New stores (April 5–11, 2012)

Russian native and wig expert Flora Shepelsky has opened her first NYC shop, where she sells European-made virgin human-hair pieces ($1,850–$10,000, includes washing and styling) to fashionistas looking to temporarily change their locks, women enduring chemotherapy or suffering from alopecia, and men who would rather keep their women’s-wig-wearing private (there are two discreet vanity stations). Other available items include glue-on extensions ($500)—though you’ll have to apply them yourself—and hair-wrapped scrunchies ($250) for creating mock updos. Clients are free to browse the selection displayed on the walls and mannequins, but are encouraged to schedule a free consultation one week in advance.

Dapper guys on the Upper West Side can nab stylish threads without heading downtown, thanks to the opening of this temporary shop. The tiny space is an extension of Efor’s Chelsea location, carrying its namesake menswear line as well as items from Fred Perry, Penguin and JanSport. A concrete floor, white walls and bright lights set the stage for the colorful merch. You’ll find Efor plaid and paisley cotton T-shirts ($105–$135), Penguin polo shirts ($59) and Fred Perry barrel-shaped duffel bags ($80–$100). Limited-edition JanSport ’70s reproduction backpacks ($50–$69), both in solid colors and emblazoned with different countries’ flags, are perfect for spring adventures. Footwear options include Gola canvas sneakers ($68), and Unstitched high-tops ($70) and low-tops ($65) made from recycled materials. Fashion-forward sports fans will love retro-looking Red Jacket T-shirts ($39–$49) featuring baseball, football and hockey team logos.

Upon graduation from FIT in 1981, designer Lisa Perry launched her line of retro women’s threads inspired by her massive personal collection of ’60s and ’70s pieces. After running her boutique in the same space for three years, Perry closed up shop for three months in preparation for a move just a few blocks up from the original spot. Ultrabright pieces, such as color-blocked minidresses ($795–$1,295) and shifts printed with "love" along the hem ($1,295), pop against stark white walls and shelving. You can also find the brand’s cheerful accessories—our favorites are candy-colored duffel bags ($295) and fruit-shaped coin purses ($25). Highlights from her mod home collection include rainbow place mats ($25 each) and matching coasters ($10 each).

Since founders Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki debuted this Parisian brand in 2002, its indie-music record label and high-design men’s and women’s threads have piqued the interest of music and fashion insiders. Before opening a boutique—the company’s first in North America—on the ground level of the new NoMad Hotel, the brand sold at luxury retailers such as Barneys New York, Opening Ceremony and Bergdorf Goodman. The 1,000-square-foot shop aims to emulate an old apartment, specifically taking inspiration from the 19th-century Parisian architecture of Baron Haussmann. Its sophisticated interior features massive steel-framed oval windows, silk carpet and mosaic tile flooring. While the boutique sells international wares from Australian beauty brand Aesop ($33–$120) and Canadian leather accessories label Want Les Essentiels de la Vie ($75–$1,595), the house collection offers classic picks, including pleated feather-patterned dresses ($1,500). For men, plaid blazers ($1,250) look sharp paired with fitted chinos ($425). A carefully curated music selection featuring the Magicians, Housse de Racket and Beautacue (CD $27, vinyl $13) will have you jamming in your new garb.

Fresh from creating popular footwear for Urban Outfitters, Scoop and Madewell house lines (as well as his own label sold in high-end boutiques), this accessories designer opens his first stand-alone store. Bernson’s friendly vizsla pup greets patrons in the shop, which is eclectically decorated with a salvaged waved-glass register, vintage fossilized-wood stools, surfboards and black dome light fixtures. Take a seat on the leather couch or barrel-back chairs in the lounge, which overlooks the shop. Chic selections ($125–$275), displayed on chicken-wire-glass shelves, include leather-strap sandals ($169), ombré patent-leather flats ($169) and canvas wedge espadrilles ($159). Handbags such as canvas beach bags ($169) hang on a green coatrack, while a steel armoire houses vintage Persol, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses ($300–$800).

After running her locally sourced accessories and gift shop Honey & Hazel for two years, owner Melissa Gorski had to shut her doors in February 2012 when her family moved to California. Luckily, Gorski found a new owner in friend and former Playboy colleague Bernadette Libonate, who renamed the store and changed up the merchandise. Where Honey & Hazel was girly and craft-inspired, Milly & Earl is more clean and modern, with natural-colored walls and vintage furniture. Inside you’ll find a bounty of well-priced ladies’ accessories, including Brooklyn Rehab lockets with silk-screened images ($32–$44) and Bark printed-cotton circle scarves ($42). For the boys, there are vintage cufflinks ($24) and Izola stainless-steel flasks ($28). Libonate also stocks plenty of Brooklyn-made home and gift items, such as vintage-bicycle-wheel photo holders ($68) and Brooklyn Slate Co. slate cheese boards ($36).

Wavy-haired ladies and gents no longer have to worry about taking their fickle locks to any ol’ salon—this Soho spot was created just for them. It’s run by sisters Miko and Titi Branch, who first made their claim to fame with Miss Jessie’s, a line of beauty products designed for curly manes. The chic, mostly white space has marble countertops, crystal chandeliers and white leather salon chairs flanking the seven stations. Feel free to walk in or make an appointment to get a curlcentric haircut ($50) or treatments such as spiral-rod sets, double-strand twists and hot-iron curls ($100 each). Straightening options are also available, including wet or dry blowouts ($100) and flatironing ($100). And of course, the Miss Jessie’s line is available to purchase, including cleansing crème ($16), styling products ($7–$38) and moisturizers ($9–$58).

This eco-friendly bath, body and skin-care shop opens its second store (the first is in Williamsburg). Each Brooklyn-made product ($6–$32) is 100 percent carbon-neutral and packaged in recycled, reclaimed and sustainable materials. An assortment of bottles and jars decorated with colorful labels are displayed atop custom reclaimed-wood shelving and display units. The space is adorned with one-of-a-kind tables, mirrors and artwork handmade by owner Clara Williams. Slough off dead skin cells with the label’s ultra-concentrated organic black coffee scrub ($30), made from freshly ground fair-trade coffee beans, and nourish your bod with moisturizing lemongrass body oil ($30), steeped in chamomile, roses and lavender. You’ll also find fragrant, nondrying facial cleansers ($22).

This accessories juggernaut has opened his eighth NYC location. The latest men’s and women’s styles are presented on nine flatscreen TVs in the store window, which are complemented by a large custom-made neon LED chandelier inside. Women’s pumps ($50–$160) are showcased on a gold-leaf wall covered in romantic graffiti hearts, while strappy wedge sandals ($45–$130) are shelved on juxtaposing wooden walls. You’ll find the latest trends, such as woven-leather shoulder bags ($98), colorful totes ($98) and quilted clutches ($48) on clear suspended shelves. Browse the men’s footwear collection ($60–$160), displayed on exposed brick walls, to discover styles such as brown leather high-top sneakers ($120) and suede boat shoes ($120).

Founder and entrepreneur Steve Hernandez started his career as a handbag merchandiser and opened this shop to give emerging designers the opportunity to exhibit their creations. Fifteen local artisans hawk handmade jewelry, beauty products, accessories and clothing in this lively Noho bazaar. You’ll find soothing organic skin-care products, including Yamerra jasmine, sage and lemongrass body butters ($12), as well as Tanzanian retailer Maryman Moma’s colorful printed Kanga wraps ($30). Nab one-of-a-kind Pigeon Be Pigeon silk-screened tees printed with NYC street scenes ($25) and showstopping hand-painted Nike Air Max sneakers ($75–$800). Feel good about purchasing Eva Shaw Designs gold-filled and sterling-silver bracelets decorated with raw black diamonds ($45–$60)—100 percent of the proceeds go to the Global Fund for Widows (windowsforwidows.com/w4w_golive), which educates and empowers widows in developing countries.