If you have ever lived in Northwest Austin, you have probably lamented the fact that there aren’t a ton of shopping options when it comes to unique boutique quality clothing. I lived in this part of town for about 3 years and every time I wanted to go shopping I would make the trek to either downtown, South Austin, or a littler farther north to the Domain. I always wished that there was a shopping district closer to where I lived. Sometimes if you wish for something long enough it comes true (I’ve still got my fingers crossed that Asian style night markets make their way to Austin). It’s by no means a bustling shopping district yet, but with a new store like Wanderlust opening up in the area, there’s at least hope.
Wanderlust is a brand new boutique that surprisingly has claimed the Crestview neighborhood as its home. If you didn’t know any better, you might drive on past what looks like just another old house converted into some kind of office building or store. But what’s behind the door of Wanderlust is truly a hidden gem for stylish shoppers. Owner Bijoulea Finney says there are two types of looks in Austin, rocker bohemian and vintage classic. With a very wide price range (from $30 – $300) and a diverse curation of both mens and womens clothing, Wanderlust satisfies the needs of all kinds of shoppers. Although you will find classic boutique brands such as Ark & Co. and Flying Tomato, you will also see a variety of more unique brands from all over the world including the more upscale and unique accessories line CC Skye. Inspired by both near and far, right now Wanderlust carries a few items from the new local brand House of Pucca, and Bijoulea says she is hoping to get more Austin designers into the store in the future.
Besides its charming aesthetic and smart curation of fashion, what makes Wanderlust extra special is that it doesn’t stop at just clothes. Bijoulea opened the store with her dad and artist John Finney whose amazing artwork is currently on display in the Wanderlust art gallery. The art gallery inside Wanderlust will feature a different artist every month. You can also get your hair and makeup done inside the salon portion of the store which carries Moroccan hair products, and is one of the few places in Texas where you will find the makeup line Mirabella. If all of this doesn’t already sound like a dreamy shopping experience, you should be aware that there is also a wine and chocolate room. I’m not sure it gets much better than that (unless there was also fried chicken and hot guys to serve it to you.)
Wanderlust is located at 1601 Koenig Ln. and their Grand Opening is this Saturday. From 10 am – 7 pm they will be having a variety of specials, giveaways, and treats, so go check it out!
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish