Shopping expert Allison Kaplan reviews Grand Avenue neighborhood stores and shops.

• Allure: A serious intimate apparel boutique for women who care about fit over frills and service rather than gimmicks...
• Artful Belongings: No bigger than a closet, but filled with pretty gifts for the person who has everything...
• Avalon: Nestled at the end of the avenue in Macalester territory, this is the consummate college gift shop, down to the action hero toys and Che Guevara posters...
• Baby Banou: A modern boutique that covers both everyday needs and special occasions for babies and toddlers...
• Baby Grand: Before there were "hipster baby boutiques," there was Baby Grand...
• Bibelot: Unique goods you didn't know you needed in a warm setting...
• Bombshell: Finally. A chic boutique experience for plus size shoppers...
• Charlemagne Fine Jewelry: If you're looking for a ring or bracelet featuring your birthstone, the selection here is overwhelming...
• Che Bella: A special occasion gift and accessories shop especially for brides...
• Che Bella: A special occasion gift and accessories shop especially for brides...
• Cooks of Crocus Hill: A gourmet's paradise featuring high-end kitchen appliances, gadgets, cookware and an unparalleled selection of cookbooks...
• Creative Kidstuff: The Twin Cities' most popular local toy store.
• Danish Bohemia: Textile artist Lisbet Franc left her native Denmark, but she kept in touch with her designer friends. Now, she showcases the best of their work in this charming shop...
• Danish Bohemia: Scandinavian designed children's apparel and accessories...
• Fringe: Accessible accessories in a clean and classy setting...
• Garden of Eden: Create your own fragrance from dozens of essential oils stocked at this locally owned beauty shop...
• Grand Hand Gallery: If you like your objects to tell a story, don't miss this gallery of contemporary fine American craft at the corner of Dale and Grand...
• Hot Mama: For the mother unwilling to surrender to sweat pants - during, or after pregnancy...
• Hot Mama: For the mother unwilling to surrender to sweat pants - during, or after pregnancy...
• Irish on Grand: Look no further: This is your source for a gigantic tambourine with the Guinness logo or a tweed cap worthy of Colin Farrell...
• Karma: Fans of Anthropologie will love this independent boutique, which caters to the girly girl who wants to look put together without losing her bohemian flair...
• Lizze: Located on a lonely stretch of Grand without any retail neighbors, this cozy boutique owned by a mother-daughter team seems to be coming into its own...
• My Sister's Closet: A mix of consignment and vintage apparel and accessories...
• Nature of Beauty: Your resource for eco-friendly skincare and makeup...
• Nature of Beauty: Your resource for eco-friendly skincare and makeup...
• Patagonia: Yes it's a chain, but this is the upscale active lifestyle retailer's only Twin Cities location and it does a great job of seeming very rooted in the community...
• Penzeys Spices: A fantastically fresh idea for ready-made gifts...
• Picky Girl: All grown up, with a chic new setting to underscore the smart assortment of contemporary clothes, accessories and swimwear...
• Quince: A long wait at Cafe Latte is easier to digest now that this down-to-earth gift, accessories and apparel shop is in the building...
• Red Balloon: This popular local bookseller loves kids...
• Saga Living: Outside of Finland, this shop offers the largest selection of Marimekko, and not just the expected sheets and wall hangings...
• Saga Living: Outside of Finland, this shop offers the largest selection of Marimekko, and not just the expected sheets and wall hangings...
• Saga Living: Outside of Finland, this shop offers the largest selection of Marimekko, and not just the expected sheets and wall hangings...
• Shoesters: Formerly Birkenstock Footprints, this locally owned mini-chain has broadened its stock to include other similarly styled European comfort brands...
• Shu Global Footwear: Comfortable shoes have never looked so stylish. The emphasis is on arch support and ergonomics, but the selection is modern, with options for work or play...
• Steele Fitness: This is a trendsetting lifestyle boutique that happens to be attached to one of the hottest fitness centers...
• Stella Blu: This fun, slightly bohemian shop targets the college crowd, but is sure to have broader appeal with its seriously affordable bags, bangles and dresses...
• Sunny Sky: Fantastic cabinets and other antiques handpicked by the owner and imported from China...
• Susan Metzger, Fashion Designer: Veteran custom clothier Susan Metzger is a godsend to women who are tough to fit - especially plus-size petites...
• Ten Thousand Villages: This shop supports fair trade for artisans in Third World Countries. Suddenly, shopping feels so right...
• The Wedding Shoppe: This longtime destination focuses on moderately priced wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses in both classic and more trendy styles...
• Traditions: Staff is helpful and knowledgeable at this locally owned store, which specializes in classic and rustic styles from top-of-the-line manufacturers...
• Treadle Yard Goods: A destination for knitters, this shop stocks an impressive selection of natural fabrics, unique buttons and European pattern lines...
• Wet Paint: An art store for the serious artist...
• Wonderment: This little-known children's store is carving its own niche as the "no battery toy shop..."
• Zimmerman Dry Goods: Why buy the $200 "military inspired" bag when you can get the real deal for $20?...