Nicole Rueda-Watts, NYX Studio
There’s nothing wrong with a chunky necklace from J.Crew, of course, but if you truly want to stand out from the flock, snag a handmade feather collar—with elegant plumage that wows—from Nicole Rueda-Watts. The designer, who honed her metalworking skills in a Mexican artist community, fashions her eye-catching wares with semiprecious stones, leather, and beads. Catch the collection at her West Cambridge boutique Observatory, which also stocks arrangements from Laura Jean Floral & Design, as well as vintage furniture and home accessories. nyxstudio.com.
Dance Complex
Dance classes aren't just for kids in pink tights and ballet slippers. A top-notch studio offers a variety of options that can make anyone feel footloose. The Dance Complex does just that by hosting an astonishing array of classes, including the traditional (ballet, jazz, tap), cultural (Afro-Brazilian, flamenco, Kathak), and simply funky (hip-hop, street funk, capoeira). Four floors of studios house the artist-run organization, which boasts teaching talent from some 20 countries. There's a decidedly unpretentious and inclusive atmosphere in the affordable, drop-in classes—a relief when you're getting up the courage to try Irish dance. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Panopticon
A step of evolution beyond your average one-hour photomart, Panopticon is a true custom lab—it will develop your film in the developer you need, at whatever temperature you request, for as long as you like. The friendly staff are also happy to make suggestions (recently they told a hapless editor how to "push" standard film for use in poor lighting conditions). Despite the painstaking work that earned it its reputation, Panopticon is also fast enough to offer same-day servic 187 Bay State Road, Boston, MA .
Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Institute
Twenty bucks for yoga? Om, no. At Baron Baptiste's Monday and Wednesday community classes, $7 buys 90 minutes of eagles, dolphins, and downward dogs. Expect to lose about a gallon of sweat—though not your shirt—in the center's heated environs. 2000 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, baronbaptiste.com.
Jill Rosenwald, Jill Rosenwald Studio
Photograph by Webb Chappell Jill Rosenwald's groovy patterned pottery and accessories are pure bold technicolor, and so is her personality: Chatty and effusive, Rosenwald considers her clients and colleagues old friends. When you call her studio, it's actually her on the other end, always game to kibitz about your latest design needs. She's a big supporter of our arts scene, too, as a cofounder of the Design Salon, a networking organization for creative women to swap ideas and advice. 369 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, jillrosenwald.com.
Maria Madrid
First she stares, then she brushes, then she cuts. Maria is an aesthetic genius who spends time studying the planes of your face and the way your hair curves and curls around it before she makes the first cut. The result: haircuts that work regardless of weather condition (ie. no more bad hair days). Spanish-born and very energetic, Maria's a delightful contrast to the laid-back, classical-music ambience of the salon. Snip snip, chat, chat— her topics of choice range from the problems of urban school systems to the nature of true friendship. Le Pli Salon & Day Spa, The Charles Hotel, 5 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA .
Hingham Greenery
Whether you're planning a wedding or just want a quick table arrangement, Hingham Greenery, in historical downtown Hingham, can guide you through the process with ease. This adorable shop offers a large selection of local seasonal blooms and a wide assortment of flowers and plants from around the world. 39 South St., Hingham, MA hinghamgreenery.com.
The Castignetti Compound
If you're a struggling artist who can't afford a studio, you're in luck. The Castignetti Compound in the North End wants to give you cheap space, coffee, grant books, computer access, and more. The Compound is a new artists' collective housed in the hollowed-out shell of a formal-wear store on Endicott Street—sort of a postmodern atelier, where the studio doubles as a gallery, and the main attraction is a bunch of artists working in makeshift open studios There's no privacy, of course, but there are, form time to time, musical benefits with some great local bands. 67 Endicott Street, Boston, MA .
North End Yoga
<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-308668388/stock-photo-group-of-people-relaxing-and-meditating-in-yoga-class-wellness-and-healthy-lifestyle.html" target="_blank">Photo</a> via Shutterstock At North End Yoga, even the all-levels vinyasa class incorporates ab workouts and back bends we’ve rarely seen at other local studios. Despite the intensity, its vibe is more incense-tinged serene than sweat-laden studio. Namaste to that. 256 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, northendyoga.com.
Down Under School of Yoga
In a saturated yoga market, studios have two routes to survival: They can push flashy classes and retail, or they can elevate the basics to an art form. The latter's what you'll find at Down Under, where Patricia Walden, one of America's foremost Iyengar yoga practitioners, is on the faculty. Multiple locations. 1054 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, downunderyoga.com.
Inner Space
Though it's shared with karate classes, this no-frills studio is a sanctuary of calm. Teachers hailing from the neighborhood instruct special sessions for kids and teens, as well as a respectable selection of adult classes. This fall, the ever expanding studio will offer a prenatal class for mothers-to-be, and a 'Mommy and Me' course taught by new mother Sheri Garf. 17 Station St., Brookline Village, MA 2445, yogainthevillage.com.
Exhale
The studio itself imparts a fresh feeling of Zen. Add in the unrivaled team of mind-and-body gurus (David Magone, Toby Levine, Amy Leydon), and you'll be a mellowed-out acrobat in no time. Be sure to check out Exhale's spa services, including acupuncture, wellness coaching, and a six-week 'body transformation' program. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, exhalespa.com.
Dance Complex
Walk past this aging Central Square building and you'll hear lively drumbeats and rhythmic foot stomping. Walk in and you'll experience one giant Fame flashback. Four floors of studios allow ballet, capoeira, salsa, flamenco, tap, mambo, street funk, and samba to coexist like a little rainbow coalition of dance, while creating an unparalleled surge of collective energy—all for about 12 bucks a class. 536 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA dancecomplex.org.
Longview Farm
State-of-the-art facilities (two complete studios, synthesizers, in-house musicians and engineers) on a hundred-year-old farm. Sauna, Jacuzzi, horses, the works. It was good enough for Stevie Wonder. West Brookfield, MA
Boston Yoga Union
ALEXANDRA DUSTERFELD Old World spirit mixed with New World magic: That’s the mantra of Boston Yoga Union, located in the former Back Bay Yoga space. In an inspiring environment that includes a tapestry in the lobby and a 300-year-old carved archway imported from Rajasthan, India, in one of the practice rooms, co-owners Emily Tevald and Tim Kelleher provide instruction that’s both relatable and empowering for all skill levels. 1112 Boylston St., Boston, MA bostonyogaunion.com.