Flock
Breezy and bohemian, this South End boutique stocks a creative collection of hairpieces and fringed cross-body bags. Look for jewelry set to star in the latest layering trends and sought-after Turkish kilim flats and bags by Boston's Artemis Design Co. Really, all that's missing is your Coachella ticket. 274 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, flockboston.com.
Vizio Optic
Regardless of your spectacle tendencies—quirky or clean—Brookline's Vizio Optic will identify the most flattering frames for your face, then present you with options: Chanel, Beausoleil, and Ray-Ban are just a few of the brands carried. An optician on site guarantees that you'll soon be seeing—and looking—much better. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA viziooptic.com.
Bobbles & Lace
Just looking at the price tags will bring on a festive mood at this so-girly boutique, where silk and tulle confections by Esley, Aryn K., and Piko 1988 are grouped by color, and cost under $100. The picks are true to current trends (supershort, ultralong), and stitched tight enough to last several seasons. 26 Prince St., Boston, MA 2113, .
Figs
The heart foundation might not exactly endorse the Macaroni Simoni (the ultimate rich and creamy macaroni and cheese), but who cares? Celebrity chef Todd English conceived of the idea while looking for a good restaurant to eat at with his kids—one without the kitsch and the deep-fried dishes, hamburgers, and hot dogs on a typical children's menu. 42 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue
Leave it to Chanel: The company renowned for staying ahead of the fashion pack is once again leading the way with its makeup products and skin-care lines. See for yourself: Schedule a makeover with Rita Sorrentino, Chanel's traveling makeup artist, who is excellent at translating runway looks into reality. In-store minifacials are available by appointment. Saks Fifth Avenue, Prudential Center, Boston, MA saksfifthavenue.com.
Pamela Santorelli
A store with avant-garde clothing needs a sales assistant who can steer a client through it. Pamela Santorelli of Louis Boston does just that. She's relaxed and refreshing, patient and pressure-free. And she tells us when something looks terrible without hurting our feelings. Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
The Designers
The old suede jacket was looking a little shabby, having survived the winter of '95-'96, but Designers said not to worry: They'd hand—clean and buff it back into shape. And they did. A great place for cool new leather clothes—many in delicious colors—too. 106 Charles Street, Boston, MA .
Barneys New York
It's said that what separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize. If you're looking for pashminas, the flash of a Fendi croissant bag, beaded scarves, shoes, or jewelry, Barneys has it. And it can make or break even the most stylish fashionista's outfit. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
Tower Records
No babel in this Tower, but a vertical, sensible, well-delineated selection of everything you're looking for, whether in the roomful of world music or on that rack of local bands. Can't decide? Ample sampler booths stand at the ready, a necessary pleasure when the staff knows less than it should. 360 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Kitchen Arts
This family-owned store gets our raves for the chef (or wannabe) looking for the best items to outfit the serious kitchen. Competitive prices on brands such as Calphalon and All-Clad, but beats everyone on price for top-of-the-line cutlery. Nice selection of hard-to-find gadgets as well. 161 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Dewberry Dogs & Cats Too
Pets can get dirty in a matter of seconds. So why does it often take months to schedule a groomer appointment? This cozy spot offers greyhound-fast service (often in the same week you called) and an assertive yet warm touch that will help bring out your buddy's best look. 357 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 1217, dewberrydogs.org.
Shag
After a quick tête-à-tête, Brianna Coons shaped our unruly hair into something slick, taking into account our capacity for at-home styling (none). The best part? The chop grew out so evenly, it still looked fresh months later. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, shagboston.com.
Eyestarr
The only downside to fake lashes is that they often look, well, fake. But when Andrea Starr is the one painstakingly applying length to our lids, we believe. After an appointment with the former LuxLash manager, you'll enjoy your new fringe for four to six weeks with minimal maintenance and nary a mascara tube in sight. 170 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2116, eyestarr.com.
Luxlash
This tiny beauty oasis focuses solely on the eyes—reassuring when it comes to the fastidious work of lash extensions. Combining patience and precision, the LuxLash pros will fill out your fringe with semipermanent synthetic lashes or your choice of colored and exotic styles. The result? A come-hither look that'll have everyone aflutter. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, luxlash.com.
Lebow Clothing for Men and Boys
When the occasion calls for more than a heavy-metal T-shirt and a pair of jeans, this is the place to go. Special-order fabrics and colors are available for the young dude who prefers a look that's more Details than Wellesley Country Club. 178 Linden St., Wellesley, MA .