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Sucre
New Orleans
Usually lumped in with the many other gelato places that have popped up post-Katrina, the emphasis of this charming modern-stylish shop is really more on high-end confectionery. Their French pastries and gourmet candies look as picture perfect as their interior, but opinions vary from bland to brilliant as far as quality.Usually lumped in with the many other gelato places that

The Artists' Market
New Orleans
A collective overseen by four local artists, who display their own work along that of up to 65 others working on consignment. Local themes are reflected in the pottery, plates, paintings, photos, ironwork and more. There is also glass work and custom beads. The shop extends all the way through the block to the French Market behind, which makes for easy souvenir shopping.A collective overseen by four local artists, who display their

The Black Butterfly
New Orleans
The Black Butterfly is a place for any collector or admirer of miniatures. This fourth-generation shop (in business since 1894) is filled with porcelain, brass, wood, and pewter figures as well as dollhouse furniture and accessories. The store also has a collection of miniature soldiers and a selection of trains and cars.The Black Butterfly is a place for any collector or

The Bottom of the Cup Tearoom
New Orleans
It's been open since 1929 and bills itself as the "oldest tearoom in the United States." In addition to having a psychic consultation, you can also purchase books, jewelry, crystal balls, tarot cards, crystals, and healing wands.It's been open since 1929 and bills itself as the

The Davis Galleries
New Orleans
One of two world-class galleries in New Orleans (the other being A Gallery for Fine Photography), this may be the best place in the world for Central and West African traditional art. The owner makes regular trips to Africa for collecting. Works on display might include sculpture, costuming, basketry, textiles, weapons, and/or jewelry.One of two world-class galleries in New Orleans (the other

The Rodrigue Gallery of New Orleans
New Orleans
Blue Dog is the Freddie Krueger of New Orleans; once you've seen Cajun artist George Rodrigue's creation, it invades your consciousness and torments your life. Oh, the staring, otherworldly, bordering-on-kitsch canine has its fans, but it scares us. This gallery is the source for all your Blue Dog needs.Blue Dog is the Freddie Krueger of New Orleans; once

Thomas Mann Designs/Gallery I/O
New Orleans
Local jewelry designer Thomas Mann is known for his "techno-romantic" work with metal and found objects, creating curious pieces of highly original jewelry that straddle a line between classic and contemporary. For example, even though we favor Deco and Victorian, every time we wear his sterling-silver heart with the glass front, we get compliments.Local jewelry designer Thomas Mann is known for his "techno-romantic"

Trashy Diva
New Orleans
Despite the name, there is nothing trashy about the vintage clothes found here. The heyday of women's garments -- in the sense of designs that know how to flatter curves -- is present in these floaty and velvety numbers that will please everyone from the hat-and-gloves-wearing crowds to the inner flappers to the Goth teens. Dresses can be a bit dear, but there is often a sales rack in the back that's full of incredible bargains. They also have vintage-inspired shoes and accessories.Despite the name, there is nothing trashy about the vintage

UAL
New Orleans
Once one of the secrets of the well-informed -- and really well-dressed -- local fashionistas, it was a cause for both rejoicing and mourning when United Apparel Liquidators moved from their obscure Metairie location to a central one right in the middle of the Quarter. Advantage -- easier to get to. Disadvantage -- now we have even more competition for UAL's incredible deals. The shop gets discontinued or leftover items from designers of all levels and sells them at ridiculous markdowns -- a $1,500 garment going for $350. As if that wasn't enough, they often have hourly sales (20% off all accessories, for example). The problem is that average sizes go fast, and there often isn't more than one of anything. We still angst about the darling Jimmy Choos that were one size too small. Consequently, a trip here can be hit or miss. But when you do hit, you will be the envy of bargain lovers everywhere.Once one of the secrets of the well-informed -- and

Uptown Costume & Dance Company
New Orleans
The walls of this small store are covered with spooky monster masks, goofy arrow-through-the-head-type tricks, hats, wigs, makeup, and all other manner of playfulness. It draws a steady, yearlong stream of loyal customers: kids going to parties, dancers, clowns, actors, and so forth. Conventioneers come here for rental disguises. At Mardi Gras, though, things really get cooking. The shop designs party uniforms for a number of Mardi Gras krewe members. Owner Cheryll Berlier also creates a limited number of wacky Mardi Gras tuxedo jackets, which get gobbled up quickly.The walls of this small store are covered with spooky

Utopia
New Orleans
Utopia seems to be popular with a specific demographic combination: mothers with their college-age daughters. Most of the products here are natural or organically derived, and many are meant to calm your spirits. There's a variety of women's casual clothing (much of it made of flax and flaxseed) in neutral colors. Many small, earth-colored furniture items -- mirrors, chests, lamps, and hanging shelves -- are strewn about.Utopia seems to be popular with a specific demographic combination:

Vieux Carre Vinyl
New Orleans
The name says it all -- kind of. The owners say (and who are we to dispute?) that this is the largest and best collection of vinyl anywhere -- including 45s and 78s -- which means the shop carries many more genres than just rock 'n' roll. This place is record-nerd heaven -- the walls are lined with classics and floor space is at a minimum thanks to boxes and crates full of records. Prices are negotiable.The name says it all -- kind of. The owners

Vintage 429
New Orleans
"Fun. Funky. Fabulous," is how they bill themselves, and it is a pretty jocular place, full of autographed memorabilia. It's all eye-catching, though a little too pricey for impulse buys."Fun. Funky. Fabulous," is how they bill themselves, and it

Violet's
New Orleans
This is our greatest temptation among French Quarter shops, given how we feel about romantic, Edwardian, and '20s-inspired clothes in lush velvets and satins. There are some dazzling creations here with appropriate accessories (jewelry, hats, scarves) as well.This is our greatest temptation among French Quarter shops, given

Voodoo Authentic
New Orleans
It's about time someone established a shop specializing in voodoo paraphernalia that doesn't feel like someone's dusty shack, but like a real retail establishment. Two big rooms with a range of voodoo dolls, from cheap to costly, from an easy souvenir to serious works of art, plus a similar array of potions and daubs.It's about time someone established a shop specializing in voodoo

Whisnant Galleries
New Orleans
The quantity and variety of merchandise in this shop is mind-boggling. You'll find all sorts of unusual and unique antique collectibles including items from Ethiopia, Russia, Greece, South America, Morocco, and other parts of North Africa and the Middle East.The quantity and variety of merchandise in this shop is

Yvonne LaFleur -- New Orleans
New Orleans
Yvonne LaFleur, a confessed incurable romantic, is the creator of beautifully feminine original designs. Her custom millinery, silk dresses, evening gowns, lingerie, and sportswear are surprisingly affordable, and all are enhanced by her signature perfume. Her store is in the Riverbend district.Yvonne LaFleur, a confessed incurable romantic, is the creator of

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Frommer's New Orleans 2009