While I knew Austin was a hot spot for music and food, on my trip there last month I was thrilled to learn its also a great little city for shopping! Of course, Camille was giving me some of her best insider tips and she knows my style all too well.

When she took me into Spartan, decked out with crisp white walls and filled with the most interesting and gorgeously made objects and accessories, I knew this store was made for me! Let’s just say, I left my heart in Spartan!

I had so much fun looking at all these unique textiles and woven wall hangings. Every corner of the store had something I would have taken home with me: soaps and luxurious lotions, leather pouches and nature inspired mobiles. And don’t even get me started on the jewelry!

I was totally smitten with this neon rope cuff! And I wanted to take some of these wood bowls and scarves home with me, but I had to hold back. I didn’t leave totally empty handed though…

I ended up leaving with the striped maroon and orange zip pouch above {that I carry almost every day!} as well as this gorgeous leather iPad cover.

And guess what, I’ve got good news for all you Bay Area readers; some of these items are available in San Francisco! Spartan has a pop up shop in The Voyager on Valencia Street! Thank goodness, because it was definitely hard to leave so many lovely things behind.

Thank you Austin for being so good to me! Until next time and trust me it will be sooner rather than later.

Do you have any favorite spots in Austin I should check out the next time I’m in town?

Need more retail therapy? get your fill right here! Have a store I should check out? Please let me know about it in the comments section below. I love supporting small boutiques with amazing pieces!

original photography for apartment 34 by chris perez