A European Modernist goldmine. The original pieces for sale here include Mid-Century Modern designs from around the world. You're as likely to find something French as you are Italian or American. In spite of its name, the styles here expand into several other areas. So, even if you're not a huge fan of Prouve, you might well find something else that suits you here.

Alan Moss is an old standby for finding fantastic original furnishings. The collection of 20th Century design classics is worthy of a museum but also includes some less familiar designers and styles. Aside from the furniture there's a nice selection of smaller items. For example, glass, lighting and even some art.

The toughest thing about wine-shopping here is the almost dizzying selection. With over 10,000 bottles in stock, their inventory runs the full gamut from modest table wines to rarer vintage fit for special occasions. A large, knowledgeable staff will make sure you don't accidentally serve the wrong wine with dinner.

Designer Christina Kara opened this showroom to strut her stuff. Her custom made dresses and suits have a somewhat free and funky retro look to them for women looking to stand out from the crowd a bit.

It feels like a hi-tech museum and not a store. This space is about the latest in technology and design from Japan. The items are exceedingly cool and on the true cutting edge of production design. More then a few are also immensely practical. For instance, there's little emergency batteries for your cell phones to attach to your keychain so you'll never be caught out, again.

If a stroll down Sixth Street's Little India, a.k.a., Curry Row, leaves you yearning for something a bit more exotic, try this place. Here you can buy every spice and seasoning you'll need to cook up your own Indian feast. They also sell incense, Indian beer and a few other dining accessories.

Decoupage dishes with interesting patterns of flowers, plants and other things fill this tiny store. It's all handmade and more decorative than functional. There's also a few other items on display including the odd Asian antique or French linen. An interesting little shop if you're in the area.

Say Kiehl's to some people and watch their faces light up. Kiehl cosmetics and bath products have a cult-like following which is truly amazing. People have been known to kill for their lip balm. Oddly enough, Kiehl's is not some young, hip upstart. It's a very old brand that has been around since 1851.

These messenger bags have become a standard item for many. Whether it's fashion or the fact that at heart these are highly functional, durable bags is almost irrelevant. They are perfect for carrying around a lap top or stuff you might normally throw in a purse. There's also another store location at Broadway and Canal.

Meghan Kinney has come up with a look that seems to suit all sorts. Many consider her fashions to be the ultimate combination of hip and practical. For one thing, they fit a far greater range of figures and body types than most downtown designer duds.

This caterer and event planner is best known for her outstanding selection of far-eastern dishes. The chefs are largely influenced by Thai, Vietnamese and other southeastern styles. With an emphasis on pan-Asian fusion with a new American orientation, this place gets raves for innovative cooking along with outstanding service and presentation.

One of the most unusual toy stores in the city. This second floor store is all about the latest and greatest toys from Japan. Although much of it is suited for kids, some of it is actually geared for adults. The anime and robot related items, in particular, have highly devoted followings.