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1. Classic Impressions
In business for more than 20 years, this small Brooklyn staple—with outposts in Staten Island and Bay Ridge—finds ways to keep its product fresh and unique. It stocks an eclectic array of everything and anything: decorative vases, picture frames, stylish paper goods, lotions, candles and a small selection of jewelry. Pick up martini glasses ($8), Thymes lotions ($21) and Dolce Vita teas by Tea Forte ($12). 296 Court St between DeGraw and Douglass Sts (718-596-8728)Luxe Soap and Candle Premium Collection, $18
2. Home Court
Four years ago, Sam Ahmad decided to ditch his lawyer past and open a store selling quality furniture at reasonable prices. (He also vowed to void his life—and therefore your home—of fluorescent lighting.) Ahmad keeps prices down by buying from up-and-coming manufacturers, and he refuses to buy a sofa that won’t fit through the narrow hallways of brownstones (sofas range from $750 to $1,000). Look for what he calls “modemporary” designs—a combination of modern and contemporary styles—and take him up on his promise that you can furnish an entire one-bedroom apartment here for less than $4,000. 286 Court St between DeGraw and Douglass Sts (718-797-1115) Tristan green couch, $999
3. Shakespeare’s Sister
Expect a dash of feminism with your paper goods; this surprising gift shop takes its name from Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, in which Woolf counters the argument that women are not as creative as men. Since 1994, this makeshift flea market has been promoting original artists (male and female alike) and helping them sell their work. Sort through a hodgepodge of work from Thailand ($2–$200), tie-dyed gift boxes ($2) and handmade beaded light switch plates ($12). 270 Court St between Butler and Douglass Sts (718-694-0084) Embroidered pillow from Thailand, $40
4. Bird
Fashion-forward Brooklyn residents flock to this unconventional boutique for its brood of up-and-coming local and international designers. Exposed brick walls, vintage wallpaper and wood display cases evoke a rustic, old-fashioned vibe that’s offset by the feminine wares. Handpicked, hard-to-find dresses hang alongside high-waisted pants and asymmetrical shirts from brands like Acne Jeans, Steven Alan and United Bamboo. Snap up Built by Wendy plaid shirt dresses ($255), Repetto ballet flats ($218) and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel polka-dot frocks ($430). 220 Smith St at Butler St (718-797-3774)United Bamboo dress, $435
5. Dear Fieldbinder
If you don’t want to see your twin coming and going on the F train, stop by this impeccably curated boutique for under-the-radar lines like Dagmar and Rodebjer. Owner Lara Fieldbinder prefers superfemme pieces from emerging designers, but she’ll stock pieces from established brands if they evoke a sense of individuality (think Cynthia Rowley). Stylish trailblazers can scoop up Saja long white vests ($202), Deborah Sweeney cobalt blue nylon capes ($264) and Charlotte Ronson cropped leather jackets ($467). 198 Smith St between Baltic and Warren Sts (718-852-3620)Dagmar Debora jacket, $279
6. Brownstone Treasures
For one-of-a-kind furniture that don’t require rummaging through the trash, head to this vintage housewares depot. Owner J.P. Ferraioli handpicks every piece, and stocks every era, from mid-century to Danish modern and Art Deco. 220 Court St between Baltic and Warren Sts (718-237-1838)
7. Soula
A former shoe buyer for Barneys New York, owner Richard Lee ensures that all the footwear in his store is as easy on the eyes as it is on your dogs. Stylish studded leather gladiator sandals from Yin ($245) are offered up next to the comfort-driven kids’ suede Puma sneakers ($40). 185 Smith St at Warren St (718-834-8423)Bloch London jazz shoe, $125
8. N.C.H. Studio
Owned by a family of artists since 1994, not one item in this eclectic shop is mass-produced. A standout collection of handblown glass creations ($30–$500) and custom bridal jewelry ($100–$800) are among the items crafted by local and international designers. 201 Court St at Wyckoff St (718-694-0809)
9. Diane T
Color-coded racks brim with European labels and American designers at this upscale boutique adorned with Art Deco chairs and vertigo-inducing high ceilings. Scoop up tops and sweaters from Inhabit and Vanessa Bruno ($150–$250); high-end shoes from Golden Goose and Pedro Garcia ($200–$450); and bags from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Maria Cornejo ($175–$600). 174 Court St between Amity and Congress Sts (718-923-5777)
