Bows + Arrows

This place is closed as of August 3, 2013.
*CLOSED*

An FYI, if you’re coming here to buy CB I hate Perfume (they’re listed as a distributor on the CB website as of May 2012), they don’t carry it. I think.
I walked through both sides of the store obviously looking for something. No greeting, no offers of help. There were a few employees and not busy. The clerk I wrested away from minute adjustments of bottles seemed to think they didn’t carry CB, but wasn’t sure. And then, I was dismissed. I had come to check out the Warby Parker frames too, but happened to see the clerk’s shrug and eye-​roll to another customer whom looked as perplexed as I’m sure I did. Yeah, no. I went home and ordered CB online and will do the same with the frames. I get that they don’t have control over the CB website, but employees should at least know the contents of the small store they work at or ask someone that does. Too, probably should save the eye-​rolling for back room times. (OMG, I can’t believe this lady wanted to buy something! She crazy?! Etc.)

This store has a nice selection of things that evoke the DIY attitude of Austin while still having a bit of the big city finish. It reminds me of NYC’s Opening Ceremony before all the excessive celebrity collaborations. The buyer clearly has a nice eye, and the various clothes, accessories, and home goods are tasteful and easy on the eyes. However, this review isn’t about the goods; it’s about the customer service.
I’ve been here twice. The first time, my partner and I wandered around for 20 minutes looking at things and were never approached because the salesgirl was on a clearly personal phone call the whole time. The second time, I went in alone, optical prescription and credit card in hand, ready to get some glasses from the Warby Parker showroom conveniently located inside. Again, no one approached me. I asked one of the salesgirls for a certain style, and she curtly found it for me and then ran off. Ok. So I chose a pair, and then stood there for a few minutes. Three different salesgirls quickly rushed around, concerned about dressing a mannequin and photographing it. I waited and waited. I finally put the frames down, went home, and ordered the glasses from the Warby Parker website.
I like giving money to local businesses. And I like shopping, so that happens frequently. However, I also like good customer service. Sadly this place was lacking in it. I hope that changes. The merchandise might remind you of other bigger cities, but this place is still located in Austin. Be nice!!!

Bows + Arrows is a beautiful store. They have an eye for merchandising and quality pieces. They have a good selection of Warby Parker glasses to try on, but it would be even better if they had a hard copy of a Warby Parker brochure so you could see all the color options. That being said I don’t even know if WP publishes a brochure.
The jewelry selection is killer, especially if you’re looking for a nice gift. Maybe it was an off day, but I found the customer service to be really poor. No one greeted us, and I felt like I was interrupting the woman’s phone calls and emails.
Parking tip: If you can’t find parking on the eastern side of Lamar there are usually spots on the western side near P. Terry’s and House Wine.

in general the clothing is pricey here, but they have a very nice selection of preppy-​leaning menswear here, and a lot of it is American made and will last.

I’m originally from Austin. So it was nice to come home to something new and refreshing! Good work

I had no idea you could even buy this kind of menswear in Austin. If you read any style blogs like A Continuous Lean or Put This On, you have probably heard of these brands– Mark McNairy, Band of Rogues, Engineered Garments. I figured they were only available in New York and LA. Very cool to find out they are available in Austin. I drove by this place a million times and I’m glad I finally stopped in.

loved it when it was royal family + a moped shop, still love it now that it’s a little less t-​shirty, and a bit more grown-​up.
this is one of the very, very few shops in austin that is actually worth going to for men, and it never disappoints.
my only sadness is that cool clothes don’t really fit me these days… oh well, back to the gym!
the proprietress (is that a word) is a really nice person as well, and always eager to chat and help out.
shop here, spend money, and encourage

No reason gift: heart-​shaped delicate necklace.
Boyfriends and husbands, take note: we girls compare.
Not to be gender specific: shop here for fun gifts.
He hands it to me; it’s in a small canvas bag w/​a cute gathering of dried flowers attached.
Guys:THIS IS IN CAPS B/​C YOU ARE CRAZY NOT TO ABIDE: if you are trying to impress/​get in pants, you would be advised to shop here.
Really. I’m serious…
Today, out of of nowhere, my guy gives me a simple hammered gold heart necklace that says:
«really f*cking cute»
!
SWOON

In full disclosure, I am friends with the owner; however, this store is great. Lauren provides a great selection that you cannot find anywhere else in Austin, so you are always going to have something someone else doesn’t.
Don’t forget to check out Spartan next door, which sells one-​of-​a-​kind home goods.

I’m always looking for cool clothes that can be worn going out or to work — this place has met my need better than anythign else I’ve found in Austin. The pieces all seem high-​quality and I have never seen someone else wearing what I have! Cool design and trustful employees will tell if you something looks good or not.

Our friend Lauren owns this shop and it is quite smashing. Formerly The Royal Family on the east side, this is where I found out I had a GIGANTIC watermelon head (even bigger than Rumer Willis’ potato head) because I couldn’t fit into any of the size L Japanese scooter helmets there.
They have sooooooo many cute shirts, dresses, digs, etc. for people with one or two X chromosomes (and maybe some of you out there with Klinefelter’s). They may also sell Tom’s shoes which are awesome and good for the world!
This new location is perfectly bikeable for a little stop off Lady Bird Lake or on your way to Barton Springs. They often have great little cocktail hours for shoppers, not to be missed. I met so many fab people at my first one when I had two little foster pups in tow.
Yes, it’s expensive but so are your Mom’s prices! You don’t see my a*s complaining, do you?!

84 Bucks for a Polo shirt?
High fashion & very pleasantly presented, but this place seems a tad too swank for their own good.
Maybe if I sold my soul I could afford the $ 450.00 dollar loafers they sell and the $ 500,000.00 condos the store sits underneath.
I predict that the same fate that befell Factory People will befall Bows + Arrows as well.