Gather Here
No idea what a blanket stitch or an embroidery hoop looks like? No matter—all it takes is one visit to this Inman Square shop to envision yourself hunkered down on the couch with a pair of knitting needles. The well-organized space is stocked with fabric and yarn in a rainbow of hues, embroidery kits, and sewing patterns aplenty. And if you need a little hands-on guidance before getting started, simply book a private lesson or a group class in the shop’s studio. 1343 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA gatherhereonline.com.
Gather Here
While the rainbows of yarn and yards of pretty-patterned fabric at Gather Here have kept Cantabrigians crafting since 2011, the hybrid sewing studio/fiber-arts supply store became particularly valuable to the community this year. Case in point: When face coverings became a required part of daily life, the shop posted simple DIY tutorials, assembled mask-making kits, and even rallied their dedicated customers to make thousands of masks for healthcare workers. If that’s not neighborly, we don’t know what is. 1343 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, gatherhereonline.com.
Cynthia Britt Custom Jewelry
If you're investing in a three-months'-income heirloom, you want to work with someone who understands your vision—and your budget. Cynthia Pischdotchian ditched an engineering career to pursue her bejeweled dreams and bring precision to a timeless art form. Today she works out of a Gothically appointed Newbury Street studio, designing one-of-a-kind jewelry both modern and art deco-inspired. She'll also repurpose existing pieces, transforming Grandmother's diamond clip-ons into your newest wardrobe staple. 45 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, cynthiabritt.com.
B/Spoke
B/Spoke, with its intense 45-minute classes, arm workouts, and free shoe rentals, gets top honors in a competitive category. The downtown location is a hit with commuters and city dwellers alike, and the top-notch amenities (read: Aesop products, open rides) set it apart. Often, cycling classes can be more about the chatty instructor than the workout, but at this studio, we feel like we're the focus. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
Ceremony
Owner Alix Childs’s sun-drenched Beacon Hill studio has been called the quintessential store for unique gowns. Highly regarded by industry experts for her “breathtaking feminine style,” Childs curates hard-to-find dresses from fashion-world darlings such as Lela Rose and Temperley London as well as up-and-coming designers, from Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall to Australian dressmaker Sarah Janks. The outcome: a complete all-eyes-on-you moment. 53 River St., Boston, MA 02114, ceremony-boston.com.
Equinox Chestnut Hill
We get it: Membership at Equinox Chestnut Hill is pricey. But once you consider the 37,000-square-foot gym's unparalleled offerings—including some 100 classes per week in five dedicated studios—the $165 monthly fee seems justifiable. Add the indoor lap pool, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, juice/smoothie bar, and WiFi-equipped lounge, and you may never want to leave. 200 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, equinox.com/clubs/boston/chestnuthill.
Dani Wagener Beauty
Like some fabulous fairy godmother, Dani Wagener waves her mascara wand and—poof!—you're transformed into a sultry siren or a girl next door. The makeup artist honed her skills (including seamless airbrushing) at Nars, Estée Lauder, and Shu Uemura before opening her own studio this past year. She's got plenty of famous faces to her name, too, with Anna Wintour among those who've sought out her magic touch. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, daniwagener.com.
Coco Grace
Fashion shoots, celebrity clients such as Julianne Moore and Helena Bonham Carter, and two makeup lines—one for adults, one for tweens—keep Coco Grace trotting the globe. When in town, she gives lessons and consultations at her Brookline studio and the Loft Salon and Day Spa on Newbury Street, where her helpful hints (suck in those cheeks for better blush contour) and best-friend-you-always-wanted demeanor have earned her a devoted following. 98 Addington Rd., Brookline, MA 2445, cocograce.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Maricruz Polito believes brides look their most beautiful when they feel comfortable — and as a result, she’s a pro at just about any style under the sun, from updos and twists to loose waves, braids, and buns. The former Newbury Street stylist has a Waltham studio where she conducts hair trial runs during the week — along with classes for professionals — but come Thursday to Sunday, the mane master is on-site with her brides, creating fresh and elegant looks for their big reveal. maricruzhairstyles.com.
Latitude Sports Club
Rock-climbing wall, indoor track and pool, racquetball courts—name an amenity, and chances are very, very good you'll find it at Latitude's multistory Peabody facility. There's even a Kinesis Studio, outfitted with a wall of Italian-made, low-impact workout equipment that's hard on the muscles but easy on the joints. Whatever fitness path you choose, you'll want to unwind afterward in Latitude's spa, steam rooms, and saunas, or treat yourself to some liquid fuel at the juice bar. 194 Newbury St., Peabody, MA 1960, latitudesportsclubs.com.
The Green Room
Tucked away on a quiet Beacon Hill side street, the Green Room is the perfect spot for anyone yearning for a sharp cut, but desperate to avoid the Newbury Street traffic. With just a single chair, Jessica Dill offers her undivided attention to one client at a time in a cozy studio that feels more like a private retreat. Discretion, personalization, and customer service are paid more than mere lip service, as she offers off-hour appointments and complimentary neck trims to ensure we’re always looking our best. 49 River St., Boston, MA 2114, greenroomboston.com.
Julie Erickson, Endurance Pilates and Yoga
With 20 exercise and teaching certifications, Julie Erickson certainly has the cred. But education alone doesn’t make a great trainer. Erickson’s technique is very hands-on—she’ll tell you exactly what parts you’re strengthening and why while she works with you in her Arlington studio. Erickson has also selflessly donated her time and energy to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombings regain their strength. 446 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 2474, endurancepilatesandyoga.com.
Equinox Fitness
In the year since the high-end New York chain opened a location in the Back Bay, Bostonians have been flocking to this ideal spa-gym hybrid. The sleek, inviting space holds not only the latest fitness equipment, but also studios for Pilates, cycling, and myriad yoga classes (pranavayu, vinyasa flow, anusara, and power). Inclined toward pampering? Avail yourself of the full range of massages, wraps, and facials. Afterward, the juice bar and free WiFi in the lounge help recharge body and mind. 131 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Austen's
The delicate art of hair removal with wax is practiced with finesse and care at this self-described "studio for personal grooming." Austens happens to be the master of extreme waxing: The fabled "Brazilian" job (in which 99 percent of a client's pubic hair is removed) is on offer; mercifully, champagne and cocktails are, too. This mellow salon helps to take the edge off any procedure. 115 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
With an unadulterated sound and a timeless, gamine look, Aly Spaltro, a.k.a. Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, upstages every testosterone-fueled act in Boston. Her voice is light yet certain, as are her banjo and guitar stylings, which will sound even better when properly recorded (until now, her bedroom has served as her studio). Next to Spaltro's spare verses and trancelike repetition, everything else sounds like a whole lotta noise. ladylambthebeekeeper.com.