Charm School Vintage

Beautiful clothing, lots of great seventies, folk, and embroidered pieces in particular. Very reasonable prices, everything was in great condition, and the selection is well curated. You don’t have to hunt for a gem– everything was very wearable. The women who own/​work there are super friendly as well!

I love this place, friendly and helpful staff with a great selection of vintage dresses!

The prices are good, the clothes is somewhat organized by color (for example, there was a 90s wolf tee in the «black» section along all the other black colored tops and 50s dresses). The décor is chic, antique meets clean-​modern boutique style.
I came in looking to purchase a skirt (or anything really) but their skirt selection was superrrr small. When you open the door the first rack in the middle is where they have the high waist cut off shorts (priced 40) they only had about a dozen then a couple of skirts and some light weight fabric pants.
I walked around and looked at everything but didn’t really find a unique piece that I haaad to have. There were some dresses priced about $ 38-​$ 40 — the type of style that I see all the time at the thrifstore priced for 4 bucks.
The girl working there (I’m assuming it was not the owner because she was not charming at all) — when I asked her about the rack next to her she was like «Ummmm nooooo, that’s all clothes that hasn’t been priceeeeed». Didn’t even ask me if I was looking for anything in particular (maybe I missed their prime skirt rack!). Very unfriendly gaze. Good thing I was done looking around.

Ok, I’m not really one for vintage stores. They are usually extremely high priced and stuffy. This place is absolutely adorable. Their décor is just perfect and the prices are great for vintage stuff. Too cute! I never thought I would say this but it’s a vintage store I like.

LOVE!
Great selection and beautiful energy here. I found so many pieces that I fell in LOVE with. Serious place for gorgeous vintage pieces for all tastes and sizes.

I cannot say enough about Shari Gerstenberger, owner and stylist of Charm School Vintage. I’ve gotten to know this lovely lady both on a personal and professional level, and each time after a collaboration with her, I cannot wait till the next. The pieces she finds for her shop (and for photo shoots alike) are beautiful, delicate, and hand-​picked with love and with you in mind, truly. Take the time to visit this shop… you are sure to find something special.

CUTE.
My amiga and I were in Austin for a wedding last fall and I totally forgot to gush about this vintage shop! It is seriously deserving of these five star reviews, which are what brought us there in the first place one afternoon when we were cycling around and exploring.
The merchandise varies from legit gorgeous leather bags and what I might even classify as antique dresses… to more fun «vintage-​light» stuff, but all of it somehow translates well to real life. And all this well-​curated secondhand goodness is housed in the most precious little house.

I don’t really know what to say that hasn’t already been said about this amazing find in East Austin. Shari curates an impressive selection of vintage clothes and accessories in top condition at very reasonable prices. The selection is edgy, fun, stylish, and flirty. You can tell based on the items in the store and interaction with customers that she has a passion and true enthusiasm for what she does. Follow Charm School Vintage on Instagram for the latest items in the shop (@charmschoolvintage).

Charm School Vintage transcends your typical vintage store experience. Step inside and you are entering a beautifully-​curated gallery of wearable art. Each piece is hung and labeled with a price tag bearing a cute title (like «heavy metal shirt» or «gypsy rose skirt»…) In between the racks, belts are tucked away into rustic drawers and cubbyholes, necklaces hang from antlers, and shoes and purses are displayed on vintage bookcases, alongside old photos and books.
It makes you want to just… well… move into the place, really.
The owner, Shari, is not only a doll, but she is passionate about what she does– and incredibly good at it too! She knows fashion and picks pieces that are timeless and well-​made– you can bet the $ 40 you might spend on an item here will outlast any item you’ll find at *wince* the mall or something of the sort. She also finds much of the clothing during travels all over the country, each piece handpicked and transported with love!
Join the CSV Facebook page for updates on new clothing posted on their site (if you see something online you simply must have, you can jet right over and check it out in person!), as well as invites to the many events they throw (yard sales, art openings, performances– most usually accompanied by free food and drink!)
Sound too good to be true? Don’t take my word for it– go check the place out for yourself! :)

Charm School Vintage is my favorite vintage shop in town! Whenever I need an outfit for an event or a wardrobe re-​vamp this is my go to place. They offer a wide variety of styles and looks from casual to formal. Every pice is hand picked and comes intact with an cute and quirky description. Not only do they have a great selection but they also offer fantastic accessories. Love, love, love the owner Shari. She really makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk in and is great help when picking out that special outfit.
Charm School will absolutely make your shopping experience fun, personable, and it’s hard not to walk out with half the store. Cannot say enough good things about this shop! This is the place you will find your next favorite outfit.

Let me first say, and I know I’m going to sound crazy for saying this, but I usually don’t like to shop.
For some reason it sends me into a panic, being a bigger girl with big boobs and not so much patience when it comes to trying things on. I try to avoid it, unless it is absolutely necessary. If anything has cured me from my shopping fears, though, its Charm School Vintage, and specifically — Shari. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the sweetest people imaginable, big hugs, smiles, and a cozy, warm atmosphere. Charm School has everything from amazing boots to handmade jewelry (I’m always getting compliments on my handmade gold leaf earrings), handbags and masks (I really, really want the white leather rabbit mask, as much as I don’t know when or where I would wear it), and racks of the best vintage in town. I really love the center rack that was in the shop last time I was there, filled with nothing but shiny and sequined frocks. The inner magpie in me was immediately drawn to the shiny. So sparkly and fun! There was an electric blue and black cape-​like jacket that I immediately fell in love with and made me feel like some sort of underwater queen.
Trust me, I could go on and on. Shari’s taste is impecable and you can tell that she fills the shop with items she really loves, and will happily show you pieces she thinks you will love too. When there’s a group of girls in there all trying things on and showing each other their choices, it feels like a party, or sleep over.
It’s enough for my shopping phobic self to want to go back again and again, and that’s saying something!

I am wearing one of my favorite finds today! But gosh I like everything I’ve gotten from CSV so much, Shari has a phenomenal eye for vintage stuff that can look really up to the minute and classy now. I have bought the best things just by giving something a bit unusual looking on the rack a try by putting it on. Things just somehow work – that’s the sign of a great buyer! When I want nice compliments from nice people I wear my charm school gear!

I don’t think I can say enough about Charm School Vintage. Shari, the owner, is a complete delight. Her energy is infectious. Extremely helpful and sincere, it is always a positive experience to find a store owner this excited about her merchandise.
That said, Charm School offers a wide variety of extremely reasonably priced womenswear, spanning several different decades. Eclectic, quality pieces that usually have a great story behind them. The merchandising is executed well, allowing the customer to meander through the store without feeling overwhelmed.
By far, one of the best vintage stores in Austin.

When you sit down to write a summary of your favorite things in life it some times feels that the list will never end. That’s basically what is happening to me right now as I try to describe why I absolutely adore this place.
Shari, the owner of this fine establishment, is the sweetest. When you walk in she makes sure to give you a warm greeting while looking you in the eye. I really enjoy the personal connection that she makes even if you’re just dropping in for a peek. After welcoming you into her home she will be attentive, will ask questions, and than will help you find a piece of clothing (or 3!) that you have been searching for your entire life.
The selection is fantastic. You can tell that Shari is always on the search of great pieces that transcends the boundaries of «vintage». I have purchased a number of great items from here and never once have I felt that I had niched myself into one decade or another.
BTW I am bargain hunter but I am also aware how skimping on the price can sometimes skimp on the quality. Charm School side steps both of these issues to provide high quality at total reasonable prices. I can tell the 40 $ dress that I just bought will last me for years to come.
Not only is all of the above stuff true, but Charm School is also active in the art/​music community. I have been to a number of their events where they dish up culture, shopping, and music. Even when the booze is flowing Shari is still right there talking fashion with you, and trying to help you figure out what the best outfit for tomorrow might be.
Basically I am in love with this place and Shari who runs it. It’s a place that I love to shop at and sometimes am sad to leave. I highly recommend it to anyone!

Absolutely love it.

I love Charm School Vintage and Sheri is the nicest vintage store owner I have come across. The selection is smaller than most other stores you will go to, but the uniqueness of each piece and ever changing clothing that get brought in are great. I went in looking for a dress to wear to a wedding and found the perfect one. After I tried it on Sheri was thrilled and helped look for accessories. I also left with some fabulous false eyelashes and wanted to splurge on the amazing headdresses in the window.
I secretly wish it stays under the radar only to indulge my own selfishness and keep it from being overrun by the masses. On the other hand this gem of a store deserves the success that’s coming to it.
I will definitely be making many more special expeditions to Charm School in the very near future.

NOTE– I originally posted this under Esther Bangs, as I thought they were one in the same. Come to find out, that was the name of the previous business. Whoops! Now to give credit where it is due.
I was Unilocaling consignment places in my work ‘hood today and found Esther Bangs as a listing. I called the store number but, alas, no answer. I decided to take a huuuge chance and drive two streets over to see if they are still around. After a few minutes of driving around trying to locate the building, I finally focused and saw the racks of clothing outside of their cute lil house. IT IS A HIDDEN GEM PEOPLE! Be thankful for that as their prices are so low and the selection is awesome, and if the shop were common knowledge, we would have nothing to buy.

I happened upon this little gem while on the E.A.S.T. art studio tour and lucky for me by boyfriend was in tow. I hope he returns to gift me some of Shari’s one of a kind accessories. This place is truly a diamond in the rough of Austin’s myriad of vintage shops.
Everything on the shelves and racks are truly one of a kind vintage pieces. There is no sifting through discarded Forever 21 pieces in here. I was reminded of my vintage shopping experiences in Greenwich Village and Williamsberg NYC when I stepped in this place only their pieces run a mere fraction of the price. When I found this place it was called Esther’s Bangs but the name change didn’t change the quality of the goods – Charm School Vintage boasts quality vintage at consignment prices. I left with a new-​to-​me 1970’s suede leather jacket, a tooled leather handbag, and two pearl snap shirts for my boyfriend and spent less than $ 80 total! The suede jacket alone would have run me about $ 70 at Buffalo Exchange or Cream.
I’m elated that I found this place. It’s off the beaten path in the eclectic and funky art district of Austin’s East side and it’s truly a joy to step inside this shop. Shari is a glowing presence and has a keen eye for individual style. She can even mend a few items for you if you bring them along or make minor alterations in the store if you find yourself lusting after an item that needs a minor tweak to make it fit you just right.
There’s even a wig store in the back in case you’re pulling together a costume!!! You can literally go Ga-​Ga in this place.
It’s super fun, super funky, and the staff (Shari) is super friendly. This is going to be a regular stop for me! When I want to shop vintage – I’m headed here first.

So, picture what you like about mom and pop shops but replace mom and pop with a super fashionable, 20-​something, sweetheart of a woman who seems to know exactly what you’re looking for. That’s Charm School.
I went in one day totally stumped on what to get my sister for Xmas and the owner walked me through the decision-​making process. The place was even serving delicious cocktails that night and it filled up with current and potential friends.
Put this place on your list, folks. Totally worth a visit.

I like this place! I needed a gold leather jacket for a theme party and joked to a friend of mine that it was going to be a difficult thing to find. She said she just saw one at Charm School Vintage! Ha! I high tailed it down there and sure enough, gold leather jacket.
They had some really nice pieces in a wide range of styles. Good shoes, good jewelry. All of it seemed like the most über stylish of vintage. The gals that work there were super friendly, too.