Cool Local Chains

New Yorkers in the know hit these fabulous local chains for unique frocks and the best of the city's one-stop-shopping.

Calypso. Catch an instant island-vacation vibe from Calypso's colorful silk women's wear, dangly jewelry, and boho housewares. There are multiple branches throughout the city with different themes, as well as an outlet on Broome Street. 935 Madison Ave., between E. 74th and E. 75th Sts., Upper East Side, New York, NY, 10021. 212/535-4100.

Ricky's. Loud and fun, these drugstores sprinkled around the city attract an eclectic, mostly young crowd who come just as often for the crazy-color wigs or false eyelashes as they do for Dove body wash and Neutrogena soap. Every fall the stores turn into Halloween Central, with a huge assortment of feather boas, masks, and trendy costumes referencing everything from Avatar to Jersey Shore. The flagship store is located in TriBeCa. 375 Broadway, TriBeCa, New York, NY, 10012. 212/925-5490. www.rickysnyc.com.

Scoop. These clothes help you fit in with the too-cool-to-dress-up crowd. They have lots of jeans (Levi's, Citizens of Humanity), slinky tops, vintage-looking tees, and cozy knits from designers like Stella McCartney, Theory, and Halston Heritage. Other locations in the city feature menswear. 430 West 14th St., SoHo, New York, NY, 10014. 212/929-1244. www.scoopnyc.com/.

Searle. Mostly strung along the East Side, these stores have a devoted following for their coats - especially sleek designs from Moncler and Postcard. There are plenty of other designer items to layer, from cowl-neck sweaters to fitted tees. 635 Madison Ave., between E. 59th and E. 60th Sts., Midtown East, New York, NY, 10022. 212/750-5153. www.searlenyc.com.