Edited by Bonnie Chan

ZTrend made rounds yesterday catching up with boutiques in the Chelsea and Meatpacking areas of New York City. Chelsea appeared to be holding it's own, finding not all, but most of our favorite stores still intact. To comment on a few, Sugar Cookies is planning a summer release on splash ready beachwear - we will keep you up to date. Arcadia on Eighth Avenue, a sweet gift store, is surviving these tricky times and is a must-see shop for New York locals and tourists alike. El Cocotero restaurant has to be one of the best little restaurants in Chelsea today - this small family-run Venezuelan restaurant serves each dish with care. We ventured over to Chelsea's Ninth Avenue, where the quaint boulevard has been placed, giving the area a more village-style edge. The stretch of fine little boutiques from 22nd to 19th Street paint a surreal scene straight from a story book. Among the shops are 3 Tarts, Barking Zoo, Cocoa V Chocolat & wine bar, Bon Maison and le Bergamont. All are fine businesses worthy of shopping. So if you are guilty of walking by and never walking in, now is the time to check them out, as all small businesses are looking to the community to stay in business.

Meatpacking continues to strike a pose. Newcomer jewelry designer Philip Crangi caught our eye with his feminine, unusual and affordable designs, which are sold at Crangi Family Project no. 9 next door to Pastis. ZTrend mourns the loss of two wonderful intimate department stores, which for the past ten years have graced the Meatpacking district. Destination is no longer a destination. This fine Japanese chain store supporting unique artists from around the world has closed its MePa location. For those of you who look forward to shopping at Auto Clothing and Auto Home, too late, both little stores are off the map with no news of relocation. Thank goodness for Yigal Azrouel, Trina Turk, 10 Thousand Things and of course the beloved Charles Nolan! Without them, Gansevoort Meatpacking District is nothing more than a collection of pricey Madison Avenue designers with lots of cafes to dine in.