The savvy shopper knows that it’s not necessarily where you’re located that counts, but knowing where to look. Aside from Market Place Mall (2000 N. Neil St., C.) which is home to plenty of large national chains like Gap, Express and Forever 21, there are plenty of local boutiques that can offer something unique. Here we review some of the most unique shops to C-U to scope out when you’re needing some retail therapy to blow off academic stress.

Art Mart, 201 Lincoln Square, U.

Located within Lincoln Square Mall, Art Mart gives students and residents alike a dose of urban glamour and luxury in three different punches: a gourmet grocery store, a toy store and Art Mart itself. Art Mart carries everything from luxury kitchenware, body care items, other household items and stationary. All items are artfully designed. There’s also a selection of women’s accessories ranging from jewelry (sometimes featuring a local line) to handbags.

Depending on the season, Art Mart’s offerings change and thanks to the owners’ frequent trips to New York for new merchandise, you’ll more than likely see something new each time you visit. The grocery store offers several European brands and has a wide selection of cheeses. Rubens fine Belgium chocolates are also sold here — a perfectly indulgent study snack.

College students might be too old for the toy shop, but it’s always fun to look at what kids these days are playing with or see if they have what you used to play with. If you babysit for a local family, this would be the perfect place to purchase gifts for the kids.

Dandelion, 9 E. Taylor St., C.

Dandelion provides the perfect thrift store experience for students looking for a quirky addition to their wardrobes or pieces to mix and match for a costume party. The owner travels around regularly to add to the store’s collection so there’s a steady flow of new goods.

Most of the store’s items are used, but don’t let that deter you from shopping here. Accessories like jewelry, sunglasses and hats are also available and some of these items are new, bought from wholesalers. Items are neatly organized by type on different racks so the large collection isn’t so daunting to sift through.

Dressing rooms are also available so you’ll know if something fits. Located right in the heart of downtown Champaign, it’s the perfect place to stop by whether you meant to or not.

You’re bound to be intrigued by its unique offerings and maybe even walk away with a storied item that no one else has.

Rebecca’s and Carrie’s, 204 N. Neil St., C.

These two stores are jointly located in the same building. Located across from Dandelion, the door to Rebecca’s leads shoppers into a quirky store carrying art, jewelry and other little knick knacks that can be used to decorate your apartment or dorm. The amount and variety of items makes it difficult to put a label on Rebecca’s.

It’s got the quirky nature of a thrift store, but the items are new. While shopping Rebecca’s, you might unexpectedly walk right into Carrie’s (because the two stores are joined together by an open doorway). You’ll know right away if you do because of the antique shop feel of the store and its items. Carrie’s also has dressing rooms, so you don’t have to worry about whether something will fit. These two stores are like treasure boxes waiting to be scoured.

Circles Boutique, 107 N. Walnut St., C.

For a chill environment and coinciding urban styles, Circles is the place to look. Circles carries hip brands like Betsey Johnson as well as smaller, up-and-coming designers like Yoana Baraschi (one of Johnson’s protégés) and Isda & Co., a San Francisco brand that has been taking off.

Like other local boutiques, Circles owner Danelle Jameson travels frequently and tries to bring something back for her boutique from each place she visits.

Circles also hosts Front Ro, a fashion show and dinner that benefits 40 North 88 West, the local arts, culture and entertainment council, with other local businesses like Bacarro Wine Lounge and Ippatsu Hair salon. Definitely come in to see the wordly goods.

Jennifer North, 1705 W. Kirby Ave., C.

Jennifer North offers trendy fashions for a wide range of ages.

Owner Courtney McKay says the new location and parking options has manifested itself in a larger crowd of customers. Circles carries several different brands but French Connection and Hazel do have a firm foothold in the boutique.

If you’re already at the mall checking out clothes, it’s worth the trip to see this local boutique. McKay also runs Art Mart.

Pitaya, 625 E. Green St., C.

Located right in the middle of Campustown, Pitaya is the perfect pit stop for a last-minute ensemble or casual, in-between-classes browsing. The clothes are relatively priced and are of similar quality that you might find at Forever 21.

There are only a few of each piece, and there are regular shipments of new merchandise so that every girl on campus doesn’t look the same.

C-U fashion runs from the trendy and hip to the laid-back and casual, and everything in-between.

Whatever your personal style, there is a store to have you looking your best.