The shop is spreading its roots from its first location on the tourist hub of South Congress Avenue to a classic neighborhood shaped by generations of Austinites.
The business is owned by longtime best friends Audrie San Miguel and Emily Larson. The duo launched their first location on South Congress in 2005 after previously meeting at a North Loop block party.
With their hands full curating inventory for the 1,700 square foot floor, the two didn’t imagine opening up a second store until the perfect opportunity arose.
“The North Loop neighborhood has a very independent spirit that is unique to this historic neighborhood. In August I bought [Room Service Vintage] from the former owner and my mentor,” San Miguel said. “So being next door to Room Service is a dream come true and across from all of these other legendary Austin businesses all around us. It was really just a huge honor and a dream come true that all the pieces fell into place.”
The South location first started out with a large furniture inventory, however, they said the space quickly turned into a destination where travelers stopped by to admire the furniture and take photos, but not take anything home.
“I always say we were like a beautiful museum that everyone loved, but no one was paying an admission ticket,” Larson said. “Because you can't take a credenza on the plane, but you can take a dress.”
Products are found by the owners or purchased from long-term vendors the duo has built relationships with.
“There is a certain amount of fun in digging, but oftentimes when you're visiting a boutique, it's just so nice to look at every piece and see the beauty in every single thing that you touch,” San Miguel said. “That's where our motto ‘All killer no filler,’ comes from.”
Both owners expressed their interest for vintage clothing being rooted in their gravitation toward clothing from the 60s to the 90s and how it paired with the music culture at the time.
They said they’re motivated to offer one-of-a-kind pieces for customers to fall in love with while giving the clothing new life.
“Over the years I've just become more and more passionate about responsible retail and sustainable fashion,” San Miguel said. “We're really proud to be a part of the sustainable fashion community because in addition to the style aspect of it, we feel really good about providing that service and saving all pieces.”
- South Congress: 1700 S. Congress Ave., Austin; North Loop: 123 E. North Loop Blvd., Austin
- www.prototype-vintage.com
