What started out as an airport store in the '80s is now the business uniform depot of the modern metrosexual. Pink deserves all the credit for making the modern man feel comfortable buying (and wearing) lilac Winchester shirts and aubergine ties, albeit for a price (shirts $130-160, ties $85-95). Gather all necessary accoutrements for that Gatsby garden party or formal punch event in-store or online, where choosing between silver oblong and diamond-shaped cuff links ($15-135) is made entertaining if not simple. Women's offerings are only slight variations on the cut and pricing of the men's items. The Thomas Pink shop in Downtown Crossing is small, but packed with metrosexual goodies.

_

After over 50 years in Europe, H&M has joined meatballs, Saab, Volvo, Swedish fish, bikini teams, and more as yet another great Swedish export to America. The downtown store brings Bostonians the hottest euro-chic styles (and mind-numbingly long lines), with clothing for men, women and kids. H&M is high fashion at shockingly low prices; while you won't be able to expect the style or quality of any garment to last you more than a couple of seasons, at $15 for a dress and $2 for three pairs of earrings, you can't really go wrong. H&M also consistently updates its newest fashions. Always busy, it's fun to poke in. If this Downtown Crossing location does not work for you, you can also visit H&M at Cambridgeside Galleria or the couture H&M on Newbury Street. It should not be missed for the stylish hungry who don't have a huge bankroll to spend on clothes.

Bargain basement shopping at its best. What makes the TJ Maxx location in Downtown Crossing particularly special is its stellar selection of home goods and bedding. Great selection of sheets and comforters and they’re definitely the go-to place for college students looking to spruce up their dorm rooms. The clothing selection is hit or miss and it takes tenacity and repeat visits to snag that perfect designer outfit or shirt for cheap.

_

They have some hot shit, I'm not gonna lie, but you have to dig though so many fads-o-the-moment to find it. I mean Slap Bracelets, really? those things weren't even cool when they were cool. It's always fun to stop by at least and check out what they have, and there's often some really cool pieces in the sale racks too if you have a look. The staff being really nice and friendly yet still chilled out is an added bonus.

A pushcart near Macy's.

According to the Boston Business Journal, the legendary mark-down retailer will occupy its original yet renovated three basement floors in Downtown Crossing starting spring 2009, and will rent two stories in the new Filene's building - in addition to the actual basement. They're doing a pretty good job with the demolition right now. I can't wait to see how it turns out!