Welcome back to Austin, South by Southwesters. We hope you brought your credit cards.

You'll see on the map above our fair city spread before you in all its shopping glory. While we have fabulous department stores with designer duds and outlet malls with rock-bottom bargains, what makes shopping here unique is our boutiques. If you're looking for a souvenir of your stay in Central Texas or an Austintatious gift to take home to your record producer or mother, you'll strike gold in these locally owned stores, which often stock locallyproduced goods. So the next time someone comments on your fabulous earrings, you can casually reply that they came from Austin and take comfort in knowing that they are one-of-a-kind.

To aid your boutique browsing, we've got the lowdown on new shops born since last you walked these streets during South by Southwest. Austin is a veritable boutique breeding ground. In the past year alone, a new shopping district has sprung up on South First Street (read our profile of it online at statesman.com/shoparoundtheblock), new stores have transformed South Lamar Boulevard and countless other areas of town have improved as shopping destinations.

Since there are many entertainment options competing for your time, we've narrowed our geographical scope to focus on the shops that are near South by Southwest command central — the hotels, the parties and the music venues that are host to thousands of people from around the globe. At the epicenter of it all is South Congress Avenue, home to the legendary Continental Club and site of numerous South-by parties. In addition to new shops, it's hard to miss the new sidewalk and wavy rampart on the west side of the street that suggests a Great Wall of China-themed miniature golf course is close by.

There's no such course, but the sidewalk is a pedestrian-friendly improvement sure to make your shopping a little safer. As you mosey, you might also notice that some of your favorite shops aren't where they're supposed to be. South Congress Avenue is Austin's answer to Rodeo Drive and the high rent leads to a lot of boutique hopping. Check our "Where'd they go?" section for updates on where South Congress favorites as well as other oft-frequented Austin shops have moved.

What's new

The shop: Strut, 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., 326-2303.

The lowdown: Strut stands out among Austin's boutiques because of its large selection of affordable shoes. You'll find $100 pairs, but most styles fall in the $20 to $30 range. Don't dismiss the low-cost philosophy as only for high schoolers. Owner Jav Hernandez says he gets as many shoppers in their 60s as those in their 20s. You'll see tons of color, in sequins and metallics, in the spring shoe collection as well as funky wrist cuffs, wrap watches, shell bags, wrap-around shades, cocktail rings, and beaded belts and sashes.

Souvenir worthy: Handmade belt buckles by Austinite Della Vallejo will Southwesternize your wardrobe.

The shop: Knockout, 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., 383-9010.

The lowdown: After selecting your hot new $35 heels at Strut, walk next door to its new kid sister Knockout, where you can create an entire outfit for $100 or less. Knockout carries younger, trendier lines such as Honeypunch, A.R. and Ya. It's so new even we haven't been there yet.

Souvenir worthy: Ribbed tanks with a Virgin Mary motif, on Ignited Artists Collective's "homeade" label, are both Tex and Mex.

The shop: Olive, 2310 S. Lamar Blvd., 444-5050.

The lowdown: For the rock-star look, Olive has plenty to choose from, including denim, cheeky T-shirts by local artist Jon Lawrence and Texas-style belt buckles. A mix of designer lines, such as the clubby looks of Catch of Fire by Cedella Marley (yes, she's Bob's daughter), and classic wardrobe pieces keeps things interesting. A wide assortment of one-of-a-kind accessories and works by local start-up artists line the cases and dot the walls. Owner Catherine Abston even sells her own original beaded jewelry and gold chain belts.

Souvenir worthy: Spice up your home with Mexican pop art graphics by local artist Federico Archuleta.

The shop: Eliza Page, 2026 S. Lamar Blvd., 445-9667.

The lowdown: Owner Elizabeth Serrato carries more than 20 lines of handcrafted jewelry, at least 10 of which are by local artists. The gallerylike space, featuring a suspended table that makes visitors gawk, is an ideal setting for showcasing these exquisite works of art. Look for lots of wood and ethnic-inspired spring lines. If guilt prevents you from self-indulgence, add the item you desire to an in-store wish list that can be shared with your significant other. Or, order online later. www.elizapage.com.

Souvenir worthy: No one else in L.A. will have a sterling silver coinlike ring by Austin goldsmith Maria Tucker.

The shop: Kick Pleat, 910 S. First St., 445-4500.

The lowdown: Obscure designers and hard-to-find lines are the hallmark of this upscale boutique in a quaint, friendly setting. Owner Wendi Koletar hand-picks each piece with the hope that it will be the favorite thing in your closet and displays her goods with the reverence of a museum curator. You'll find special occasion clothes, designer denim, spring sandals, delicate jewelry and uncommon handbags.

Souvenir worthy: This is the only store in Texas that carries the Brazilian line Coven, recently featured in Lucky magazine and highly coveted by fashionistas everywhere.

The shop: Tryst, 1002 S. First St., 440-1600.

The lowdown: Tryst has recently expanded beyond clothes to include body care. In the kitchen of this bungalow, you can watch an artisan demonstrate how to make soaps, fragrances, essential oils and bath balms. Another new room is dedicated to jewelry and accessories. But the bulk of the store is still filled with the latest fashions for men and women from well-known national brands and local designers.

Souvenir worthy: Designer denim is everywhere, but funky patchwork jeans by C.A. Designs are Austin originals.

The shop: Parts & Labour, 1604 S. Congress Ave., 326-1648.

The lowdown: Local artisans and designers rent space to showcase their goods at Parts & Labour, contributing to the co-op like spirit. This craft bazaar is a great place for gifts as prices range from the very low to the pretty high, and everything is, at the very least, made in Texas (most is made in Austin). There's lots to look at here, including handcrafted jewelry from more than 20 Austin jewelers, purses and bags of every variety and an extensive collection of men's and women's hand-printed T-shirts.

Souvenir worthy: Austin's best tourist T-shirt mocks those ubiquitous "Somebody in (insert place here) loves me" tees.

The shop: Vivid, 1202 S. Congress Ave., 326-3095.

The lowdown: Vivid, as the name suggests, is a full-color emporium, owned by the same couple who operate Blackmail next door. An assortment of carefully selected items, from clothing to vases to pocket knives, is arranged according to hue, giving the store a playful aesthetic and resulting in some interesting pairings. In the yellow corner, for example, you'll find men's button downs and women's camisoles beside yellow glassware and a cookbook with a yellow cover. The blue corner hosts a polka-dot aqua toaster alongside lace underwear. The fun here is in the merchandising.

Souvenir worthy: The gold painted rock paperweight will remind you of the days before your albums went gold.

The shop: Girl Next Door, 500 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite 190, 322-0501.

The lowdown: Women flock to Girl Next Door to drop some serious cash on designer denim. The shop carries all the hot brands, including Vents, Sacred Blue, Rock and Republic, Da Nang, Frankie B. and Joie. Beyond the jeans, calls have come from as far away as New Jersey in search of local designer King William. But most of the store is L.A.-inspired and features trend-setting California lines.

Souvenir worthy: The Hello Kitty jewelry is designed by Tarina Tarantino, daughter of the famous director who holds The Quentin Tarantino Film Festival in Austin. Another reminder of the L.A.-Austin connection.

The shop: Betty Sport, 916A W. 12th St., 473-0040.

The lowdown: Run by a former footwear buyer for RunTex, Betty Sport is the only local shop in town dedicated solely to women's fitness. Don't expect a huge selection of shoes — they only carry models known to work well for women. The sports bra and underwear selection is expansive, with selections for every body type. The clothes, such as the best-selling low-rise workout capris, are cute as a button, and are designed for the woman who likes to look good while she's working up a sweat.

Souvenir worthy: The pink Velcro-strap Puma fashion fitness shoe will look equally as cool at Emo's as on the Town Lake hike-and-bike trail.

The shop: Underwear, 916B W. 12th St., 478-1515.

The lowdown: You'll feel very comfortable trying on sophisticated French lingerie in Underwear's boudoir setting (note the cool ceiling by local company Red Start Paint Design). The shop stocks a wide range of prices in bras, panties, nightgowns and sleepwear as well as an extensive collection of smoothers and shapers meant to make clothing fit beautifully over any body.

Souvenir worthy: Hanky Panky's modified thongs are hard to find, easy to pack, $18, and one size fits all.

The shop: Blue Elephant, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 510. 371-3259.

The lowdown: Blue Elephant is part apothecary, part women's clothing boutique, part gift shop. One wall is lined with rows and rows of skin and body care products from the States, Europe and Australia. The rest of the store is equally well stocked with trendy brand name clothing lines such as BCBG, LeTigre, Roxy and A.B.S. and fun tchotchkes and home accessories, such as hand-embroidered Austin pillows and Texas-themed glassware.

Souvenir worthy: Pay homage to Austin's hometown hero with a Willie Nelson trucker hat.

The shop: Flux, 2401 E. Sixth St., Suite 2020 in the Pedernales, 320-0753

The lowdown: Flux is a boutique/gallery/studio hybrid. Owner Lisa Crowder has her studio there, as does fellow jewelry designer Jamie Kelsch. The store carries contemporary jewelry, ceramics, paintings, handbags, furniture and a small selection of clothing. Everything is hand-made, predominantly by East Austin artists.

Souvenir worthy: Bonnets with ears by Chia Guillory. They're keeping Austin weird.

Where'd they go?

The shop: Crofts Original

Old location: West Lynn Street

New address: 1714B S. Congress Ave., 445-6308.

Update: Funky South Congress Avenue is the perfect setting for Crofts' selection of men's and women's vintage-inspired clothing. Here you'll find everything you need to pull together the Austin look — super stylish, yet casual, with a Western flair. Owner Susan Crofts' collection of well-worn cowboy boots lines the walls, waiting to be paired with designer denim by Lucky Brand, Juicy Couture and Red Engine, and designer T-shirts, tanks and camisoles by Michael Stars. Complete the look with funky sunglasses, belts and brooches. And bring your boyfriend. The front of the store has men's button-downs, tees and denim.

The shop: Gossip

Old location: South Congress Avenue

New address: 3300 Bee Cave Road, Suite 240, 443-1188.

Update: Quirky stationery, gift and home decor store Gossip has relocated to Bee Cave Road and revamped its inventory. Gossip's focus has shifted to its invitation and stationery business and the store no longer carries women's accessories, such as purses and belts. But owner Ann Marie still sells her own line of one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, which runs from $30 to $180, and fun cards, lamps and unusual gifts, such as a kitchen timer that looks like a piece of sushi.

The shop: Sabia

Old location: Fifth and Lamar

New address: 1100 S. First St., 469-0447.

Update: A former employee bought out this popular skin-care boutique when its prior owner was considering closing. Sabia reopened in a quaint old home on South First Street, still featuring a full range of natural and holistic skin care lines, including Kiehl's, Aesop and Jurlique. Recent additions include men's shaving products, such as brushes and razors, and a new line of perfumes. Since last year, Sabia has expanded its services to include facials, massages and essential oil consultations.

The shop: Five Oceans

Old location: Academy Drive and Music Lane

New address: 1413 S. Congress Ave., 447-3483.

Update: Five Oceans has moved out of obscurity from a corner behind South Congress to the main drag itself. The home-grown travel store has expanded its inventory beyond designer swimsuits for men, women and children to include more gift items, skin-care and home accessories. The idea is to be able to bring home something fun and summery, even if you can't go on vacation, says owner Amy Estes. Globe-trotters will adore the store's international lines, including purses and trays by Marimekko, Japanese talking watches by Marchand des Legumes and Korres scented sprays from Greece.

The shop: Wild About Music

Old location: Eighth and Congress

New address: 115 E. Sixth St., 708-1700.

Update: Now located across the street from the Driskill Hotel, Wild About Music is still the place to buy anything guitar-shaped or covered in music notes. The store has two floors of clothing and gift items and a lower level dedicated to music-themed art work. For those who are truly wild about music, there's the Jammin Johns toilet seats (shaped like a guitar) and the fiddle-shaped cheese board. You'll find typical gift store merchandise such as cards, books, blankets, jewelry, ornaments, ties, T-shirts, scarves and socks — all bearing the image of a musical instrument. Handcrafted, handpainted CD storage cabinets and guitar stools by local artist Matt Meyer are also in the mix.

The shop: Aqua 20th Century Modern

Old location: South Congress Avenue

New address: The Antique Marketplace, 5350 Burnet Road, 916-8800, aquamodern.com

Update: Aqua has been bouncing around because of building woes since their move off South Congress, but they're easy to spot in their current location inside the Antique Marketplace on Burnet Road. The store has been carrying works by heavyweights of mid-century modern design since before the Design Within Reach catalog made their names recognizable. You'll find post-World War II vintage furniture and accessories by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Edward Wormley and George Nelson.

The shop: Grove Hill

Old location: West Lake Hills

New address: 500 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 180, 347-0707.

Update: Grove Hill has moved its sophisticated collection of women's clothing and accessories from well-heeled Westlake to more a more prominent but equally well-heeled location in the Whit Hanks shopping center at Fifth and Lamar. You'll find business suits and upscale lounge wear side-by-side as well as an assortment of casual and brightly colored clothes that don't cling. Collections from local jewelers and custom hand-painted Dr. Scholl's shoes are among the fresh selections.