in the 1960s when designing the store’s layout: couches, chairs and retro lighting are interspersed with vintage cowboy boots and quirky t-shirts. Check out Prototype Vintage at prototypevintagedesign.com.

Robyn Brooks started doing clothing alterations nine months ago, when she got a job at Cream Vintage. She said the most common requests are hemming pants or taking in pearl snap shirts. Customers can bring in items of clothing to be altered, or can have their purchases from Cream altered at the same time as their purchase. General manager Alexandra Milton said the alterations help drive business because customers have more options and can leave the store with clothes that fit them much better than what they might otherwise purchase.

Basic alterations usually take one or two days, Brooks said. Cream started offering alterations a year after they opened because the owner was unable to find smaller sizes that fit Cream’s design aesthetic.

If this story has you nostalgic, then check out some of the stores to find a few blasts from the past. Thanks for stopping by.