A godsend for the shoe-obsessed, Addison Craig, which also has a branch in Sarasota, Florida, carries haute designs, including Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and Sergio Rossi, though the latter’s wedges are not cut out for the Nantucket cobblestones.

Stop by the tiny Blu, which also has a shop in Palm Beach, for the attractive fashion assortment, including Theory pants, Bettye Muller shoes and a large selection of jeans, scarves and handcrafted jewelry.

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The combination of chocolate and lingerie can sound a bit arbitrary, but there’s nothing random about the fabulous intimate apparel and swimwear in this airy boutique (and yes, there are chocolates and they’re complimentary). Labels include Princesse Tam Tam, Eberjey, Clo and Skin as well as swimwear by Vix, Letarte and Karla Colletto.

EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS STORE CLOSED IN 2008.

It’s hard to miss this new addition in its prime Easy Street location thanks to a quirky retail concept: wine plus 1960s and 70s vintage dresses. Everything on sale is artfully combined by shopgirl Beth English.

Eye of the Needle has stores in Boston (where owner Karen Golov originated the chain) and Palm Beach, but the candy-hued store also fits right into Nantucket, where it is located next to hot-spot restaurant the Pearl. When I visited, the color-coordinated racks were packed with frilly fashion by such designers as CK Bradley, Mimi & Coco, Hollywould and Dolce Vita, as well as a sexy line by Golov.

Paola Gonfrade’s couture temple moved to new digs in 2007, but the assortment of designer wares has remained delightfully varied. You’ll find Stella McCartney, Peter Som and Chloe alongside Zac Posen and Roberto Cavalli. The ambiance can be a bit hushed for an island setting, but the fashion is serious and well edited.

Lilly Pulitzer’s beloved designs in bold prints and bright colors work well in the island setting.

Just across the courtyard from Addison Craig, this boutique carries island-friendly frocks and features offbeat designers, like Twenty8Twelve and Vivienne Westwood.

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Slinky shoes designed by Vanessa Noel are displayed in two rooms on the ground floor of the VNH (Vanessa Noel Hotel), which opened in 2002. The sling-backs and kitten heels may not be the most practical shoes for Nantucket’s cobblestoned streets, but they’re so cute you may not care.

“I just arrived last night and I’m already here shopping,” a woman said to me in Vis-à-Vis, her arms loaded with by piles of colorful clothes. Stuffed floor to ceiling with fun summer fashions and accessories, this girly boutique on Main Street is the kind of well-edited shop that makes you happily forgo the beach on your first day in town. There are flirty dresses, skirts and tops in close to 100 styles. The shoe collection in particular stands out, whether you’re looking for a Laura Brandon flat or a Michael Kors wedge. There’s also a fine jewelry assortment, including estate pieces; hair accessories, such as colorful headbands perfect for a beachy afternoon; and gift items like fragrances and scented candles.

This spacious store at the beginning of Main Street has sophisticated fashion that’s a bit more mature than that found at Vis-à-Vis, Blu and Eye of the Needle. Expect a soft-color palette of beige, chocolate, cream and black as well as nautical blues and reds. Don’t miss the delicate gold jewelry by New England designer Jill Italiano.