New York City Upper West Side

Though locals are quick to bemoan the Upper West Side’s inundation with chain stores, the area still boasts many independent boutiques.

Allan and Suzi, 416 Amsterdam Ave. (☎212-724-7445; www.allanandsuzi.net), at 80th St. S 1 to 79th St.; B, C to 81st St. From 70% off new Gaultier wear to vintage cocktail dresses and fabulous Jimmy Choo shoes, this store’s discounted haute couture will have you dressing for the nightclubs without breaking the bank. For fashion tips, seek the advice of the owners, former hosts of “At Home with Allan and Suzi” on the Home Shopping Network. A large selection of 50s pumps, 60s platforms, and feather boas. Men’s clothing includes Gucci, D&G, and Hugo Boss suits. Madonna and Tommy Hilfiger have been spotted shopping here. Dresses $20-1000, shoes $40-400. Haggling is worth the effort; prices are not set. Open M-Sa noon-7pm, Su noon-6pm.
Westsider Records, 233 W 72nd St. (☎212-874-1588; www.westsiderbooks.com), between Broadway and West End Ave. S 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. A relaxed place with wall-to-wall shelves stacked with classical, Broadway, and jazz LPs, many hard to find. Hundreds of $1 records and books, with a particularly great selection on music and theater. Knowledgeable staff. Open daily 11am-8pm.
Maxilla and Mandible, 451 Columbus Ave. (☎212-724-6173; www.maxillaandmandible.com), between 81st and 82nd St. S 1 to 79th St.; B, C to 81st St. Selling fossils, skulls, and other assorted scientific oddities, this old and cluttered store is truly one-of-a-kind. Look for the 350 million-year-old trilobite fossil ($58), the 100 million-year-old dinosaur tooth ($170), and, for the kiddies, real shark teeth ($5). Beyond the gallery lies the real business, where paleontologists and artists create traveling museum exhibits. Open M-Sa 11am-7pm, Su 1-5pm. Call before visiting; hours can be erratic.
La Brea, 2130 Broadway (☎212-873-7850), between 74th and 75th St. St. S 1, 2, 3, to 72nd St. Need a gift in a pinch? Look no further than this quirky boutique with a huge selection of classy and comic gifts. For the practically minded, there are silver picture frames, candles, and gift books. For the jokesters, there are Jesus bobbleheads and Freud action figures. For the lewd, there’s a range of bachelorette party gift ideas, including chocolate thongs. You’ll also find greeting cards, party supplies, and T-shirts. Open M-Th 9am-11pm, F-Sa 8am-midnight, Su 10am-10:30pm.