New York's best in shop: 2008

Red Lipstick

Reason: Stacey Joy Elkin's tiny shop is expertly curated, with an emphasis on casual basics like hoodies and simple party dresses. Red Lipstick stands out from its Brooklyn boutique brethren by keeping prices low (most items are under $110) and shying away from the prissy-to-fey inventory continuum that defines many of the borough's women's boutiques. Elkin, who has been a professional knitter for 30 years, did time at Calvin Klein and Donna Karan before opening her store. Her limited-run hat and mitt collections are made on vintage knitting machines with luxury yarns.

Favorite item: Elkin's "cat hats" are so popular that she's now selling the pattern; if you're lucky, you can nab a ready-made one in-house.—Gabby Warshawer

Red Lipstick (560 Vanderbilt Ave., 718-857-9534)