Dress Shop

BIOGRAPHY:
About the Shop Dress Shop opened its doors on Congress Avenue in August 2009. The first women's retailer to grace the 'Main Street of Texas' in over a decade, owner Leslie Gandy knew that Congress Avenue was the perfect fit for her uniquely feminine boutique. The focal point of the store is an exposed brick wall that was once the exterior of the building next door, painted on which is a Durham Tobacco ad dating back to around 1896. The interior scheme that Leslie chose to coordinate with this one-of-a-kind artwork is whimsical, rustic and girly at the same time: the perfect atmosphere for dress shopping with the girls or just stopping in to say hello! Why dresses? If there's one go-to area of your closet that makes it effortless for you to look put together, sophisticated and ready for anything, it is, without a doubt, the dresses. Whether you're going to work, dinner and drinks, a cocktail party or a tailgate party, a dress is the simplest way to look your absolute best. And there will always be an occasion for which a dress is simply a requirement. Leslie Gandy, a longtime dress devotee, is always on the lookout for the best pieces from each of Dress Shop's designers for those occasions and everything in between. Dress Shop's selection ranges from casual to cocktail and can work within every budget. Finish off your look with a handbag, jewelry, belt or jacket from Dress Shop's fabulous accessory collection!
About the Owner: Leslie Gandy moved to New York immediately following graduation from Texas A&M and soon landed a job at Us Weekly Magazine. With a focus on celebrities and style, this was the perfect jumping-off point for a career in fashion. From there she became a marketing manager for Macy's and was able to learn the true nuts and bolts of retailing inside the nation's largest department store. In the meantime, Leslie happened to meet a Longhorn who convinced her to relocate to Austin and soon after, Dress Shop was born. Leslie likes to keep the selection at Dress Shop in line with her personal fashion philosophy: classic over disposable, timeless over trendy. The clothes you'll find at Dress Shop are pieces that will leave a mark but won't fizzle out in a matter of months. You can always add an of-the-moment flair with the perfect accessory or belt, but the items in which you invest most of your money are sure to be with you for the long term.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Dress Shop opened in August 2009, so we will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary during Austin Fashion Week!

SHOWCASE DESIGNER: TAYLOR MOSELEY