Light and airy space. Take your time browsing.

I might have to agree, but then again, I'm easily impressed by cute shops offering beautiful and one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories with prices to match. I bought an alarm clock because I felt like I couldn't walk away with anything, ha. The salesperson lets you take your time browsing the different collections and running your hands along the very fine threads.

), but it's owned by the Watercourse folks (and located in the old space), so it should be ok, right? The preliminary reviews were pretty much on the dot; City is really more of a bar that happens to serve coffee (and veggie pizzas), a stylish nook that's kind of like a Cheers for the indie/creative community. Having said that, I was kind of intimidated about dining here, but the servers are in that friendly but unobtrusive Mathlete/A.V. club fashion, and the ambiance on one Saturday afternoon rather low-key. Perhaps I'll give it a second (or third) round.

EDIT: I went here four times in one week. Go for the #3 pizza with seitan!

A very upmarket, beautiful shoe shop with beautiful shoes sold by beautiful people, I hate to go in, lest I make a compulsive purchase. Guess it's a good thing that I'm a disaster on heels.

It's on Fuencarral, so it's not that big of a secret. I'd probably still get a thing or two, though.

El peque is the little sister of the SCOOTER and BAZAAR shops, stocking many Frenchy chic labels at significantly discounted prices. Sometimes the merchandise destined for the regular shops arrives late, and so, is sold directly in El peque. The stock tends to rotate every few weeks, so off-the-chart fashion fiends tend to check more than often. I try to come by every once in a while, and always, ALWAYS come away with something, like a great Vanessa Bruno belt or checkered Isabel Marant Etoile button-up top. Virginia, the salesgirl, is helpful but non-intrusive. As always: try before you buy, because there are no returns, but why would that happen, anyway?

Why? On the fourth floor of the Escuelas Pias building, Gaudeamus is especially known for its beautiful rooftop terrace with views over Lavapies, but also for its sober chic decor, not to mention the gastronomic offering (including a great selection of black teas). For the atmosphere, the price is not bad, and if you get there just when the cafe opens (around 3 or 3:30 in the afternoon), you can actually just chill out and plunge into a book. There is a bunch of food (eggplant and zucchini, and a slew of salads and sandwiches) that I'd love to try, but there only available after 8pm, when stuff gets cracking. Don't forget to check their site for the latest cultural happenings.

I myself had to back track on the street as an exquisite printed dress caught my eye. It turned out to be by Tsumori Chisato, and it so happens that this is the only place in Madrid to get her stuff, because Mónica has got some sort of hook-up. And what shoes could go with Tsumori's fantastical creations than those of Mónica García's, which aim to make the ballet flats more popular and inject a little bit of feminine fun into them. Open until 20h30.

The really cool thing is that the clothes are available in all sizes; if yours is not in stock, and you really want something, just ask! That said, you're paying for the exclusivity...

You can tell that everything was handpicked carefully and lovingly by Lotta (its owner and namesake), mostly women's items (dresses, coats), and a handful of stuff for men as well. Guaranteed unique-ness, Jenny Lewis-ness.

It's called Mott. More playful than neighboring Pez, Oliphant, and Benny Room put together, Mott features flirty feminine frocks that would make Zooey Deschanel swoon. The back room is dedicated to markdowns, so it's worth looking around a bit for finding a steal.

Long before I found out that it was cited in Vogue, I was already afraid of the snob aura. With no good reason though, as the attendant seemed down-to-earth. More French chic like Tara Jarmon, Madame à Paris, Bellerose (Belgian) shoes by Mellow Yellow, and also the most precious clothing for that discerning tot, designed by one of the shop owners.

After many walk-bys, I finally dared to enter the store and admire the many beautiful items up close, with very gentle music playing in the background: American Vintage, Les Prairies de Paris, Aloe, Humanoid, to name a few. The attendants are quite attentive without being nosy; they place the items in the cabins for you and leave you alone to peruse. Quite difficult to tear yourself away, but looking in your pocketbook, you know you must. At least there are some worthwhile style ideas.

Last time I was in, there were some uber-fashionistas that looked up and down at my bohemian outfit. Oh well! I was only there to calmly scope out the Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant stuff, but I wasn't digging the vibes. Maybe I'll try yet another time, but for now, let's go to Benny Room instead.

And the hats! Oh, the hats! Displayed so proudly on the wall. If something doesn't fit well, just say so, and Tito will fix you right up or recommend something else.

When I do muster the courage, I actually enjoy going into shops as a way of sampling (and sometimes, supporting) the local design. Such shops abound in cosmopolitan and "podunk" locales alike, and Montréal is no exception. Though located in the Cours Mont-Royal shopping center, the Three Monkeys folks are neither too pushy nor aloof; the shopper is invited to enjoy the offerings at this contemporary museum of textile, as it were.

Its owners believe not in keeping up with the latest trends, but in "universal and durable design," a philosophy seemingly shared by, oh, just about every other exclusive multi(independent)-brand boutique in just about, oh, every other city on the face of the planet. My snide remarks, um, aside, it's hard NOT to fall in love with the simple elegance of Casmose, Yono Taola, and Aymara.