Little black book of new Tokyo shops

Fashion writer, stylist and CNNGo contributor Misha Janette has put together a little 'black book' of the 55 best new stores in Tokyo. Yes, only 55. Knowing the retail sprawl of Tokyo, she had to do some serious editing to get that number so low.

The bilingual guide goes neighborhood by neighborhood and provides brief parenthetical notes on each store. Although the guide mostly covers high-fashion and international designer brands, casual favorites like the earthy Journal Standard and NYC's Opening Ceremony also make the list.

Our favorite new shopping complex in Janette's black book may be Marunouchi Brick Square (Marunouchi 2-6-1, Chiyoda-ku), which brings together Ylang Ylang, Land of Tomorrow and the Brooks Brothers flagship with the early modernist brick design of the Marunouchi area. The complex may also have one of the best terraces in the city.

Although there are a few guidebooks to Tokyo shopping in print (such as "Tokyo Style File"), the speed of changes in the retail arena means online resources like Frivolite may be your best bet for keeping up with the city's fashion. Check online before heading out or you may find a giant Uniqlo where your cutting-edge destination was supposed to be.