Project 234 (CLOSED)

Even in such a fashioncentric city, it's tough to score duds that don't make you feel like a clone. Thankfully, we can count on store owners like Kim Phan to make the streets a little less homogenous. Following the success of her West Village boutique Project 159, Phan planted Project 234, which stocks even more indie and foreign labels than the original. The gallerylike Nolita space carries pieces such as Arrogant Cat jersey dresses and Sluxa tricolor wedge heels, plus a small stash of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces—which you know you won't find hanging in anyone else's closet.