Sinesia Karol
Colorful prints, playful ruffles, unexpected details: Even if you’re just wearing this local designer’s bikinis and one-pieces to CBI or Wequassett for a weekend, you can expect to turn heads. Even better, the swimsuits — inspired by the exuberant beach culture of Karol’s native Brazil — come in a variety of shapes and silhouettes for all body types, so you can feel confident and comfortable on the sand. sinesiakarol.us.
Julie Michaud, Prettyology
The perfect brows finish your face — so it’s a good thing this beauty expert, who’s worked with celebs and top models, knows how to transform even the wildest ones into full and natural arches with the flick of a tweezer. She also has an arsenal of special effects on hand to help the brow-challenged achieve their fullest potential, including customized tints and a keratin infusion for extra va-va voom. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, prettyology.com.
Sophia's Grotto
Booking a dinner on a big, buzzy, splashy restaurant patio is a fine way to impress a first date. But when it's time to build a truly romantic vibe — and settle in for quieter conversation — we love tucking into a meal on more-intimate patios, like the one at Roslindale Village’s Italian charmer Sophia's Grotto; its brick-laid courtyard, hidden from street view, is the ideal spot for Lady and the Tramp–style canoodling. No wonder we’re in love with the al fresco era. 22 Birch St., Roslindale, MA 02131, sophiasgrotto.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.
Dwelltime
What's one way to maintain control over your coffee and espresso? Own a supply chain—which is how this Cambridge shop, from local roaster Barismo, became such a well-oiled machine. Beyond pulling expert cortados and offering cold brew on draft, Dwelltime also boasts superior digs, with a copper bar and lots of pickled, baked, and sandwiched snacks for nibbling. 364 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, dwelltimecambridge.com.
The Port Hunter
Photograph by Jonathan Kozowyk If there's one thing that goes well with great drinks, it's shuffleboard. The Port Hunter, opened in 2012 by two local brothers, has both, plus a solid beer menu with brews from the island and beyond. There's also live rock, folk, and reggae five nights a week, not to mention bar snacks that highlight ingredients caught or grown on the island. Did we mention shuffleboard? 55 Main St., Edgartown, MA 02539, theporthunter.com.
Urbanity Dance
In seven years, founder and director (and former Boston Ballet teacher) Betsi Graves has grown Urbanity Dance into a thrilling, whimsical, acrobatic beast. Last year, the company collaborated twice with local chamber orchestra A Far Cry, leaping and weaving with the violinists in Jordan Hall. At the Institute of Contemporary Art in February, they performed "Bend," an orgy of strobe lights and corporeal geometry. Whether twisting into one another to form a human skirt or wrestling with their shadows, Urbanity's dancers fulfill their mission to "elevate physical intelligence." 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
Flair Boston
Photograph by Francine Zaslow, styling by Abby Bielagus/Ennis You found it. The dress. Now it’s your bridesmaids’ turn. Choose a frock they’ll want to wear again (really) at Flair, where owner Stacey Kraft helps bridal parties sift through rack upon colorful rack of shifts, one-shoulders, and A-lines from top designers such as Jenny Yoo, Anna Elyse, and the Dessy Group. Beloved by wedding pros, the airy studio offers top-notch service and refreshingly honest advice. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.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.
Spoke
Photograph by Jared Kuzia There’s a reason why chefs like Oleana’s Ana Sortun are regulars at this low-key industry favorite: Owner Felisha Foster has taken the pomp and predictability out of the wine-bar experience. Even better, one of the city’s best young chefs, John daSilva, churns out worthy eats like smoked mussels and ’nduja from the shoebox-size kitchen. 89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, spokewinebar.com.
Harbor View Hotel
After dropping off your bags in one of this waterfront hotel’s plush rooms or suites, each decked out in teals and taupes, order a cocktail at the in-house bar Henry’s (the Thyme After Thyme is finished with local sea salt) and take it out to the wraparound porch. Sip and savor sweeping views of Chappaquiddick and Edgartown lighthouse. Repeat. You are now officially on vacation. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, harbor-view.com.
Danger Booth
Photograph courtesy of Zac Wolf When it comes to giving your guests custom photo keepsakes, it's best to think outside the box—or, in this case, the booth. Danger's open-air, freestanding unit (complete with a touchscreen, flash, and printer) can be as civilized or as crazy as you desire, with photo-fun experts on hand to hem a themed fabric backdrop, print out a step-and-repeat, or even hook you up with a designer for one-of-a-kind scenery. Move over, Instagram. thedangerbooth.com.
Kate McElwee
Enthusiasm, thy name is Kate. Just one look at this shutterbug's standout portfolio and you'll be giddy. McElwee is adept at capturing the big day's subtle, playful side—a bride's reflection in her groom's glasses, a surprise twirl during the first dance. She works well with natural light outside and shadows inside, so every photo she snaps is worth a thousand words. katemcelweephotography.com.
Brilliant Earth
Your relationship is conflict-free—shouldn't your ring be, too? The pros at Brilliant Earth go well beyond the industry standard, tracking diamonds from the time they leave the mine to the time they're cut and polished. A selection of fresh settings made from recycled metals and one-of-a-kind vintage looks, meanwhile, make it even easier to say yes. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, brilliantearth.com.
The Green Room
Photograph by Trevor Reid / Model, Tayla Fernandez/Maggie Inc. From the moment Jessica Thornton asks her first question—"What do you want your hair to say about you?"—it's clear she genuinely wants you to love your locks. The stylist leaves hair so perfectly voluminous that some of her regulars can't resist visiting her one-woman shop for a blowout ($85) multiple times a week. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02114, greenroomboston.com.