Vizio Optic
Regardless of your spectacle tendencies—quirky or clean—Brookline's Vizio Optic will identify the most flattering frames for your face, then present you with options: Chanel, Beausoleil, and Ray-Ban are just a few of the brands carried. An optician on site guarantees that you'll soon be seeing—and looking—much better. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA viziooptic.com.
Dorfman Jewelers
This is your parents' jeweler—in fact, it might even be your grandparents'. Dorfman is still the kind of place where you go for serious baubles with a touch of high drama, plus subtle and sophisticated pieces from Bulgari, Patek Philippe, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Expect service of the old-school variety: classy and courteous. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA dorfmanjewelers.com.
Boston Buyers' Club
You want body-building protein supplements, it's got 'em all. Plus, it gives conspicuous consumption a good name: The money you spend on your selfish obsession with your body goes to support people living with HIV. 29 Stanhope St., Boston, MA .
Out of Town News
Where else can you satisfy your craving for the latest magazine about fly fishing, your favorite foreign commentary, or the current issue of Bus World? With more than 4,000 magazines and 500 newspapers, foreign and domestic, this tiny space has been a window on the world since 1955. Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA .
Repertoire
Yes, there's terrific furniture, but Repertoire also has a spectacular selection of accessories and necessities for the table. Plates and vessels from Richard Ginori, Calvin Klein, and Jonathan Adler will make your head spin. The refined color palate and simplicity of design will easily mix with your great grandmother's sterling. 114 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Roche Bobois
It's playground of interior design, from armoires to sofas and chaises: A wall of woods, a wing of leathers, a nook of nubuck suedes. You'll start by changing your home's color scheme, but end up changing your way of life (and credit limit). 585 Commercial St., Boston, MA .
Fresh
Leave the hubub of Newbury Street behind as you step downstairs into this olfactory paradise. Having a bad day? Pick up a bar of bergamot-scented soap to restore your spirits. Looking for a little something to bring your in-laws? Fresh's stylishly packaged gifts are light years ahead of the other shrink-wrapped varieties. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Goods Lingerie
Whether your lingerie fantasies run to the Victorian bride look or something out of a French romantic novel, you're likely to find the goods in this charming shop. The selection of silk camisoles is so lovely you'll want to wear your underwear as outerwear. 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Opticians 3
Whether your look is designer chic, fifties retro, or Elton John outre, this place can meet your specs. It's also one of only a few local sources for the popular Oliver Peoples line of antique-style frames. 755 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA .
The Garment District
You can find any item of clothing—cheap!—in this warehouse filled with has-been fashions and disquieting decor. Visit the Dollar-A-Pound level on weekends (where the floorboards are literally strewed with clothes) to remind yourself what your room looked like in your teens. Kids' clothes and costumes galore, as well. 200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA .
Allston Car Wash
Your trusty auto deserves some proper pampering, and the friendly staffers at Allston Car Wash are happy to oblige. Choose from the extensive menu of services, then watch as your vehicle is whisked away for a rigorous vacuum and a thorough scrubbing in the automated washing tunnel before getting dried lovingly by hand. 434 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 2134, allstoncarwash.com.
Brian Hemming, Regeneration Tattoo
Whether you’re looking for a nonjudgmental consult for your very first tat or finishing off a sleeve with a portrait of a beloved pet, Brian Hemming’s attention to detail and years of experience soothe. He’s justifiably popular, so book early and be prepared to wait for your permanent work of art. 155 Harvard Ave., Allston, 02134, regenerationtattoo.com.
Joanne Langione Dance Center
A star among dance schools for four decades, Joanne Langione raised the bar even higher last year by opening a 10,000-square-foot facility complete with four modern studios. Many alums have gone on to careers in professional dance companies. 38 Border St., Newton, MA 02465, jldancecenter.com.
Hong Kong Boston
Photograph by Jared Kuzia After a few beers and Talking Heads covers, nothing’s quite as satisfying as scoring a $1 chicken teriyaki skewer. Dance your heart out at the club upstairs, or just huddle around a scorpion bowl with your pals while some State Street suit croons “Friends in Low Places.” 65 Chatham St., Boston, MA 02109, hongkongboston.com.
Allie Tuminelli Esthetics & Lash Extensions
Finally, a lash enthusiast who also cares about your eyes. While applying lashes one at a time, Allie Tuminelli insists on taking breaks to let your peepers rest. During the downtime, you’ll examine her work together, letting her add as needed. The result: fuller lashes, with less discomfort. 551 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, vegavitality.com.