Shag
When it comes to haircuts, men tend to be creatures of routine. Nobody knows this better than Shag’s stylists. As such, they’ve mastered the art of negotiation and will subtly downplay the standard “#3 on the sides, fade in the back” in favor of a contemporary style that looks sharp and is easy to manage. Just remember: This isn’t the corner barbershop—call ahead for an appointment. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA 02127, shagboston.com.
Punjabi Dhaba
On our first visit, a pair of regulars told us, completely unprompted, that we’d love this place. Why? Is it Mohan Singh’s meltingly tender, bone-in goat masala, accompanied by hubcap-size naan? The sitar-heavy soundtrack? Or the adrenaline-fueled open kitchen, where a cluster of cooks pile steaming vindaloos and curries onto metal trays? By the end of our meal, we’d answered that question: all of the above. 225 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, punjabidhaba.co.
Albert’s
Looking for one-off interlopers from Prairie Artisan Ales or Transmitter Brewing? This East Cambridge shop has it all—with none of the annoying beer-geek brouhaha that saddles the most-tweeted releases. Over the past three years, Fabian Vasquez has transformed his family’s unassuming convenience store into the insider honey hole. 638 Cambridge St., East Cambridge, MA 02141, .
Noel McKinnon, Makeup 2 Die 4
Brides call Noel McKinnon the "wedding whisperer," a nod to her cucumber-cool poise. Armed with a silky southern accent, individual lashes, and airbrush foundation, she creates flawless looks in a soothing atmosphere—which makes sense considering she's worked with everyone from Miss Universe Olivia Culpo to comedian Amy Poehler. makeup2die4.com.
L'élite Bridal & Bridesmaids
This petite third-floor boutique offers a who's who of designers (Amsale, Watters, and Monique Lhuillier) that are sure to please your discerning ladies. Some lines even allow for mix-and-match necklines, styles, and fabrics to ensure pretty little ’maids, all in a row. An added perk: refreshing honesty. If a look doesn't fit, the staff won't force it. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelite.com.
Laurie Slosberg
Big, bold, flirty eyelashes are always in vogue, but those not blessed with the movie-star glamour gene end up cursing the mirror as we juggle glue and falsies for hours. That’s where beauty genius Laurie Slosberg comes in. The certified aesthetician has been performing enhancement procedures for 20 years, and can give you soft, natural-looking lashes that will free you of eyelash curlers and gooey mascara. 29 Crafts St., Newton, MA 2458, cosmeticsurgeryexperts.com.
Warby Parker
Styled to look like a library, this eyewear company’s bustling Newbury Street store carries flattering, affordable shades for men and women (all available with prescription lenses). And while Warby Parker is based in New York, the buzzy brand has New England ties: It’s named for Warby Pepper and Zagg Parker, characters created by Lowell’s very own Jack Kerouac. 83 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, warbyparker.com.
Chatham Bars Inn
Like the grandest of dames, the Chatham Bars Inn only gets more refined and elegant with age. This year marks the hotel’s centennial, and while the spirit of the seaside resort harkens back to the Gatsby era, the $100 million in recent renovations and updates have added ample modern touches (spa suites, private cabanas overlooking the ocean). We can only hope to look so good when we hit the century mark. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 2633, chathambarsinn.com.
The Eagle
Were it possible to manufacture the ideal dive bar, you'd first need to reverse-engineer a comfy, lived-in space complete with quirkly local characters, no-nonsense bartenders, a pool table, and cheap, stiff drinks. The result would end up looking a lot like The Eagle, the long-standing South End gay bar that, sadly, is one of the few remaining dives in the area. 520 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Russo's
Every summer, Russo’s front yard looks like a veritable grotto—lined with row after row of blooming petunias, peonies, and poms. The colorful freshness continues inside, where rustic wooden bins overflow with edible plants of every sort: multiple types of chard, kale, cabbage, and herbs, not to mention fruits both common (juicy peaches and plums) and less so (dragonfruit, anyone?). 560 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 2472, russos.com.
Crane & Co.
In addition to products from Kate Spade and Vera Bradley, Crane & Co. carries an in-house line (we love the hand-engraved Queen Bee notes for thank-yous). Whether you're looking for invitations or your first set of monogrammed stationery as husband and wife, staffers will fall all over themselves to make sure you're pleased. 156 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, crane.com.
Vows
We can't think of a bigger nightmare than lining up with thousands of grabby, frantic bargain dress hunters à la Filene's Running of the Brides. Fortunately, Vows is packed with designer gowns from the likes of Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, and Pronovias at steep discounts. And with a recently added accessories selection that includes bags, jewelry, and shoes, getting the head-to-toe look for less is a thoroughly civilized endeavor. 130 Galen St., Watertown, MA 2472, bridepower.com.
Long's Jewelers
When it comes time to pop the question, the right ring can do a lot of the talking for you. The cases at Long's house some of the very best sparklers from designers like Ritani, Furrer-Jacot, Memoire, and Michael M at a variety of price points. Still can't find what you're looking for? Check out the store's one-of-a-kind estate finds, or sit down with an in-house designer for a custom piece as unique as your sweetheart. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA .
The Altered Bride
Looking for iridescent ivory gloves? They're here. Need a pearl-encrusted purse to match? Bingo. Women of all ages and income brackets find themselves completely taken with the personal, knowledgeable service of this elegant Back Bay bridal boutique and ecstatic over the trimmings for sale—custom-made veils and tasteful tiaras, delicate satin shoes, and lace and mink garters. 376 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Gretta Luxe
Experienced "It bag" hunters know better than to play retail roulette, sifting through shelves upon shelves of mediocrity at department stores (or through pages upon pages of it online) in hopes of coming up a winner. Instead, they make tracks for Gretta-Luxe, where megafashionista Gretchen Monahan and company weed out all iffy looks in favor of on-the-pulse (and largely exclusive) designs by Chloé, Zac Posen, and similarly heady names. 94 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, grettaluxe.com.