Louis Boston
Between the sidewalk throngs and the cheesy chain stores, Newbury Street's attractions can seem overshadowed by, well, the pedestrian. Particularly when you consider that Louis offers all the perks of the strip—but with on-site parking, pristine bathrooms, and guaranteed protection from inclement weather. Owner Debi Greenberg's internationally praised taste informs each and every buy for the four-story retail landmark, from the cutting-edge home goods floor (featuring many plucked-straight-from-Paris pieces, as well as a new Mrs. John L. Strong stationery boutique) to the double-decker layout of dandy men's apparel. The women's collection, showcasing the likes of Rag & Bone and the much-coveted Marni, reposes on the top floor—icing on the cake. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Louis's unparalleled offering of women's designs by fashion darlings including Marni, Tuleh, and Zac Posen—not to mention a formidable men's collection with everything from Brioni to Trovata—makes it a legendary local house of style. The revitalized first floor now includes more bath products, linens, and vintage home goods than ever, and the salespeople remain polite, not pushy. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Fashionistas on a budget, don't despair. While Louis Boston can be a tough indulgence for the sartorially savvy yet financially challenged, all that changes twice a year when seasonal merchandise throughout the store goes on sale for 50 percent off. (Sale dates differ from season to season, but usually land in January and mid-July.) Wander rack after rack of Brioni suits and Helmut Lang tees for him, Aida Barni cashmere sweaters and Prada shoes for her, all with earthly price tags. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Louis Boston is fast becoming the Tom Hanks of one-stop shopping. In a category with increasingly stiff competition, Louis returns year after year to win the prize, thanks to its superior selection, variety, and (okay, occasionally snooty) service. Where else can you find the perfect pair of shoes, killer dress, and new lipstick while having your nails done—all in one afternoon? Men can find a full range of suits, casual wear, shoes, and even tuxes, all ready to be tailored at a moment's notice. With Debi Greenburg mixing cutting-edge designers from Dries van Noten to Anait Bian with tried-and-true labels like Prada, the competition doesn't stand a chance. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
There's no excuse for men to ignore their feet when the variety and selection are this good. Whether it's a pair of comfy Campers or Silvano Lattanzi custom oxfords, they have it here. And in a refreshing twist on one of the largest selections of fashion-forward (think Helmut Lang and Prada) dress shoes in the city, Louis even sells flip-flops. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
The Boston Bruins
Just wait until Bob Woolf and Jack Sands go to work on hockey's salary scale.
Louis Boston
Maybe we've heard where Louis will relocate when its lease is up next year; maybe we haven't. What we can confirm, though, is that while everyone has been buzzing over the Boston style bastion's next address, Louis's focus on ahead-of-the-curve finds for women, men, and home has continued undistracted. In addition to long-stocked designers like Marni and Proenza Schouler, the arrival of knit whiz Kimberly Ovitz and stealth favorite the Row appeals to the current value-obsessed mindset. Meanwhile, the revitalizing powers of the skin-care department, recently boosted by 3 Lab Series and Rodin Olio Lusso, puts chain department stores to shame. Big move or no, here's betting Louis stays in one place: on top. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
With its efforts this past year focused on footwear, Louis Boston now rivals national department stores in quantity—and beats them outright in quality. Delicious flats by Devotte and Gryson line one wall, while heels both timeless (Mayle) and risk-taking (Proenza Schouler) perch along another. And although $800 Balenciagas remain part of the offerings, it's possible to score an equally dynamite pair of Coclico sandals for a few hundred bucks (as, unable to resist, we did). 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Cashmere Boston
In summer, it carries beautiful pastel twinsets; in winter, it's rich, thick four-ply turtlenecks. Whatever the season, this is the place to stock up on all your cashmere items. In addition to the requisite sweaters by all the top designers, you'll also find scarves, gloves, and other supersoft accessories. 114 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Frame
Greg Mencoff custom mills every frame in his South End studio. The low rent keeps prices down, much to the happiness of local artists, sculptors (who love Mencoff's expertise in Plexiglas and wood construction), interior designers, and the Museum of Fine Arts. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
The Newbury Boston
What better place to celebrate your future than in a glamorous ballroom steeped in Boston’s past? When the former Taj reopened in 2021, the 1927 landmark building was reimagined as the Newbury Boston, complete with updates to the hotel’s storied party spaces. Book the Assembly Ballroom for thoughtfully preserved crystal chandeliers, silver-leaf-adorned ceilings, and dramatically draped, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping Public Garden views. 1 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Boston Calling
Get ready for some really cathartic moshing: After two years of heartbreaking cancellations, our marquee music festival recently announced its return for 2022 — and it did so with a bang, bringing back 2020’s promised headliners Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine. Allston, MA bostoncalling.com.
The Boston Shaker
This Davis Square establishment holds all the accoutrements you need to make one killer cocktail (or six). Swizzle sticks? More than you could swizzle in a lifetime. Recipe books? Your options rival Barnes & Noble. Shark-shaped tiki mugs? Also available in whale variety. And don’t forget about the lauded bitters tasting bar, from which staffers are more than happy to provide samples. Happy drinking, indeed. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA thebostonshaker.com.
Boston Baroque
Now entering its fourth decade, this orchestra uses only period instruments, including harpsichords and a theorbo, to evoke the raw emotion intended by the likes of Mozart and Monteverdi. Its programs play host to some of the world's best instrumental and vocal soloists, from Amanda Forsythe to Susanna Phillips. bostonbaroque.org.
The Boston Shaker
The Boston Shaker has everything the imbibing sophisticate needs to equip his or her bar cart, from handblown tiki mugs to specialty ingredients like lavender bitters.
69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, thebostonshaker.com.