Field trip to Court Street, Brooklyn

1. Teddy
It’s hard not to smile upon entering this charming women’s boutique which has carefully hand-painted trees and animals adorning its otherwise stark white walls. Affordable price tags—with everything in the store at or under $200—will leave that grin plastered on your face. Standouts include a Kevia pearl necklace with a vintage setting ($125), handdyed Tolani scarves ($85) and 7Chi burgundy handbag made from recycled leather ($200). 216 Court St at Warren St (718-522-0500)

2. Lily
Kick off your heels and slip on a pair of flip-flops as you browse through racks bursting with colorful items in this relaxed, beachy atmosphere. Aside from your standard Free People and Michael Stars tees, you’ll be sure to find treasures like their Tulle blue and white striped pleated jacket ($85), mustard yellow magnetic Hobo clutch ($88), or multiple red leather TOKYObay watch ($62). With friendly employers accessible for fashion direction or just a quick chat, you won’t have to tolerate with an uptight boutique attitude. 209 Court St between Warren and Wykoff Sts (718-858-626, lilybrooklyn.com).

3. Olive’s Very Vintage
Try not to get too wrapped up in the $10 and $30 racks on the sidewalk—there are tons of other desirable items to be found inside. “It’s a very carefully curated collection of vintage” sales clerk Lauren can’t help but blurt out—and it’s easy to agree with shocking items like their cobalt blue Diane Von Furstenberg printed dress with matching scarf ($488) and Gaultier-esque black bullet bra ($125). Before heading out, take a minute to sift through the owner’s personal record collection for throwback pieces like The Rolling Stone’s Sticky Fingers album ($20) that’ll get you dusting off that old record player. 434 Court St between Second and Third Pl (718-243-9094, olivesveryvintage.com).

4. Cozbi
With decorative handmade children and women’s clothing, quilts and accessories neatly displayed within and on the walls of this enchanting shop, you’ll find you can’t resist a thorough shopping experience after a quick peek from the street. Designed solely by owner Cozbi Cabrera, each piece has its own unique flare like her hand embroidered white cotton coat with red flower stitching ($425), eyelet floral strapless dress ($215) and custom-made children’s pillows ($115). 530 Court St between Huntington and W 9th Sts (718-246-7960, cozbi.com).

5. Debbie Fisher
While you can certainly catch a preview of Debbie Fisher’s unique delicate jewelry through the large black-framed glass windows, you’ll want to step inside for the full selection of unique beads from Africa, Thailand and India. Some gems include her glass sea-beaded necklaces with calcite ice blue stones ($68) and 14 karat gold earrings with 18 karat ruby beads ($175). In addition to Debbie’s own designs, local artist designs are featured such as Kiki Smith’s silver pins ($150-$350). 461 Court St between Fourth Pl and Luquer St (718-625-6005, debbiefisher.com).

6. Lee Lee’s Valise
Expect a new wardrobe (and friend) after entering this plus-sized designer shop—sizes start at 10—with clothing and accessories galore along with bright-eyed, animated owner Lisa Dolan leading you on the right path to good style. “People come from Australia to Arkansas,” she admits proudly, “No, really, Australia!” As seen on several episodes of What Not To Wear, Lee Lee’s Valise is the first to inspire white jeans for plus-sized women like their Paris Jeans ($138) and boasts about their handmade bras from Belgium ($80) commonly bought in size 38G. You’re guaranteed at least two hours of sifting through the organized clutter of this eclectic shop so hang tight—“By the end, customers are crying, laughing and hugging.” 368 Court St at President St (718-246-5337, leeleesvalise.com).

7. Serimony
At first glance you won’t expect to find much in this tiny space, but after entering this cave-like shop you’ll be shocked to discover the many gems poking out of tiny nooks like handmade block-printed gift cards ($3.50) and Omï Martens stone necklaces on gold fill and sterling silver chains ($52). Originally opened as a custom wedding invitation shop providing everything from “save the date’s” to “thank you” cards ($8-$18 per set), this quaint space has evolved into a handmade clothing, jewelry, and card gift venue. “I definitely do my best to pack it all in,” owner Karen Van Every says, maneuvering toward the register. 421 Court St between Second and Third Pl (718-797-0679, serimony.com).

8. Ali Kat NYC
Enter through large glass doors adorned with thick white and black flower designed curtains and bring your eyes down from the huge Chinese lanters hanging from the center of the ceiling to Paul & Joe’s Kelly green ruffled sleeve blouse ($124). Aside from a large selection of basic LeSportsac pieces, feast your eyes on Ali Kat’s organically grown and dyed cotton canvas tote bag ($34) and Ella Moss navy and white houndstooth vest ($48). 225 Court St between Baltic and Warren Sts (718-834-1616).

9. Book Court
Step inside this old-fashioned family owned bookshop, opened in 1981, for a large selection ranging from popular non-fiction to poetry. Skylights in their recent expansion bring more light into this already bright space filled with bliss and comfort. With a reading series starting in the fall, weekly children story-telling and young-adult book club meetings, the shop is constantly filled with eager readers. Check out their list of Book Court bestsellers (20% off) and detailed Staff Picks shelf for jumping off points. 163 Court St between Amity and Pacific Sts (718-875-3677, bookcourt.org).

10. General & Fine
This themed boutique changes its selection frequently so head in while you can for the current shipwrecked, treasure chest items starting at just a quarter. (Check out their camp theme in August). Highlights include vintage medicine scrolls ($2,000), a thick-framed ship painting hanging from the back of the store ($875) and mercury brass bottles ($75 each). Need a quick nosh? All the nostalgic candy in small glass cases against the back wall is for sale, including candy cigarettes and Pop Rocks ($1). 518 Court St between Huntington and Nelson Sts (646-256-5041, store518.com).

Quick Bites/Bathroom Breaks

Frankie’s 457 Spuntino
Head into Frankie’s and jet straight to their backyard garden—with ivy running up brick walls and pebbles resting under your tired feet—for mouthwatering fennel, celery root and parsley with sliced red onion, lemon and pecorino ($9) and meatballs with pine nuts and raisins ($9). For a larger private party, rent out their carriage house gone event room recently reserved by Kate Hudson and Jennifer Lopez. 457 Court St between Fourth Pl and Luquer St (718-403-0033, frankiesspuntino.com).

Sweet Melissa Pâtisserie
Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth after a long hard day of shopping—ah, what a tough life—no need to look further than Sweet Melissa’s for coffee ice cream made with real coffee (small for $3.25) or, if you’re feeling indulgent, try their Pistachio Truffle Sundae ($10) equipped with homemade hot fudge over pistachio ice cream with pistachio praline, whipped cream and pistachio truffles. 274 court St between Butler and Douglass Sts (718-855-3410, sweetmelissapatisserie.com).

Joya
You won’t find a Thai dish or atmosphere more vibrant than Joya’s trendy restaurant stocked with a bar and outdoor garden patio. Fill up your water glass for their boiling Kang Gai red curry dish ($7.50) that’ll get your senses flaring and a never-ending plate of tasty Pad Thai ($7). But be sure not to stuff yourself entirely before ordering a delectable pomegranate mojito at their bustling bar ($8).

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