Konditor Meister
Beauty should be more than icing-deep, and truly great cakes should be as delicious as they look. Konditor Meister's creations pass both these tests. Guests rave about the exquisite designs—from simple and stylish to elegantly dazzling, customized for any theme—and the rich, mouth-watering flavors. 32 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA konditormeister.com.
Injeanius
There's the selection: 70-plus styles from labels both trusted (Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity) and up-and-coming (Goldsign, Fidelity). But it's owner Alison Barnard's uncanny gift for knowing precisely which one will give us longer-looking legs and a perkier behind that lures us back time and again. 441 Hanover St., Boston, MA injeanius.com.
SalonCapri
This white, bright Newton Highlands spot combines the look and feel of a sophisticated city salon with the soul of a warm, family-owned business. Owner and lead stylist Nicholas Penna Jr. will work quickly and methodically to create a hairstyle that frames your face in all the right places. 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 2461, saloncapri.com.
Tosca
Chef Kevin Long's body of work spans Hingham, Boston, and Foxwoods. But it's at Tosca, where he started in 1995 and met longtime collaborator Brian Hennebury, that his cooking really shines. Hand-rolled pastas team up with superfresh seafood and hearty cuts of meats, making for spectacularly indulgent dining. 14 North St., Hingham, MA 2043, toscahingham.com.
75 Chestnut
Through every season, weekends as much as weeknights, this gathering spot/watering hole fills up with Beacon Hillbillies, well-heeled families, and politicos alike seeking solid fish and chips (and usually multiple cocktails). Sunday brunch gets so busy, it looks like a preppy convention just rolled into town. 75 Chestnut St., Boston, MA 2108, 75chestnut.com.
Jeanne Salon
We brought our feet to Jeanne Lee's no-frills salon after a long winter of neglect. Without a drop of judgment, Lee whipped our rough nails into sandal shape and smoothed our calloused heels, leaving us with soft, polished tootsies too pretty to confine to boots. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, jeannesalon.com.
Dolittle's Pet Grooming
Oftentimes, active dogs (and lazy cats) need a little help in the hygiene department. The animal-loving folks at Dolittle's are trained in the ways of the bath and the blow dry, and manage to lather-rinse-repeat even the most petulant pet. Your furballs might not appreciate it, but they'll come back to you looking good and smelling sweet. 7 Green St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
Cal Dellaria
Why not get the same treatment as the models she styles for photo shoots? Cal can transform you for the big event, whether it's a graceful style for flowing hair or an elegant short cut. She can make thin hair look voluminous, tame thick tresses, and do your up-do with artistic flair.
City Salon
What good is having a face that holds up against time and gravity if you neglect your hands? They're the surest sign of a person's true age. A manicure by Victoria will help console even the most abused paws. And they'll look so good, you'll never ignore them again. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Tile Showcase
Planning a back splash in your kitchen? A mosaic in your bathroom? Tiling your entryway or looking for flagstones for your patio? The selection might be overwhelming, but the consultants are adept at navigating you through the many lines such as Country Floors, Grazia, Emil Ceramica, and Tagina. They'll also help answer any design questions. 1 Design Center Place, Boston, MA .
The Garment District
You can find any item of clothing—cheap!—in this warehouse filled with has-been fashions and disquieting decor. Visit the Dollar-A-Pound level on weekends (where the floorboards are literally strewed with clothes) to remind yourself what your room looked like in your teens. Kids' clothes and costumes galore, as well. 200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA .
Petit Patapon
Petit Patapon clothes look great, feel even better, and are built to last. From summery batik sundresses for toddlers to cool, sporty beachwear for five-year-olds, Petit Patapon's collections are just the kind of fripperies a kid needs: playful, but not pretentious. 25 Central St., Wellesley, MA .
Kareem's
Chef/owner Ahmad Yasim cooks the food of his native Syria. We love the lemony split-pea soup, hummus, baba ghannouj, baked kibbeh, stuffed squash, and especially the fattoush salad, bespeckled with Syrian red pepper. Save room for rice pudding. 600 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA .
Michelle Kessler
She always looks great, but never "too styled." Wife of Kessler Financial Services' CEO, this Kessler is often seen on charity boards sporting Armani, Prada, Gucci, and Jil Sander. She's self-assured and striking, but dresses with comfort in mind.
Rick Pitino
He has a predilection for classics like Giorgio Armani, and often screams from the sidelines in an exquisitely cut Brioni suit. Pitino prefers to shop at Newbury Street specialty stores and according to sales assistants, women are continually asking them to give their boyfriends and husbands "the Pitino look."