When fashion lovers descend on Austin, they've got one thing on the brain: VINTAGE! And when it comes to vintage in Austin, it doesn't get any better than Feathers. The boutique on South Congress is stocked with well-curated finds from all eras, and even Jane from Sea of Shoes is a fan! We asked Feathers' Nikki Cloud, who was born and bred in Austin and studied apparel design at the University of Texas, to tell us what the music capitol has in its closet.

What do you do at Feathers?
I am the store manager. I love my job! Feathers' provides me with so many creative outlets. Along with managing the store, I am responsible for the visual merchandising and window displays (a personal favorite) and contributing to the store blog. I also dabble with styling and clothing design on the side.

What do you think is the best thing about living in Austin?
Music, food, and weather. Those are the three things that I am never left wanting! Any night of the week there is a show going on somewhere, and often at the strangest places, like a grocery store. I was shopping the produce section the other day and there was just some guy sitting there with a guitar jamming out while people selected their lettuce and avocados. Weird, but weird is normal for Austin.

What's a typical weekend in Austin?
I usually work all weekend but if I didn't this is how I would spend it. First, on Saturday, I would sleep in till noon , then I would drag my boyfriend with me to Torchy's Tacos and get a fried avocado taco. They have the BEST tacos and make excellent hangover cures. Then, I would go shopping. My favorite place to peruse the random and awesome is Room Service. They have all things vintage, from home furnishing, clothing, records, and everything kitschy in between. After that I would go record shopping at Waterloo Records and eat at La Condesa. They have the most amazing tobacco infused tequila drinks, but watch out—they'll getcha! At night, I would head to the Mohawk and catch some live music or I would head to the Shangri La on the eastside and hang out with friends. On Sunday, I would wake up late (again), and then have brunch at Enoteca on South Congress. Yum! Then if the weather permitted I would head to the greenbelt on Barton Skyway and splash around in the springs and play with other people's puppies! And, I would definitely go to the Alamo Drafthouse and catch a movie while I drank Strongbow cider and ate a pizza.

How would you describe Austin style?
Vintage, bohemian, and casual. That's the first thing that comes to mind.

What are the people in Austin like?
I should have added people to what I love best about Austin. I have lived here my entire life and I never get tired of the people here. There is such an eclectic mixture of people and I get to talk with them every day at the store! What I hear most from out of towners is that we are friendly and we know how to have a good time! And we say 'ya'll' a lot!

How does the city change when music festivals come to town?
South By is huge for the city of Austin. There is a massive influx of people traveling to the city from all over the world and there is a definite change in the energy around town! I love it! Every business in town has some sort of celebration and there is music everywhere, all of the time! It is the busiest week of the year for Feathers, so I usually work all week long and then catch free shows at night.

What are the three biggest fashion trends in Austin right now?
'70s metal: Think high-waist denim, band tees, leather, and lots of black. '90s grunge: Lots of flannel, combat boots, body-con dresses, and cut-offs with tights. And finally, boots. Every pair of feet that walk in the door is wearing some sort of boot, regardless of the weather.

I love photography, especially fashion-based photography. Alexandra Valenti is one of the best I have seen in a while. Her style has a definite Austin feel to it. I love the texture of her photographs and the saturation of color. Plus, she is also a lover of vintage!
alexandraintheforest.com

We carry a lot of locally designed jewelry at Feathers, and my favorite is Via Christa. Tyler Cochran, the designer, creates necklaces with casted animal skulls and hand-carved molds mixed with vintage findings and chains. Every piece is totally unique and one of a kind.
viachristachains.com

My favorite local band right now, hands down, is Shapes Have Fangs. They have so much energy! They just released their first 7-inch vinyl that I can't wait to get my hands on! And don't tell my boyfriend, but they're easy on the eyes, too...
myspace.com/shapeshavefangs