Sophie Hughes
This young designer forges rings from start to finish in her studio using recycled metals and reclaimed or ethically sourced gems. Choose a ready-made design or meet with Hughes to get creative. From classic shiny bands to one-of-a-kind baubles, the possibilities are endless. (She'll even fuse metals together for a two-tone match made in heaven.) Hughes is adept with old miner stones, too, so incorporating Grandma's diamonds won't be a problem. 80 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, sophiehughes.com.
Le Labo
With signature fragrances hand-blended and packaged right before your eyes, it's clear why this parfumerie's name translates to "the lab." The simply appointed Back Bay store's distressed apothecary cabinets and metal lamps make it easy to focus exclusively on the olfactory, and focus you should: The Audrey Hepburn-inspired "Iris 39" will transport you to a forest footpath dotted with violets, the "Bergamote 22" to a citrus grove planted in musky soil. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelabofragrances.com.
Gracenote
The most discerning coffee enthusiasts frequent this 240-square-foot caffeine den, where espressos and cortados are pumped from a Modbar espresso machine by co-owner San Bellino and his staff. A native of Australia, the former owner of the Coffee Trike serves up an exceptionally good flat white, which somehow tastes even better while sipped at the standing bar. 108 Lincoln St., Boston, MA 02111, gracenotecoffee.com.
SRV
In the sea of noteworthy Italian restaurants that have opened recently (Benedetto, Bar Mezzana, Mida), small-plates-focused SRV edges out the competition with its umami-rich one-bite cicchetti and bold pasta dishes made with house-milled flour, from garganelli with 'nduja-carrot sugo to strozzapreti with sausage and salsa verde. And thanks to the upgraded dessert program created by new pastry chef Meghan Thompson, the South End hot spot has only gotten better since it clinched this title last year. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, srvboston.com.
Max Ultimate Food
The sadly standard wedding victuals (banal cheese selections, limp veggie platters) find no place on the menus of MAX Ultimate Food, provider of both impeccable service and outstanding cuisine. The company's repertoire marries the creative with the classic: grilled shrimp with blood orange glaze, roasted duck and caramelized shallot tartlet, and lobster blini tied with chive. There's no taste too exotic, no request too outlandish for the indefatigable crew headed by good veterans Neal Balkowitsch and Dan Mathieu—from tiny weddings to big fat Greek blowouts. 100 Magazine St., Boston, MA maxultimatefood.com.
Chet Gladchuk
Let's see. The football team beats Notre Dame. the basketball team beats North Carolina. The stadium is expanding. Across the South Shore old bald guys spend the year joyously spilling manhattans all over the little whales on their trousers. Therefore, the athletic director must be fired for failing to salute every Globe newsbox he passes.
David Kelly, Grettacole
Don't plan on accomplishing much of anything after you've been under the nearly mystical hands of David Kelly, whose clients have been known to cancel meetings just so they can better enjoy the aftermath of his massages. Kelly's steady pressure, strength, and calming manner (his soothing voice could relax even Richard Simmons) work deep into muscles you didn't know you had. Copley Place, Boston, MA grettacole.com.
Boston Body
Boston Body is a gym for gym people. Nowhere else in town can compete with its variety of classes, the most popular of which is "Butts and Guts." But the gym isn't just about faddish activities; basic workouts are an option too, with a range of equipment that is both high-tech (Cybex Body Masters) and low-down (punching bags). 364 Boylston Street, Boston, MA bostonbody.com.
Fifteen Beacon
Paul Roiff's $21 million hotel project in Beacon Hill is the ultimate in modernity. The boutique atmosphere extends to the rooms themselves, which feature an incredible roster of amenities in addition to the usual plus bathrobes: cream-colored walls, fireplaces, oversized entertainment centers with the latest film releases, and wet bars. The hotel even supplies personalized business cards for guests to give out while they're visiting or doing business in Boston. It is certainly a costly experience, but a unique one as well: Pampering never felt so sophisticated. 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA xvbeacon.com.
Golf Country
Where do you go when you can't get rid of that slice? Golf Country in Middletown is the practice range of choice for hackers and Big Cats alike. In addition to a whopping 75 stalls (some newly covered for rain or shine), it has batting cages, miniature golf, and the perfect postworkout pleasure: excellent cones at Richardson's Dairy next door. 169 South Main St., Route 114, Middleton, MA .
Lord & Taylor
While everyone was gushing over its flashier neighbors—the new Barneys, the renovated Saks—underdog Lord & Taylor quietly cornered the city's bikini market. (In fact, starting in early March, swimwear commands almost a third of the lower level of this Back Bay stalwart.) And though the department store may have an old-fashioned rep, its bikini selection entices with trendsetters like Trina Turk, Betsey Johnson, and Vix. More-modest one-pieces from Gottex and La Blanca are chic, not frumpy. 760 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2199, .
Good Vibrations
It's possible—almost—to mistake Good Vibrations for a bookstore. It's not so much what the Coolidge Corner shop stocks (the dildo-to-hardcover ratio is skewed very, very heavily toward the former) as it is the studiously professional vibe. The well-organized space means browsers won't mistake bendy beads for bedroom dice, and the overall selection is unbeatable. As one patron described it, 'They carry the latest and greatest, as well as the staples.' 308A Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, .
Tadpole
Baby-lust-inducing clothing (Pixie Lily onesies, Trumpette 'cowgirl boot' socks) and accessories (Skip Hop diaper bags, Dwell crib sets) make this whimsical South End shop our favorite answer to big-box hegemony. Whether your limit is $20 or $200, staffers are happy to brainstorm presents, and wrapping is free. Even if your gift isn't on Mom's registry, she'll probably wonder why she didn't think of it herself. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 2116, shoptadpole.com.
Brookline Booksmith
At heart, a bookstore's job is simple: Carry the latest and greatest. The Booksmith does this handily, while rising above Blahs & Noble to stand as a true bibliophile meeting ground. Its monthly book club and near-daily readings by a formidable mix of authors (this past year saw lad-lit hero Nick Hornby, Pulitzer-winning novelist Jhumpa Lahiri, and blowhard par excellence Chris Matthews) provide a safe haven for book lovers in a world clogged with TV watchers. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brooklinebooksmith.com.
Lululemon Athletica
Because the pants are preshrunk and consummately flattering. Because the tops are sexy and comfortable. Because (heads up, yoga dudes) the men's apparel is styled like normal, nonhumiliating athletic gear. And because Lululemon's eco-friendly workout mats, gym bags, and other yoga accessories mean that you can strike a pose, discover your center, and leave behind the outside world—in more or less the same pristine shape in which you found it. 337 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, lululemon.com/boston/newbury.