Adding to Dumbo’s ever-growing collection of high-end home stores is Journey (166 Water St., nr. Pearl St.; 718-797-9277), which offers imports collected by owner Pam Shelala on her travels around the world. The eclectic mix of home furnishings and fashion accessories is a more affordable version of ABC Carpet & Home—walk in for a silk clutch ($55), come out with Moroccan tea glasses (from $10) or a coffee table from an Indian temple ($250–$600).

High-end jeweler Judith Ripka goes full-service at her second East Side store (777 Madison Ave., nr. 66th St.; 212-517-8200), which includes the Ripka Custom Design Gallery, a salon where customers sit with a design consultant and Ripka herself to brainstorm a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry (costing anywhere from $2,500 to millions). To make the whole experience extra-smooth, transportation and lunch reservations are arranged.

Also opening a second location is Salon A-K-S Fifth (689 Fifth Ave., nr. 54th St.; 212-888-0707). The spacious salon boasts an outdoor terrace for manicures (from $25), stations with lunch tables so you can munch while getting highlights (from $185), and copper sinks for pedicures (from $45). As of March 9, Soho residents won’t need to visit midtown for a Verve spa treatment. The new downtown branch (270 Lafayette St., at Prince St., Ste. 1308; 212-888-3003) offers everything from bikini waxes ($25) to laser skin rejuvenation.

Related:

• Archive: “The Storefront: Openings & Closings”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: Mar 14, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!