American Rag

So, let's start with the denim. From Tsubi to G-Star to Rogan to Levi's, the selection contains brands to best complement many a man and woman's bum. Stacks of Trovata T-shirts sit quietly among seemingly one-of-a-kind silk tops and hipster-dowdy dresses by Marc Jacobs. There's even a cute lingerie section with racy little camisoles dangling from hang bars. With a top-notch shoe selection of boots, heels and flats (we were dying for a pair by Jean-Michel Cazabat), the Stella McCartney shades, the Commes des Garcons wallets and the gorgeous jewelry by who-knows-who, American Rag is basically a mini-Barneys New York. But without the blatant snobbery. Oh, and speaking of Barneys—we spotted a cropped leather jacket by Mike & Chris that was marked significantly higher at Barneys than at American Rag. (Of course, it still costs at least two paychecks.) An entire half of the store is devoted to a pristine selection of vintage clothing, catering to true hipsters who know how to mix and match. Confused? The apron-clad American Rag sales staff are ready to help. Um, are those aprons for sale? They're really cute. —Lien Ta

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