New York's best in shop: 2008

Dear Fieldbinder

Reason: Striking, artsy and thoughtfully selected higher-end women's clothes.

Favorite item: Dresses! The kind that are unusual, beautiful and perfectly flattering frocks worth spending rent money on—think $385 for a blue-sueded silk Madison Marcus dress—that you keep forever. —Edith Zimmerman

Dear Fieldbinder (198 Smith St., 718-852-362)