Forty Winks
Photograph by Scott M. Lacey Feeling sexy begins with what’s underneath your clothes. Let this four-year-old Harvard Square outfitter help you build a beautiful foundation with its fine selection of intimates from Elle MacPherson, Chantelle, Claudette, Hanky Panky, and other luxe lines. In addition to underpinnings and unmentionables, Forty Winks has you covered—literally—for all four seasons with sophisticated hosiery, flirty swimwear, and soft cotton pajamas. 56 JFK St., Cambridge, MA 2138, shopfortywinks.com.
The Tam
There are three good reasons for the line at the door: fine food, rockin' music, and a smooth dance floor. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Wellbridge Athletic Club
Brainy Cantabrigians tone their bodies with Wellbridge's two floors of workout gear. 5 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, wellbridgeac.com.
The women's dressing room at Filene's Basement
A long-overdue addition. But it's too small, and the strip shows on the floor still go on. Boston, MA
Mass Hardware
With a parking lot, three floors of stuff, and a staff that knows the name for the thingamajig you need. 170 High St., Waltham, MA .
Copley Place
Don't let the first floor scare you. You can find good buys on the second level.
Dr. Mark Russo
Drawing on acupuncture and other Far Eastern practices, this vet's approach may seem unorthodox. But Kitty no longer pees on our floors—and who can argue with that? Kingston Animal Hospital, 192 Main St., Kingston, MA .
Wilkinson's
Founded in 1842, and the oldest hardware store in the city, Wilkinson's has two floors full of necessary objects, mysterious and mundane. 17 Union St., Boston, MA .
Ralph Memolo, Boston Redevelopment Authority
Same garage, Ralph, same floor. We'll be the one wearing the fake nose.
Trattoria Il Panino
Five floors house an Italian bistro, a formal dining room, a glitzy dance club, and prime people watching. 295 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
Taylor Made
A Motown band with infectious energy. Sizzling R &B brings sweet sweat to the dance floors of Boston.
Neiman-Marcus
Tucked away on the mezzanine, with a terrific view of the first floor and just enough privacy for a tête-à-tête. Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Le Jardin
Les tomates sont aussi jolies que les fleurs, although a dozen may cost you as much as a bunch of American Beauty roses. 248 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
The Roxy
On the huge dance floor of this elegant new club, the fifties (swing) and eighties (top 40) live in musical harmony. And its patronized by the spiffiest crowd in town. 279 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks's recently overhauled first floor made room for an unparalleled lineup of shades, ranging from affordable (Armani, Blinde) to splurge (Chanel, Fendi). 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2118, saksfifthavenue.com.