brooklyn
Shopping
Catbird
This impossibly cute Williamsburg mainstay is roughly the size of a closet—quite appropriate since it traffics in exquisite accessories, most of which are arranged in framed cases on the walls. Rings cast after ship helms by Verameat and heart- and dagger-shaped necklaces from Bittersweets NY are highlights.
Shopping
Commune
Its primary agenda may be haircuts, but this Japanese salon/store has transformed its front half into an otherworldly jewelry shop that's rife with small, hard-to-find collections. All the gold crest-shaped rings, keyhole pendants, and beaded hoop earrings are displayed on first-edition books and patinated antique mirrored trays.
Shopping
The Future Perfect
David Alhadeff unleashed his home-goods-store-cum-gallery on a lonely corner in Williamsburg in 2003, and not only has the neighborhood changed significantly in the interim, but The Future Perfect has become the spot in the U.S. for up-and-coming industrial designers to launch their products. This ability to suss out new talent is all on display in the maze-like, slightly cluttered shop, from sculptural tomato red chairs to gazelle skulls that have been dusted with tiny crystals.
Shopping
Jumelle
Candice Waldron has impeccable taste, and since everything at Jumelle is something she would happily wear, it's impossible to choose poorly here. Highlights include Heimstone necklaces made from brass screw nuts, printed Rachel Comey tops, and perfectly cut blazers from upstart designer Therese Rawsthorne.
Shopping
Noisette
Paris native Stéphanie Deleau supplements her core batch of pretty, inexpensive French labels, including Maje, Bash, and Sandro, with an ever-changing roster of rising international talents.
Shopping
Oak
This enduringly cool boutique is the unofficial outfitter of hipsters who prefer the understated over the ironic. And the converted warehouse space, with exposed pipes and garage-door entryway, has a stripped-down look that reflects the spareness of the clothes.
Shopping
The Shoe Market
All of the footwear here, from Corso Como riding boots to Oh Deer! oxfords, is comfortable, stylish, and made to endure ceaseless pavement pounding. As a bonus, most everything is priced under $150.
Shopping
Stella Gialla
Glendale, Queens, is slowly becoming the next stop for hipsters migrating eastward from Williamsburg and Bushwick; this shop is one of the lone supporters of indie labels in the area. Also look for Marc by Marc Jacobs tops and Bettyne Bruno dresses.
Shopping
Gargyle
Late last year, the owners of what was formerly just an online venture stocking hard-to-find labels figured they might as well transform their street-level showroom into a shoppable boutique. What it lacks in decor it makes up for in its exceptionally cool items, including Wood Wood cardigans, Karen Walker shifts, 
and United Bamboo boots.
Shopping
Oak
This enduringly cool boutique is the unofficial outfitter of hipsters who prefer the understated over the ironic. And the converted warehouse space, with exposed pipes and garage-door entryway, has a stripped-down look that reflects the spareness of the clothes.
