Image from AmericanApparel.netAustin will move three steps closer to becoming Southern California a real city a place where you can try on those high-waisted hot shorts and shiny tights before buying them with the opening of three new American Apparel locations (two real stores in Austin and an outlet in Round Rock). The first location will be on the Drag at 2316 Guadalupe, which is good news, because there are few things as vital to... more ›

We are pleasantly surprised to hear that former UT alum Elisa Jimenez is a contestant for the upcoming season of Bravo’s Project Runway. We chatted up this uber-creative lady earlier this year at an in-store fashion-show/performance during SXSW at Factory People, where she sold several hand-stitched jersey dresses and tops. Trained as a sculptor and with a background in making large-scale marionettes, Elisa became an “accidental" fashion designer after someone discovered her at a... more ›

Moxie and the Compound wants to wet your fashion whistle with its own Project Runway-inspired competition. Both Marques Harper and Stephen Moser mentioned they're judging the event. But who do you think promoted it better? Remember Factory People, the hip store on South Congress that closed this summer? Of course you do! They're still around, promoting parties and selling their shamelessly cool clothing online. But if you want to see Factory People's latest looks... more ›

Austin's own Pink (a bicycle "love courier" service we profiled back in December) was recently nominated for "Best Independent Project of the Year" by the Austin Critics Table. To celebrate, they're taking their special brand of two-wheeled viral love-spreading to Portland, just in time for that bike-smitten city's Pedalpalooza fest. But first, they invite you to join them for a bike-in double feature tonight at Café Mundi, where you can take in both Pee Wee's... more ›

Now that spring is finally here, we can finally start dressing the part. But what new things are fashion concious Austinites going to wear (granted, if they have the money to shop)? Trends on the runway have, like always, trickled down to the mainstream and now local boutiques are carrying what the respective owners think are best for Austin. We asked the owners and employees of three popular yet very different boutiques - Factory... more ›

The following is a column by staff writer Carly Kocurek, compiled with the help of Elizabeth S., Sam Armstrong, and Shannon Roberts -- Ed Note So, you've waited until the last minute to address the whole "Valentine's Day" situation. Trust me, I've been there. In fact, I'm there right now -- my grandmother will be getting a card from us sometime next week. (I'll put extra stickers on the envelope to make up for... more ›

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Starting this week, FactoryPeople is holding their semi-annual clearance sale with select items at 25% off. On Friday, they're teaming up with Birds Barbershop and Beauty Bar for the monthly Beauty Bar Blowout (at FactoryPeople), with complimentary 'dos provided by the Birds crew and make-up artists on hand to glam up both the ladies and the less-inhibited lads among you. Also look forward to retro-rock and hip-hop tunes spun by Prince Klassen, delectable mixed... more ›

FRIDAY [19] [music] Cross Canadian Ragweed w/ Micky & the Motorcars at Stubb's (link) [music] Clint Small Jr. Middle School's Phat Cats Jazz Ensemble at Waterloo Records (Free, 6pm) (link) [music] Moth Fight! at End of an Ear (Free, 7pm) (link) [music] Faceless Werewolves, Hotrails, Tokyo Nites at Beerland (link) [music] Dynah CD release at Red Eyed Fly (link) [music] Wilco Hoot Night with "many, many Austin bands" at Trophy's (link) [music] Pudge Zeppelin with... more ›

If you're still choked up over Marisa dying or forgot to pre-order tickets to The Da Vinci Code, consider drunk-dancing your sorrows away tonight at the Velvet Spade, where NYC mas fuego DJ Tim Sweeney will be spinning with DJ Jeff of Houston's Boys+Girls Club. Sweeney's the wiz kid behind NYC radio show beats in space, the mix disc of DFA Record's Compilation #2, and the soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He also... more ›

At the Velvet Spade, tonight, the Manhattan/New Jersey duo Metro Area (Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani) off Environ Records will be spinning their tastes and directions. We’re guessing that this will be something of a house-like set, but one never knows for sure. These fellows have and use many influences in their own music production, so we expect good things. What we do know for sure is that DJ Mel will be opening up... more ›

Here we have one of the "Stella Girls" dancing in front of a projection screen, during Factory People's FPTV party. Good music, some crazy videos, a nice view from the deck, and loads of free Tito's and Stella Artois. More via the Expand-o-Tron. more ›

: : FRIDAY : : [film] New Movies @ Your Local Theaters! [music] Ethereal Planes Indian, 7pm @ End of an Ear - FREE! [music] Ghostland Observatory, The Veldt, Haunting Oboe Music and Low Line Caller @ Flamingo Cantina [music] Orange Mothers and The Damnations @ Continental Club [music] Glen Phillips, 8pm & 10:30pm @ Cactus CafeŽ - $16 [art] Reception for Sydney Yeager's "Billow & Fold," 6-8pm @ d berman Gallery [theatre] "Xmas... more ›

We live right off South Congress, so when First Thursday rolls around (especially the December edition), we can't get out of the nabe fast enough, even if there is a good sale at Hill Country Weavers (we have a little bit of a knitting problem, it's true) or a passel of rowdy Swedes spinning DJ sets at Factory People. Now, truth be told, we hadn't been down to 4th Street to dine lately, but... more ›

We know you’re all exhausted from the Factory People/Youth of Tomorrow Birthday Party last night, but they say the best cure for a hangover is more drinking! Luckily, you can drink for a good cause tonight. Stand Up for Kids, an organization that helps homeless and street kids through outreach programs across America, is hosting a happy hour benefit at Maggie Mae’s (323 E. 6th St.) from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Entry is... more ›

Looking for something to do tonight? Let us offer a suggestion: more ›

M O N D A Y [ 2 4 ] Happy United Nations Day! music · Coheed & Cambria, Dredg, mewithoutYou and Blood Brothers at Stubb's music · Elizabeth McQueen and Jason Roberts - of Asleep at the Wheel - hold court at Threadgill's (8pm) film · The Austin Film Festival at various venues around town (Through Thursday) books · Tram Nguyen discusses We Are All Suspects Now, her investigation into the "human cost of... more ›

There have been a lot of new Austin-centric publications (both printed and online) hitting the scene lately, but we're really intrigued by concept behind box. Self described as "a magazine that blurs the line between smut and culture," box is a "combination of erotic photography, irreverent articles, and other chewy morsels aiming to inform and titillate." more ›

There's just too much stuff happening tonight to keep track of, so we're reposting the IST list for your convenience. See you out there. ( F I R S T ) T H U R S D A Y art · In House Gallery presents “Barnyard”, with paintings by Ethan Azarian, Felice House, Rachel Koper & Rainey Navaro. 5-10pm. Thanks, Austinist newbie Craig! [map] music · Hurts to Purr, Maneja Beto, and La La Land... more ›

Wake up. Go to work. Go to bar. Go to rock show. Go to sleep. Repeat. If this is beginning to sound like your life, too, we encourage you to break the mold this weekend. Skip Bright Eyes on Saturday and head to Emo’s instead for a night of comedy and music with Eugene Mirman, Andy Blitz and Langhorne Slim. We have been fans of Mirman (who has opened for The Shins and toured... more ›

Why not enjoy this amazing weather with some outdoor strolling and people watching. South Congress is the place to be for tonight’s First Thursday. Austinist will definitely be at Factory People later on to hear DJs Black Madonna and The Casual Dude throw it down. Plus, we think they might have some tasty beverages for us to enjoy. Also, don’t forget to sit poolside at the marvelous San Jose. One day we will find an excuse to actually spend the night. more ›