Kkira
Courtesy Designed in Cambridge and handcrafted in Italy, Mauryn Kkira's eponymous footwear line lies at the intersection of high fashion and fearless self-expression. The women's collection includes glittering pink-and-gold Mary Janes, rainbow-hued lace-up heels, and sculptural platforms, while gents can spice up their look with multicolored snakeskin brogues. In other words, these shoes are made for walking…and making an entrance. 141 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, kkirafeet.com.
Lovestruck Books
Courtesy With shelves full of western romance, witchy romance, contemporary romance, plus regular ol' fiction and book-themed gifts, Lovestruck isn't just a place to shop for amorous tomes, but a gathering space as well: The Harvard Square bookstore hosts all manner of events, from author talks to release parties. But why wait to stop by? When we hosted our own Jane Austen book club with friends this spring, the in-house café and wine bar (not to mention the floral-laden patio) set the perfect vibe. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, lovestruckbooks.com.
Yolanda Cellucci
Photograph by Ken Richardson Long before maximalism was a trend, Yolanda Cellucci defined it. The Waltham native built her legacy on rhinestones, ruffles, and the conviction that getting dressed should be a form of celebration at her now-closed namesake boutique, long a destination for beauty queens, brides, and Boston's boldest. These days, the 90-year-old glamazon (famous for driving a white Excalibur and donning all-white ensembles) still dresses private clients, hosts a cable TV show, and shows no signs of slowing down—including during our recent shopping spree at the Burlington Mall. Continue reading...
Rimowa
Courtesy Mission: Impossible. Ronin. Emily in Paris. Rimowa's collection of cabin, carry-on, and trunk luggage has been a silver- and small-screen favorite for decades. Closer to home, the polished, patient pros at the Newbury Street boutique deliver a first-class ticket to choosing the right bag, elevating even the slouchiest sweatpants-wearing traveler with the brand's range of leather, aluminum, and polycarbonate cases in a rainbow of colors (some with snazzy custom wheels and bag straps). 12 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, rimowa.com.
Lunette Optic
With seven locations across Greater Boston, Lunette makes a strong case for turning your eyewear into your signature accessory. The stores feel more fashion boutique than doctor's office, and the frame selection reads like a who's who of high design—think Jacques Marie Mage, Blake Kuwahara, and Chanel. Add in the impeccably trained opticians and a sleek in-house line handcrafted in Italy and Japan, and suddenly, 20/20 vision looks even sharper. Multiple locations, lunetteoptic.com.
Alan Bilzerian
There's a good reason Aerosmith, Elton John, and Ringo Starr have shopped at Alan Bilzerian: It rocks. And not just because Alan and his wife, Bê, carry Junya Watanabe jeans emblazoned with a Bob Marley image, but because every piece in the boutique defines edgy, modern dressing for a gentleman. A very cool gentleman. Shop Carol Christian Poell's tailored suiting, Undercover's graphic tees, and Elena Dawson's distressed blazers—and don't forget to snag a private-label tuxedo, the kind that would make James Bond drool. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
Crush Boutique
Courtesy For the days when you just want to throw on something and know you look good, there's this boutique, which excels at off-duty, easy-breezy apparel and accessories. Stocking brands such as Rails, Misa, and Frame, the team here can help you find the perfect white tee to pair with impeccably tailored jeans for a grocery run, or a snazzy fit-and-flare dress from the likes of Cara Cara and Hunter Bell for a ladies' lunch. 138 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, shopcrushboutique.com.
Boston Ski + Tennis
Getty Images New to pickleball? Totally obsessed? Somewhere in between? Regardless of if you're stepping onto the court for the first time or upgrading to pro-level precision, the knowledgeable staffers at this racket-sports haven can help you find the right gear for your game. The store is stocked with all the equipment, shoes, and court-ready apparel you need to look sharp and play sharper, no matter what you're serving. Multiple locations, bostonskiandtennis.com.
The Ski Monster
The ambiance here is more après-lounge than fluorescent ski barn, thanks to curated playlists, sleek displays, and buzzy instore events. But don't let the laid-back feel fool you: These folks are dead serious about gear. From high-end skis and bindings to custom boot fits (by appointment only), Ski Monster's crew has the know-how to outfit everyone from green-circle cruisers to backcountry beasts. 60 Canal St., Boston, MA 02114, theskimonster.com.
Urban Cycles
Just across from the Rose Kennedy Greenway, this North End shop keeps Boston's cyclists clipped in and cruising. Staffers know their stuff but won't talk down to you, whether you're kitting out your first commuter bike or dialing in the fit on a carbon dream machine. Quick tune-ups, solid gear, and a refreshingly judgment-free vibe make it the kind of place you'll come back to—ideally on two wheels. 109 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110, urbancycles.com.
Mel the Clothing
Photograph by Steph Larsen. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Cheering for the home team has never looked so chic: With her signature sequined designs, Melissa Stern is redefining what it means to be a sports fan in Boston. From shimmering Celtics-themed jackets to custom team jersey dresses, her fan-favorite pieces are crafted for spectators who want to stand out in the crowd at TD Garden or Gillette. And they've certainly caught the eye of many in the pro-sports world, including the families of Tom Brady and Al Horford. meltheclothing.com.
Uvida
Photograph by Leonard Greco. Styling by Madison Trapkin. Compostable packaging, refill stations, and plastic-free everything—Uvida isn't just talking the talk, it's rewriting the rules of retail. As Boston's first zero-waste store, this North End gem makes sustainable living feel approachable, even aspirational. Whether you're swapping out single-use sponges or discovering shampoo that comes in bar form (yes, really), Uvida is stocked with earth-friendly upgrades that actually work. 189 North St., Boston, MA 02113, uvidashop.com.
Credo Beauty
Credo carries not just skin-care street cred, but also climate credentials. Each product must pass the “Credo Clean Standard": sustainable packaging, clean ingredients, and, of course, no animal testing, to name just a few requirements. And with insanely high-quality brands like Westman-Atelier, Follain, and Tata Harper on shelves, you'll always be putting your best face forward. Multiple locations, credobeauty.com.
We Dream in Colour
Founded by designer Jade Gedeon, We Dream in Colour crafts bold, botanical-inspired jewelry with a light environmental footprint. The pieces, designed in Salem and assembled by an all-woman team, feel like wearable works of art: think verdigris brass leaves, sculptural cuffs, and cascading earrings with a whimsical, almost mythic edge.
Tourneau
For luxury timepieces, it doesn't get more trusted than Tourneau. The expansive Copley Place showroom offers an impressive lineup of top brands—think Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier—alongside exclusive collections and a rigorous Certified Pre-Owned program. Now part of Swiss powerhouse Bucherer, the retailer brings more than a century of expertise to Boston, along with expert repair services to keep your investment working in perfect time. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02116, tourneau.com.
New Balance
Courtesy You skateboard? There's a sneaker for that. Run? Duh. Even wide feet are covered at New Balance, headquartered right here in Boston. The “N" logo (not to be confused with the swish for that other brand) is emblazoned on roughly 500 styles of kicks, in all shapes, sizes, colors, and soles. Head to the new 10,000-square-foot flagship store, where you can peruse the latest designs and look back at some of the kicks that shaped the brand's legacy. Multiple locations, newbalance.com.
Polkadog
Polkadog in the South End is a pup's paradise—and a pet owner's dream. Founded more than two decades ago, this neighborhood mainstay is known for its handcrafted treats made from locally sourced ingredients. But if you don't have time to stop by the store (or one of its eight other locations) for a tasty tidbit, don't fret: Cofounder Deb Suchman has some tips for how you can make your own peanut-butter-oatmeal-crunch dog treats out of common pantry items. Read more here. Multiple locations, polkadog.com.
Emerald City Plant Shop
Photo by Ascendus Part plant boutique, part neighborhood hangout, Emerald City Plant Shop is rooted in more than greenery—it's rooted in community. Founded by Mattapan native Quontay Turner, the cozy, light-filled space is stocked with lush tropicals, easy-care houseplants, and stylish pots and accessories. But it's also a hub for connection, with wellness events, plant-care workshops, and other happenings that bring locals together. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a nervous wannabe green thumb, this welcoming shop will help you grow something beautiful—and feel right at home while doing it. 702 Washington St., Norwood, MA 02062, emeraldcityplantshop.com.
Patch NYC
Courtesy Need a host gift that's a step above the standard bottle of wine? Head to Patch NYC, where every object feels like a work of art. Owners Don Carney and John Ross are designers who count Hermès, Crate & Barrel, and Les Ottomans among their collaborative partnerships. That translates to a funky selection of zebra-print linen tea towels, scented candles, groovy incense, and a ceramic plate painted with a single eye, among other eccentric and spectacular curiosities. We'll raise a (Patch NYC) glass to that. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, patchnyc.com.
Sneaker Junkies
A fixture on Newbury for more than a decade, this Providence-born shop is a longtime fave among Boston's streetwear aficionados, stocking only the coolest apparel. We love the collabs from hometown hero Puma (a recent one with KidSuper Studios featured color-blocked windbreakers) and drops from the likes of Billionaire Boys Club (sci-fi graphic tees) and Godspeed (comfy branded sweat sets). The shop also has sneakers in spades to complete the look, of course. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, sneakerjunkiesusa.com.
Black Owned Bos. Market
This year, our favorite warm-weather market is bigger and better than ever, with a new location at the Rocks at Harbor Way, complete with a kids' play area and monthly market themes like “Rhythm & Bloom" and “Rooted in Wellness"—each promising to bring activities and fun all day long. And, of course, good shopping: Held on the third Sunday of each month from May through October, the event features a rotating list of vendors hawking jewelry, skin care, candles, locally made sweet treats, and more. 623 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, blackownedbos.com.
Melina Cortes-Nmili, Lalla Bee
Lalla Bee's colorful couture evening wear has always been one of our go-tos for big events. But now, with designer Melina Cortes-Nmili's new daily-wear collection, Lalla Bee Everyday (which made its Boston debut this spring at Bogosplit), we can sport her chic designs at the beach, in the office, or on a casual night out with friends. Our recent faves? An orange shirtdress and a flowy blue-and-white jumpsuit, just in time for summer. lallabee.com.
Snowport
Photo by Alex Pickering Hitting the mall at Christmastime is well and good, but when we want to find something truly unique for our loved ones—and feel like we're shopping in a real-life snow globe while we're at it—we head to this seasonal Seaport wonderland. Running from early November through the end of December, the festive market features goods from more than 120 vendors (think ethically made spices, artisanal skin care, winter flannels, glass art, and more). And when you're not buying for others, you can treat yourself at the gourmet food and beverage tent, check out live music and iceless curling lanes, or choose a freshly cut evergreen at the tree market. 100 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, bostonseaport.xyz/snowport.
Boston Xchange
Boston's next wave of stars might just come from Boston XChange. Part of Celtics star Jaylen Brown's mission to create Boston's “Black Wall Street," the nonprofit backs founders of color with funding from venture capital and support from research institutions and community organizations. Last fall, in collaboration with teammate Jrue Holiday's foundation, it selected 10 businesses—representing everything from streetwear to hair care—to each receive up to $100,000 in funding as part of its inaugural incubator class. Talk about game. bxchange.org.
Safo Hair
Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coiled, you can trust this hair-care line, infused with plant-based ingredients like lavender and sunflower oils, to make it shine. Created by Boston-based emergency medicine physician Ellana Stinson, Safo's products—such as the nourishing scalp serum and cult-favorite leave-in conditioner—are designed to hydrate, strengthen, and protect strands without compromising on health or sustainability. Sounds like a winning formula to us. safohair.com.
GemBox
GemBox is where serious collectors and curious connoisseurs alike come for the rare and remarkable. Founder and jewelry veteran Sharon Roop curates a dazzling array of treasures: vivid emeralds, royal-blue sapphires, candy-bright tourmalines, and show-stopping natural pearls. The salon-like setting offers a deeply personal buying experience for the one-of-a-kind estate pieces and bold contemporary designs—often over a glass of champagne. For those who know their gems (or want to), this is Boston's best-kept secret. 38 Newbury St., 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, gemboxboston.com.
Vintage Taste
Admit it—you have a wish list. Maybe it's a gold Chanel “Agneau Metallise" bag, or a classic Balenciaga “Le City" carryall, or a Goyard tote. At Vintage Taste, you can snag all of them for a fraction of the original retail price. Heli and Paul Labadini's jewel box of a Beacon Hill boutique specializes in all kinds of designer goods, but the handbags are a particular standout: excellent condition, even better price. Sold. 100 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, vintagetasteboston.com.
Milk Money
Outfit feeling flat? Milk Money is here to fix that—stat. The locally grown boutique delivers the kinds of punchy accessories that take a look from “fine" to full-blown fashion moment. Chunky cuffs, glam sunglasses, eye-catching earrings—you'll find all the finishing touches you didn't know you needed (but absolutely do). And now that the Wellesley favorite has landed on Newbury Street, leveling up your accessory game has never been more convenient—or more chic. Multiple locations, milkmoney.co.
Elisha Daniels Style Studio & Boutique
Elisha Daniels's chic trove inside the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is less hotel shop, more jet-set fantasy closet. Specializing in niche brands unavailable elsewhere in the city, the fashion maven curates a dazzling rotation of evening wear, resort-ready looks, garden-party frocks, and standout accessories that will make you the center of any event you attend. Daniels, who hosts frequent trunk shows in the Mandarin lobby, is also known for stocking her shop with glittering statement jewelry—our favorites are Alan Anderson's bold, vintage-inspired designs. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, elishadaniels.com.
Giada
The challenge: Dressing for a formal affair. You want sleek. You want cool. You want elegance. The solution: Giada, a Milan-based fashion house with a recent collection that elevates black-tie events to red-carpet spectacles. This season, keep your eye out for a chartreuse-paillette-embellished sheath, a strapless white tuxedo dress, a delicate lace gown, and a diaphanous floral cami-maxi that's sure to turn heads. 308 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, giada.com.
Remy
Courtesy Coco Chanel had her double Cs, Ralph Lauren has his teddy bear, and Boston's own Remy Schaefer Stressenger has her shark. The founder and designer behind Remy, Stressenger launched an icon when she created cashmere sweaters, hoodies, hats, and tees emblazoned with the apex predator—not to mention a limited-edition version to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws. Join the shiver! (That's fish talk for a group of sharks.) Multiple locations, remycreations.com.