Best Union Square Boutique

There's no stopping fashion's "It" boy. The Vogue/VH1 Designer of the Year now creates three distinct collections (Marc Jacobs Signature, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton) and has fast become the top purveyor of urban chic (he's the guy responsible for bringing back the permanent-creased jean to its current rage). The Marc Jacobs Collection store -- the only one outside New York City -- is a flagship of funky extravagance. Here you'll find a luxuriously flowing silk dress in a pretty floral pattern (think Talitha Getty in Morocco) priced to the tune of four figures and '70s-inspired super-wide-legged trousers with blazers to match (think Rhoda going out on the town). Also housed here are his collection accessories -- shoes, wallets, and his popular handbags in happy yellows, greens, reds, and blues, available in both smooth and grainy calf leather, adorned with chunky "industrial" hardware. Although his secondary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, has become his real cash cow (available at selected department stores), Jacobs' collection pieces are museum-worthy creations -- so take that little stroll down Maiden Lane, even if it's just for a viewing.