COURAGE. b, New York

Opening a new business in the middle of a recession takes bravery. Yet, in 2009—on the heels of their success with their first boutique, Fopp’s—Courage. b’s owners decided it was time to open the store. Since their days at Fopp’s, the Courage. b line’s designers have been fabricating each of their pieces in-house with looks that give off a timeless, European elegance. Their one-of-a-kind blouses, sweaters, and pants are as fashionable as they are classic. And their dresses and separates seamlessly weave into most wardrobes. The collection also includes original accessories, such as handbags, scarves, and belts. Since opening, Courage. b now has several locations in style hubs from East Hampton to Colorado, a testament to the clothing’s accessibility and stylishness, whether during cocktail hour or snowball-fight hour.