We already know what to expect from Austin institutions Strut, New Bohemia and Parts and Labour, but these boutiques are practically unknown to a majority of shoppers. Find out what makes these retailers popular with the shopping savvy.

5. Let’s Dish1102 South Lamar Blvd.

While this store is more antique than boutique, so many of the items at Let’s Dish felt too much like Austin to leave it out. Open for over 20 years, the store is a piece of Lamar Boulevard history. Next door to the Alamo Drafthouse, the shop is a favorite among film enthusiasts and theater fans. The storeowner is proud to call his antique store one of the few in Austin with “authentic vintage.” Let’s Dish features pieces from all eras, dating back to the ‘20s and ‘30s. Shoppers can also expect to see an eclectic selection of jewelry, and boxes upon boxes of hats in all shapes and sizes. Let’s Dish is also student-friendly and is featured in Austin’s “Vintage Around Town” guide for 2009.

4. Peyton’s Place215 Lavaca St.

Peyton’s Place has been locally owned since April 2007 and operates in downtown Austin. Customers can find everything from T-shirts to high-end dresses. While prices here are definitely a little higher than other local boutiques, the average shopper can usually find something they’ll love for around $30-$40. Peyton’s also works with local jewelry designers and carries all kinds of accessories, many of them under $20.

3. SoLa2005 South Lamar Blvd.

This boutique describes itself as “Austiny-chic, casual, but trendy.” SoLa has been around for a little over two years and opened a second store on West 47th Street. The storeowner travels across the United States working with various vendors and artists to collect a wide selection of jewelry, purses, sunglasses, house-wares and trendy dresses that will be flying off the rack come springtime. SoLa is not unlike Urban Outfitters, with a similar feel and pricing

2. Big Bertha’s1050 South Lamar Blvd.

This vintage shop has been a staple of Lamar Boulevard since 1995.  Also specializing in resale, Big Bertha’s inventory is hand picked and includes everything from cowboy boots to Chanel dresses. The store also works with local designers to buy back reworked vintage items, designer items that have been updated or redesigned. The tiny shop is literally packed with hats, jewelry, shoes, dresses, jackets, belt buckles and new items that come in each week. Plus, each week Big Bertha’s features a half-off sales rack, making the store affordable and student-friendly.

1. Lovely Austin1106 South First St.

Since opening in September 2009, Lovely Austin has prided itself on being “not your average thrift store.” The store features a wide range of clothes, jewelry, shoes, housewares and accessories with everything from affordable jeans to high-end couture. The building itself is a salvaged home, so it should come as no surprise that many items for sale are used and recycled. Lovely Austin is a consignment boutique; sellers can bring in gently used items for resale, meaning there’s always something new. The boutique also proudly works with local fashion and jewelry designers, giving customers a chance to support Austin’s local artists. With its ever-changing inventory and local feel, Lovely Austin lives up to its name.