Little Chic started with two mothers who wished they could find more appropriate furniture for children, furniture that's a little more stylish, a little more poetic. The design of each piece is inspired by the founders' own experience of motherhood, drawing from Western and Eastern cultures, to create an environment that fosters creativity and inspiration. Little Chic furniture is made to be safe and durable, made from solid wood and eco-friendly, "green" paint.

Located on shopping haven Gulou Dong Dajie, this is a little store filled with accessories for men, women, children and hutong hipsters. Nice To Meat You's name derives partially from the hand-painted sign out front, decorated with hams, sausages and bacon. The shelves are filled with little gadgets such as key chains and smartphone covers and stuffed animals featuring popular cartoon characters. The unique and reasonably priced jewelry section is also a big draw, featuring giant cocktail rings, whimsical earrings, big metal cuffs and more. Find a complete selection online at their Taobao shop.

A chain with outposts in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hangzhou, Hatter's Hub stocks a wide variety of hats for all seasons. They also have an ongoing collaboration with milliner Elisabeth Koch, stocking her fanciful fascinators. If you’re looking for a unique gift, Hatter’s Hub will also customize their flat-brim baseball caps with your name, logo or insignia.

Tucked away in 798 is a treasure trove for leather aficionados. Soye specializes in shoes, bags and small leather goods. We covet oxfords (RMB499) in a variety of fall-toned colors. The shelves in the middle of the store are stacked with wallets, purses, card cases and more, all reasonably priced especially considering the quality of leather, which is buttery soft. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the store will work with you on the design, color and extras for a one-of-a-kind creation (prices from RMB1,000).

This boutique is another entry into the category of fashion-forward courtyards pushing an eclectic variety of independent designers. Anchoret stocks everything from delicate silver jewelry by Werstatt: Munchen to sunglasses by Rigards to superfluously yet delightfully pleated garments from Aleksandr Manamis.

With a replica Eiffel Tower in front of a glass-and-marble façade, Paris’ renowned department store has no qualms showing off its Gallic roots. Inside, a creative combination of familiar and independent international luxury brands makes the store Xidan’s star shopping attraction. We were delighted to see wide selections from our favorite designers French Sole (ballet flats) and Princesse Tam-Tam (lingerie) among many others.

Tucked just off Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, this hybrid shop is part tchotchke heaven, part café and part classroom. Pick up ornamental rings, baby cacti or our favorite, oversized Miyazaki plush toys before sitting at the doll-sized wrought-iron tables and sipping a well-made latte. The owner also runs baking courses on topics including Black Forest Cake and cupcakes in the mornings.