10 great places to slip into something fashionable

— -- The fashion faction headed to New York this week as big-name designers unveiled their latest collections. Couldn't make it to the tents? Fear not, fashionistas. Lucky magazine editor at large Elise Loehnen shares her list of favorite upscale shopping spots nationwide with USA TODAY.

West Village / New York City

Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind pieces or designer duds, Manhattan's West Village is the place to be, Loehnen says. "Arguably New York's most charming neighborhood, the area is also host to some of the best independent women's clothing boutiques in the city, most of which are housed in cozy townhouses. Bleecker Street, which cuts through the heart of the neighborhood, has more well-known chains, like Intermix and Reiss."

Abbot Kinney Boulevard / Venice, Calif.

Chic-seekers in search of big-name shops aren't going to find them along this beachside stretch of boho boutiques — Abbot Kinney Boulevard has an ordinance against chains setting up shop. "No longer just for surfers, this thoroughfare is laden with great independent boutiques," Loehnen says. "It's totally laid-back and really fun to walk, particularly because it's dotted with loads of great coffee shops and restaurants." abbotkinneyonline.com

Williamsburg / Brooklyn, N.Y.

High-end meets low-key in this cool neighborhood where those in the know hunt for hot deals. "Home to a significant population of young artists and creative types, this Brooklyn neighborhood is overrun with great, offbeat shopping," Loehnen says.

Bal Harbour / Miami

For shoppers who want to see and be seen, this glamorous garment emporium in super-stylish Miami really ups fashion's Fahrenheit. "When it comes to depth of options and shopping ease, it's hard to beat a mall, particularly when it's a lushly landscaped, gorgeously appointed outdoor space," Loehnen says. "Every conceivable desirable brand is represented here: Agent Provocateur, Bottega Veneta, Calypso Christiane Celle, Cartier, Chanel, Celine, Chloé, etc., and it's all anchored by a sprawling Saks Fifth Avenue and a Neiman Marcus." balharbourshops.com

Bucktown and Wicker Park / Chicago

"These abutting neighborhoods are the heart of Chicago's shopping scene and offer everything from the very best in up-and-coming designers to more established lines," Loehnen says. Stylistas can snag the season's smartest looks at the Marc by Marc Jacobs outpost, while the garment gurus at Scoop and Intermix can dress you in labels frequently seen on the pages of celebrity tabloids. "It's one of those streets that has something for everyone."

Newbury Street / Boston

This swank street is steps from Copley Square, where you'll find high-end houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel. Loehnen's top nods go to "Dress, where the owners' impeccable taste ensures that all the Vena Cava dresses and 3.1 Phillip Lim blouses are foolproof options, and Stel's, a slightly subterranean space that has an avant-garde selection of Alexander Wang and A.P.C."

West Third Street / Los Angeles

"Spanning about 10 blocks, you can easily while away an entire day snapping up evening gowns, smock tops and organic T-shirts — it's all here, which means you just have to hunt for a parking spot once," Loehnen says. "Plus, it's only a stone's-throw away from the celeb-trafficked Robertson Boulevard, where you'll find big chains like Lisa Kline and Kitson, along with a brand-new, accessories-heavy outpost of Chanel."

Victory Park / Dallas

"This brand-new, posh development is a multitiered complex of apartments, hotels, restaurants, spas and shops," Loehnen says. "The most notable is Lifestyle Fashion Terminal, a 21,000-square-foot department-store-style space that has pieces from a long roster of designers, including Daryl K and Hanii Y." victorypark.com

Buckhead / Atlanta

Well-heeled window shoppers know they've hit the luxe lottery in this central Atlanta district. Two malls — Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square — along with a slew of small shops make up this chic district. "The famed Jeffrey Atlanta, Barneys Co-Op, the new spinoff from J.Crew called Madewell, and Chanel all have homes here," Loehnen says.

Russian Hill / San Francisco

"San Francisco's Union Square has all the tony flagships — Prada, Barneys, Goyard, Marc Jacobs — and big outposts of style like Banana Republic and Levi's," Loehnen says. "But Russian Hill and nearby Chestnut Street serve up boutiques like Dress and Dylan, where labels like Diane von Furstenberg are always in." Consignment shops and up-and-comers rule in Russian Hill, and flea-market fans will find style sanctuary.