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Categories: Jewelry, Cards & Stationery, Accessories
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Attention Guys:
If you have a girl you're sweet on, you will be well served to buy her something from here.
It has that cute-girl feel, you know what I mean? Like you could pick up anything here and take it home to your chere fille and she'd be all, "OH! It's soooo cute! Thank you -- I LOVE it!"
But don't take my word for it. Look at the reviewers. It's like a 50-girl-to-4-guy ratio. That statistic should tell you all you need to know.
The store actually has cool stuff, I'm not gonna lie, and I found myself making a mental note to come back anytime I need to buy a gift or card.
i love the idea of this store but i wasn't able to purchase anything.. not sure what it was- maybe it was the 686456789789 options in tshirts, dresses (!), and pretty much everything you could want.
i love their adorable onesies.
I love what Parts and Labour does for the Austin community. It works as a retailer for local artists and designers. They have all kinds of cute clothes, handbags and jewelry, and you can feel so good sporting it since you know it was made by someone who lives in your city!
I just bought a laptop bag there by Kailo Chic, and it's incredible. It's feminine, professional and fashionable.
And I agree with Kevin: the new location is so much more spacious and comfortable.
Shop local!
Love this store. Great place to find a unique gift, or a treat for yourself! I couldn't even make it out the door without spotting yet another thing I couldn't live without :) I especially loved all the jewelry, screen printed tees, and hair accessories. And it feels good to support local artists, designers, and craftspeople.
Ventured in last night as part of the Grand re-opening of this place, and let me say: compared to the old space, it's vast. Like four times the size. It feels comparatively cavernous in there. The entryway itself is about the size of the old place and you're greeted by plenty of local quirky shirts and gear: I still haven't quite managed to sort out what the flat beer bottles were, but suffice it to say that there is as always heavy emphasis on the quirky and clever and local creative exploits all around. It's definitely a fun stop, and with the new digs, it's looking like P&L are poised to grow in a new and funky direction.
Particular items I thought were interesting included lots of cool locally made jewelry, the fun shirts I mentioned, some pillows with dated TV stars on em featuring actual fuzzy mustaches (that was worth a goofy doubletake) and some silly baby clothes. Since we have a few friends and family with little ones on the way, I'm sure we'll be dressing their kids up like dorks in no time. After all, 4 is the new 3.
It's hard to find fault with what Parts & Labour is all about: they're definitely a haven for local… Read more »
Don't go changin'... unless it's to lower a few of the prices. But see, there's always something in here in my price range. If I end up spending more than I want to, I suck it up and call it even for supporting my fellow Austinites.
I depend on this place for fantastic unique gifts, jewelry, and t-shirts. Everything I have from this store I still own and love. Everything I've ever given away from this store has, well, at least been purported to have been loved!
A word to the wise: they have moved locations further north on South Congress!
This store has fashionable, unique clothes and accessories and very friendly, helpful staff. I bought a beautiful screen printed dress here that fits me like a glove and makes me feel like a goddess. It cost $32 and was marked down 15%. If you buy here you're getting something original and supporting local artists. The sales woman said sales are commission based. They have items for men, women, and children and seem to always have sale items as well.
If Parts & Labour could be transformed into a high school student, it would definately be that way cool kid that didnt know they were so cool, but is liked by everyone, and doesnt let the coolness get to their head.
During the past two months I've been spending more time down on South Congress, and Parts & Labour has become a regular stop for me when I'm there. The more I go, the more I become a fan of their tshirts for guys. Definately alot of local style in hipness in this place. Throughout the weeks I've gotten several shirts from here and they have quickly become my top favorites.
I like how this shop has stuff for everyone. From newborns to adults, there is something here for everybody if you look hard enough. I even got a kick ass baby outfit for my best friends newborn. She says that whenever she dresses the kiddo in it, she gets soo many compliments on how cute she looks and they ask where she got the outfit at. So a thousand thanks to Parts & Labour for keeping myself & my best friends kid lookin hip & cool.
One of my favorite local stores in Austin. A great place to find a unique gift (T shirts, onesies, jewelry etc) for someone who has everything, like my lovely boyfriend. I also love all the local jewelry they carry. I would be happy with anything from this store and so far everything I have purchased here I've received complements on.
I think the best thing about this place, being handmade stuff, it's stuff that you couldn't or wouldn't think to make.
Very unique quirky things with unusual materials, not the stuff you see ten million times over on Etsy.
Buy something here and you'll have a piece of Austin, too.
It's new location is bigger and better and bonafide (as the poster says)
And at 1117 SoCo.
This is a lovely shop with lots of cool/cute works of local artists. Every time I go down to S. Congress I have to stop here, and check out the crazy tshirts and the unique jewelry.
Today I finally made my first purchase at Parts & Labour! (After three years of trying on things!) I got a glass bead necklace framing the map of Austin! And some earrings made from vintage tea cans! (they are awesome!) I also got some drink coasters with photos of Austin landmarks- they make perfect gifts for friends that moved away from this great city.
I was very happy with my finds here! But at the cash register I was reminded of the reason why I always window shopped here before. Yes... things are kinda pricy here. But they definitely worth every penny. :)
They are also one of a few boutiques that open late on S. Congress.
I love going in there and looking at the cool t-shirts they had. Right now I can't afford it because it's pricey but if you have the money, definitely buy the T-shirts.
The T-shirts are inventive, original and creative. There were a couple that were pretty quirky. One t-shirt said "Austin: A city where people live and stuff" and the other t-shirt was a businessman with a sock monkey.
The also have vintage clothing, baby clothes & soaps from Austin Soap Company. Parts & Labour is geared to be your non-typical gift store!
This place has the coolest shirts and hippest accessories. The downside? I can't afford any of it (at the moment...) *cries* If I ever won the lottery I'm gonna drop some serious cash here.
Examples of cool shirts that can be found there:
"my other car is my fucking legs"
"stop dallasing austin"
"austin: a place to live and stuff"
They also have adorable earrings and necklaces and such which will run you about $20-$30 each. Yipes. Maybe my fairy godmother will drop me some $$$.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this store. Out of all the little shops on SoCo, this was by far my favorite. I could have spent all day (and all my money) there.
I bought an awesome bat t-shirt and two super cute necklaces. Their jewelry selection is really unique and absolutely adorable. Its great if you want a nice Austin souvenir, and not something super cheesy. Love that its all local/hand made.
I like this store.
Lots of trendy shirts with witty humor.
I bought the gayest thing I could find.
A brown t-shirt with a pic of a baby blue Texas with the silhouette of a unicorn in it. ( no offense to fellow Texans or Unicorns )
This store is packed with schtuff that will have folks asking if you made that yourself, and then looking slightly disappointed in you when you say no. For a minute there, they were thinking that you were some kind of fashion genius.
I don't buy something every time I shop here, but everything I do buy winds up being a favorite. That's a good sign in a clothing store.
Me: Hi. Where are the Jessica S greeting cards?
Sales girl: Um...who?
Me: Oh. I don't know her last name but her first name is Jessica.
Sales girl: Ah. Jessica _____.
Me: Sure.
Sales girl: Okay, right over here. (walking towards the rack)
Me: Great.
Sales girl: Uh, I think right over here...(fumbling through the rack)
Me: Cool.
Sales girl: Well, I *thought* we had some...(still fumbling)
Me: Okay.
Sales girl: I don't see any...(continued fumbling)
Me: Are you sure?
Sales girl: Yep. We're out.
Me: Damn.
So, I purchased several other cute greeting cards but I wanted to support a fellow (what's the feminine word for that?) yelper and had heard Jessica S's cards were very cool.
While I was there, a jewelry designer came in with some stunning pieces to place in the store. After the sales girl oohed and aahed over the necklaces and earrings for about 15 minutes, she finally told the designer they did not have room for any more jewelry.
So, posing as a jewelry stalker, I followed the designer to her car and purchased a gorgeous Australian white opal bracelet and pair of earrings for under $60. Tobi D. was a witness to this bold act. That was another plus. I met one of the sweetest, most genuine yelpers evah! Tobi D. rocks!
This is a cute place that sells only Texas made items: jewelry, purses, t-shirts and clothing. Everything is fun and unique. Prices are a little more than some stores but consider that you will be buying something special that no one else might have. I will be back for some t-shirts and hopefully some Jessica S cards. My nieces will love this place!
Oooh I love this place! If you need to dress to impress that special indie guy in your life, go here. If you're going to be interviewing for a job at Paste magazine, go here. If you want to look cute but not a carbon copy of everyone else, go here. Just go.
I bought my very favorite earrings from this place, made with vintage brass and porcelain. Local and classy and playful and vintage and cute, does it get any better?
Well, yes, it could be cheap. My favorite earrings were $35, which for a grad student is a lot of money. But a lot of the stuff they sell is one of a kind, locally made, vintage, and/or handmade, so I think the prices are reasonable for what you're getting.
I wish I could buy one of everything in that store. Sigh. Someday...
Cute shop filled with locally (TX) made things.
Tshirts and other clothing can be a bit to hipster/trendy for my taste but the jewelry and baubles are great. Good place to buy unique house warming / birthday / out of town visit type gifts.
Anytime I am on South Congress I always make it a point to go into Parts and Labor. I really enjoy browsing in this store and love their "local artist" thing. But, of all my visits into Parts and Labor I have only bought one thing there..... but I still continue to visit.
They have a great selection of T-shirts, but that's about where it stops for mens selections.....It's definitely catered more towards women (dress, jewelery, etc). It's a great place to buy gifts, and a fun place to take out of town guests... but don't expect to walk out of here with bags of stuff.
I finally realized what it was meant by a "true" vintage shop and for me it was honestly too much. Not that I'm saying it was bad or ugly, but it wasn't for me. I could see myself buying one or two things for a special occasion, but not for an everyday wear.
Just a lot of beautiful and interesting stuff.
It's a nice place for some one who likes a lot of vintage clothes.
If I had unlimited funds, I would own a piece of jewelry from every designer in this store. I'd own several pieces. I'd be on a first name basis with the designers. Yes, I love this store.
The shirts are a bit on the small side and they could do to expand their "home decor" selection, but the jewelry, the jewelry! (and the handbags).
Almost everything is made by people in Austin, but absolutely everything is made by artists in Texas.
Only 4 stars for the somewhat bitchy attitudes of the employees and the lack of home decor.
Dang I love this place! I have bought many a good gifts here...from t-shirts, to jewelry, to purses and clothing, and beyond! The best thing about this place is that it never gets stagnant. Locally owned, with local goods, it's always got great stuff I've never seen before.
Among my favorite purchases:
A plain tshirt with a design of two unicorns gettin' it on. The back of the shirt has a small razor blade logo that says "GIVE UP"
Twice purchased: T-shirts for friends. One says "Sorry, I'm not gay." The other says "Sorry, I'm not straight."
For my husband, a t-shirt that says, "Austin: A place where people live and stuff"
For babies: a onesie that says "Dump Truck" with a picture of a dumptruck.
A plethora of headbands and purses (that coordinate!) made by Funky Monkey.
Support local artists and local businesses! Stop by this Soco gem (and then go eat at South Congress Cafe afterwards!)
I'm basing my review solely on the kiddie stuff at P&L.
Their baby collection is funky, not too expensive and totally cute! We received some burp cloths and onesies from here for our son at our shower and we get compliments on them wherever we go. Where else in town can you buy something that's used as a puke rag and get told it's one of the cutest things he/she has ever seen?
If you have a baby and want something unique, they've got a great selection.
Happy mom and dad + happy baby with a fancy burp cloth = 5 stars.
Cute shop, great concept. Well-stocked and organized. P&L is a great model for a local handmade goods boutique. When I'm in Austin, I like to stop in and browse the goods. Great place!
I keep telling these designers to get their stuff made in overseas sweatshops. It would totally bring costs down. Think of the profit margins, people!
Those who think P&L is overpriced obviously aren't in the biz. When you make and sell things full or even part time, you HAVE to charge what your work is worth. After recouping materials, time and store commission, there has to be some leftover to put in your piggy bank. There's no reason to screw yourself (like so many people on etsy seem to do). Bottom line - handmade costs more. Because it's worth it. It's better for local economy. It's better for the soul. If that's not good enough, there are some lovely items at Target that you might be interested in.
Parts & Labour is awesome. Great staff, great stuff. Whenever I have a gift need, it's one of the first places I think of and check out. Funny onesies for friends that just had a baby. Ladyfriend's birthday. Holiday gifts. Buying local designs at a local business is the sort of thing that (sniff!) makes me feel like... I'm part of (sniff!) a... a... real comm-comm-community --- OH. There go the waterworks.
AMERICA.
2 rings - $10
1 necklace - $26
1 pair earings - $16
1 custom t-shirt - $20
Having a story behind each item - priceless.
Ok, so maybe it's not priceless, and maybe I just like to brag about all the cool things I found in this hand-made indie accessory store for what I consider super cheap.
Granted the quality of the items varies wildly but everything I looked at seemed to be priced accordingly. Plus, it's all made locally (I'm not a local, but I still care about keeping Austin weird) and not in some assembly line fashion at a country you would vacation at while wearing your new accessories.
I can't wait to wear all my new stuff when I get back to Seattle, because when people ooh & aah and ask where I got it I'll be able to say, in a slightly snotty tone, "Oh, this fabulous little indie boutique in Austin, you really must go sometime." And truly mean it.
I heart you Parts & Labour. I began making greeting cards not long ago and thought I'd take them to Parts & Labour to see if they'd agree to sell them since I have a crush on the store. I was a little nervous never having attempted anything like this before, but Lizelle, (the or one of the owners), helped make it a proud day for me by saying yes, they'd try putting the cards in the store. Yippee! Yes, I have actually sold some!
I love the concept of the store-all handmade items by Texas artists. I also love that one of my secret crushes, Elijah Wood, (yes I know that might be weird and yes I know that he is probably gay thank you, but I don't care) shops there during SXSW.
I also heart Parts & Labour because I just purchased what is now my favorite necklace-I often have a new favorite necklace, but I'm pretty sure this love will last. I saw it about a month ago-a delicate chain with a tiny pair of scissors hanging off of it, fell in love, but didn't buy it. I thought about the necklace after that and then saw the movie, Broken English with Parker Posie. She wore a silver version in the movie. I want to be Parker Posie and last week a girl told me I resemble her (best compliment ever) so I got inspired to go back for the necklace. Lizelle makes them and there weren't any left in the store, but she made one per my request. Thank you Lizelle and thank you P&L!
Aren't you tired of getting the longhorn, "I heart Texas", "Don't Mess with Texas" T-shirt for your friends? This is the place to get true Austin gifts. All merchandise are handmade and designed by local artists. Some of the stuffs are really cute and the really really cute ones can be pricey. Then you've gotto start telling yourself again that these are handmade and local sh*t, and you will ended up buying them anyway. So just shut up and dig out money from your wallet ok?
On a beautiful day, you can find good deal on the rack that they displayed outside of the store. I got a camourflaged T for $8 that a gas station lady told me she liked it.
My favourite T: "Someone in Austin effing hates me".
One more review from this San Franciscan's trip to the wonderful city of Austin, which true to to it's claim, is weird.
Great staff, great concept, cool designs.
Favorite t-shirts:
"Your face gives me diarrhea"
"Sorry, I am not gay."
This is THE place to buy gifts. You will find the most perfect unique item and feel really good about your purchase.
Sometimes things run a little higher priced than expected, but they're freakin HANDMADE. Support this store!
I get about a zillion complements on my fantastic pair of $32 earrings that I bought here in April.
And even if you walk out with nothing, you will at least be a little inspired to make something yourself.
This is the de facto place to take out-of-town friends while on South Congress. It's all locally hand-made and very unique and they've got all sorts of screen-printed tees that are great souvenir shirts without being totally obnoxious souvenir shirts. The whole locally hand-made thing always makes me want to go home and get crafty.
The jewelry is awesome. I scored some Kailo Chic (http://www.kailochic.com) earrings on sale and some little barrettes. It's so fun to look through, but when this place gets crowded, it's a little crazily packed.
They have other fun gifty stuff, too. And now there's a boys' store on South First, New BROhemia, that I will have to check out next time I need a present for my man.
Parts and Labour's parts are imagined and invented here in Austin. Nice. The designers hosted by P&L are adamant about using sweatshop-free materials. Nice. The colorful store sells a little of everything - tees, purses, wallets, jewelry, magnets, and yes, as Alexandra has passionately pointed out...hair clips. Nice.
The cheery store is great for browsing, but steep prices and limited stock kept me from purchasing. I'd love to support the store and its clients, but I do think they're overcharging a bit.
The front portion of the store is almost entirely dedicated to a t-shirt line by Booyo. Some of the shirts are hilarious. Others are borderline offensive. The tiny back room is filled with fashionable accessories, undies and more tees. It's easy to play the critic...but...I felt like some of the goods were not very...err...umm....sturdily crafted.
Anyway, Parts & Labour is worth inspecting. Maybe you'll strike gold here. It's certainly possible.
This is easily my favorite store on the Congress strip. There are so many great items by Austin designers...I always find something I need (read: want) here! :) T-shirts, jewelry, dresses, wallets/purses/makeup cases are all great buys. I wish the "Keep Austin Batty" t-shirt came in women's sizes.
parts and labour is my favorite store in austin, hands down. the fact that they sell local items makes it well worth the trip. i almost always find something i love here--whether it's for me, or for a friend. their selection is great, creativity of artists is amazing, and prices are (mostly) reasonable.
if you haven't already been, you must go. especially if you're looking to buy gifts for the holidays that have that unique austin-esque quality.
I've never purchased anything from Parts and Labour, but I'm glad it's there. It has some real neato stuff. It actually surprises me that business models like this aren't more prevalent, what with the rise of DIY sites like Etsy and with the wealth of artistic and creative talent in this town. Stay artsy, Austin.
This placed rocked my day once because I discovered they sold the most unique hair clips, and I have an unhealthy obsession with hair clips. I've bought a few there, for about $10 a pair. One pair are wooden stars with a red jewel in the middle. Another pair are blue plastic star bursts. Totally groovy. It's also where I bought my Blue Bird Grape Soda bottle-cap necklace, for $20, that everyone stops to compliment.
New Bohemia is right next door, so if you happen to go there with a boy, he can entertain himself while you indulge in girly-ness.
I love that all of the merchandise here has been handmade by local artisans. I found a purse that has all my SF Bay Area friends wanting one too - it's made out of old car interior vinyl, has a groovy robot cut-out design on it and is lined with old car upholstery fabric. (Maker = Lawless http://www.lawlessrevo... )
Found some cowgirl-themed baby burp cloths for my sister. (Not that she is burping, mind you, just that she's adopting a baby who will indeed be burp-a-cious.)
The store itself is light and bright, sales people don't crowd you and the prices are very good (relative to the SF Bay Area anyhow.)
I was just in Austin for ACL and made a concerted effort to buy stuff to bring home with me. I love Parts & Labour's merchandise so much I accidentally bought only stuff from them! Once at a booth at ACL and then later in their store on South Congress. My only regret from the trip was that I didn't purchase the "Crazy Baby Eating Chicken" t-shirt. It's been haunting me. And I still don't know what I means. But I want it.
Well, I sure do like the concept. i wandered through looking at the one of a kind creations ( they are, aren't they?) Made by local Austin artists. My mother, an artist her self ( but an art that in no way belongs here) began to wonder if they would carry her stuff.
I like everything a little. But being on the less funky side myself ( I'm trying, I really really am!) I cant see myself wearing most of the unusual pieces they sell. The t-shirts also seem to be a little odd in combination with the jewelry and purses on the other side.
I would much rather go into New Bohemia and browse. I get my moneys worth over there.
Yelpers Discount! 10%off
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
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Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Austin, TX
Category: Flowers & Gifts
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Cards & Stationery
Neighborhood: University of Texas
Category: Cards & Stationery
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Jewelry
Austin, TX
Category: Women's Clothing
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