Louis Boston
Hey, you—in the cargo pants and Chucks. Casualwear is fine for casual moments, but your big client meeting, your anniversary dinner, and for-the-love-of-Christ your best friend's wedding call for something far spiffier. At Louis Boston (go on, it's not as scary as it looks), made-to-measure and ready-to-wear suits from Brioni, Kiton, and Dries Van Noten make dressing up a cinch. Even easier-going ensembles by such names as Neil Barrett and Annapuna put postcollege khakis to shame. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Hilton's Tent City
From outdoor survivalists to weekend warriors (to those of us whose idea of camping is roasting s'mores over a portable stove), this North End hideaway has everything a walk in the woods might require. Packs, bags, boots, cookware—they're all here, and at appealing prices. First-time shoppers might need a map and compass to find their way around the overstuffed warehouse; luckily, Hilton's has those, too. 272 Friend St., Boston, MA 2114, .
Pure
Suiting up kids in eco-friendly, smart-looking fashions is a cinch at Pure. Nearly all its clothes—Claesen's onesies, Zutano tops and pants, Katybird dresses—are made from organic cotton and other natural fibers. Both playtime and dress-up options are well represented here, alongside shoes and gifts for wee ones up to age 4 and maternity clothes and yoga wear for Mom. The Tannery, 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
Vizio Optic
Hey, four eyes: Glasses don't have to be unsightly. Vizio Optic optometrist and co-owner Dr. Galina Rabkin carries more than 1,000 pairs of rimless lenses, titanium frames, and bejeweled plastic specs from hundreds of brands like Bulgari, Prada, and Porsche. Chic prescription shades come from such giants as Mosley Tribes, Beausoleil, and Face Face. See for yourself: You'll look fantastic. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
The Red Wagon
A favorite with Beacon Hill pram-pushers, the Red Wagon is where moms in the know pad their kids' closets with such finery as Lilly Pulitzer polo shirts, miniature grosgrain-ribbon belts, and lobster-motif sweaters that bear the store's own label. And just past the ladybug rain boots and wide selection of French-label shoes, you'll find a selection of embroidered onesies, booties, and blankets. 69 Charles St., Boston, MA theredwagon.com.
Serenella
Whether the occasion is a charity ball, garden party, or black-tie wedding, you'll always find the right frock here. Fashions from all the "it" designers are represented, including Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli, Pucci, Anna Molinari, and a few others right on the cutting edge. Owner Ines Capelli knows just which ensemble will work, and makes sure everyone leaves feeling—and looking—like a million bucks. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA serenella-boston.com.
Koo de Kir
This gem of a store's Charles Street window is always so artfully filled with brightly colored home furnishings and accessories that passing by without stopping in is nearly impossible. If you're looking for the perfect lamp, chair, or vase, you'll find it here, along with accouterments you may not have considered—beautifully molded candles and gorgeous pillows, for example. With brands including Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti and Reidel, the home selection here is as cutting edge as it gets this side of Paris. 34 Charles St., Boston, MA koodekir.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.
Alma Nove
It took a bit longer for chef Paul Wahlberg to open Alma Nove than expected. But when it finally debuted last summer, the Mediterranean restaurant proved it was worth the wait. It's just what the area needed—a waterfront eatery where locals can share antipasti and sip Negronis, or settle in for a dinner of seared duck breast with Gorgonzola risotto. 22 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA 2043, almanovehingham.com.
Twig
Some florists scare you off with raggedly stocked refrigerator cases and their fondness for baby's breath and similarly out-of-date fillers. Others make you nervous with their don't-touch austerity (hey, where are all the flowers?). Twig, though, gets it just right: Bursting with gorgeous blooms, this tiny urban oasis has floral experts practiced in arrangements that are sophisticated yet warm and real—and the Commonwealth Avenue location sells soaps, candles, and luxury chocolates to boot. 558 Tremont St., Boston, MA twigboston.com.
Bukowski Tavern
A great pub is measured not only by its pints, but also by the quality of the food it offers to absorb all that booze. Bukowksi's, for its part, offers plenty of delicious ways to fortify yourself for the myriad varieties of stellar frosty brews it pours. The burgers are large and messy, just as they should be. And the array of "barfly food"—the White-Trash Cheese Dip, a rib-sticking plate of barbecued chicken tenders—is sure to sate late-night appetites. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Artifaktori
Not everyone who shops at vintage spots wants to resemble a '50s pinup gal—including us. We'd rather comb through the brilliantly stocked, sensibly priced racks at Artifaktori for cozy fisherman's sweaters, gently worn floral Dr. Martens, and beaded detachable collars. Yes, there are several ladylike frocks of yore to please those seeking retro looks, but they all say "fashion" rather than "costume." 22a College Ave., Somerville, MA 2144, artifaktori.com.
Serenella
Thirty years in, Serenella has blossomed under current owner Leslee Shupe, who works hard to keep her clients well appointed. Covetable pieces by Giambattista Valli, Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon, and J. Mendel make one-up dressing a breeze, while labels like Genetic Denim, Kaufman Franco, and Boy by Band of Outsiders ensure civilized women will never look sloppy. 134 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, serenella.com.
Faire la Fete at M. Flynn Accessories
When you need something pretty, there's no better stop than this new "special occasion" offshoot of M. Flynn Accessories. Owners (and sisters) Megan and Moria Flynn start with their own line of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made of semiprecious and precious stones set into 14-karat gold and silver. They complete the frilly Faire la Fete look with barrettes, headbands, scarves, and clutches from Alexis Bittar, Ban.do, and Inge Christopher. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA 2118, mflynnjewelry.com.
Rugg Road Paper Company
This little Charles Street stationer is a dream for do-it-yourselfers, packed as it is with almost 300 kinds of handmade papers (and a wall of grosgrain ribbon wheels for good measure). Forget-the-hassle types, on the other hand, can peruse the more than 30 card lines, from the august Crane's to quirky newcomer Blonde. For business cards or note cards, Bob Slate's would get the nod, but Rugg Road's intimate, cheerful vibe makes it our hands-down pick for anyone looking to celebrate life's announcement-worthy occasions. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, ruggroadpaper.com.