Here's a little secret to get your retail eyes roving: when it comes to cutting-edge fashions in funky, off-the-beaten-path locations, New York's best bets are not in the Lower East Side, the Meat Packing District or even super-trendy NoLita. They're across the bridge in Brooklyn -- yes Brooklyn! --in a newly chic quarter called Carroll Gardens.  There, long-time Italian families now rub shoulders with Seventh Avenue refugees who are opening sleek boutiques without Manhattan's sky-high rents. Getting to Carroll Gardens is easy: Take the F Train downtown from any F station in Manhattan and get off at the Carroll Street Station. Find your way to Smith Street and voila, you're in the heart of the acquisition action.

Smith Street, between Atlantic Avenue to Second Place, is ground zero
for the emerging Carroll Gardensshopping scene. A slew of groovy clothing, home furnishing and accessory outposts has triggered a reverse migration for New York fashionistas  and is more than worth the trek for visiting style-lovers. But remember: most of the area closes on Mondays, so head out on weekends when the local glitterati are also making the rounds.

Here's a StyleGuide to Carroll Gardens:

FRIDA'S CLOSET
296 Smith Street between Union and Sacket Streets
718-855-0031
As its name suggests, Frida's Closet's range of skirts, t-shirts and hand-knit sweaters take their cue from artist Frida Kahlo and her native Mexico. Look for brightly-colored patterns and prints as well as funky jewelry to complete the look.