Barneys New York
Just as toppings make the sundae, accessories make the outfit. Barneys boasts a broader inventory than most, with two floors of jewelry, scarves, gloves, glasses, and other add-ons from 200-plus brands. Upstairs, Barneys Co-Op has charms by Bing Bang and funky shades by Dita; downstairs, you'll find haute Goyard totes and Balenciaga wallets. All in all, it makes for a feast for the style-famished. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Artifaktori
The success of a vintage look is generally determined by whether or not it screams "time machine." That's why we love Artifaktori, in Beacon Hill. Its iconic accessories immediately make an ensemble pop, without looking like pop-culture throwbacks: a bright '70s handbag here, a pair of Aurora Borealis clip-ons there. And on those rare days when we do feel the urge to turn back the clock head to toe, the clothing selection is so refined it's hard to go wrong. 121 Charles St., Boston, MA artifaktori.com.
Giorgio Armani
This is not your father's monkey suit. No longer need you dread that command: black tie. For a well-cut tux that will stand the test of time, Giorgio Armani has the ne plus ultra in evening attire. But if your pocketbook can't stand the stress, there's always Emporio Armani, where the tuxedos are a little funkier. Remember, there's safety in black—unless it's a very dark French navy. 22 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pageo Jewelers
Jewelry stores can be intimidating— a combination of security guards, glass cases with steel locks, and salespeople who do not encourage trying on the merchandise. But at Pageo, the jewelry is displayed invitingly, and the staff encourages questions and try-ons. With prices ranging from $200 to $20,000, the jewelry will make your pulse race— but the prices don't have to. 843 Beacon St., Newton, MA .
Avery Bar
Perhaps because of its proximity to turndown service and plush robes, the luxury hotel bar is expected to be both swish and discreet. This formula is executed just so at the Ritz-Carlton's relaunched cocktail den (previously Jer-Ne), complete with caramel-hued finishes, burnished wood, and, most important, plenty of nooks and crannies for hiding away with a sparkling ginger Negroni and a plate of salumi. 10 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, ritzcarlton.com.
The Metropolitan Club
A model steakhouse offers classic dishes, great wine, and flawless service. A modern steakhouse, like the Metropolitan Club, does it with style. Here you'll find the usuals bolstered by new wave add-ons like smoky tomato soup served with an adorable mini grilled cheese; an appetizer of watermelon 'steak' topped with French feta; and desserts—like the brown sugar fruit tart or the banana coconut cream pi—that improve on childhood favorites. 1210 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, metclubandbar.com.
Bark Place
Photograph by Toan Trinh The pro groomers at this cheerful canine emporium consult with customers to determine the right cut and style before brushing out, shampooing, conditioning, trimming, and drying each pooch to perfection—nail clipping and ear cleaning are included, but parents of truly pampered pups can opt for aromatherapy or massage add-ons. Bark Place also offers elevated DIY wash stations should your grass-rolling, dirt-digging pal need a bath between appointments. 1721 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, barkplacesouthend.com.
Louis Boston
Murray Pearlstein established what is nationally and internationally regarded as the ne plus ultra of fashion speciality stores. Now his daughter, Debra Pearlstein Greenberg, is at the helm, and her mandate is to gently push her customers forward into the next millennium without losing sight of the fact that style often transcends fashion. But the store has always been about buying beautiful clothes of the finest quality and the importance of looking legitimate but amazing—in other words, standing out in a quiet way that's both modern and forward. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Julie Cahill-Hollingsworth, Simply Aesthetic Specialties
We've been hustled all over town by flashy doctors and Groupon come-ons, which is why we keep returning to Julie Cahill-Hollingsworth. Without fanfare, we hop in her chair, get the shot, pay up, and split. She charges for units used rather than per procedure—and she's not pushy. When we asked about other stuff (fillers?), she just said, "Nah" and bid us adieu for another three months. 535 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, sasskin.com.
Latitu
While studying abroad, Tanya Pham logged a lot of time in airports—enough time to hear plenty of fellow female travelers complain about their bland, bulky luggage. She’s used their feedback to design her Boston-based brand of sleek weekenders, duffels, and backpacks, crafted from Italian leather in Vietnam, where she lived for a year while vetting the production process. Equipped with thoughtful details (hidden compartments, magnetic closures), the bags are made in limited runs from custom materials—so your travel companion will stand out in a sea of scuffed-up carry-ons. MA latitu.com.
George Wright Golf Club
Tight fairways, manicured greens, and well-marked tee boxes make this inner-city gem a pleasure and a challenge. Nestled in the middle of a residential neighborhood, this par 7 course designed by Donald Ross attracts weekend duffers and irksome weekday sneak-ons (where did that threesome in front of us come from?!). So be prepared to cool your heels and your temper: This is urban golf in the Age of Tiger, after all. Still, it's easier than you'd think to get a tee time. Love the Tudor clubhouse, and the reduced fees when you flip a Boston ID ($21 weekdays, $24 weekends). 420 West St., Hyde Park, MA .
Mistral
Fiery martinis, seductive lighting, chef Jamie Mammano's Mediterranean flavors, alluring bartenders—whatever drarws them there, the beautiful people who sidle up to Mistral's long, intimate bar wind up in the mood to shake and stir long after the last call. The barflies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and present a decent cross section of the city's professional landscape along with well-heeled out-of-towners looking for a good drink and possibly a good time. The come-ons can be so smooth that on a recent night we actually overheard this imaginative opener: "Hi." And it worked. 223 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA mistralbistro.com.
Mawbys
Propriety meets gluttony in this new gourmet shop, which takes its them—though thankfully not its cuisin—from the British empire. Instead of bangers and mash, there's an amusingly twee menu of 'bespoke' sandwiches named for famous (the Churchill burger) and infamous Britons (the Camilla—a roll piled high with ham and baby Swiss described as 'an old familiar friend to fall back on'), plus flatbreads, salads, add-ons such as imported blue cheese and smoked duck, and dessert options that include flawless miniature pastries and $10 bars of Italian chocolate. 79 Barnard St., Andover, MA 1810, .
Biltmore-Green
Ardent followers of the tenet 'Well, you just never know,' we're not the types whose weekend gear will fit in a tiny backpack. And so the crew at Biltmore-Green has come to know us by name. The Back Bay shop has our favorite high-end Tumi and Hartmann rollers; durable Samsonite and Swiss Army suitcases; and leather totes from Bosca and Jack George. If your packing preferences lean toward the aforementioned knappie, well, you can buy simple, sleek carry-ons here, too. Just don't complain if you wind up needing the shoes you left behind. 176 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, .