Best of Boston

There’s more to upscale salesmanship than strategically doled-out snootiness. In her 30 years at the ring-for-entry Alan Bilzerian boutique, Bilzerian-Kelly (Alan’s sister) has developed a knack for divining what customers want and, better yet, what they need. She’ll know, for instance, to break the news gently but firmly that, alas, that fabulous Alexander McQueen corset is not a good look for your untoned upper arms—but that you might give this Rick Owens tunic a try. Her unfailing candor doesn’t crowd out her dry sense of humor, though, which can turn a quick shopping stop into a memorable event.