Tucked away on a quiet block just south of Canal Street, this sophisticated boutique's modus operandi is celebrating the side project, in all its oft-concealed glory. Here, digressions and tangents are always at the forefront of the store owners' interests—a painter is one of the shop's most successful and long-running jewelry makers; an illustrator who makes gorgeous bags just for personal use is in talks to make them available to the small public who passes through Project No. 8—and are showcased alongside more obscure pieces from indie darlings like Tsurukichi, Hope, and Kostas Murkudis.

Asserting that such departures are "either less self-conscious and belabored than a primary pursuit, or, alternatively, labor-intensive without the distraction of public scrutiny," partners Brian Janusiak and Elizabeth Beer have stocked their retail space with uncommonly beautiful, small-batch merch, virtually guaranteeing shoppers a selection of eclectic and edgy wares not available anyplace else.