Dorfman Jewelers
Otherwise known as "the best place to blow your bonus," Dorfman's is the kind of shop where the well-heeled go to buy their baubles. If you are in the market for a one-of-a-kind sapphire necklace, a Patek Phillippe watch to pass on through generations, a signature Bulgari brooch, or a knick-knack from Van Cleef & Arpels, this is the place to get it. 24 Newbury Street, Boston, MA dorfmanjewelers.com.
Max & The Goldsmith
The artisans at Max & The Goldsmith will transform "inherited" (read: gaudy) brooch into something sleek and sophisticated. They're also adept at copying both modern an antique jewelry designs to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, shoppers can choose from their extensive selection of handmade rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 214 Sumner Street, Newton Centre, MA .
Sephora
We have only one rule when shopping at this cavernous cosmetics shop: Bring cash. How else to limit ourselves while stuffing our basket with lotions, powders, polishes, and liners? Oh, and there are the goodies tempting us from the bins near the checkout line... sephora.com.
Boston Interiors
The problem with mega-furniture stores is that everything tends to look the same. Boston Interiors, however, offers such a wide variety that you actually can create that it-came-together-over-the-decades look in one shopping trip. Bonus: Most of the stock can be procured in custom fabrics and finishes. 31 Boylston St., Brookline Village, MA 2445, bostoninteriors.com.
Figs
The heart foundation might not exactly endorse the Macaroni Simoni (the ultimate rich and creamy macaroni and cheese), but who cares? Celebrity chef Todd English conceived of the idea while looking for a good restaurant to eat at with his kids—one without the kitsch and the deep-fried dishes, hamburgers, and hot dogs on a typical children's menu. 42 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Suzi Dobeli, Bukowski Tavern
Suzi doesn't mix drinks, because Bukowski is a wine and beer bar only—albeit with one of the selections this side of Brighton. But she has everything else a top bartender should: easy charm; a great memory for faces, names, and the drink that goes with each; and a tolerant ear for sob stories and bad jokes. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Jean Palmer Company
Don't be put off by the location: Jean Palmer picks up and delivers. This is where to take the super-expensive, delicate items in your closet. It's also one of the few places in town that can handle those red-wine stains, lipstick residues, and other nasty accidents. 3C Bryant St., Woburn, MA jeanpalmerco.com.
Amy Kernahan, Michaud Cosmetics
No one is too hirsute for the deft hands of Amy Kernahan. She's as adroit at Brazilian bikini waxes as she is at removing facial hair, and manages to perform each treatment meticulously and as painlessly as possible. Most importantly, her friendly chatter puts you genuinely at ease. 297 Newbury St., Suite 21, Boston, MA .
Parish Café and Bar
Where else in the city can you sample creations—okay, they're just sandwiches, but still—from top local chefs, all off one menu? The inventive combinations include a Vietnamese grilled-chicken sandwich with mint-and-coriander mayonnaise, created by Clio's Ken Oringer. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA parishcafe.com.
Eyestarr
The only downside to fake lashes is that they often look, well, fake. But when Andrea Starr is the one painstakingly applying length to our lids, we believe. After an appointment with the former LuxLash manager, you'll enjoy your new fringe for four to six weeks with minimal maintenance and nary a mascara tube in sight. 170 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2116, eyestarr.com.
Evelyn and Angel's
Crystal-shaped Piedmont-hazelnut bonbons. Chunky walnut-caramel clusters. Star-anise truffles. The chocolates at this new Porter Square shop, displayed like delicate china, are as pretty as they are decadent. The Wonka-like environs, meanwhile (one wall is lined with pastel-taffy-filled dispensers), make it all the more fun. 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Chico's
This small shop has a great selection of southwestern-inspired cotton dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, pants, and shorts in coordinated colors and patterns. What's more, everything's washable, most items are one-size-fits-all, and they even have accessories to match. Check out the unusual leather belts—great for casual wear. the Atrium, Route 9, Chestnut Hill, MA .
Newburyport Farmers' Market
"The milk was in the cow on Friday," one cheese vendor proudly announced on a recent Sunday visit. That's fine proof that this buzzy market in the Tannery complex offers some of the freshest goods around—from sustainably grown produce and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats to locally crafted wine 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org.
Bristol Lounge
The only difference between one cold glass of gin and another is where it's served and how (assuming, of course, it's good gin to begin with). The Bristol takes the prize with its tableside pouring, the generous garnish of olives, and the comfy seating. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Dogwood Cafe
When snowy nights descend upon us again, there's only one thing to do: Revel in them. Tramp over to the Dogwood Cafe in Jamaica Plain and order up a hot, crisp, and gooey blueberry pie a la mode. Winter weight gain, be damned. 3712 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA .