Fancy Tiger is a neat place to get your local wares and fosters a sense of community. It seems that everybody in there knows everybody; if not, you probably will soon, either because you're checking out the same item or you're taking a class together. Everything is very cute.

It's just like my room in the 8th grade, except for the added history, the bar, and the collective cooking. The roasted potato wedges were like a dream come true, though I didn't care much for the Tex-Mex offerings. Then again, you ARE in Switzerland, and beggars can't be choosers. Not exactly the most intimate of spaces, but certainly convivial, with basement concerts to boot.

Luxus calls your attention with its postcard towers and storefront sale backets; the shop itself seems to overflow with the creative energy so emblematic of Europe's "hottest city," and provides a space for local artists who as of yet can't afford to open up their own. Favorites include breakfast trays by Berliner Toechter and shirts by Volksmarke, but you can also get a keyboard ring or a candle shaped like the TV Tower. Kitsch, you say? Yeah, but you'll score a point or two just because it's from Berlin.

Your hard-earned money can go towards a Colfax shirt, earrings made from skateboard parts, even a haircut. Again, it's a nice concept.

One of the friendlier, laidback spaces on East Colfax, brought to you by one-half of the neighboring Fabric Lab. Vegan cupcake lovers need not fret; The Shoppe assures that they will be expanding their three-flavor offering in the near future. You CAN probably purchase your own cereal and enjoy it in a much cheaper fashion, but this is the place to chill out with like-minded folks while browsing their selection of design goods or cheering for your favorite Project Runway contestant.