Babel Fair offers an exquisite assortment of funky shoes and eclectic clothes from around the world.  Owner Erica Kiang hired freelance trend-hunters to scour every inch of the globe for the newest styles and most innovative looks, which is why Babel Fair stands out as one of the most prolific and interesting boutiques in downtown New York.  The interior of the shop is whimsical and beautiful, giving the shopper an escape from the bustling streets outside. On one of the most up-and-coming blocks in NoLiTa, Babel Fair is welcome company amid the many chic shops the neighborhood has to offer.

This budget-friendly jewelry shop in NoLIta stocks a variety of designers from New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. Owner Jo Liu, is a Parsons graduate and also showcases her own label Littlethings. The selection is a mix of downtown cool and vintage inspiration with most items under $100. In addition to rings, necklaces and bracelets, you can also purchase less traditional items that can be worn in a variety of ways.

Scandinavia’s favorite outdoor store has finally made its way to the US. The expansive NoLIta outpost encompasses over 1700 square feet of practical outdoor gear. The interior’s design reflects the elements with write brick walls scattered with an array of wilderness photographs while rows of rucksacks are carefully arranged to form the Swedish flag. Apart from survival equipment like tents, axes, and hunting knives, peruse a wide array of apparel including down-filled anoraks, sleek leggings, knits from Norway and footwear like sheepskin leather boots and wooden soled clogs. Fjällräven translates to “arctic fox”; whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or not, one visit to this store will inspire you dress like one.

Recently opened on the Lower East Side, designer Kai D’s pop-up shop doesn’t just boast a must-buy collection of menswear, but also benefits a good cause. The shop, located at 75 Orchard St., features a collection inspired by hunting gear, work-wear and vintage military uniforms that have been re-interpreted for a modern lifestyle.

Kai D’s “Build the Future” collection features t-shirts, bags and stationery, and 20% percent of the sales of this special line will be donated directly to New York Cares and Give Something Back International, two organizations that work to help children build better futures. Another feel-good aspect of the shop: Kai D. uses almost entirely local-based resources to produce his collection, so spending doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure.