A visit to Rabbitt in Paradise feels a little like tumbling through the looking glass, Alice in Wonderland style. It is an unexpected, intimate shopping experience. This unusual retail showroom is a tiny jewel box of a space that's part boudoir and part stage set. There are whimsical, imaginative visual elements everywhere. It's not surprising, then, that the boutique is owned by C.J. Rabbitt, whose background is in ballet in the days of Balanchine at Lincoln Center.

Rabbitt and his partner, Jack Kravitz, both design and make jewelry, including custom pieces. The styles are widely varied, from funky papier mache and rhinestone earrings inspired by Claude Montana to simple, elegant spool knit necklaces with semi-precious gem stones. Each piece is one of a kind.

Some lines are interactive, allowing the wearer to shape and wrap the piece to suit a particular look.

The company's name is derived, of course, from C.J.'s last name. Both partners share a passion for rabbits; nearly every item in stock has a little rabbit hidden somewhere.

Whenever the partners travel, they are on the lookout for things that sport rabbits, whether subtle or obvious. They can cite the characteristics of the rabbit in the lexicon of Chinese astrology — which include good taste, according to many guides.

Rabbitt has even created a calendar and collection of greeting cards featuring his artwork of abstract rabbits.

While it gets first billing as a jewelry boutique, Rabbitt in Paradise is also a treasure trove of unusual teacups, champagne glasses, greeting cards, holiday platters, handmade soaps and rabbit-related paintings in acrylic and watercolor.