WEST AUSTIN. This mall overlooking downtown Austin is the city's largest, so if your time's limited, it's a good bet for finding most everything you need. Inside, wood, leather, and tile impart a sense of permanence, a perfect complement to the quality goods you'll encounter at places like Eddie Bauer, Sephora, Crabtree & Evelyn, Williams-Sonoma, Coach, Sigrid Olsen, and Talbots. Plenty of sit-down and quick-serve eateries pepper the mall, and anchors include Dillard's, Sears, JCPenney, Macy's, and Nordstrom.

NORTH AUSTIN. Anchored by Macy's and separate Dillard's venues for men and women, this pleasant mall serves the needs of folks in the northern part of town. Apparel standards include Gap, Wet Seal and Banana Republic; familiar specialty retailers include Bath & Body Works, Aveda, B. Dalton, Discovery Channel Store and Sunglass Hut. An upper-level food court promises everything from Japanese and Mexican fare to pizza and cheesesteaks.

CEDAR PARK. Stylish Lakeline Mall is certain to keep your credit cards busy, thanks to its 150-plus stores. Within the complex, which offers convenience to folks in northwest Austin, are anchors like Macy's, JCPenney, Sears and Dillard's. They're good complements to places like Bombay Company, Victoria's Secret, T.J. Maxx, a host of jewelers, Old Navy, American Eagle Outfitters, Charlotte Russe and Frederick's of Hollywood. A nine-screen theater, plenty of dining options, and proximity to other, nearby strip malls are additional perks.