K. Kerkorian Events
From hailstorms to lost rings to torn dresses and much worse, there’s no last-minute snafu that Kristyn Kerkorian can’t solve. The seasoned pro has planned weddings in ballrooms, on beaches, and everywhere in between, garnering great respect and a considerable list of contacts along the way. Kerkorian takes on a limited number of clients to ensure they get her full and undivided attention — which has led several of them to emphatically insist to their newly engaged friends that they can’t afford not to enlist her to execute their big day. kkerkorianevents.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor With travel outside the state still a gamble, we’re lucky to have this riverfront resort casino right in our backyard, providing top-notch dining options; gorgeous rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms; and, of course, a Vegas-worthy gaming floor to those in need of a break—preferably a lucky one. The one thing this place doesn’t roll the dice on? Guests’ well-being, with reopening plans developed in conjunction with public health experts. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Whim Events
Natalie Pinney and Moira Thompson may have started their aptly named wedding-planning firm on a whim, but the dynamic duo is all business when it comes to coordinating and executing the details of their luxe celebrations. The business partners lend their design savvy and exceptional taste to all aspects of event production, dreaming up fairy-tale parties with elegant signage, Insta-worthy tablescapes, and killer floral arrangements. MA whimevents.com.
Kit and Ace
Find a gentle way to break up with your dry cleaner, because just about everything at Kit and Ace—even the cashmere—is machine- or hand-washable. And if the sleek basics (tissue-soft sleeveless turtlenecks, work-ready pants as comfy as your weekend sweats, ultra-cozy blanket wraps) don’t fit perfectly off the rack, don’t sweat it. The newly opened shop can make in-store alterations while you sip on complimentary sparkling water. Bliss. 208 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, kitandace.com.
Boston Calling
Okay, so maybe this isn’t a surprising choice. But when a three-year-old music festival is already bringing the likes of Sia and Janelle Monáe to our fair town, we must tip our hats. The band choices are solid, and there’s actually enough space for food, fans, and giant Jenga. With a big move to Allston planned for next year, we can’t wait to see what Boston Calling will bring to the city next. bostoncalling.com.
Rose Art Museum
Six years ago, Brandeis University feared the recession would shutter its art museum. Thankfully, a public outcry and powerful art collectors reversed that plan, and the school hired a new director, Christopher Bedford, to add to the museum's collections. The Rose has always excelled at midcentury abstract expressionism and pop art, and recently fleshed out its contemporary and African-American holdings. Today, it's among the most expansive university-run modern-art museums in the U.S. 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02453, brandeis.edu/rose.
Louis Boston
Hey, you—in the cargo pants and Chucks. Casualwear is fine for casual moments, but your big client meeting, your anniversary dinner, and for-the-love-of-Christ your best friend's wedding call for something far spiffier. At Louis Boston (go on, it's not as scary as it looks), made-to-measure and ready-to-wear suits from Brioni, Kiton, and Dries Van Noten make dressing up a cinch. Even easier-going ensembles by such names as Neil Barrett and Annapuna put postcollege khakis to shame. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Pure
Suiting up kids in eco-friendly, smart-looking fashions is a cinch at Pure. Nearly all its clothes—Claesen's onesies, Zutano tops and pants, Katybird dresses—are made from organic cotton and other natural fibers. Both playtime and dress-up options are well represented here, alongside shoes and gifts for wee ones up to age 4 and maternity clothes and yoga wear for Mom. The Tannery, 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
Wish
Half the fun of a party is planning what to wear. That's why we shop at Wish. The Beacon Hill boutique carries bright Diane von Frustenberg wraps, girly Nanette Lepore A-lines, and delicate Helen Wang strapless dresses—all ideal for an afternoon wedding, a cocktail party, even a black-tie affair. Accessorize your outfit by adding a trendy Trina Turk clutch, and you're ready to play. 49 Charles St., Boston, MA wishboston.wordpress.com.
Bump
The clothes found at this Beacon Hill retailer are a neatly balanced mix of sweet (Imps and Elfs overalls and Izod button-ups), cool (Chip and Pepper jeans, distressed Kingsley skeleton sweatshirts, embroidered Da-Nang pants), and innocent (Judith Lacroix dresses, Simple Kids printed tops)—everything today's ultrafashionable kid needs for his or her wardrobe. 45 River St., Boston, MA bumpshoppe.com.
Ann Sousa
After hours in the chair and a few hundred bucks, your color had better be perfect. Sadly, that's not always how the story ends. And when a dye goes awry, it feels nothing short of disaster. Sousa will survey the damage and explain her plan of attack, patiently tackle the lengthy resuscitation, and ultimately get you that happy ending. Salon Mario Russo, 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
L'Espalier
Planning to pop the question? Get thee to L'Espalier, a restaurant so famous for serving as the site of proposals that the front dining room has been nicknamed the "seduction room." You will also be seduced by chef Frank McClelland's sumptuously rich French fare, and the elegant and efficient waitstaff that serves it. The three- or seven-course prix fixe menu is always perfectly composed with seasonal selections made from local ingredients, leaving those with romance on their minds free to concentrate on more important things. 30 Gloucester St., Boston, MA lespalier.com.
Johnson Paint Co. Inc.
When you need paint, Johnson has it, from the usual house paint to aniline wood dyes to oil and watercolor. (There's an art-supply store upstairs— is that perhaps because more artists than we suspected pay the bills by painting houses?) When it runs a sale, you'll find yourself planning the recoloration of rooms you don't even have. 355 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
TC's Lounge
(IN MEMORIAM) This place was notorious for many reasons: dirty floors; a weird sign hanging from the ceiling advertising an "Oxycontin shot"; the fun-house women's room (don't ask); and the sale of infant-wear emblazoned with the words "Future Customer." In other words, TC's was a truly wonderful place—until it burned down in March. We have high hopes that after its planned resurrection, it will be "better" than ever. Boston, MA 2115,
Giblee's Fine Men's Clothing
In an area where the men's clothing selection has traditionally tended toward golf shirts and whale pants, Giblee's is a welcome departure. Italian merino wool sweaters from Bobby Jones share rack space with Hugo Boss leather jackets and Joseph Abboud three-button suits. The shop rounds out its stock with a selection of shoes from such makers as Alden and Bruno Magli and the latest watches from Swiss Army. All in all, definitive proof of life after seersucker. 85 Andover St., Danvers, MA giblees.com.