Nuggets
One of the last survivors of Kenmore Square’s sterilizing overhaul, Nuggets gets you back in touch with old weird Boston and encourages you to bring that history home. Since 1978, obsessed musicologists have explored its wide range of rock, R & B, folk, jazz, and classical box sets, then dug through shelves of books and other tuneful memorabilia. If you’re looking for an old 12-inch dance single or an LP by a long-neglected local band like Heretix or the Real Kids, check out the racks in front and keep an eye on the store’s Facebook updates. 486 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA nuggetsrecords.com.
Sault
When Philip Saul said he intended to celebrate the New England gent's wardrobe with the opening of Sault, it seemed a somewhat lofty goal; after all, the region is known more for jerseys and button-downs than high-end men's fashion. Six years later, he has proven to naysayers that Boston boys do, in fact, appreciate good style. They appreciate the South End shop's selection of classic Grayers sweaters and Penfield outerwear. They appreciate the Jack Spade bags and the occasional vintage accessory. And the rest of us appreciate our guys' newly spiffy style. 577 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, saultne.com.
Newbury Comics
Parents may feel better about parking their offspring with an electronic babysitter when there's more to choose from than the Wiggles or Baby Einstein. In a chain renowned as a playground for adult music fiends, the Fresh Pond outlet of Newbury Comics does right by ankle-biters, dedicating plenty of real estate to kiddie DVDs and CDs. From Pixar flicks to the Smurfs, Laurie Berkner to They Might Be Giants, there's a slew of entertainment options to be had. Much of it is sold gently used, too, which means indulging ADD inclinations (theirs or yours) is less of a budget strain. 211 Alewife Brook Pkwy., Cambridge, MA 2138, newburycomics.com.
Bird by Bird
Gingham rompers? Sailor suits? Excuse our spit-up, Mom and Dad, but you need to check yourselves: That stuff's strictly for the outta-towners. We urban babes need something with a bit more attitude, like tees paying homage to Bruce Lee and Frank Sinatra, along with slick Pluie Pluie rain gear and funky kicks by See Kai Run. And if we absolutely must submit to the affront of being swaddled, please let it be in a simple slate-gray blanket from Toby + Rei, not some friggin' Disneyfied nightmare. A shopping excursion to Bird by Bird should do the trick. Hand us that crayon—we'll draw you a map. 1361 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Tess & Carlos
Tess Enright knows what she likes—and, more to the point, what she does not. The sartorial littérateur has no interest in words like "trendy" or "hip," instead preferring ones like "seasonless," "ageless," and "assured." Her stores are filled with pieces she thinks every woman should own, in understated colors that purposefully override fad: Piazza Sempione cashmere coats, Prada ballet flats, Jil Sander suiting. Three locations include a new Newbury Street outpost, but Tess herself sticks close to Newton, where she's been doling out straightforward advice since 1999. 1241 Centre St., Newton Center, MA 2459, tessandcarlos.com.
Louis Boston
Buyer Debi Greenberg scours the globe to find the in fashion for men and women alike. Her Back Bay store is known the world over for its incredible timing, with many design darlings of the fashion press finding their way onto its floors before they hit the big time. The store caters to a wide variety of ages, from street fashion on the ground floor to power suits on the second and third levels, and a mix of women's wear designers from Kiton to Imitation of Christ. There's also an extensive and cutting-edge makeup counter, Salon Mario Russo, and a top-notch restaurant. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
The Blue Ox
Given his stints at No. 9 Park and Prezza, chef Matt O'Neil knows from high-end. For the Swampscott native's first solo flight, however, he chose to appeal to the rest of us. At his casual American-Mediterranean outpost, there's a juicy blue cheese–stuffed burger for the college kid, quality cuts of swordfish and steak for Mom and Dad, and $6 meal deals with dessert for tykes. Dining out a few times a week here is both an attractive and affordable proposition, making the pull of the Blue Ox strong indeed. 191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 1901, theblueoxlynn.com.
Bobby from Boston
If you like vintage-inspired menswear from Ben Sherman and Rogues Gallery, you'll love Bobby from Boston, a time capsule of a boutique owned by world traveler Bobby Garnett. He specializes in filling his expansive South End space with collegiate sweaters, stadium hats, well-worn denim jackets, army surplus coats, and other goods you wish your grandpa had kept around. The reasonable prices suggest another era, too. Want more? Garnett also takes private appointments at his 5,000-square-foot storage warehouse in Lynn. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Circle Furniture
Despite the relentless country-cute styling of the showroom floor, for every table, bed, and chair on display there are at least 20 customizable options, making this strip mall-friendly mini chain a surprise winner almost by dint of choice alone. Because most pieces are made to order (in small workshops right here in New England), it's a breeze to swap out cherry for walnut, trade traditionally styled molding for up-to-the-minute details, and get that classic chair upholstered in a brashly modern fabric. And while the prices are right, the quality is even better, with rock-solid bookcases and ottomans begging for years of use. 199 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 2138, circlefurniture.com.
The Studio
Three questions we've been asking ourselves this year: Is it easy on the environment? Can I get good mileage from it? Does it go with my new Michael Kors espadrilles? At the Studio, a North Shore trendsetter with a pronounced green streak, the answer is a resounding yes. Up-and-coming indie designers like Supermaggie and Prairie Underground lead the way with earth-friendly materials (organic cotton, recycled leather) and socially conscious craftsmanship, yielding fad-free, guilt-free separates, dresses, and jackets that—unlike that doomed gas-guzzler—we plan to hang on to for years. 46 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
Neiman Marcus
When we want to mindlessly browse shadows and powders, we hit Sephora. When we need to self-medicate with new lip gloss, we stop by Beauty and Main. But when we get serious—as in, restock-our-entire-makeup-bag serious—we hightail it over to Neiman Marcus's Copley Place outpost. Its selection of top brands (Chantecaille, Dior, Nars) and less ubiquitous lines (Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Jemma Kidd) makes it a grown woman's playground. What's more, the sales professionals are themselves impeccably made-up, so we feel completely comfortable putting our face in their hands. Copley Place, Natick Collection, Boston, Natick, MA 02116, 01760, neimanmarcus.com.
Chez Henri
Pairing French classics with Latin ingredients has proven a recipe for success for Cambridge's sexy, laid-back hotspot. It all works seamlessly. Cuban influences complement bistro dishes such as pan-seared quail with red chili vinaigrette and corn-goat cheese gâteau; grilled pork loin chop with black-bean sauce and yucca; and duck confit over garlic risotto and spiced rhubarb. If you're in the mood for a sampler, hit the intimate bar, which has its own innovative menu, including the popular Cubano—a crispy, buttery, pressed sandwich of pork, gruyère, and roasted vegetables. Fittingly, the drinks match the eatery's playful mood. Try an apricot-flavored periodista or a bracing mojito. One Shepard St., Cambridge, MA chezhenri.com.
L.A. Burdick
The first retail outlet for the New Hampshire-based artisan who makes bonbons for New York's most chichi restaurants, this is an adult chocoholic's nirvana. Our first addiction was the Hot Chocolate, basically a full-size chocolate bar lovingly melted, then served in a birdbath-size white china cup and saucer. We progressed on to the handmade chocolates, which remind you that cocoa beans, not sugar, are the most important ingredient. These indulgences pack a long-lasting taste wallop; the Baton with cinnamon—a dark ganache of chopped hazelnut, cinnamon, and lavender—is our personal favorite. 52 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA .
Café Fleuri
Before it reopened after renovations and started serving only dinner, Aujourd'hui at the Four Seasons had a seemingly unshakable hold on the title of best power breakfast. Now that honor has been decisively usurped by Café Fleuri—a sunny, cushy space at the Langham Hotel where every weekday morning the elite now meet to eat. Financiers, lawyers, politicos, and every bigwig in between file in to carve up the universe while they're carving up their fruit-covered waffles and Maine lobster and soft scrambled eggs. Breakfast of champions, indeed. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA boston.langhamhotels.com/restaurants/best_boston_restaurants.htm.
Alex's Shoe Service
Been missing truly great customer service in your life? Here's some advice: Take an old or broken pair of shoes to Alexander's. This family-owned business takes pride in its work, whether it's making the new red high heels you bought on sale actually fit or resoling a favorite old pair. The staff is helpful, courteous, fast, and services are priced right. check out all those fun shoe products like buffers, pads, and polishes, too. They even repaired a dog's collar while we waited out on the steps. 6 Grove Street, Wellesley, MA .