Wouldn't It Be Lovely
When you work with Caitlin Spaulding, you won’t just get custom wedding invitations—you’ll send out one-of-a-kind works of art. Whether she imagines your wedding venue in watercolor on your envelope linings or depicts your love story in a colorful illustrated map, the footwear designer turned stationery guru understands the impact of personal touches. Her talents go way beyond invites, though: She can also carry your design vision through to your save-the-dates, place cards, menus, programs, signage, and more. wouldntitbelovely.com.
Val Chiaradia, The Loft Salon and Day Spa
Perched in an uncomfortable chair, your hands bound (inevitably, an itch) while a stranger picks at your cuticles, you cant help but wonder: Is a speedy, painless, and long-lasting manicure out of the question? Not when youre sitting across from the Lofts Chiaradia, who narrowly bested Jeanne Lee (formerly of Salon Trio, she almost had us with that add-on reflexology treatment). Chiaradias polish work was flawless and superquick, and didnt chip for nearly a week. Hate small talk? Youll appreciate the option to catch up on your E! podcast of Speidi and Glambert gossip as she overhauls your nails in silence. 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Kathryn Van Patten, Boston Bodyworks Studio
Do you know if your left scapula juts out farther than your right, or if your right hip rides higher than your left? Kathryn Van Patten will know. While many Pilates instructors drag their clients straight to the "Cadillac" or the "Reformer," Van Patten—an ex-ballerina with top-level certification—does a complete body check to see how she can balance out all your "idiosyncracies." Then she drags you to the Cadillac and the Reformer. of all? Her studio is in a beautifully appointed Beacon Hill townhouse. 12 Joy St., Boston, MA bostonbodyworksstudio.com.
Boonsom Pasooktham, Bonnie's Boutique
Photograph by Bob Packert Sure, go ahead, get your pants shortened at your local cleaners. But if you have a more challenging job, why not entrust it to someone who understands complex clothing construction? Boonsom Pasooktham, of Bonnie’s Boutique, was trained in pattern-making, and while she can shorten, nip, or tuck your duds, she can also make just about anything from scratch. Which means, of course, that if you were so inclined, your tailor could also become your own personal designer. That’s an option we think is worth exploring. 43 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, bonniesboutiquema.blogspot.com.
MiniLuxe
Far more than a typical buff-and-polish, the “Ultimate Pedicure” at this local chainlet is a decadent hourlong interlude that begins with a tech kneading CBD oil into your neck before the focus turns to your toes. After an excellent shaping and exfoliation with crystal-infused elixirs, the service concludes with a blissful extended massage on your feet and legs and another CBD-oil massage for your neck. Now that’s luxe. Multiple locations, miniluxe.com.
Tinailery
Similar to having your hair cut or colored, investing in nail art has the potential to completely transform your look—especially at Tinailery, an adorable Japanese-style salon that creates tiny masterpieces for your digits. Thumb through its vast collection of options (gems, glitter, and painted butterflies, oh my!) while enjoying tea served in graceful china, then let your nail artist work her magic. 92 State St., Boston, MA tinailery.com.
Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
C-Zone Entertainment
The DJs at C-Zone Entertainment have spun records for Clint Eastwood, Lady Gaga, and the Red Sox, and they’ll drop the bass at your wedding, too. Armed with your curated “play” and “do not play” lists, these music mixers will seamlessly transition from your favorite soulful ballads to Grandma-approved party hits (and maybe a few Cardi B songs in between). And with a number of skilled DJs to choose from, you can be sure that you’ll find someone in tune with your musical taste. czonemusic.com.
French + Italian
Just because your couch is now your office doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. The well-curated selection of soft, wearable tops at this Beacon Hill boutique includes colorful knit tees from Marni, flowy organic-cotton blouses from Apiece Apart, and collared button-downs from Acne Studios that look just as good on your Monday-morning Slack call as they do on your favorite restaurant patio come the weekend. 119 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, frenchitalian.com.
DoggieDay Pet Service
Whether you need your ferret cuddled or your cat walked, DoggieDay's caretakers are up to the challenge. You can trust them to watch and feed your pet while you're at work or on an extended vacation, or to make sure Fluffy gets his cardio—and your plants get watered—whenever you don't have time to take him out yourself. 400 Tremont St., Boston, MA doggieday.com.
Violet Skin Boutique
A blend of Eastern European sternness and a baby-soft touch makes Violet Mkhitaryan's all-natural facials the most welcome punishment your skin will ever endure. A biochemist turned aesthetician, Mkhitaryan mixes, then applies, a masque of organic herbs, oils, and floral extracts to your face after cleansing your pores and before massaging your neck and shoulders. That's some tough love we can get behind. 257 Newbury St., Boston, MA violetskinboutique.com.
Leather World
The problem with wanderlust is that you never know exactly how you'll need to pack for your next expedition. Fortunately, Leather World has a bag for every journey, including a beach-getaway tote with just enough room for a suit and sarong; a chic Paris-shopping-spree suitcase with extra space for your scores; and a terrific camping pack that can handle your gear without destroying your back. 30 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, shopleatherworld.com.
Ellen Signaigo Brockman, Coldwell Banker/Hunneman realty
With the real estate market showing few signs of slowing, the only way to find your dream home is to have a great broker by your side. Ellen Brockman specializes in Cambridge real estate—she knows every property, every building, every transaction that occurs. For buyers, she's a quick study on your likes and dislikes, and her instincts are dead-on when it comes time to make an offer. For sellers, she offers tried-and-true advice for showing your home at its best and getting the right potential buyers in the door. 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA .
Marathon Sports
Boston is (as a running city should be) chock full of running shops. But none provides the level of personal attention offered at Marathon Sports, where the staff is rigorously trained to labor over every sale. Salespeople here will consider your budget, your running level, and—above all—your foot structure and stride (test runs included) before weeding out your ideal buy from the store's epic stock. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA marathonsports.com.
Darlene's Cleaning Service
Once you experience the personal touch of Darlene and her crew, you'll never go back to a corporate cleaning outfit. Would they pick up your kids at the airport, wash your dog, do your laundry, go grocery shopping, and even prepare dinner for you? Well, Darlene will. Not only that, she hand-scrubs your floors and even makes that black city grime on the window ledges disappear. 28 Smart Street, Waltham, MA .