Best New Shopping Cities

Nashville

The home of country music is finally shedding its rhinestone cowgirl reputation—citified shops with on-the-cusp labels have been opening left and right.

The Cosmetic Market

This comprehensive beauty-goods emporium takes its design cues from the supermarket, with products (from Bliss, Philip B, Nars, Smashbox, and Caudalie) displayed on rolling bread-rack-style shelves and atop industrial stainless steel tables.
The Hill Center, 4015 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 107, 615-298-7759, thecosmeticmarket.com

Grand Palace

Down in the suburb of Murfreesboro, this music shop/printmaker/recording studio is located in an old Methodist church. The main attraction is an assortment of colorful, under-$20 concert posters, all custom-designed and silk-screened on-site for bands ranging from Wilco to Nada Surf.
128½ N. Church St., Murfreesboro, 615-890-3221

Grove Boutique

Situated in an iron-balconied brick town house, this boutique has a romantic Southern charm. It offers up feminine garments from names including Rebecca Taylor, Saja, and Plenty by Tracy Reese.
2222 12th Ave. S, 615-469-0513

H. Audrey

Holly Williams has made a wildly successful venture into retail with this Belle Époque—influenced shop, stocked with streamlined, urban labels like Daryl K and Rick Owens.
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 703, 615-760-5701

Habit

With its whitewashed floors and barn-like loft, Habit has a welcoming, countrified feel. It's brimming with everyday-wearable pieces rendered in luxe fabrics, such as Uluru cashmere tunics, ultra-soft jersey Lewis Cho dresses, and elaborately tailored Nicholas K fleece jackets.
2209 Bandywood Dr., 615-292-9399

Hemline

Established a decade ago in New Orleans, this chainlet's most alluring outpost is in Nashville, with double-height ceilings and dramatic black chandeliers. Look for affordable items with broad appeal, like Farylrobin knee-high boots and Freedom of Choice sailor-style jeans.
The Hill Center, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 504, 615-298-9215

Hud Luxe

Hud Hudson—whose mom, Jamie Stream, is the force behind celebrated Nashville boutique Jamie—launched this spot in early 2006. The store is dedicated to high-end tees and denim, plus glam jewelry and Western-influenced accessories.
2203 Bandywood Dr., 615-298-7474

Local Honey

Just off the emerging 12th Avenue shopping corridor is this esoteric shop, which sells a range of well-preserved vintage clothing plus choice pieces by regional designers. Expect looks from the 1960s and '70s, like swingy chain necklaces, classic riding boots, floral chiffon dresses, and chunky belt buckles.
1207 Linden Ave., 615-297-6977

The Perfect Pair

When it came to naming their enterprise, Casey Stribling and Whitney Dunn decided to reference both their longtime friendship and collective mission: offering on-trend footwear and bags adaptable to city or country. There's a mix of the traditional (Old Gringo cowboy boots) and the modern (Pedro Garcia satin flats, Costume National heels, Charlott Vasberg totes).
2209 Bandywood Dr., Ste. I, 615-385-7247

Posh

The newest branch of the Nashville-area minichain is its most inspired yet. Aimed at a more adventurous, deep-pocketed customer, the sleek spot brims with high-concept items like Carolina Amato elbow-length leather gloves and Elijah cobalt silk tie-back tunics.
The Hill Center, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 705, 615-269-6250
« 1 2 »