Circle Furniture
There are plenty of high-end shops in town to satisfy sophisticated tastes, but we keep coming back to Circle, Boston's source for New England-built beds, chairs, and more. You can furnish your entire home here. Just remember: This is custom stuff. It takes time to build, but it's worth the wait. 31 St. James Ave., Boston, MA 2116, circlefurniture.com.
Vizio Optic
What do Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's have in common? Killer shades, of course. Get your own movie-star-worthy lenses at Vizio, where you can try on pair after designer pair without feeling rushed (or self-conscious). 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
The Watch Hospital
Don't let the long line scare you away. You'll get a battery replaced or a problem diagnosed in minutes at this tiny half-century-old family-owned business. And if your watch is fine, or totaled, they'll let you know at no charge. 40 Bromfield St., Boston, MA .
Nancy Garber
Rating a medium is tough: interpersonal style is as crucial as wow-ability, and how can you tell is someone is wrong about your future? But we like Nancy's nurturing approach, since she counts many of the recently bereaved among her clients, and she did manage to spook us when we wanted a spooking.
Salon Nordic
Having someone else yank out your body hair can be, um, intolerable. Even first-time waxes will find it quick and painless— the best two things a waxing can be. Bikini line? Ingrown hair? No problem. These unsqueamish Swedish sisters attack so cheerfully, professionally, and swiftly, there's no time for feeling awkward. 221 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Calvin Wiley
The classes are referred to as boot camp, but the moves are oriented more to funk and dance than to the military. Wiley is a contemporary dancer and choreographer, and his 90-minute-long classes are a mix of dance and aerobics. While no formal training is required, it might be wise to shed your inhibitions at the door. Metropolitan Health Club, 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Henrietta's Table
Your kids will find plenty of pint-sized company at this brunch extravaganza, where children under five eat free and the six-to-twelve set gets half off. For harried parents, the all-you-can-eat format is priceless. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
Dorfman Jewelers
If you know what you want— an eternity band with sapphires, say, or an exquisite set of braided guards to bookend your anniversary ring— come to the masters, in this intimate, opulent, vaultlike boutique. But first you must be worthy of the stones: Barbara will size you up. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
City Sports
With so many locations to choose from, City Sports is the best stop for service and selection— sporting equipment from rollerblades to swim goggles as well as end-of-season sales worth waiting for. Check local newspapers for daily coupons. Guaranteed to unleash your inner jock. All locations, .
Cambridge Auto Parts
Have you ever broken your parking light while trying to squeeze into that enviable spot on Newbury Street? For less than half of what you'd pay at most dealerships, these guys will provide (or order) most any spare part. 290 River St., Cambridge, MA .
Harnett's Homeopathy & Body Care Store
There is no product too esoteric for this homeopath's heaven: essence of sage, soap salad-bar, pump-your-own-shampoos, natural health remedies, vitamins, New Age magazines, and for those who prefer to get their vitamins in the most natural way—a juice bar. 47 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA .
Doug Eng
When he's not helping locals perfect serves, slices, and backhands, Doug Eng is coaching the Tufts men's tennis team, writing for tennis publications, and traveling the training and speaking circuit. Chances are he schooled the pros from your country club, too. The Tennis Academy At Harvard, 65 N. Harvard St., Boston, MA 2163, thetennisacademy.com.
Salon Marc Harris
Have a spare $125 and need a new do? Marc Harris's adroitly angled razor cuts are the sharpest in town. An updated, more sophisticated look—one that actually accentuates your face's particular shap—is always money well spent. 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, salonmarcharris.com.
K-9 Corner
Is your dog more accustomed to play dates than crates? Then this is the overnight care for him, with three yards for larger dogs, and three areas indoors for smaller pooches and puppies. Boarding is $25 per night, day care is $20. Call well in advance of holidays and school vacations, which book up fast. 204 Bridge St., Weymouth, MA .
Vox Populi
In this den of preppy testosterone, the open floor plan encourages circulating (the better to scope prospects), the pop soundtrack doesn't drown out conversation (the better to initiate small talk), and the martini menu is 20 varieties long (the better to loosen your inhibitions). 755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, voxboston.com.