Gretta Luxe
Experienced "It bag" hunters know better than to play retail roulette, sifting through shelves upon shelves of mediocrity at department stores (or through pages upon pages of it online) in hopes of coming up a winner. Instead, they make tracks for Gretta-Luxe, where megafashionista Gretchen Monahan and company weed out all iffy looks in favor of on-the-pulse (and largely exclusive) designs by Chloé, Zac Posen, and similarly heady names. 94 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, grettaluxe.com.
Hilton's Tent City
From outdoor survivalists to weekend warriors (to those of us whose idea of camping is roasting s'mores over a portable stove), this North End hideaway has everything a walk in the woods might require. Packs, bags, boots, cookware—they're all here, and at appealing prices. First-time shoppers might need a map and compass to find their way around the overstuffed warehouse; luckily, Hilton's has those, too. 272 Friend St., Boston, MA 2114, .
Barneys New York
You have nothing to wear to the Best of Boston party, which is tomorrow. Hustle your Manolos over to Copley's new superstore, where clothing designers both ultrafamous (Marc Jacobs) and ascendant (Jovovich-Hawk) merge with bags, jewelry, and 3,700 square feet of shoes. What's more, an in-house concierge will offer opinions, fetch you lunch, and even arrange your ride home. (The hot date you'll have to get on your own.) 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
The Red Wagon
A favorite with Beacon Hill pram-pushers, the Red Wagon is where moms in the know pad their kids' closets with such finery as Lilly Pulitzer polo shirts, miniature grosgrain-ribbon belts, and lobster-motif sweaters that bear the store's own label. And just past the ladybug rain boots and wide selection of French-label shoes, you'll find a selection of embroidered onesies, booties, and blankets. 69 Charles St., Boston, MA theredwagon.com.
Cambridge Antique Market
EBay may be the fat boy in the collectibles canoe these days, but until they invent virtual fondling, online bidding can't substitute for actually handling the goods and dickering with the dealer. The 150-plus dealers at Cambridge Antique Market make it the most diverse emporium of old stuff around. China, toys, dolls, and books spill out on the shelves. There's jewelry, watches, and silver flatware under glass. Imagine the attics of an entire neighborhood gathered in a single building. Who knows what treasures lurk on those five floors? 201 Monsignor O'Brien Highway, Cambridge, MA marketantique.com/cambridg.htm.
Marc Jacobs
When the store was robbed late last year, staffers sprinted down Newbury in dogged pursuit—these are people who take their fashion very seriously. Though the retailer deals solely in its namesake designer—and some seasons will inevitably outshine others—it's general manager and retail vet Mary Nobile-King's trained eye that shapes the mix of bags, shoes, and women's wear that fills the store. The result is a collection that comes together as if Jacobs were designing specifically for Boston itself. 81 Newbury St., Boston, MA marcjacobs.com.
Ann Sousa
After hours in the chair and a few hundred bucks, your color had better be perfect. Sadly, that's not always how the story ends. And when a dye goes awry, it feels nothing short of disaster. Sousa will survey the damage and explain her plan of attack, patiently tackle the lengthy resuscitation, and ultimately get you that happy ending. Salon Mario Russo, 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Artifaktori
Not everyone who shops at vintage spots wants to resemble a '50s pinup gal—including us. We'd rather comb through the brilliantly stocked, sensibly priced racks at Artifaktori for cozy fisherman's sweaters, gently worn floral Dr. Martens, and beaded detachable collars. Yes, there are several ladylike frocks of yore to please those seeking retro looks, but they all say "fashion" rather than "costume." 22a College Ave., Somerville, MA 2144, artifaktori.com.
Leather World
Globetrotters will have no problem finding the ideal traveling companion amid Leather World's broad assortment of luggage from Hartmann, Vera Bradley, Victorinox, and other trusted names. Standing by to help fill that handsome new roller bag, duffel, or suitcase is every accessory you might need on the road (portable game sets, ingenious money belts, etc.). Plus, the repair services are second to none. 30 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, shopleatherworld.com.
Serenella
Thirty years in, Serenella has blossomed under current owner Leslee Shupe, who works hard to keep her clients well appointed. Covetable pieces by Giambattista Valli, Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon, and J. Mendel make one-up dressing a breeze, while labels like Genetic Denim, Kaufman Franco, and Boy by Band of Outsiders ensure civilized women will never look sloppy. 134 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, serenella.com.
Faire la Fete at M. Flynn Accessories
When you need something pretty, there's no better stop than this new "special occasion" offshoot of M. Flynn Accessories. Owners (and sisters) Megan and Moria Flynn start with their own line of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made of semiprecious and precious stones set into 14-karat gold and silver. They complete the frilly Faire la Fete look with barrettes, headbands, scarves, and clutches from Alexis Bittar, Ban.do, and Inge Christopher. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA 2118, mflynnjewelry.com.
Rangoli
This dimly lit, family-run eatery is a winning culinary combination for discriminating taste buds. The diverse and imaginative menu goes well beyond your typical curry-and-rice staples. Mouthwatering dishes range from top-notch tandoori specials, such as salmon tikka, to fiery curries like chicken Madras. Delicious dosas, tasty kebabs, and subtle sauces compose a tantalizing formula for success. Reasonable prices, coupled with pleasant service, add up to a winning combination of spice and nice. 129 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA .
Mistral
The over-the-top fabulousness of the crowd might make you shy away from the guarded doors if you haven't had, say, a collagen implant lately. Don't be deterred. While this isn't the spot for the most intimate dinner a deux, the minimalist-meets-Provencal decor and inspirational simmerings of Jamie Mammano are worth the trip. 222 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Jeannette Neill
Out with smelly, stuffy, cramped studios; hello, Jeannette Neill! Proper ventilation and soft lighting set the mood in Neill's four exposed-brick studios, where energetic instructors help dancers of all levels limber up on the bar or uncover the secrets of booty quaking. (It's all in the knees.) The children's program here fosters personal growth rather than producing prima ballerinas, and adults can drop in on jazz, tap, theater, or hip-hop classes. 261 Friend St., Boston, MA 2114, jndance.com.
Gentle Giant
Broken mirrors. Dented dressers. Cracked china. Sometimes movers actually add to the hassle of moving. Luckily for us, there's Gentle Giant. This team of former soccer and rugby players, marathoners, and rowers makes handling heavy furniture look easy. They use extra care and swaddle delicate items in padded blankets before speedily maneuvering even awkward pieces up and down banks of stairs and into their waiting truck. 29 Harding St., Somerville, MA gentlegiant.com.