Oscar Wilde told us that a cynic is a person who "knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." So it is with trepidation that we list the top "clothing and accessory stores" on Hilton Head Island, according to D&B's AllBusness.com site, which keeps track of such details.

Of course, deciding what is fashionable and what isn't is not for us to say. However, if revenue volume is any measure of success, and thus fashion, the list below may be of some help.
The AllBusiness site lists 16 "top companies by sales," of which seven are manufacturers or wholesalers. That leaves us with the nine companies listed below. The number that precedes each listing below is that company's rank among the top 16.

The gross revenue spread for those listed here is from a bit over $4 million, for #2, to a tad under $700,000, for #13, according to the most recent statistics available to D&B's AllBusiness.

When a store Web site could be found, that company's name is a link to the site.

(All phone numbers are Area Code 843.)

2. The Porcupine Ltd., retail women's clothing, shoes, accessories and specialties
Slogan: "A Passion for Fashion"
Village at Wexford E4 E
785-2779

3. Forsythe Jewelers Inc., jewelry and accessories
Claim: "Here you'll find an understanding of the symbolic power of jewelry," since 1927
71 Lighthouse Rd. Unit 311
671-7070

5. Windsurfing Hilton Head Inc., retail sporting goods and in-line skating, windsurfing and kayaking gear
The Plaza at Shelter Cove
671-2643

7. Faces Boutique, Ltd., day spa, cosmetics and beauty supplies, hair styling, women's clothing
Claim: "Hilton Head Island's award-winning day spa."
Village at Wexford Bldg. D
443-2237

8. Palmettos, Inc., retail family clothing
71 Lighthouse Rd. Unit 414

9. Island Child Inc., retail infants and children's wear
1000 William Hilton Pkwy. G4
686-5437

11. Electric Beach Boutique, Inc., retail swimware and beach apparel and accessories
North Forest Beach Dr. # 114
686-2648

12. Tradewinds International Inc., retail unisex clothing, custom t-shirt printing
10 Compass Pt.
842-9590

13. The Goldsmith Shop Inc., retail jewelry, precious metal jewelry
Claim: "Hilton Head Island's premier fine jeweler"
3 Lagoon Rd.
785-2538