george c, 21 Hazelton Lanes

a little sign greets you as you enter george c 'please, no smoking in the store'. This is necessary, I'm told, for the international customers that find themselves so familiarized in this three level boutique, reminiscent of the well-made standards of Europe. The crisp top floor is for femmes and the main floor houses footwear while leather loungers create a den-like warmth for men underground.

george c, cultivated by husband and wife George and Lisa Corbo, is a "boutique style, mini-department" store where style is cultured and fashion is exclusive. It is three levels of impeccable leather footwear, substantial handbags and accessories and top-notch designer labels including La Silla, Project Alabama, Derek Lam and the highly coveted J Brand jeans (with its precise reverse bum darts for a derriere parfait).

Perusing racks of george c private label separates in plushy french jersey; unattainable Derek Lam dresses and Rocco P custom boots had me secretly scheming creative ways of financing a few fabulous new additions to my wardrobe. Costume Nationale dresses and cropped jackets in luxurious mohair and wools radiated elegance alongside Zanone cashmere knits and Poleci t-shirts.

"Women want couture, timeless pieces", says co-owner Lisa Corbo, textile graduate and stylist, which is mainly why every item is hand-picked for its sophistication and lasting qualities. "People can build a wardrobe buying only one timeless thing a season or go and buy everything inexpensively year after year."

For men, the lower level offers racks of color-coded mens dress shirts (Alexander McQueen et al.) and sweaters; perfectly arranged ties and scarves; and exquisite Corneliani & Cortegiani suits.

Rachel Schwab