Fashionable boutiques and quirky shops pepper the Upper East Side. Sure, some come and go and the blink of an eye, but stores that mix designer apparel with fun, funky and fresh looks are staples of the East Side.

Some of the neighborhoods best are:

Nicole Miller (Madison at 67th) has always been known for her classic little black dresses and fashionable gowns. Her store on Madison Avenue is chock full of great date outfits, party dresses and classic suits for working girls. The best time to shop is post-holiday in December and January when the red pen starts slashing prices. Dresses that retail for $200-$1000 can be made off with for a fraction of the retail price. The staff is friendly, helpful and non-judgmental.

TSE (Madison at 69th) wraps us in high-end cashmere sweaters and jackets. Hand knit sweaters that combine mink trim and fringe and other unusual pairings are a must for the career girl on the move in Manhattan.

Betsey Bunki and Nini (Lexington at 71rst Street) is for ladies that have outgrown Betsey Johnson but aren’t quite willing to succumb to Ann Taylor. The fun store carries offerings from Albert Ferretti, Paul Smith and others. The store is a little cramped and the staff a tad stuck on themselves, but its worth a stop to check out what goodies are on sale.

Searle (many UES locations, check www.searlenyc.com) is known for its uber stylish clothing but it’s going to cost you. With designer duds from Robert Cavalli and Lorenzini this isn’t the store to hit if you are looking to go cheap. What you will find however is classic American sportswear that is well made. The staff is pretty helpful with a good eye to help you put together an elegant timeless look. A few trendy pieces sprinkled throughout the store can help you spice up even the most boring black skirt and white shirt.

Encore (Madison between 84th and 85th) is where socialites dispose of least season’s designer wears. But, hey, their last season could be your fashion prize. Encore has been reselling new or nearly-new pieces since 1954. With stock as ritzy as its consigners, there are always Chanel tweeds, Escada gowns, Dior blouses, and Lilly Pulitzer galore. The shoes collection is also impressive, with nary a mark on them Encore stocks Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Feragamo, Charles David and many other $500+ pumps at a fraction of the retail price. Designer bags such as Gucci, Dior, Hermes, Prada and Louis Vuitton can be found behind the counter.

Ralph Lauren (Madison at 72nd) is the kingpin of elegant American sportswear. Lauren’s showcase store on 72nd Street is an extension of his classic feel. You can count on the Lauren to serve up the oh-so-right blazer as well as a few surprise pieces in every collection. At the Upper East Side store you will find graceful gowns, the perfect tweed pump as well as signature sweaters, riding pants and prairie skirts. With Polo Sport just across the street you can whisk in for the infamous Polo ‘polo’, skorts and bathing suits. It’s the crown jewel of contemporary sportswear for Upper East Sider’s.

With it’s eclectic mix of shops UES shopping can qualm the heartiest fashionista’s appetite. Whether you are cultivating a look circa Jackie Onassis 1971 or Paris Hilton 2001 you can find a boutique that will help you achieve that perfect look.