Eye and Eye Optics
It’s not easy finding a pair of frames that harmonize with your face just so. But if anyone can do it, it’s father-and-son opticians Bobin and Tariq Nicholson, both of whom studied music in college and now bring their artistic vision to this one-stop shop for glasses, contacts, and eye exams. Whether you prefer your specs colorful and funky or sleek and understated, you’ll find them in the cases here—along with warm, personable service that turns a chore into an outing to look forward to. 2271 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124, eyeandeyeoptics.com.
December Thieves
Time and again, this Beacon Hill concept shop delivers on its reputation for stocking the city’s most exciting selection of high-end shoes thanks to founder Lana Barakat, who scours the globe for handmade, unique footwear from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a gravity-defying platform bootie, the perfect metallic fringe sneaker, or an ultra-mod leather sandal, one thing’s for sure: These kicks are designed for some seriously fancy footwork. 51 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, decemberthieves.com.
All Too Human
Maybe you’re searching for a piece you spotted on the runway. Maybe you’re just in need of a fabulous wardrobe refresh. Either way, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Jessica Knez’s sleek boutique, where such hard-to-find labels as Maison Kitsuné and Y/Project are displayed next to fan favorites like Chloé and Marni. After two years in the Back Bay, All Too Human is at the forefront of our city’s fashion renaissance. 236 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 02116, alltoohumanboston.com.
Jimmy’s Shoe Repair
Unlike the stereotypical cranky cobbler who tsks-tsks your shoe care, the guys here don’t judge. They’ll happily fix even the most whittled-down high-heel stub or scuffed-up toe and send it back looking like new. And if you’re in the market for a quirky addition to your collection, be sure to check out the selection of vintage kicks. 42 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA 02139, .
Patricia Guiggey, G2O Spa + Salon
As a member of the baby-fine-hair tribe, Patricia Guiggey understands what ladies with thick tresses do not: the desire to casually toss abundant locks over a shoulder or assemble a messy bun without seeing scalp. Armed with the tools of her trade, she’ll give you the chance to experience what a full head of hair looks like, whether you opt to invest in cold-fusion bonds or test the waters with tape-ins. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Entrusting someone with the most photographed hairstyle of your life is no small decision—unless, of course, that someone is Maricruz Polito. With years of experience behind every tendril she curls, pins, or spritzes into place, the savvy stylist doesn’t just create memorable ’dos for clients preparing to walk down the aisle. Polito—who recently debuted a shiny new studio in Waltham—brings peace of mind to brides looking for a stress-free (and decidedly elegant) wedding day. 681 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, maricruzhairstyles.com.
Lizzie's Bakery
Jaci Marie Photo You may have only recently discovered Lizzie Lin Johnson from her 2020 stint on Food Network’s Girl Scout Cookie Championship, but this self-taught pro has been churning out showstopping custom confections since launching her bakery in 2016. Peep her Insta feed for creations such as a nine-layer naked cake or an abstract buttercream design with edible gold leaf — all of which taste as good as they look, thanks to flavors ranging from basic vanilla to strawberry matcha and beyond. lizziesbakery.com.
Verde Salon
Verde’s gorgeous cuts, highlights, and extensions aren’t just good-looking — they’re good for the environment, too. As a zero-waste, certified sustainable salon, this beloved Braintree coiffeur recycles, repurposes, or composts hair clippings; turns salon waste into clean energy; and uses eco-friendly products. The space itself is a natural beauty, too, with enough blond wood and greenery to turn your hair appointment into an unexpected escape. 89 Hancock Street, Suite 103, Braintree, MA 02184, verdesalon.org.
The Bancroft
At this shiny new steakhouse in Burlington's 3rd Ave development, presentation is paramount—and often over the top. (For proof, look no further than the 3,000-plus-bottle wine collection, displayed on a catwalk above a glass-paneled dining room.) James Beard-nominated chef Mario Capone's food is equally dramatic: Steaks come with flags labeling their doneness; a "fork-and-knife cauliflower roast" is served with a knife through the middle; and house-made and individually bottled cocktails are poured tableside. 15 Third Ave., Burlington, MA 01803, the-bancroft.com.
John Fluevog Shoes
Turnover on Newbury Street is all too common, but John Fluevog Shoes has sold its unconventional footwear on the strip since 1987. The vast selection of boots, booties, sandals, platforms, and heels offers shoppers the chance to keep it simple or get edgy. And if you get lucky, you'll wander in during one of the staff's spontaneous midday dance parties. 302 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, fluevog.com.
Tavi de la Rosa
Rare is the makeup artist who can shake you out of your routine with a single application of blush and eyeshadow. Tavi de la Rosa, who mans the Sisley counter at Neiman Marcus part-time and preps Boston's style icons, can suss out your look in minutes. For us, that meant smoky eyes, flawless foundation, and near-nude lips, plus a few false-eyelash applications for extra zing.
La Brasa
Service is best judged by the times when things go awry. Take, for example, a recent meal at this warm, boisterous Somerville restaurant and market, when a dining companion dropped a frosty highball cocktail and spilled it all over the table, the floor, and herself. In the mere seconds it took to clear away the damage, servers not only produced a replacement drink but also a Tide pen to remove the stains. 124 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145, labrasasomerville.com.
New Deal Fish Market
Photograph by Marian Siljeholm If Cheers were a fish market, it might look like New Deal, a family-owned shop where the fishmongers know practically every customer's name (and are happy to offer tips on preparing their from-the-sea bounty). Here, the cases are stocked with the freshest (oftentimes local) fish and shellfish, whether it's sushi-grade tuna or celebratory oysters that you crave. 622 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, newdealfishmarket.com.
Blush
Tan lines and problem skin are no match for Kelly O’Keefe and her team of makeup artists and aestheticians, who travel throughout New England to create flawlessly natural looks for brides. Skilled in both traditional and airbrush foundation application, Blush’s pros can also work with you before the wedding, offering skin-care consultations and trial runs at their Hingham-based studio, Tryst. 29 Main St., Hingham, MA blushweddingday.com.
Everything But Water
In a region with four distinct seasons, it can be near impossible to find a retailer that stocks bathing suits year round. Rather than resign yourself to hit-or-miss online shopping for that midwinter trip to warmer climes, head west to Everything but Water. Looking for a retro-inspired one-piece? A specific shade of orange to match your new lipstick? This Natick store has it all, from designers like Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk, gorgeously displayed in January, July, and every month in between. Just add water, indeed. Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St. #1126, Natick, MA 01760, everythingbutwater.com.