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Studs, a new ear piercing and ear accessories shop, is now open on South Congress. (Studs)
Retail is making a comeback as Austinites get vaccinated and ditch online shopping for the in-person experience.
Whether you're looking to do some revenge shopping or just curious about what's going on in the retail community, we've got you covered with the latest in shops and business.
New opening: LoveShackFancy, 1011 South Congress Ave.
(LoveShackFancy)
In its eighth national expansion, LoveShackFancy is taking on the Capital City. With its pink checkered floors, canopy of florals and pink guitars lining the store, this boutique is everything you want in an Instagram background. Plus, it offers vintage band tees, bandanas, mini-skirts and dresses. "The boutique was created for every generation of Austin girls," Founder & Creative Director Rebecca Hessel Cohen said.
Located on South Congress in the Music Lane development, the boutique will open for the first time Saturday with drinks, a photo booth and music.
Lululemon's window installation
As the Austin Marathon is set to kick off on Sunday, Lululemon on Music Lane in South Congress is recognizing those putting themselves through the grueling run around town. Names of all marathon participants can be found displayed in the store window.
It's been more than a year since the marathon took place, but the show goes on in a COVID friendly fashion.
Kendra Scott partnership
(Kendra Scott)
Kendra Scott announced this week it is partnering with Diligent Robotics, a female-founded A.I. company that created robot Moxi, on its Kendra Cares program. Through the partnership and program, the robot will assist healthcare workers by providing social and emotional support to patients in children's hospitals. The robot will ultimately deliver customized pieces of jewelry to patients that will help minimize risk of exposure to COVID.
New opening: Studs, 1510 South Congress Ave.
(Studs)
Looking to get a new ear piercing and earrings? Studs has expanded outside the New York market and onto South Congress. With more than 1,200 on the waiting list to book an appointment last week, Studs chose to expand to Austin where the owners believe a lot of younger residents would like ear piercings.
The shop uses only curated needles, instead of piercing guns, for a precise piercing that will heal better. And unlike tattoo parlors where most typically go for a piercing, they have a variety of ear accessories in store. Studs opened last week and is operating on an appointment-only basis.
New opening: The RealReal, 11700 Domain Blvd.
(The RealReal)
What started as a luxury consignment online store has since expanded to 10 brick-and-mortar stores. The RealReal is now operating at the Domain. Brands offered at the store include Gucci, Chanel, Prada and Cartier, among others.
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Popular
(Gulfstream)
Billed as offering “the most spacious cabin in history,” the aircraft seats 19 and soars above the rest of us at up to 51,000 feet. Base price: $78 million.
The Gulfstream G700 was awarded the 2022 International Yacht & Aviation Award for excellence in cabin design this year. (Gulfstream)
According to the Gulfstream website, the G700 can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles without refueling, enough range to fly nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, it has its own Wi-Fi system, 20 oval windows measuring 28” x 21”, and two lavatories.
The sweet new ride will replace his current top-of-line private jet: a 2015 Gulfstream G650, the aircraft that has been made somewhat famous by the automated @elonjet Twitter account, which tracks and reports his personal aircraft’s movements using public data.
Musk has repeatedly championed “free speech” as a guiding ethic in his planned purchase of Twitter. Last December, Musk offered the teenager who built the @elonjet tracker $50,000 to shut it down, citing security concerns. It’s still up.
According to the @elonjet account, Musk’s jet last traveled to Austin, where it’s been since June 23. The associated data says that his flight to Austin burned $2,573 worth of aviation fuel and discharged 4 tons of carbon dioxide.
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(Valencia Hotel Group)
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.
