Fred Flare, an online boutique for all things cutesy, hosted a next BIG thing contest, and Austinite Jennifer Danielle Perkins — of Naughty Secretary Club fame — is one of the 27 winners. Jennifer submitted a bangin' DIY charm bracelet kit (see right). Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll is also a winner — although based on the looks of his bowling bag, this might be a step down for him. Rare magazine is hosting......

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......

Because Austinist likes to spend money on things we don't need we recently took a trip to some newish stores on S. 1st. You may have noticed that cutesy pie shops seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Who needs malls when there are so many cute boutiques? Love, Tryst, Kick Pleat, Sabia, and Shag (a salon) are all in a nice little row right around the corner from Barton Springs Rd.......