The infant SouthSide Works, an already-impressive work in progress, is shaping up to be a must-shop destination.

	Matt Freed, Post-Gazette BCBG Max Azria is the latest addition to the growing stand-alone designer storefronts of the SouthSide Works. Click photo for larger image. More information For more information on these and other shops, such as the Berry Patch Country Gift Shoppe and Rynn's Luggage, visit www.southsideworks.com/shop.htm.

BCBG Max Azria is the fashion crown jewel, occupying a conspicuous corner on East 27th Street across from the square and fountain. The store's curved facade is contemporary and inviting, while inside a large and lovely mix of women's apparel and accessories could keep a shopper occupied for hours.

The ambience is very New York, a slice of the Big Apple on the banks of the Monongahela. The merchandise is uptown chic meets downtown sass, young and sexy but not juvenile or gaudy. Smart floor design and display make systematic browsing of the dresses, sportswear, bags and belts a breeze.

There's only one thing missing: Owners may regret not installing drool shields over the windows, shelves and racks.

Here's a look at other fashion spots now open in the East Carson/27th Street corridor:

American Eagle Outfitters. 2655 E. Carson St. The chain store has reasonably priced collegiate styles that include plenty of cool finds for both sexes, from casual camis and colorful boxer shorts to cowry-shell necklaces and graphic flip-flops for under $5.

Cole Haan. 544 S. 27th St. Strong vertical design and the feel of three distinct sections give the store a serious but welcoming mood. The atmosphere is perfect for the merchandise, which consists of handsome jackets, sandals, satchels and other men's accessories as well as gorgeous women's coats and handbags that might provoke more than a few frantic struggles among customers.

Kenneth Cole New York. 540 S. 27th St. Another coup for Pittsburgh, this store carries a modest selection of the New York designer's hip and urbane apparel, footwear, jewelry, handbags and sunglasses. The store also carries his line of fragrances.

	Matt Freed, Post-Gazette L.S. Altman, now with casual styles just right for beach-combing vacationers, has opened its third local store as part of the SouthSide Works. Click photo for larger image.

L.S. Altman. 2720 Sidney St. The third location of this local haberdashery is a great pre-vacation stop for men. Lots of colorful print and solid shirts and trousers by Island Soft, Indigo Palms and Tommy Bahama. Stores by men and for men are increasingly rare, so this one is a welcome addition to the mix.

Roberta Weissburg Leathers. Now on East Carson; eventual home is 527 S. 27th St. The owner brings her eclectic blend of custom-designed and top-brand leatherwear to a larger space. (The Shadyside boutique will remain open.) The new shop has plays up the country-Western fashion trend. In coming weeks, Weissburg will pack up the leather and suede apparel, cowboy boots and Brighton accessories in her East Carson space and move them around the corner to a more in-the-mix space on East 27th.

Steve Madden. 441 Cinema Drive. Lots of fun and funky footwear for women, including trendy wedges, mules, strappy sandals with stacked heels and cowgirl boots in an acid green and other interesting colors. A small men's section features mostly sandals and athletic-inspired shoes.

Urban Outfitters. 435 Cinema Drive. A fun, energetic place with plenty of bohemian chic for her and vintage prep for him. Guys can find Ben Sherman shirts and Dean, Mavi and Levi jeans while women's offerings are more extensive. There also are beauty products by cult faves Miso Pretty, Dirty Girl and Lip Venom, plus great trendy costume jewelry pieces, novelty gifts and plenty of colorful home furnishings and accents hat would appeal to prep school and college students.

Coming later this year: Sisley, Benetton and Torque Denim.