Brooklyn is the place to go when you are looking for unique independent fashion shops and one-of-a-kinds to explore.

Check out our list of need to know shops in popular neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Cobble Hill:

Williamsburg

• Catbird -Rony Vardi’s boutique jewelry and accessories shop that is filled with a well-curated selection of both timeless and trendy items by contemporary designers such as Digy + Iona, Bittersweets NY and Polly Wales. This shop also sells pieces frm its in-house brand in addition to the cool indie designers.
• Concrete + Water – Featuring clothing, accessories, and housewares with a mix of international and local designers, this shop also hosts events such as concerts, trunk shows, and parties in their large 750-square foot backyard.
• D.O.C. Wine Shop – Which stands for, Denominazione di origine controllata, the label that is added to Italian wine guarenteeing that it was made in a specific region and adhere to specific regulations. Visit this wine shop for unique and hard-to-find wines or go for a tasting! You can also go to their nearby wine bar – D.O.C. Wine Bar for a sit-down experience.
• Spoonbill & Sugartown Books – Looking for an independent artsy bookstore alternative to those big chain stores? Look no further than this staple bookstore that has been in Williamsburg since 1999. Featuring an impressive selection of coffee-table books, rare first additions, tomes on art, architecture and design, and more. This store also accepts used books to sell back for cash or trade.
• Rough Trade NYC – This record shop and music venue was the first shop to open outside of the UK based shop that was first opened in 1976. This music shop is a hub for artists, label owners and the independent music community.
• Bedford Cheese Shop – Your go-to shop for andy cheese lover, this specialty shop offers between 200-400 cheeses, and anything from local chocolate to pasta, pickles, olives and more. This shop also creates a selection of homemade spreads and dips plus sandwiches, salads and roasted veggies.
• Alter – An indie fashion boutique with women’s and men’s clothing that range in neutral palettes and jewelry from independent brands like Native Youth and Uzi and their own house line.
• Monk Village Thrift Shop – Find colorful clothing, shoes, and accessories here in contemporary brands with a few designer labels hidden throughout.
• Whisk – Where you will find all of your kitchen essentials such as appliances, utensils, cookware and more!

Cobble Hill (including Fifth Avenue shops)

• Bird – This well-known fashion boutique was started by Jen Mankins who was a former buyer for Barneys. Shop women’s wear from well-known and independent designers.
• Books Are Magic – Visit this independent book store for new and recommended books as well as literary readings.
• Collyer’s Mansion – A home goods shop that sells antiques, vintage art, furniture, lighting pieces, and ceramics from all over the world.
• Diane Kane – A small boutique featuring “small exclusive clothing designers” as well as jewelry, handbags, and accessories.
• Diane T – Upscale boutique clothing organized on color-coded racks featuring European labels and American designers with a selection of high-end shoes and bags.
• Refinery – With unique handmade bags from owner Suzanne Bagdade, you can find colorful purses, totes, and messenger bags made with materials such as vintage reclaimed fabrics and durable leathers.
• Rime – The go-to sneaker shop filled with trendy and hard-to-find footwear.
• Sahadi’s – A culinary staple of Brooklyn open since 1948, this Middle Eastern market hosts a variety of imported, olive oils, gourmet cheeses, exotic herbs, freshly prepared hummus, baba ghanoush and tabouleh.
• Stinky Bklyn – This specialty cheese shop also features meats, chocolates, pastas, oils, vinegars, and pickles. They also co-host Stinkfest, with occurs once every summer as an outdoor food and music festival that includes a cheese-eating contest.

Sources: NYCGo.com Williamsburg, NYCGo.com Cobble Hill, TripSavvy.com