Leather goods are a nice fit for Lambs Ear

Leather accessories from Ellen Verbeek are hard to come by even in New York, but the tiny Fremont shop Lambs Ear boasts a selection of shoes and bags from the Belgian designer -- a favorite of Parisian boutiques.

Verbeek studied leather in design school and apprenticed with an Italian shoemaker. Her footwear, handbags and other leather accessories combine sturdy materials with feminine details, like a pair of chocolate leather ankle boots with slick patent-leather trim. Highlights of Lambs Ear's collection include a nubby dove-gray leather bag and rich brown leather ankle boots with a satin ribbon tie.

Distinctive styling from obscure European designers does not come cheap: Shoes range from $400 to $500, boots are $500 to $700 and handbags are $500 to $600. If you're looking for a treat that's funkier -- and kinder to your budget -- check out Lambs Ear's sweet selection of whimsical knee-highs from Hansel from Basel ($24), also found locally only at the Fremont boutique.