Louis Boston

Where? On the corner of Berkley and Newbury streets, in the middle of the best shopping district and most expensive real estate in Boston. Nearby boutiques include agnes b, Aquascutum and Barneys NY.

What? Pronounced 'Louie's', this shopping haven offers edgy New York style in a traditional Boston setting. Since it opened in 1989 it has provided Bostonians with high fashion found only in the style capitals of Milan and Paris.

Who? Third-generation president Debi Greenberg took over the family business from her father, Murray, infusing the store with a younger, funkier vibe.

Fashion finds: a range of prestigious designer names mixed with emerging stars of the fashion world. Many of the styles at Louis are exclusive to the store. Women can check out cool threads from Doo Ri, Derek Lam, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Roland Mouret and Dries van Noten, among many others. The selection for men includes Neil Barrett, Brioni, Pirelli and Marni. Shoes, jewellery and bags are available from names such as Prada, Georgina Goodman and Puma, along with knick-knacks on the first floor. The boutique also has its own in-house label.

The vibe: Louis may be is housed in an elegant brick townhouse (formerly the Museum of Natural History) but the decor is stark and modern. An elaborate staircase brings you through four levels of fabulous designer merchandise as a DJ spins cool beats. It even has its own in-house CD compilation.

The crowd: as eclectic as you can get. Expect a mix of local and international students, well-heeled Bostonians and creative types. Celebrities who have shopped here include Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Affleck.

Extras: the shop has its own driveway where you can valet your car (almost unheard of in the city), a beauty apothecary, Morgenthal Frederics eyewear boutique, a homeware department, a full-service hair salon and a music bar. Its in-house restaurant, L, is said to be one of the best in town.

Louis Boston is at 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, tel: 1 617 262 6100; www.louisboston.com.