Old News
6/8/08
The Opera House is in the process of becomming "The O.(open) P.(power) E.(experimental) R.(research) A(arts) House" - a non-profit arts orginization! In the meantime, to save some $$ we will be downsizing our space into The Cave starting mid June. We will no longer be selling vintage and used clothing - only handcrafted items, giftable art, independent literature and music, and artist materials in the new set up. We are definitely looking for new stuff so, come on by with the goods! Consigners get 70% profit..or you can make a donation.
In the old Half Room store, our delightful neighbor Melanie will be hanging out and setting up a little shop in there. We have to share the bathroom so, please be curteous when walking through!
Want to VOLUNTEER at The O.P.E.R.A House? and/or be on our board of directors? Or become a member? for more info please contact.
5/26/08
Craziness ahead! Save me from completely losing my mind and VOLUNTEER at The O.P.E.R.A House! for more info please contact.
So, here's a taste of what you missed at our 1st ever Potluck Movie Night which happened yesterday:
5/19/08
The Opera House is in the process of becomming "The O.(open) P.(power) E.(experimental) R.(research) A(arts) House" - a non-profit arts orginization! To save some $$, we will be downsizing our space into The Cave starting mid June. We will no longer be selling vintage and used clothing - only handcrafted items, giftable art, and artist materials in the new set up.
So, there's gonna be a big sale weekend at the end of May! Almost everything will be 30-50% off plus, we are also bringing more stuff in and doing a garage sale in The Cave - think.. giant birdcages, books, fabric, toys, and other random findings.
Starting mid-June In the old Half Room store, our neighbor Melanie will be hanging out and setting up a little shop in there. We have to share the bathroom so, please be curteous when walking through!
5/7/08
Mysterious vintage dress with roses and a shaggy chenille coat appeared on the front steps this morning. Thanks so much for this most lovely donation. Anyone want to fess up?
Kevin Cox should get an award for comming to almost every one of our shows. He was the only one at Lance Romance last Saturday besides the performers, their couple of friends, and me and Nathan. The rest of you really missed out because it was actually one of our best shows. A big thanks to the Bens, Chris, and Dead Birds!
Also, The Opera House is in the process of becomming "The O.(open) P.(power) E.(experimental) R.(research) A(arts) House" - a non-profit orginization! stay tuned for more info...
5/2/08
Vintage and 80's shirts! lots of them..some old dresses and sweaters too. Fashiony footwear in women's size 5..anyone with a small foot?
Tiny tiny tiny art show today.. it's like ocd.
4/17/08
Lot's of new merch in lately including, paper goods+collage art+jewelry by The Crafty Librarian, postcards by Lazy Little Things, t-shirts and plushies by Ape-Gear , more eyelash necklaces by Stephanie Simeck, a dvd by Palfloat, Kosmodrome cds, new comics, zines, and some vintage clothes.
Only 2 more weeks to cach Furly's art show! Someone, buy a painting or skateboard! Next up...the infamous tiny show...
Also, The Opera House is in the process of becomming "The O.(open) P.(power) E.(experimental) R.(research) A(arts) House" - a non-profit orginization! stay tuned for more info...
3/4/08
The Boston<------>Austin show is finally on view. Come and see!!!! Yours truly has a few pieces in the show....including, other worldly creations like a giant sparkly worm and lil' collage buttons- all on the cheap!
Our extensive SXSW shedule is here!!!!!
1/28/08
Last chance to catch Palfloat's art show "Stuffed and Starving Animals"! There are still plenty of unclaimed artworks left for sale, as well as, ones that were claimed and haven't been paid for. It's more fun than shopping at Fiesta market! - 2 more days left!
This Friday don't miss the opening party for the outstanding pottery collection blown in from the Rio Grande Valley! more details here...
We rearranged the shop a little over the weekend to accommodate our incedible comic book selection. I also brought in a few vintage wears...like an oh so eye-catching "Elks Care" sweater vest ++ others.
and Happy warmer weather!
Also, I just wanted to mention that I live with 2 extremely cute and cudley cats.
1/14/08
Happy New Year! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated this page. Better late than never I guess. Hmm..so what's new at the 'ol Opera House? Well, we have the most amazing collection of comic books for sale now curtesy of Liz and Nathan. Also, lot's of new random vintage clothes and purses ....And soon we will have a new desk!
Feeling nostalgic? Check out the Events Past pages for photos of previous shows.
+++2 shows this Friday, & Monday!!!
Also, if you are an artist who moved to Austin from Boston please contact immediately! I am offering the most perfect art opening just for you!!
***note***if you download an album off the mystery page it is meant to be played in #ed order. If you put it straight to itunes the order gets all messeed up for some reason. Once downloaded, look at the #'s before each song in the folder (01,02,03,etc..) and arrange accordingly in a playlist.I will work on the format of these mixes soon and hopefully solve the problem...****
12/18/07
Opera House t-shirts and sweatshirts are in! Get our handmade creations while you can or come in and DESIGN YOUR OWN!! pictures comming soon.....
Also, in recently are deadstock vintage menswear including, slim fit jeans, 60's pants, western shirts, and sweater vests. Also, new t-shirts by Let's Get Healthy(denton), kk shirts(chicago),Can I Watch (austin), and Cruelman(austin). Plus new-to-us vintage jewels.
Comming in this week.......women's vintage clothing.........
No more events scheduled 'til after x-mas.
11/27/07
The Opera House isn't closing afterall!! Hooray!! And now there's a new arts co-ordinator Liz Gomez! After a 2 week hiatus The opera House is open again. The store is stocked with lots of new goodies and our arts calendar starts up again in December!
There are socks, socks, socks for guys and gals, deadstock vintage menswear, new t-shirts and sweats by KK Shirts!, new frills by Mi Hija, new jewels by Elsemya and Stephanie Simeck, plus just lots of new vintage clothing and accessories, and there is new stuff comming in everyday!
comming soon are ....shirts by Lets Get Healthy, Opera House shirts, painted purses by Sarah Ritt, plus a comic book and independant zine/music section!
Mark your calendars for our 1st fundraiser holiday party on December 15th! plus check out all the other happenings on our Events page.
8/31/07
New stuff in this week: eyelash necklaces w/ real human hair by Stephanie Simek, fun and crazy wall art by Chad Hopper, greeting cards & stationery by Kate Dolamore, revamped vintage neclaces by Jessica Forney, hand knit winter scarves by Tara Wheeler, ++ lots of new clothes from the 60's and 70's - eye candy wow!
For some real news: The Opera House is thinking about making some changes. There are a few ideas I've been kicking around lately 1) becomming a non-profit organization 2)moving to a new location and/or expanding the business 3)partnering-up with others who might have similar ideas for running a community shop and arts space 4)closing. I would like to open this topic for discussion to anyone who might have some opinions, advice, or would like to get in on this somehow. If you look at the events pages on this website you will realize that The Opera House is a lot more than just a little shop on South 1st St, and it has potential to be and do bigger and greater things. Please contact if this moves or motivates you in any way.
8/17/07
The updates are finally back! Sorry it's taken so long, dealing with a broken computer and random uploading problems. A lot has happened this Summer at The Opera House and is still happening so, please check out the Events page for current and recent events.
Of course there has been tons of new merchandise over the past few weeks, mostly women's wear. Though, some savy enough for the right man. I most recently brought in a load of shirts mainly from the 70's and 80's and there's lots more of that to come.... Also, impress all your friends with your new Zolospecs, handcrafted by Gary Barftits. These spectacles are certainly far out man.
5/14/07
New stuff to note are: collage art greeting cards made by yours truly, new 2D art by Chad Hopper, amazing vintage lingerie, new jewels by ElseMaya, and tons more.....
Thanks to all who made it out to the Tiny show last Friday! It's was a amazing! If you missed it, tiny art is on view thru May 25th so, come check it out. Or catch the virtual tour here, comming soon...
5/1/07
Lots of new consignments over the past week including, vintage t-shirts, 80's dresses, Mexican and Hawaiian mumus, shoes, jewels, plus a new designer, Vixious clothing from Boston, and new Cyber-Chic outfits!
This week I bring you many vinatge pretties like a riding cap, neon green gloves, leather clogs, 70's polyester dresses in prints and solids, vintage t-shirts, vintage lingerie from the 50's and 60's, men's colorful windbreakers, a 70's pantsuit, skirts, tops, and more....
TINY BRIGADES art show is rapidly approaching. Open call for tiny art! If you liked the Diorama Show you'll love this one even more. Info is on the Events page.
3/3/07
So many jewels like candy...so many clothes that are old...come check out all the new merch! Lots of vintage men's shirts this time too.
Still plenty of leftovers from the clothing swap last week. PLEASE come and take them away. They are FREE! It's like a dollar a pound place in The Cave, but you don't have to weigh anything or pay for anything. Just take take take!
TINY BRIGADES art show is comming up soon. Open call for tiny art! If you liked the Diorama Show you'll love this one even more. Info is on the Events page.
The Mystery page is also fairly new with a less hidden surprise.
3/19/07
SXSW is finally over and I have had a couple days to recouperate. On reflection it was like riding a slow wave that peaked on Thursday afternoon will Shellshag, Attic Ted, and friends with the nice weather. I forgot to take some pictures of Friday's show, but to see a sampling of the fun you missed look here.
New vintage will be floating in this week, mostly women's but a few men's t-shirts. A bunch of fabric was recently donated to the store. Feel free to come by and take some. I will be sorting through the mess this week. Also, there is a sceduled CLOTHING SWAP next week!
I have added some new arists to the Artists page. Sorry the Mystery page is still old. I will try to work on it this week.
2/20/07
Still winding down from The Diorama Show. Deadline to pick up your art work is TOMORROW 2/21, otherwise, to be coveted by me or donated to la dumpster. If you missed out on the show get the virtual tour here.
Picture rail starts going up this week so I can stop making the walls look like swiss cheese, just in time for Sarah Lantz's art show.
Cool stationary cards and letter sets in by Kate Dolamore. Also, a few more items of contemporary clothing plus a small stack of old records. Oh, and more vintage shoes!
2/4/07
Many new consignments came in over the weekend, mostly contemporary women's clothing. I might need to add an extra rack! There are also some amazing new vintage shoes in sizes 7 & 8, red vinyl, purple suede heels, a pair of hush puppies, and some disco boots. New music by The Opera House is ready for purchase. Come get the cd set of the '45rpm Listening Party-$4-and The Best Of Stargazer-$2.
Gearing up for The Diorama Show this Friday. Been building shelves in The Cave. Sheila our resedent mannequin is getting a dioramarific makeover by miss Amanda Jones (collection r.e.r.t)
Call for art! Make a DIORAMA for the diarama show! for more info look on the Events page.
1/18/07
I brought in some new merch this week including, a cordoroy sequin skating dress, a pair of 1940's men's pants, a smoking jacket, a lucite belt, a striped purse, a weird hat with fur, and a polk-a-dot apron. There's more, but I'll let you discover them for yourself.
10/27/06 - 1/10/07
sorry, I forgot to log these..........
10/17/06
Lots of new clothes have come in this past week. Several dresses and tops from the 50's and 60's. Lot's of vintage lingerie including, peach slips from the 30's, many outrageous half slips from the 60's, and bloomers. Also, new handmade clothing and accessories from Mi Hija, Opuntia, and Cyberchic Fashion.
The Cave is under construction for the rest of the month while we are building a crazy art installation. See the Events page for more details. After the installation comes down craft nights will return!
I am also looking for a DJ and MC for BEST DANCER EVER! If you'd like to vounteer your expertise for this event please contact me.
10/9/06
So much new merchandise has come in in the past few weeks and more to come! Notables are: new music from Boston based Mister Records label including, Animal Hospital, Neptune, Devil Music, Young Sexy Assassins, Magic People, Gabriel Boyer and the 1000 Eyes, and a few more. My favorite is Journey To Happiness Island on mint green vinyl, a demented "children's album". Also, tons of used vinyl from $2-$8.
New sock display with women's knee socks galore and footies! Plus men's socks in checkered, flames, and cowboy prints! Also, about 30 new women's contemporary items, vintage Michael Jackson and holiday buttons, and too much vintage clothing and accessories to count. Come in and see for yourself!
The Cave is under construction right now while we are building a crazy art installation. See the Events page for more details. There will be an unveiling party probably later this month or in early November. More details TBA. After the installation comes down craft nights and other fun events will return! and further transformations of The Cave........
9/14/06
So many new things have come in the last couple of weeks. Frilly aprons, vintage dresses from the 50's and 60's, lots of new men's vintage button downs, plus many sweaters, jackets, and coats. Also, stripey gloves and hats and vintage wool scarves. There are also 2 big crates of used vinyl plus 2 old record players for sale (one already sold!).
A 30% off sale rack has been devised, but the rack broke and needs to be replaced. It should be back up in a day or 2. Also look outside for free books and leftovers from this weeks swap.
The store has been reorganized a little over the past week and only more of that to come. New instore events are not scheduled yet, but a show with Cry Blood Apache is in the works, as well as, a crazy art installation in the cave. Knit Night is comming back with a vengence and mabe another craft night once a week. Keep checking the Events page in the upcomming weeks for more details.
Also, the Bock Party raffle has been extended 'til October 14th! Enter for a chance to win $175 in gift certificates to all the shops at El Corazon, for only $1 a ticket!
8/22/06
New handloomed purses are in and some plaid fabric ones too. Fun vintage jewelry like mod flower pins and a plastic Frankenstien came in a couple weeks ago. Tried to get rid of a lot of the antiques at the sidewalk sale this weekend. I still have most left over though. Thanks to everyone who did come out in the heat. It was a great weekend and the Decorated Denial art show really topped it off.
Amanda Jones is a new face in the store. Check out the miniature art on the ceiling of The Cave and other neat creations around the place, all by Amanda!
Also, I've put some new pictures around. Look here and here.
8/2/06
(this entry I accidently deleted. oh well.)
7/24/06
A handfull of vintage clothing items have trickled in over the last week including, an incredible 70's checkered one piece bathing suit, some genie slippers and some other stellar women's shoes, several men's tops from the 60's - 80's, and a few ladies dresses from the 50's -70's.
A streetside store sign is in the works! Still working on the exciting new Elcorazon website. Should be finished by the end of the Summer if all goes well.
Check the Events page for recent updates! - Clothing Hospital is this week!!
7/11/06
Sorry, no new merch this week. Taking a shopping vacation. If i have time for any repair work a few newbies might show up. Or repairs might have to wait for CLOTHING HOSPITAL night. Check out the Events page for new updates!!! Also, the new mystery page is up finally. Sorry, I've been slacking for a few weeks with that.
I'm also working on the new Elcorazon website. Hopefully, it will be up by the end of the Summer. Looking for designers w/ handmade stuff for the Fall......
6/27/06
More men's clothing will be put out this week including, some cute vintage t's, plaid snap shirts, and mexican wedding shirts. Lots of new vintage jewlery - costume beads, rhinestone broches, and some neat earings (3 pairs by Monopoly, the board game!). Also, handmade jewlery by Michele Hilley from Boston, MA.
New socks galore! Knee socks, stripey, skull, heart, footies, animal, fuzzy. Also, vintage knee socks, 80's aerobics, polk-a-dot, and 60's psychedelic. Get your sock on!
Meet the new girl, Jenny Frizzell. She is helping out at the ol' shop for a while. She Rocks!
The Cave is still in flux, leaving remnents of past events. This Summer watch a transformation take place..... ++ new signage on it's way......
5/30/06
Finally, AIR CONDITIONING!
Also, I'm turning The Cave into a community events room. It is available for rental. Contact me for more info.
Consign your vintage and handmade clothing and accessories! The Opera House is also looking for self published literature and zines.
5/24/06
The Cave is opened! It has recently been cleaned out and turned into gallery space. Soon it will start to shape up and house new things for sale and intrigue, like a men's section and reading corner. It will not happen over night, but I'll keep posting progress. Also, a new sign for outside is in the works, no more hiding out behind the record store!
I've been slacking on posting merch. updates recently and so many new things have arrived and left this past month. Anyways, this week and last has been good for the ladies once again. More new-to-you contemporary and 60's -70's clothes are in. Also, handmade couch pillows, by Naomi Deyoe, shaped like bodily organs: hearts and lungs.
Check-out Events Past for pictures from the TINY BRIGADES art show. Also, root around the site for more new pictures and curriosities.
4/28/06
Lot's of new merchandise in stock! Vintage clothing for the ladies mostly from the 1940's through the 1970's. Many amazing dresses and seperates for Spring! Also, tons of cool jewlery has arrived with several vintage pins, earings, and pendants, some collectible, and several big beaded necklaces! New vintage purses and wallets! Old fancy hats! Puppets! Vintage pin cushions! A little toy piano and more! Come check it out!
The Opera House will also be expanding the store in the next couple of months! Stay tuned for even more exciting adventures in THE CAVE! More info comming soon....or come by and see for yourself....
TINY BRIGADES art show and a CLOTHING SWAP all on it's way! Look at the EVENTS page for more details.
4/6/06
This week some beautiful handmade accessories from Brazil have arrived including, fluffy purses, headbands, and earings. A couple of vintage garments for the gals from the 40's and 50's are in as well.
Guys and gals come and consign your vintage and handmade clothing and accessories! Or rent an arm of a rack for cheap!!
Also spread the word about The Opera House! I am still a new store in Austin that people are just discovering. My goal is to offer diverse events to the community, as well as, unique vintage and handmade goods. Please visit soon! you can also shoot me an email if you want to be on my mailing list!
3/21/06
SXSW is finally over and will we ever recover? A big thanks to all the bands who played last week at the store : Illi Vill, Junius, Hopper, Nouns Group, Best Fwends, and Daniel Francis Doyle. It was all so amazing....I can't wait to do it again. Can you believe that I had beer left over? While getting their ears blown out by the music everyone forgot about alcohol. That's how good the bands were. To check out what you missed look at events past.
A few new things in the vintage department arrive this week. A little bit of this and that, shoes, purses, and leather mainly. There are still plenty of sale items left from last week. Grab them before they end up in a pit of despair! Also, lot's of events are coming up soon so, check out the events page for more good times.
Also, new artists and pics. have been added to the Artists and Designers page(click on the link below), as well as some new pics. on the pictures page.
3/8/06
Big changes this week. Lots of new handmade clothing and accessories from Mi Hija, Opuntia, Elsemaya, and Sarah Ritt are in. I reorganized the store a bit, adding some larger racks and moving around the antiques and accessories. New vintage dresses have arrived from the 1930's-1970's, as well as, many separates. Also shoes, shoes, and more shoes!
Sale, sale, sale! I have also added 2 sale racks with discounts so deep it'll seem like stealing!
El Corazon (my neighbors and I) is hosting 150 bands during the week of SXSW for free! So, don't forget to attend The Opera House's showcase and then do some party hopping next door!
3/1/06
The SXSW invasion is upon us and I am feeling the crunch. Check out the Events page for the amazing line-up of bands playing at the store.
New items in stock this week include, a bizarre maroon leaf-y shorts w/ vest costume, an Elvis-like wig, a couple pairs of deadstock men's cords from the 70's, belts, 60's-70's dresses, and more.....
Bring in your consignments!!! Or rent an arm of a rack for cheap!
2/21/06
Sorry, it's been a while since the last update. I guess i've been quite the busy bee! Although, the last few days have seemed like hibernation. So many things have happened in the past weeks so, this will be a short briefing.
The Grand Opening party was really fun! Thank you Teddy and Marge, all the models, and everyone who came out to make it such a success. Knit Night was also great and i can't wait for the next one in March!
Many new items are in stock! Lingerie, lingerie, lingerie! Lot's of vintage slips from the 50's-70's, as well as, some fluffy crinoline types. Too much vintage clothing to list and many shoes too, some unworn! There is also an amazing orange mod lamp, smurf wallpaper, and some groovy sewing books and dress patterns. A few silkscreened band posters from the '90's are also in.
The men's section is still sadly lacking, so please consign your wears! I am also looking for hand screenprinted t-shirts, more jewlery, and everything under the sun. Larger women's sizes are also gladly welcomed.
1/30/06
Thank you all who came out for the clothing swap last week! There was so much good stuff that most of it was swapped! With some of the leftovers I have decided to make a couple of free boxes in the store. There is now a "free" green bin of clothes by the dressing room and a "free" cardboard box of accessories and books behind the door.
Also, some new sci-fi books are in and selling cheap with most paperbacks at $1/ea and hardcovers generally at $3/ea. They are located behid the door on the gold/red shelves.
And....I've plumped up the lingerie stock a bit for Valentine's Day. Lots of frilly bed jackets have been put out, as well as, some pretty vintage slips - some hand-dyed and bejewled.
Theme Thursdays will begin as soon as I get my ad campaign going. I am a little preoccupied with moving to a new home and planning the grand opening party to deal with it right now. So, I will shoot for mid-late February. Stay tuned for more info......
1/23/06
The Opera House is gearing up for it's first event this Thursday!
Grady Roper's art newspaper Proper-Gander has arrived . It is an amazing free paper. Copies are over by the window for now.
Books, lingerie, and other relics on the way.....come in and see for yourself.
1/16/06
Some new vintage duds for men have arrived including, some nice thin button-downs and a couple neat pairs of pants. Still, the men's section is not up to par so, feel free to drop in with your CONSIGNMENTS!
Also, The Opera House could use more larger sizes in women's vintage. More pants too! Although, any vintage is still welcomed. So, if any of you gals are planning an early Spring cleaning come on by with the goods!
More mod 1960's shoes have just come in for the ladies, as well as, a couple of dressier styles from the 1940's. Old costume jewelry has been added too, and some interesting S&P shakers.
Check out the Events page for recent updates!
Theme Thursdays will start a trial run in Febuary. Stop by The Opera House for some audio insanity every Thursday! Advertisments coming soon......
1/9/06
Jessica Forney has added a desperately needed rack of clothes to her booth with many enchanting wears including, an amazing "fish" print sundress from the 1950's!
More fancy shoes have arrived for the ladies (sizes 7-8)! Try on high heeled pumps, slingbacks, and sandals by high end designers like Bruno Magli, Isaac Mizrahi, Charles Jordan, and Stuart Weitzman. All of these shoes are from my grandmother's closet, and she has taken very good care of them. Some of them have only been worn once or twice!
Vintage clothing and accessories will trickle in all week. For all you Monday night bowlers out there check out an amazing multicolored bowling ball I found. It even comes with it's own lavender vinyl carrying case!
More pics have been added to the "designers and artists" page and on the MySpace page.
1/02/06
The Store merchandise is steadily growing with many new recycled items coming in every week. Most of the wears are for the ladies, but a small men's section is also on the rise. A new shipment of men's vintage ties has just come in with several styles from the 40's through the 80's. From designer business savy to pimped out, embroidered, or bejewled, find a neck tie to suit your needs.
