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1. Hurricane Comics and Collectables
Tucked away in a nondescript minimall-like building, Jimmy Chen’s railroad-car-shaped stronghold caters to fantasy fanatics of all genres. Toy collectors will want to mosey past the four arcade games by the entrance in favor of glass cases displaying Star Wars figurines ($4–$78), busts of characters from The X-Files ($6–$20) and Japanese action figures ($3–$60). Literary types should gravitate to the shelves of manga and graphic novels (from $7), while Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts can geek out in the back and duel with each other. 70-11 Austin St between 70th Ave and 70th Rd (718-575-8815)
2. The Body Shop
Yes, it’s a suburban staple, but the British beauty chain not only churns out nature-based goodies, but has dedicated itself to helping communities around the world (the company boasts its own fair-trade program) and has received industry accolades for its strong stance against animal testing. So you can feel virtuous about loading up on everyday necessities like coconut shaving cream ($9–$14) and sheer lip gloss ($16). 71-03 Austin St between 71st Ave and 71st Rd (718-793-7422) The Body Shop Blushing Daisies blush, $19.50, and synthetic-hair shaving brush, $10
3. Maiko
Label worshippers, avert your eyes: You won’t find any brand names in this sunny womenswear boutique. But Maiko makes up for its lack of recognizable designers with a voguish selection. Though prices here are a tad higher than at hypertrendy chain Forever 21, the swingy jackets, mod dresses and chic handbags are worth a few extra bucks, since its wares will help keep you from running into a style doppelgänger on the street. 71-11 Austin St between 71st Ave and 71st Rd (718-268-8002)
4. Soleil
For his sprawling four-floor Crate & Barrel alternative, owner Soli Malekan culls rustic, dark-wood dining chairs ($200–$250), beds ($900–$3,000) and side tables ($200–$600) from far-flung countries like Argentina and Indonesia. If you’re not in the mood to schlep a leather couch back to your apartment, Soleil’s first level abounds with more-portable domestic wares, including espresso cups from cutting-edge San Francisco line Miam.Miam ($65 for two), Japanese iron teapots ($55–$185) and Mistral’s pretty French soaps ($8). 71-43 Austin St between 71st Rd and 72nd Ave (718-520-8419)Japanese iron teapot, $55
5. Games Workshop
There’s no need for batteries—or even electricity—for the role-playing pursuits from this Nottingham, U.K.–based company. Those bored by plugging away at a PC or PlayStation console can retire their joysticks and join the teens in the back of GW, painting miniature soldiers, wizards and fighting spiders. After decorating your army, you can clash against others via tabletop battlefields for Risk-like games such as futuristic Warhammer 40,000 (starting at $17) and an epic adaptation of Lord of the Rings (from $22). 71-59 Austin St between 71st Rd and 72nd Ave (718-263-7574, games-workshop.com)Orc Warboss boxed set, $20
6. Stoa
For more than 30 years, jewelry designer Marie Sinanian has set the ’hood’s gold standard via her intimate bauble studio. Under a rustic sign, a wood-wrapped window displays her handmade, semiprecious and pared-down creations. Don’t expect glittering, Harry Winston–esque excess here: Gold bands are adorned with a few well-placed diamonds ($1,000), and more-understated adornments include garnet rings ($200–$400) and sterling-silver earrings ($50–$200). 71-60 Austin St between 71st Rd and 72nd Ave (718-263-1660)
7. The Shoe Bar
Strut into this cozy footwear parlor—owned by Garo of nearby Austin Street spot Garo’s Bootery—for affordable Italian-made women’s styles that are a step up from nearby teenybopperish chains like Strawberry. Pound the pavement stylishly with flirty suede ankle boots ($139) and studded leather flats ($69–$99). Cubicle dwellers can scoop up office-appropriate pumps ($69–$149). 71-63 Austin St between 71st Rd and 72nd Ave (718-263-5005, the-shoebar.com)
8. Thank Heaven
A wood sign hanging inside this cheery children’s clothing nook might be painted with the Maurice Chevalier lyric “Thank heaven for little girls,” but pint-size y-chromes won’t feel left out. A long rack proffers boys’ garb (starting at $24) from hip labels like Tea and Wonderboy, while miniature ladies can get kitted out in colorful pieces from Zutano ($14–$36). For christenings and other special occasions, a white armoire behind the counter stocks elegant white-lace dresses ($42–$76) and dapper jackets ($38–$58), while fragrance-free lotions ($18) from Butt Naked Baby should soothe little ones when they’re dressed in their birthday suits. 72-18 Austin St between 72nd Ave and 72nd Rd (718-575-2229)Tea dress, $54
