Styles come and go, the only thing you can count on is that there will always be people to tell you what’s fashionable and then sell it to you. If you know the latest trends from Paris, or just watch a lot of MTV’s House of Style, you’ll find this section helpful. Below, we’ve listed some stores operated by some of the perennial arbiters of fashion.

This store features French fashion, which is reason enough to stay far, far away. Packed to the gills with striped shirts and leather car coats, this place is both expensive and cryptic. I’m no Calvin Klein, but I know rip-offs when I see them. If you like crepes, check out agnes b. If you’re like the rest of us, leave it off your list.

If you’re hopelessly trapped in the 80s and need some duds, don’t fret. The New Wave is featured at this timewarped boutique, which is at once cutesy and irritating. If you know anyone who looks good with teased hair, big loopy earrings, and vinyl accessories, pick up something for him/her. If you’ve come to grips with the fact that Flock of Seagulls is no more, again, move on.

Finally, a store that makes sense. This place is more museum than store, but for the high-class consumer, it allows you to purchase clothes you’ll actually wear one day. While Calvin’s popularity is doing a slow fade, you can either buck the fashion trend by helping to keep Klein alive, or just relax and buy jeans. The choice is yours. Have fun.

No, not an Army fatigues shop, this place has become the premiere men’s clothing shop in Chelsea. Fashionable (but not trendy) clothing at prices that won’t break your credit card. Good luck trying to get any help, though. The staff speaks more Spanish than Don Juan deMarco. Even if you comprehend it, they’ll virtually ignore you. Turn the tables, and walk on by.

Upscale boutiques and private-label merchandise make the Canal Jean Company a staple for the fashionably hip. Check out the new Gothic London Underground line. Be warned; you may start drinking blood and running from garlic. Ha ha. A clubby place for clubby people.

You can’t get into the store unless you know how to pronounce its name…no, I’m just kidding. Nobody can pronounce the name. And that’s half the fun. This place is the flagship building in a once-proud series, but it still has Yamamoto, Sud, and des Garcons’ finest fashion. If you even know who these people are, you might need help. Ah well, enter if you must.

This Rowley girl is a heavy hitter in the fashion world, so much so that she has her own store. Her work is praised by all the magazines and critics. If your ego needs that kind of praise, march right in. Sophisticated. Witty. Cool. Whatever.

Another designer with a store, Fisher offers easy-to-wear clothes in soft colors, usually with an elastic waistband thrown in. Combining comfort with style, Eileen’s got her stuff together. As her empire sweeps across the globe, start wearing her clothing now…while you still have a choice.

The store so nice, they named it twice. Opened by Barbara Hulanici, this wacko clothing store is perfect for calling undue attention to yourself in a crowd and embarrassing the one’s you’re with. For the person who doesn’t yet have it all, Fitz & Fitz is waiting for you.

I know what you’re thinking…hey, this place might be pretty neat. Great name, wonder what happens inside? Well, nothing much, really. Paul Smith, All Saints, and Reiss are all present in this men’s boutique, making it a great haven for fashionable males. Check it out, I guess. Just remember that there are no monsters working the registers or anything like that.

Ooh, not a store, a studio…how chic. This is a store that caters to timeless fashion, so at least you can still wear her clothes in three weeks when all current fashions change and everything else on this page becomes woefully outdated. Young, hip, and elegant, Kinney says, "Buy my clothes!"

Great moons of Neptune! A naked ape? Where?! Oh, never mind. Just some skirts and suits for working women. The staff is definitely helpful, even though they have no idea where the hell the name came from, either. If I was a young working woman, I would probably go there.

It’s in the Village, first of all, so you know it’s a doozy. This place houses all the clubwear you’ll ever need, which is nothing if you’re me. I do know plenty of clubrats who rant and rave all the time about how wonderful this place is, so venture out if you’re ready to don a spaceman helmet and wave little glowsticks around all night.

New English fashion hasn’t looked this good since the days of powdered wigs and women walking around in those shirts that made the tops of their breasts stick out. This place should have a sign that reads "Go home if you’re not a millionaire," but the clothes are really nice, even to this cynical, cynical man.

Paul Stuart might as well have his own disciples. He makes every kind of hipster clothing you could want, from preppy stuff to sophisticated to European. The price will, of course, blow your mind, but I suppose it’s worth it, and his customers are constantly coming back for more. Paul Stuart, you’ve found the secret of life, haven’t you?

First of all, here’s a designer that everyone knows, so we’re getting somewhere already. Throw in the fact that the store is virtually a landmark, what with its mansion status and all, and you’ve got yourself a place to spend a few thousand dollars on underwear. All fashions for all people, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something you’ll like. Nice perfume and cologne, too.

Another Madison Avenue shop for another designer. Wang’s work is really well known in bridal circles. She makes veils, dresses, and the like, as well as designs those dresses for women on their way to the Oscars and Academy Awards. Wait until the late spring, and you’ll find a warehouse sale, which is probably about the only way you’ll be able to afford anything in here.