Stel's

With worthy new openings like Flock, Uncle Pete's, and Suneri, this category is getting crowded. But Stel's owners Tina Burgos, Dave Nauyokas, and Jon Callahan keep packing their Newbury digs with an independent-minded collection that's fashion-forward without being too trendy. Personalized service and a unique selection of Rachel Comey, Gary Graham, Tom Scott, and Cardigan threads earn the shop mail-order customers from around the country, many celebrities among them. RUNNERS-UP: LuxCouture, French + Italian