kick pleat

Wendi Koletar moved this sophisticated shop—originally located in a charming old house on South First Street—to a more spacious location north of the river in March of 2008. The store's eclectic decor combines old wood furniture with contemporary lighting and white-washed walls, all the better to showcase a phenomenal selection of up-and-coming labels interspersed with popular indie names. "When I first opened in 2004, I really wanted to bring a more New York and European aesthetic to Austin—so that it would be an interesting perspective," says Koletar, who consistently seeks out impressive under-the-radar talent for the store. The current wares are a polished mix of Mociun dresses and Rachel Comey shoes alongside vivid silk tops by Alexander Wang and Sunshine & Shadow. 918 W. 12th St., 512-445-4500, kickpleat.com