Best independent shops: West Village

The End of History
Claiming to have the world’s largest collection of glass and ceramics from the 1950s and ’60s, this specialized shop might also have one of the prettiest: The antique pieces are organized, arrestingly, by color. American, Italian and Scandinavian items range from $150 (for a small vase) to price points into the thousands. 548½ Hudson St between Charles and Perry Sts (212-647-7598, theendofhistoryshop.blogspot.com)

Marc and Max
While economists say that women continue to buy lingerie in a recession, this shop has noticed a decline. Hence the giant sale banner. Stop in for Hanky Panky undies ($18) or Project Runway alum Ricky Lizalde’s cami and thong set ($95), and save 20 to 50 percent on other clothing and jewelry items. At least something good has come out of this economic mess. 342 Bleecker St between Christopher and W 10th Sts (212-647-1688)

DisRespectacles
On the shelves at this shop, which has an on-site optometrist: Salt Sunglasses (around $375) and Oliver Goldsmith frames ($325). Owner Tim Fabozzi has been running sample sales with name brands like Thakoon, Persol and Mikli marked down 40 to 50 percent; the next one is expected in May. 82 Christopher St between Bleecker St and Seventh Ave (212-741-9550, disrespectacles.com)

Charmingwall
Remember the wacky artwork you used to bring home for Mom to hang on the refrigerator? The prints at this quaint space are just like that—only significantly more professional. Treat your eyes to illustrations of oddly anthropomorphized animals, buildings suspended by hot-air balloons and other fantastical curiosities, starting at just $20. 191 W 4th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-206-8235, charmingwall.com)

Albertine Workspace
At shopkeeper Kyung Lee’s new workshop, customers pick a fabric and then watch as it gets hand-dyed and constructed into a custom-made dress ($275–$475). The tag isn’t cheap, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid matching your party peers. 19 Christopher St between Greenwich Ave and Waverly Pl (212-924-8515, albertine-nyc.com)

Mxyplyzyk
In the market for a talking alarm clock or a doormat that looks like a giant bar code? Of course you are! This boutique has kitsch galore, including slippers that clean the floor as you walk around in them ($12), cardboard moose heads ($55) and tons of other stuff you never knew you needed. 125 Greenwich Ave at 13th St (212-989-4300, mxyplyzyk.com)

Where to eat

Roasting Plant
Coffee ground to order, 24 hours a day, makes this a mecca for caffeine fiends, while a menu of pastries (brownies, Danish, quick breads) sweetens the deal. 75 Greenwich Ave between Seventh Ave and W 11th St (212-775-7755, roastingplant.com) • 81 Orchard St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-775-7755)

‘ino
The Italian sandwich family tree receives loving homage on a menu of panini, tramezzini and bruschetta, though creative, boldly flavored salads and small plates, such as the fennel salad with arugula, goat cheese and aceto ($8), get their due too.
21 Bedford St between Sixth Ave and Downing St (212-989-5769, cafeino.com)

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Shopping guide '09
Best independent shops Forget chain stores. It's the little guys we're loving right now.