Montage
This store's 10,500 square feet of floor space on Arlington Street is brimming with a minimalist but immaculate selection of contemporary pieces from designers such as B&B Italia, Cassina (including designs by Philippe Starck), and Antoine Proulx. Clean lines, solid colors, and 18-foot ceilings accentuate the two-level showroom where co-owners Christopher and Liz Bates are on hand most days to consult. Showcased in roomlike groupings, the pieces here combine to create uncluttered living spaces of sleek, simply lined sofas, multilevel coffee tables, and softly spherical lamps echoing 1950s futurama motifs. Definitely on the pricier side (sectionals can run into five figures), Montage's original selections will nonetheless last well into your home's next retro phase. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA montageweb.com.
DogSpa
Dogs and people express their devotion to each other in ways the recipient probably wishes they wouldn't: jumping up and piddling with joy (dogs); making gifts of pup-sized Sox jerseys (people). A trip to the groomer's might fall into that latter category, too—strangers! clippers! yikes!—but not at DogSpa. Rescued from closing in 2006 and thoroughly overhauled by a longtime customer, this previous Best of Boston winner mixes state-of-the-art equipment like an air-purification system and massaging-jet baths with good old TLC. And since there's tons of doggy accessories here, four-legged friends can emerge not only clean and sweet-smelling, but also togged out like Big Papi. 45 Enon St., Beverly, MA 1915, .
Bobby from Boston
Photo by Jesse Burke Anatomy of a Winner: Imagine raiding the closet of a well-dressed uncle, whose discarded college wardrobe has only grown more stylish with age. That, in essence, is what it's like to shop at Bobby from Boston, where owner Bobby Garnett offers an endless collection of smart articles. 1. Garnett bought several of these circa-late-'70s-to-early-'80s bow ties new from a factory. 2. Old briefcases and luggage are sourced from flea markets and antiques shows near and far. Some are for sale, while others are repurposed as display cases. 3. When Garnett moved into his South End space, the floors were painted blue. Sanding and cleaning revealed the beautiful hardwood beneath. 4. Like most of his merchandise, Garnett's shirt selection is a mix of used, vintage acquisitions and "dead stock"—pieces he bought from other stores or factories when they didn't sell. He'll even get the occasional Christmas present, left sitting in its box for years. 5. Display cases around the store house smaller items, like wallets, cigar boxes, handkerchiefs, and tie pins. This case dates to the 1920s. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA .