Triple Z Threadz Style

Austin is home to just about anything and everything locally made and sourced. Like many cities across the nation, people here appreciate hard work that is done by folks they know and products they trust. On any given week, there is a plethora of markets where local artists can set up a tent and make a name for themselves. One of the longest standing, and most popular is the Artist Market on South Congress. Every first Thursday of the month, as well as every Saturday (year round), you can walk up and down the strip and fall in love with all types of work whether it be brand spanking new, or up-cycled from its original purpose into something totally different.

Tucked away in the Vespaio parking lot, alongside South Congress books (and some badass embroidery loving neighbors) you’ll find all types of beautifully crafted jewelry, art and other nick-nacks to make your day. The market has been managed by the dynamic duo of Gretchen Grimm and Warren Sawyer, who also operate their own booth in the market under their brand Black and Bluebird Studios for a number of years now and I don’t think you could find two lovelier folks to man the operation. Take a break from the air conditioned storefronts to truly appreciate what it is these merchants from near and far have brought to impress us all.

It’s that magical time of year once again, folks. When thousands of festival lovers flock to our city to soak up as much as they possibly can from the annual Austin City Limits. For many, it is an annual tradition that acts as their getaway from the real world into a euphoric blend of world-class barbeque and live music. For countless others, though, it will be their first taste of this vibrant city we call home. Travelling anywhere can be a very daunting, especially if you don’t know the ins and outs of what a city has to offer.

From music outside of the Zilker Park festival grounds, to all the great sights and food Austin has to offer, it can be overwhelming to decide on what’s best. Well have no fear! Triple Z Threadz has comprised a list of some of the best of the best to do while in town for the event.

Now a great place to start might be on the festival grounds themselves. Zilker Park has long been known to be one of the city's most beloved green spaces. When it isn’t hosting various events into the tens of thousands, it’s where many folks go to unwind from their busy weeks, whether it be with a Frisbee, volleyball, or just laid up under a tree with a good book. Every inch of the 350-acre plot will be utilized to ensure that all available space will be accounted for, whether it be food truck, music stage, or porto-potty. If you happen to arrive in town a day or two early, take advantage of the scenery before it's overrun with people and cars. Not to mention the neighboring Barton Springs (weather permitting of course) and Lady Bird Lake parks. There is far too much green space around this beautiful city to not take advantage of a day-hike whenever possible.

Once you settle in, a great place to explore would have to be the South Congress, or SoCo District, as its known. A plethora of shops, food and sights make it one of the most desirable areas in the city. Enjoy a signature ‘Laura Palmer’ from Jo’s Coffee while you snap a picture in front of the infamous ‘I Love You So Much’ mural. Grab a large pie from Home Slice, since it’s the best slice of pizza you will find outside of New York City. If you’re feeling more beefy, get on line at HopDoddy and drool for the duration of your stay while being lost in their mesmerizing burgers. Walk into one of the many shops that offer unique takes on local hand crafted art and clothing. That of course, is where we come in.

Located in the heart of SoCo, you’ll find a happy little space called Triple Z Threadz. Our focus is always on our badass embroidered vintage shirts, but we offer so much more. The artists we consign with are almost entirely comprised of local merchants who we simply cannot live without. Did you mention needing a new desk plate that exclaims, “MAKE TODAY YOUR BITCH”? Good, we got that. Have some bad vibes in that new apartment? No need to fret,  a Dolly Parton themed Illuminidol candle will ward off any and ALL bad spirits. My personal favorites would also include the wall of beautifully tiny succulents from Potigy, as well the hilarious, hand-crafted magnets from our favorite R-Rated artist, Kill Taupe.  Whether we’re listening to some good ole Willie, or bumping to some funky Rick James, its hard not to feel welcome. If you don’t end up spending your whole day with us (we know you want to), there is still plenty to see and do. Venture into Big Top Candy for some olde time soda, or Monkey See Monkey Do for your fill of retro robots and all things funny. It’s a trip down memory lane that very few could turn down. By the time you finish your trip down South Congress, it should be very hard to walk between the shopping bags, and the grease running down your forearms from all that damn good food.

My most important piece of DON’T advice would have to be this simple message, don’t lose sight of where you are. Don’t lose your sense of patience and understanding when it comes to things like traffic and long waits at any destination around Austin. Don’t take our beautiful city for granted, help keep it clean and make your impact on it a minimal one. Don’t be the rude asshole you are every other day of the year, I swear you won’t regret it. Everyone came to have the same great time, so working at it together will always have a lasting impact on the memories made. Walk softly, listen closely and visually soak up as much as your brain will allow. If you can’t manage these things, you’ll always have your friends down at Triple Z to remind you of just how easy it can be.

Nowadays in Austin, it’s weird if you don’t know people who perform live music regularly. The stand out factors comes down to great band chemistry, a magical sound and knowing how to make a crowd leave wanting more. At Triple Z Threadz, we apply those same principles to our core values and principles in how we approach our products and our clients (kick-ass embroidery teamed with beautiful vintage wear). Folks all over enjoy things that are genuine, things they can relate to in one way or another, no matter the art form. Whenever possible, we like to make an adventure in supporting all the locals (and visitors) we know and love. It’s no exception when the ones headlining are on the same payroll as you.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Bob, the lone gentlemen who works in our sister shop Limbo Jewelry, then you’re just plain missing out. While still being relatively new in town, he certainly hasn’t wasted any time making his mark. When he isn’t slinging assorted styles of bracelets and earrings, you can usually catch him at one of the many venues throughout Austin performing with his sister and their band, The Wilds. Recently, a few of us from the store made a night of going to see them perform.

Right across from the historic (as well as haunted) Driskill Hotel downtown, you’ll find The Firehouse Lounge, which is located at 605 Brazos St. Now at first glance it may just seem like any old hostel, but when you walk into the lobby, the first thing that’ll catch your eye is the sliding bookcase which will lead you inside their infamous bar (no secret handshakes required, only encouraged). The first thing to notice is the intimate booths and tables, which really lend their hand well to the overall atmosphere created inside of this speakeasy. Once you finish choosing the signature cocktail from one of the professionals behind the bar, the overall mood and vibe of the space begins to really take hold. If you happen to arrive hungry, which is usually the case for me, I would have to suggest their “Lieutenant” sandwich. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, they have an array of other tasty bar snack options to choose from. Drink and food in hand, Rachel, Phoebe and I all take our place while the band warms up and does their sound check.

With a refreshing blend of strings, drum and vocals, Bob and The Wilds take control of the room and command nothing less than full attention from the crowd. Now I do spy, with my little eye, one of our signature Scorpion design shirts on their lead guitarist and damn does he make them look good. Track after track, the band melodically mold into what appears to become one entity. By the end of their set, the three of us really have a newfound respect for our friend and coworker, as well as everyone else who performs in the band. Anyone who is a fan of good old rock and roll is doing themselves a disservice by not catching these guys at a show. When we weren’t dancing our asses off, the ladies and I were simply caught with our mouths open and eyes wide. Yes people, they are THAT good.

We may sell tons of fine embroidered crap, but we also specialize in soaking up fine tunes, hard booze, and delicious food.

Till next time,

Matt Meade (resident blogger and drinker of fine beers)

Anyone looking to catch The Wilds at an upcoming show should check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thewildsarehere