Javier Berdecia at Daryl Christopher
When the occasion calls for more than your standard shower-comb-and-run hairstyle, Javier is the man to call. With a twist of the wrist and a spritz of spray, he'll turn that workaday do into something that will turn heads. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Columbo Invisible Reweaving & Reknitting
It won't be cheap, but when your favorite sweater has been visited by moths or some other holey disaster, Toni Columbo's magical reweaving process will render the damage virtually invisible. 72 Broad St., Boston, MA invisiblereweaving.com.
Geneses Salon
What better way to cure a case of the drabs than to change your hair color? Whether you want a few streaks or a drastic color change, Geneses colorist Lisa can be trusted to get it right. 170 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Brookline Grooming and Pet Supplies
A full-service salon: skillful grooming, facilities for washing your dog yourself, supplies and food for sale, and a monthly newsletter to keep you in touch with the latest in doggy hair care. 146 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA .
The Gifted Buyer
Judith Rosenthal can save you time and money—no kidding. She's independent, unlike most personal shoppers, so she casts her net widely, hauling in the items of your choice, often at bargain prices.
Neale Eckstein and Norman Goldberg
When Eckstein's two Maltese dogs play with your kids and sit on their lap while they're in the chair, they'll forget they're at the d-e-n-t-i-s-t. Concord and Malborough, MA
Feldmesser and Company
Fred Feldmesser will be your own Indiana Jones, searching for the gem you want and helping you find a jeweler to set it, all for less than a ring bought at retail. 8 Chauncy St., Cambridge, MA .
Daloz the Cleaner
Unless you're up for ironing your own shirts and tablecloths, you won't get a better job anywhere in the area. And you pay for what you get: plenty. 11 Humphrey St., Dorchester, MA .
Hand the Hatter
In one of the grittiest corners of the Combat Zone, Hand the Hatter still plies the ancient trade of blocking and cleaning hats. Your battered bowler and pathetic panama will be restored to their pristine glory. 20 La Grange St., Boston, MA .
Webster Home Engineering
Owner Alden Webster is a structural engineer by day, but at night and on weekends he provides the best emergency service around, as well as an impressive in-depth analysis of your home's system. 113 North St., Lexington, MA .
Gerald Sheetoo
A trained engineering technician, Sheetoo will help determine the stereo system that's right for you, based on a thorough analysis of your musical preferences, lifestyle, listening habits, and budget. 38 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA .
Frameworks
For a 50¢ fee and the cost of materials, Karen Swain's staff will help you select your frame, cut the materials for you, and instruct you step by step thereafter. It's as close as some of us will ever get to the creative process. 7 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA .
Fishelon Florist
If it's green and grows, you'll probably find it here: an Eden of house plants and cut flowers. If they don't have what a customer is looking for, the owners are happy to special order it. 23 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Kenneth Cole
What's not to love? Shoes that are hip, yet comfortable. A designer who's a dish, yet a good daddy. And an ad campaign that will make you laugh before you run out with your charge card to challenge Imelda for the crown. 128 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Big A's
Prices that will make even a bride's parents blush. Slightly used gowns and veils, with new shipments every four to six weeks. Also a small selection of mother-of-the-bride dresses. 188 Central Street, Hudson, MA .