World Class Vintage Clothes

The Shop

Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics focuses on items and clothing dating from the mid-1800's to the mid-1900's. Well organized, well lit, and well edited, Amelia's enjoys an international reputation for the quality of it's stock. Long used as a resource by designers with the film, theater and fashion industries, the shop has housewares, clothing and accessories that span America's history. Whether you are looking for examples of the flamboyance of the 1890's, the incredible details of the early 1900's, the amazing fabrics of the 20's, the simplicity of the dust bowl era, the glamour and strength of the 40's, the exuberance of the 50's or the energy and optimism of the early 60's, Amelia's will have something to intrique and delight you.

The shop houses an especially large selection of hats, which are displayed to great affect throughout the store and frequently on the heads of both the owner and manager! One corner of the shop is devoted to bridal wear, jewelry and accessories, while another six foot rack displays beautiful, hand-made baby clothes. The heart of the store is the ten foot long display case from the 1880's. Behind the glass, one section displays a great selection of vintage eyewear, while the rest of the case is given over to the to the wonderful and unique jewelry that is the core of many a vintage collectors obsession.

Located in the heart of the South Lamar ABIA I-Biz District, Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics is a must for anyone who appreciates the best in vintage clothing and accessories.

Costume Design and Consultation for Film & Theatre

As a costume designer, Amelia's owner, Jane Clarke, has over 30 years experience using costumes to create, express, define and clarify characters for film and the theater. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of fashion history, Ms. Clarke is able to assemble historically accurate outfits that impart both depth and dimension. As a social anthropologist, Ms. Clarke draws on our collective memory to express a character in a way that is memorable and easily recognizable. Though Amelia's may serve as an initial resource, she also maintains friendly contacts with dealers, vendors, seamstresses and wholesale houses across the globe.

Working collaboratively is part of the fun and challenge of the costume designers job, and Ms. Clarke is happy to engage with the director, production designer and actor to bring their vision to life.

Ms. Clarke's recent credits include, Costume Designer for the hit play A Ride with Bob (from Austin to Tulsa), written by Anne Rapp and Ray Benson (Asleep at The Wheel).& Six Gun, a feature film shot in Austin, Tx. and due for release in late 2006. Amelia's has also enjoyed working with the award winning designer Ruth Meyers as a resource for costumes in the just-released film "Infamous", staring Sandra Bullock, Sigourney Weaver, Gwyneth Paltrow, Isabella Rossellini, Toby Jones, and more.

The South Lamar Bazaar Bizarre

For the last 15 years Amelia's has hosted The South Lamar Bazaar Bizarre, an event that brings together vendors from Texas and beyond, local and emerging musical talent, and a fun South Austin vibe that has garnered a world of fans.

The event started out as a simple porch sale to de-clutter the shop of items that didn't quite fit in; they were either too new, or in need of more restoration effort than was practical for us. It was both fun and successful, but with a few more friends, we decided, it could be even more fun!

Soon, there were folks selling everything from vintage biker jackets to 50's Moderne' furniture, from garden plants to glassware! It had grown so large, we were filling all the parking spaces that stretch the 70-some-odd-feet across the front of the shop! It was ready to make the leap into becoming a full-fledged Event. With the efforts of Wendi Powers, a friend with experience as a vendor at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in California, The South Lamar Bazaar Bizarre was born.

Under Wendi's guidance and energy, bands were booked, fliers were created, advertising was arranged, vendors were wooed, and a fund-raising recipient was picked. That tradition continues to this day, and we are proud to have supported several important charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Capitol Area Food Bank, and The Leukemia Foundation, with goods and funds that were generated by The Bazaar Bizarre. Though Wendi's involvement was brief, her efforts were what created the model, and set the ambitious standard for all future Bazaar Bizarres.

The South Lamar Bazaar Bizarre has no set schedule, but is put together about 4 times a year, as our other commitments and energy allows. If you are a vendor, and are interested in renting a booth space, please contact us thru this web-site. If you would like to be notified of upcoming Bazaar Bizarre's, send us an email with " Re: Mailing list" in the subject line.