Parlr
Shutterbug and makeup artist extraordinaire Rachael Rubin has relocated her industrial-chic salon/photo studio concept to an 11,000-square-foot location in the same loft building, adding a full roster of spa treatments to her menu of services (think: microblading, reiki, lash extensions, and the very best blowout around). Bonus points for the chance to strike your best model pose after a day of pampering. One Watson Place, Framingham, MA 01701, theparlr.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Entrusting someone with the most photographed hairstyle of your life is no small decision—unless, of course, that someone is Maricruz Polito. With years of experience behind every tendril she curls, pins, or spritzes into place, the savvy stylist doesn’t just create memorable ’dos for clients preparing to walk down the aisle. Polito—who recently debuted a shiny new studio in Waltham—brings peace of mind to brides looking for a stress-free (and decidedly elegant) wedding day. 681 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, maricruzhairstyles.com.
Blush
Tan lines and problem skin are no match for Kelly O’Keefe and her team of makeup artists and aestheticians, who travel throughout New England to create flawlessly natural looks for brides. Skilled in both traditional and airbrush foundation application, Blush’s pros can also work with you before the wedding, offering skin-care consultations and trial runs at their Hingham-based studio, Tryst. 29 Main St., Hingham, MA blushweddingday.com.
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.
Katrina Hess
Pump up your pout with
help from makeup
artist Katrina Hess. / Photograph by Jim Brueckner, styling by Taylor Greeley A stalwart of the Boston beauty scene, Katrina Hess has always been a go-to for special-occasion makeup. But she’ll also transform your daily makeup routine with private two-hour lessons at her Newbury Street studio. Bring along your own cosmetics bag, and she’ll even weed out the duds. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, katrinahess.com.
Orly Khon Floral
Photograph by Becky Morley Industrial chic. Richly bohemian. Romantic and fresh. Orly Khon, formerly of Tangerine Creations, can weave a floral theme for any romance—blooms springing from driftwood, succulents beneath glass cloches, blossom chains. She's also a weather watcher, keeping track of how our crazy climate affects flowers and making appropriate (read: calming) modifications. And with a retail store inside the Restoration Hardware flagship and a studio close to the Boston Flower Exchange, Khon has a garden of local inspiration at her fingertips. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.com.
Sophie Hughes
Photograph by PJ Couture This young designer forges rings from start to finish in her studio using recycled metals and reclaimed or ethically sourced gems. Choose a ready-made design or meet with Hughes to get creative. From classic shiny bands to one-of-a-kind baubles, the possibilities are endless. (She'll even fuse metals together for a two-tone match made in heaven.) Hughes is adept with old miner stones, too, so incorporating Grandma's diamonds won't be a problem. 80 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, sophiehughes.com.
Ana Hernández
A wedding gown is more costly than anything else in your closet. Why buy it off the rack when you can get a couture creation? Designer Hernández will build the dress of your dreams from scratch. Simply walk upstairs to her lovely studio and collaborate with her to produce a dress the likes of which you literally won't see anywhere else. 165 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
David Vendetti, South Boston Yoga
If you had told us a few years ago that one day we'd be scrambling to get to a yoga studio in Southie, we'd have thought you were nuts. Yet here we ar—and it's all a testament to David Vendetti. After his flowing, challenging class, we're sore but ready to take on the world, and looking forward to meeting him on the mat again. 36 W. Broadway, South Boston, MA southbostonyoga.net.
Camden
Photograph by Keller + Keller Boston's answer to the Strokes was spawned at Northeastern when undergrad Jason Bergman joined up with three classmates (Timmy Miles, Jason Sibilia, and Jim Williamson) to form Camden in 2010. This rocking, Stones-influenced quartet has an impressive following at Great Scott, and a few self-pressed vinyl releases to its name. See them now, before they explode: They're in the studio working on a jazzier full-length album, expected to be released by spring 2013.
Michele Mercaldo Jewelry
Michele Mercaldo must have aced geometry — after all, this jewelry artist can sculpt the perfect rectangle and circle like no other. A MassArt alum, Mercaldo has devoted the past 30 years to creating ruby rings, brown-diamond necklaces, and prehnite druzy cufflinks, to name just a few. Browse the cases at her sparkling Shawmut Avenue studio, or make an appointment to have her custom-design something just for you in whatever shape you dream of. 276 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, michelemercaldojewelry.com.
GemBox
courtesy photo The finely curated selection of pieces in Sharon Roop’s Newbury Street atelier is all about the rare and hard-to-find, including modern and estate pieces featuring radiant, precious gems in rainbow hues. The studio where Roop welcomes her clients is almost as beautiful as the jewels she sources for them: comfortably luxurious, it was designed by her husband, well-known interior designer Frank Roop, and features a gorgeous blown-glass chandelier that sparkles from the ceiling like a piece of jewelry. 38 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, gemboxboston.com.
Latitude Sports Club
Rock-climbing wall, indoor track and pool, racquetball courts—name an amenity, and chances are very, very good you'll find it at Latitude's multistory Peabody facility. There's even a Kinesis Studio, outfitted with a wall of Italian-made, low-impact workout equipment that's hard on the muscles but easy on the joints. Whatever fitness path you choose, you'll want to unwind afterward in Latitude's spa, steam rooms, and saunas, or treat yourself to some liquid fuel at the juice bar. 194 Newbury St., Peabody, MA 1960, latitudesportsclubs.com.
The Green Room
Tucked away on a quiet Beacon Hill side street, the Green Room is the perfect spot for anyone yearning for a sharp cut, but desperate to avoid the Newbury Street traffic. With just a single chair, Jessica Dill offers her undivided attention to one client at a time in a cozy studio that feels more like a private retreat. Discretion, personalization, and customer service are paid more than mere lip service, as she offers off-hour appointments and complimentary neck trims to ensure we’re always looking our best. 49 River St., Boston, MA 2114, greenroomboston.com.
Julie Erickson, Endurance Pilates and Yoga
Photos provided With 20 exercise and teaching certifications, Julie Erickson certainly has the cred. But education alone doesn’t make a great trainer. Erickson’s technique is very hands-on—she’ll tell you exactly what parts you’re strengthening and why while she works with you in her Arlington studio. Erickson has also selflessly donated her time and energy to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombings regain their strength. 446 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 2474, endurancepilatesandyoga.com.