Honolulu isn't the first place that comes to mind when the subject of avant-garde fashion comes up in conversation, but this Hawaiian import's reliance on Ann Demuelemeester, Commes des Garçons and Philip Lim to fill its stark West Village space offers a compelling argument for why it should.

Barneys and Steven Alan alumnus Jennifer Mankins is at the vanguard of funky-chic Brooklyn fashion with the three Kings County outposts (in Williamsburg, Park Slope and Cobble Hill) of this beloved boutique. A.P.C., Jackson, Johnston & Roe and charmingly outlandish prints from a spate of other designers define Bird's idiosyncratic style.

Cool without being a slave to passing trends, the sleek-looking Castor & Pollux appeals to women with an appreciation for timeless classics that aren't at all stuffy. Acne, Lanvin and Sonia Rykiel are a few highlights of the diverse designers in stock.

After being sold in a variety of stores nationwide for a spell, this store's highly coveted line of artfully spiffed up basics is now only available at a trio of hometown locations in Soho, Williamsburg and Greenpoint.

The store du jour of the downtown and North Brooklyn demimonde. The Williamsburg location is spacious and bright, which is good news for the bleeding edge designers whose goods end up on the industrial racks. Acne, Rick Owens and Alexander Wang lead the charge, while Oak’s own line also acquits itself nicely. The Noho location is a bit more cramped, but will appeal to Brooklyn-phobes.