The hot shops: from Atlanta to L.A., find eclectic and glamorous fashions and gifts at these Black-owned boutiques

Bella Azul 1101-B Marietta Street, Atlanta (404) 249-9150; bellaazul.com

Nestled in the heart of midtown Atlanta, Bella Azul is an ultrachic lifestyle boutique where you'll find fashions by trendy designers like Catherine Malandrino, See by Chloe and True Religion. Owner Sheree Whitfield also carries sensuous bath and body products and gorgeous home accessories. Her greatest satisfaction? "Finding something unique and having a customer fall in love with it," she says.

Destination U 1301 U Street, N.W., Ellington Building, Washington, D.C. (202) 328-2101

A haven for underground design talent like Rakiyt Zakari, Destination U is the perfect place for price- and style-savvy urbanistas to get their fashion fix. "We cater to everyone--Howard University students as well as high-powered lawyers," says buyer Kellie Crawford. The store's sleek interior and offbeat accessories are to die for. (Where else would you find a handbag made from a recycled skateboard?)

Chase's Closet 2033 West Gray Street, Houston, Texas (713) 630-2902 chasescloset.com

Inspired by her sassy and stylish 4-year-old daughter, Chase, TLC lead singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins has opened a charming children's boutique in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood. You'll find a chic assortment of designer lines, such as D&G Junior, Moschino and Ralph Lauren, at prices ranging from about $20 on the low end to $200 at the top.

Addy and Ferro 672 Fulton Street, Brooklyn (718) 246-2900 addyandferro.com

Erica Hutchinson, 35, says her funky little 'tique in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, reflects the community's artistic and creative nature. "We serve customers who are trend-conscious but not trend followers," she says. The store offers the perfect mix of established and emerging designers, many of whom are Black--Plenty by Tracy Reese, Mobolaji, Sistahs of Harlem. Prices go from about $30 for a tank to $400 for a leather jacket.

Shaitel Boutique 12080 Ventura Place, Suite #3 Studio City, California (818) 752-4247 shaitelboutique.com

Shaitel, which means wig in Hebrew, is the catchy moniker for an eclectic new boutique co-owned by actress-rapper MC Lyte and celeb hairstylist Teresa Cartznes. Shaitel--not far from the set of Lyte's day job, UPN television show Half & Half--sells wigs and costume accessories (a Judith Leiber bag can go for $600) as well as vintage jeans (they start at $4.99). The shop also carries unique pieces by such designers as Gigi Hunter, Almighty E, Harlem Made and model Beverly Peele. "We carry items that bring some New York style to Cali," Lyte explains.

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