Having recently merged with La Luz Home and Fashion (formerly on South 1st), Prototype Vintage on South Congress has undergone considerable interior and exterior renovations. The expanded furniture and fashion gallery now features "vintage and vintage inspired furniture, lighting, art, textiles, paper goods, clothing, jewelry, accessories" and more, all in a space that they're touting as "eco-friendly." Join them this First Thursday for the official 'Launch Pad Party', with an op-art photo booth, snack rations,......

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......

Peyton’s Place is celebrating its grand opening tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be complimentary drinks, in-store makeovers (courtesy of Sage Salon), and a trunk show by jewelry designer Joani White. Peyton’s Place is on 215 Lavaca. Re- is going out of business! Voted Best Recycled Goods by Austin Chronicle, this little South Austin vintage store is calling it quits after over two years. Owner Chris Walker said he and his wife......

An annual showcase and celebration of all things DIY, the Stitch Fashion Show and Guerrilla Craft Bazaar returns for its fourth installment this Saturday with an even bigger and better lineup. Back in 2003, local designers Jesse Kelly-Landes (Amet and Sasha), Tina Sparkles (Sparkle Craft), Karly Hand (Identity Crisis Clothing) and Jennifer Perkins (Naughty Secretary Club), dismayed that Austin lacked an effective outlet for independent designers to exhibit their work, orchestrated one of the city's......

The DIY Network, already home to Austin Craft Mafia's new show, Stylelicious, just finished producing another program called Craft Lab, starring mafiosa and Naughty Secretary Club prioprietess Jennfer Perkins. Tony Federico, TV producer by day and self-admitted crafter, says the show's "more Ready Made and Bust magazine than Grandma's Bazaar - we're geared for a younger audience." It looks like they're already done with the first season, with guests including nationally-syndicated craft columnist Kathy Cano......

The local design mavens known collectively as the Austin Craft Mafia -- members of which include Sparkle Craft, Naughty Secretary Club and Amet and Sasha -- have certainly made a name for themselves since forming back in 2003. With their various creations having been featured in a slew of magazines (Jane, Budget Living, Real Simple), various and sundry other Craft Mafias sprouting up all around the country, and the tremendous success of annual shows like......

Just in time for Valentine's Day next week, local design boutique Sparkle Craft opens its studios for the very first time! Impresaria Tina Sparkles (the fashionista behind the fabulous) has rallied together a fantastic coterie of independent Austin labels - Amet & Sasha, *AnneMarie*, All Dressed Up & Shy, Lawless Revolution Wear, Naughty Secretary Club, OtterOtto by Donna Soo, Will Heron, Tokyo Valentine, and Sublime Stitching - to offer up an assortment of one-of-a-kind goods.......

Our favorite posts by Austin bloggers for the week: Queen Kandis wonders about the Da Vinci Code hoopla. AroundAustin.com reviews Fonda San Miguel’s new book of recipes and art. In the Pink Texas has one of the best post titles ever: Cheney Argues Against Pulling Out. Yes, we’re easily amused. Kimberly at A Little Pollyanna mulls over her upcoming trip to Hawaii and we are sooo jealous. Grits for Breakfast reminds us that "It’s always......

Stitch Austin, a fashion show and guerrilla craft bazaar affiliated with the Austin Craft Mafia just announced the date for this year's event. The mafiosa will be taking over Emo's on Sunday, November 13th. DJ Mel and DJ Jen (Ear Candy) are slated to be on hand, ensuring that folks have something to move to whether on the runway or on the floor. Applications are now open for anyone wanting to get their designs......