Photo: Marvin Shaouni

Showtime Clothing's Dan Tartarian at the mercy of the Derby Girls.

Best Place to Buy Shoes

Designer Shoe Warehouse
dsw.com

For the uninitiated shoe lover, a first glance into the great expanse of a "DSW" might trigger troubling symptoms: quivering, drooling, pupil dilation, panting. ... No worries. A stroll through the miles of display and some trying on will cure the ailment. Then, the inevitable purchases are the final prescription. Because who can resist the vast sea of waist-deep shoes? And nobody does clearance like DSW. You didn't know you needed those red, patent strappy peep-toe ankle boots, but they have a purple tag and are only $17.

Best Eyewear Boutique

SEE
160 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-723-1900
308 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-622-8056
For more locations, visit seeeyewear.com

Glasses, at their essence, are a function item. They bring the world into focus and allow the wearer to observe all. But if you wear them — and even if you don't — you know glasses are so much more than just a way to see. They're fashion. They're an ice-breaker when you meet someone ("Oh, I love your glasses"). They're a statement about the person behind them. Which is why you need to pay attention to where you shop for them, and find SEE. The stores' selections of European frames have been created exclusively for this chain, but that hasn't meant prices have risen. Nope, you'll find affordable and unique specs here.

Best Indie Lingerie Shop

Harp's
265 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-642-2555

The world really does begin and end with what you're wearing underneath. And whether that's supportive, functional, fun, naughty, classic or magical, women can find it at Harp's. The selection of styles is that plentiful, but even better is the trained sales staff. Harp's is known for its personal fittings and the staff will be sure that whatever you've got (or not), you find the right item to push it out, suck it in or hold it up.

Best Nail Salon

Rouge Makeup and Nails
23341 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-439-6010; rougemakeupandnails.com

At this sister-owned salon, rouge means green. As in its vegan and organic products by Eve Organics and SpaRitual for makeup, skin care, manicures and pedicures. Who can resist an organic ginger essential oil soak for hands? The calming space — part Parisian boutique, part tranquil retreat — also offers vintage clothes and trinkets for sale.

Best Flea Market

Dixieland
2045 Dixie Hwy., Waterford; 248-338-3220; dixielandfleamkt.com

It's for good reason our dear readers perpetually pick this Waterford haunt as the winner in this category. Antiques, collectibles, computers, music, household items, sporting goods, clothes, things you need, things you must have, are all for sale at this market. Admission is free when Dixieland is open, Friday through Sunday only, and if you need nourishment to keep shopping, four foodstands are on site. On the website, you can download a map before you go.

Best Antique Shop

Vogue Vintage
23622 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge; 248-546-1555

Whether you've got something in mind or "you'll know it when you see it," Vogue Vintage will provide. Its plentiful stock of antiques — furniture is one of the specialties — is generally less than even gently used, and if you don't see what you're looking for at the store, ask the staff about the warehouse. That's where the real finds are stowed away. The store's pull is best exemplified by its eye-popping window displays, so artfully created and frequently changed that even the drivers hurtling down Woodward Avenue can't help but slow down and take note.

Best Makeup Studio

Todd's Room
239 Pierce St., Birmingham; 249-594-0003; toddsroombirmingham.com

Let's face it (pun intended), there are times when your makeup just really has to be done professionally. Think engagement or head shot photo session, wedding, Metro Times Best-of party. ... And when it's that time, plan on an hour at Todd's Room, an annual reader's fave place to get your face looking its best. The makeup artists will work with you for a dramatic, classic or striking look. Eyebrow arching and manicures and pedicures are also available on-site.

Best Hair Salon in Wayne County

Curl Up & Dye

4215 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-833-5006; curlupanddye.com

Whatever social forces brought this gem to Midtown — entrepreneurial spirit, Cass Corridor revival, critical mass of nearby residents and employees, the Green movement — Curl Up & Dye is proving to be a destination for cuts, color and extensions. Readers picked it as a Best-of for hair care, but the shop also offers mani-pedis, massages, makeup, facials, waxing and ear candling. And all services have an environmental theme: Recycling is practiced as much as it can be, and product selection is mostly natural and organic.

Best Hair Salon in Oakland County

6 Salon
306 W. Sixth St., Royal Oak; 248-398-1586; sixsalon.com

With 6 Salon's hours, no one has an excuse not to get hair cut, colored and styled by the professionals here. This Royal Oak haven is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Thursday hours extended until midnight. Saturdays offer standard 9-to-5 hours. That means busy parents, workaholics and professionals with erratic hours have plenty of opportunity to get looking their best. And 6 Salon isn't just known for the hours or the hair styling. Nail services, body waxing and airbrush tanning are also available.

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