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When Kyung Lee launched her first women's clothing boutique, Albertine, in 2003, she realized almost immediately that she was missing one thing: Space. A savvy buyer, Lee couldn't fit all the edgy designers she admired onto her crowded racks. So in December 2004, she opened this sister store just a few doors west. Named after two characters in Otto Preminger's film Bonjour Tristesse, Claudine and Albertine boast chic, inviting spaces; scented candles beckon, soft world music soothes, and wall prints charm the eye. Both shops feature casual and formal clothing by up-and-coming New York and L.A. labels like Luxury Jones. While none of the designers are famous (yet)—many sew their own creations in their kitchens—that's what makes their work such eye-catching finds. (Just think of the bragging rights!) The majority of the shop’s inventory is handmade with many one-of-a-kind pieces. Most impressive is owner Lee's attentive and personalized service: She flits back and forth between the two both shops and knows many customers by name. — Raven Snook

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Store to Spot the Next Trend (2007)