You may know him as the smile-cracking judge on Bravo's Work of Art, but Bill Powers doesn’t merely do the show for shits and gigs. “My mission has always been to bring more people into the art world. I want to make everyone an elitist,” he explained, while touring the NADA show, one of Art Basel’s satellite fairs. Powers has set up shop at this visual carnival, which boasts an alternative assembly of galleries dealing with emerging contemporary art to showcase Exhibition A, his members-only website that sells exclusive editions of artwork by top contemporary artists.

You may have dreamed of the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas windows or longed to feel posh carrying around a shiny Harrods bag, but these days, the retail outposts that stand for imagination and quality aren’t huge department stores—they’re legendary concept stores around the world that truly embody both their home cities and a certain international sophistication that’s common to all. We’ve showed you our favorite online showcases, but when you’re out on the road here are five that have long been on our hit list—and one we can’t wait to visit.

David Fincher's highly anticipated adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo isn't due out for another few months, and yet people are already comparing the film's forthcoming pandemonium to Harry Potter and Twilight. While Stieg Larsson's award-winning page-turner is reason enough to stir fanfare, it's the striking image of actress Rooney Mara as the story's anti-heroine that has everyone hooked. With the help of the movie's costume designer, Trish Summerville, H&M is bringing Lisbeth Salander's dark, disheveled, and disturbed style to the masses.

"A bull’s eye into the fashion world of Paris."

As I've said before, a trip to Paris isn't complete without a tour of Colette. My recent excursion to the concept boutique was a bit overwhelming, even though I knew the three-floor sanctuary of style was going to be massive. How Colette's team of curators manages to pack such a distinctly concentrated amount of cool into one location is hard to compass. From the limited-edition artwork from street artists like KAWS on the first floor, to the hard-to-find fashion haven on the second floor, I knew my wallet was a goner—but when in Paris, right?

There comes a time in every young man's life when he needs to settle down. He swims around the dating pool until he finally finds "The One," and after taking her out to A-list parties at the young man's club, introducing her to his friends Marc (Jacobs) and Tommy (Hilfiger), and painting the town red (literally, with the young man's graffiti can), he takes the next step in the relationship and puts a custom-made pair of eyeglasses on her face. They live happily ever after. So reads the fairytale romance "Andre + Annabelle for Illesteva."

For those who like magazines and also like candles, and like burning candles while reading magazines, I bring you the nexus of your universe: A magazine candle. AnOther Magazine and Parisian concept store Colette have collaborated on a candle inspired by the smell of fresh magazine ink (spicy pink pepper and ginger blended with texan cedarwood oil). AnOther & Colette Ink Stain Candle, $46, Opening Ceremony.

If you're lucky enough to make your way to Paris, visiting Colette at 213 rue Saint-Honoré is an absolute must. The celebrated concept store and style mecca is known for its distinctly cool selection of clothing, accessories, books, and gadgets, handpicked by Sarah Lerfel—founder and daughter of Colette Roussaux—and her team. Besides offering covetable items in their boutique, Colette also hosts frequent exhibitions with some of the most innovative artists and fashion designers in the world. Lerfel knows that we all can't experience her store firsthand, so in the spirit of the gifting season she and her awesome team are sharing some holiday gift ideas with BlackBook. Warning: the music playing in their e-shop will make you dance.

Season nine of Art Basel Miami Beach kicks off December 2, which means you'll be jumping on a plane to check out the country's greatest art show any day now. While you're busy planning which exhibits and parties to hit, we'll be here counting down to the big event with some art-inspired features. To get things started, here's a roundup of awesome art-meets-fashion items available at Opening Ceremony.

Of all the retail trends to have swept the fashion industry in recent years, the pop-up shop has endured long past people's predictions—and well past the length of time the stores themselves are open. From Target and Refinery 29, to Shareen's Vintage and eBay, recent seasons have seen major retailers and independent boutiques alike riding the lucrative pop up-shop wave. Now, according to Women's Wear Daily, the temporary boutique is finally on its way out and an entirely new shopping trend is taking its place: the swap shop. Want proof?