Billy Drummond
Short but not scary, his flattering haircuts make you feel like Winona Ryder or Isabella Rossellini (depending on your age and role model). Billy excels at developing long-term growth strategies for hair that looks like an outtake from the disaster movie of your life. He's also the manager of this youthful-but-not-too-trendy salon, set in a Commonwealth Avenue townhouse. John Dellaria Salon, 623 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Steven Doherty
The man is the patron saint of peroxide. He brings his artistic vision (he's also a creator of eccentric decorative "wigs" made from leaves, twigs, and pine cones) to every mousy brunette yearning to be bombshell-blond. His chunky foils are cutting edge and to die for. Whether you want highlights or a complete hydraulic overhaul, Steven Doherty will give you the look that nature should have intended. Ecocentrix, 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Cal Dellaria
When she's not working on photo shoots, Cal gives the model treatment to those mere mortals in need of a helping hand. She has mastered the art of the updo, gives great glamour locks to even the straightest hair, and can make you up to look like you just stepped out of a fashion spread. She's available Tuesday and Saturday, and by appointment. Daryl Christopher, 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Addo Novo
Photo by Jesse Burke It's easy to get swept up in interior trends, but when you're looking for edge (that won't later cut you), Addo Novo offers the midcentury's greatest hits, along with contemporary interpretations. What's so brilliant about the Barcelona couch or the George Nelson Bubble Lamp, you ask? These thoughtfully designed pieces are perfectly scaled for Boston's smaller, European-style living spaces. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA addonovo.com.
Emily Muller
Photograph by Bob O'Connor Architect-in-training Emily Muller traded buildings for buttons after she made her sister's wedding dress—and she hasn't looked back since. The chic and adventurous South End designer's flowy, parachute-inspired silk dresses and leather-strap jump suits were among the boldest visions on last year's Boston Fashion Week run-way, and we can't wait to see her newest collection at the Tent next month. MA emilymuller.com.
Bobby from Boston
Spared the ever-shifting trends that rule women's fashion, men have the luxury of building their accessories wardrobe from time-honored staples. From leather belts to sunglasses to silk ties, the best last a lifetime—and can usually be found at Bobby from Boston, where shelves are stocked with premium vintage merch that looks as snappy today as it did decades ago. It's like raiding the closet of the debonair great-uncle you never had. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Vizio Optic
This petite Brookline Village shop is a four-time Best of Boston winner, and for good reason: Vizio Optic's top-notch service starts with the on-site optometrist and ends with the 360-degree photo booth, which allows buyers to see how those glasses look from the side, too. More than 1,000 frame choices include high-fashion, time-honored favorites from Chanel, Alain Mikli, and Robert Marc, as well as funky, lesser-known lines like Kata and Lafont. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
Benny Ho
This tailor honed his craft at Louis Boston, and it shows, especially when it comes to pants. Benny Ho is the master of finding that extra inch, making sure the break falls in the right place, and giving a suit an almost made-to-measure look. And for that jacket that's a little tight across the chest, Ho can open up some breathing room. 1405 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA .
Yale Electric
Fire it up: Looking for that dream of a six-burner, 7,500-BTU stove with a matching grill and professional hood? Find it at Yale's, a family-run Dorchester business that carries all of the top appliance names (Sub Zero, Viking, Thermador, Dynasty, Gaggenau, Wolf, and Bosch). In addition to the fancy models with all the bells and whistles, Yale offers more standard equipment at reasonable prices. 296 Freeport Street, Dorchester, MA yaleappliance.com.
Emporio Armani
Emporio Armani, the "bridge" line for Giorgio Armani, brings you the Oscar Night look for a fraction of the price. For less than $400, which in party dress terms is considered reasonable, you can get slinky black gowns that cover and accentuate in all the right places, beaded pieces at accessible prices and still have change left over to indulge in matching shoes and a handbag. 210 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Akris
Looking for an uncontrived and versatile suit that works equally well at the office and after hours? The Swiss-based house of Akris, which recently opened, stocks some of the smartest two-piece suits in town. Designer Albert Kriemler's obsession with form, fit, and fabric is evident in the attention to detail and tailoring in his traditional pant-jacket-and-skirt suits. The store also carries the lower-priced Punto collection, perfect for women who are searching for classic suiting with a bit of an edge. 16 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
E.P. Levine
A no-frills used-camera store on the fringes of Boston's photo district, Levine's is a collector's Toyland. Wend your way through the mounds of merchandise scattered on the floor, or climb the 15-foot shelves randomly piled with used goodies. Amidst the chaos you're likely to find the best used photo-equipment in Boston. If you're looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to call in advance. Boston Marine Industrial Park, 23 Dry Dock Avenue, South Boston, MA .
Robert Aron, Cardealerphobia
Wanna buy a car? Whether you are looking for something new or used, to lease or purchase, Robert Aron will guide you through the car-buying maze. Aron's three-part service will help you decide what you really want, allow you to test drive your choices without having to endure the hard-sell of fast-talking car dealers, and then help you buy at a cost close to dealer's invoice.
Geoffrey Harvey
Harvey is the head teaching professional at one of the city's most exclusive clubs, the Badminton and Tennis Club, in the Fenway. A native Aussie, he's the man racquet aficionados like the Globe's Bud Collins and PBS's Kim Prince turn to for friendly advice when their backhands get rusty. "Tennis is a good form of stress management," offers Harvey. "I look at the individual and bring him into the learning problem. It involves his whole being. The actual physical movements are the simplest part." Boston, MA
Maxwell & Co.
Surprise—not everyone on Cape Cod covets pressed khakis and leather loafers. Step out of conservative Falmouth and into Maxwell & Co. to find cutting-edge American and European looks by Strenesse, Etro, and Twilltwentytwo. Teens and grandmothers alike are sure to find something appropriate in this large space, which also carries clothes by Lacoste, Ted Baker, and Robert Graham. 200 Main St., Falmouth, MA shop.maxwellandco.com.