Shreve, Crump & Low
Don't just take it from us: The recent stunning exhibit at the MFA should have convinced you that tiaras are no longer reserved for royalty. They've become the accessory of choice for both brides and frequent gala attendees. Shreve, Crump & Low, which has the distinction of being one of the oldest jewelers in the coutry, has an excellent selection; tiaras start at $8,800. 330 Boylston Street, Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Images & Frames
The unusually warm welcome is your first clue to this store's stellar service. The patient and skilled staff takes the necessary time (a good half hour) to discuss how to achieve the exact look you want, or will hang back when you'd rather make your own decisions. That, along with the store's good lighting, selection of diverse and colorful prints, and meticulously finished end products, all add up to one thing: a picture-perfect experience. 1089 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Lisa DeCobert, Louis Boston
DeCorbet's girly chatter and down-to-earth approach is a welcome relief from the hard sell of many other makeup artists around town, so it's easy to regard her as a pal. But make no mistake. She can do what no other friend on the planet can: transform you from plain Jane into a smoldering starlet. Better still, she's not loyal to any one brand and has a penchant for mixing and matching from the specialty lines at her counter. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Stephen Smith
He can find that extra inch in the Prada pants on sale that you can barely squeeze into, transform a jacket so it looks custom-made, and miraculously mend that favorite outfit, which is beginning to look a little on the shabby side. Check with Stephen before you break down in despair over the dress you coveted all season—now that it's available...two sizes too big or one size too small. Barney's New York at the Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA .
L'Arte Di Cucinare/Michele Topor
Visit the butcher, the baker, the ravioli maker on a four-hour tour of the insider's North End led by an expert in Italian culinary arts. Learn to recognize the best olive oil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and grappa as you taste your way down Hanover and Salem streets, then toast your newfound expertise at a grand finale at one of the North End's best trattorias. 6 Charter Street, Boston, MA .
Greek Corner
For more than 15 years, family-run Greek Corner has created classic, flavor-packed dishes as generously portioned as they are scrumptious. The appetizer sampler includes heaps of creamy ;taramosalata, hummus, and tabbouleh with feta chunks, cucumber, and olives. The lamb kebab and gyro entrées are piled high with pungent, well-seasoned meat, while jumbo falafel plates and a garden's bounty of salad options ensure no one, not even vegetarians, leaves hungry. 2366 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, greekcorner.us.
Rachel Klein, Om
Any chef who can transform a Harvard Square music store into a destination for cutting-edge cuisine is really cooking. (Forgive uswe had to write more than 300 of these things.) Oms Rachel F. Klein, who arrived this winter from New York via Providence, rejects the usual steak and salmon for fresh, inventive dishes that are both conventional and pleasing to the palate. Our favorite, if we have to pick just one: the Okinawa squashstuffed ravioli served with wood-grilled olives in a spicy Thai broth. 92 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA 2155, omrestaurant.com.
Umbria
Does Boston need another Italian restaurant? If it's Umbria, the answer is a resounding yes. Chef Marisa Iocco is turning out flavorful cuisine from Italy's bucolic central region, which means straightforward grilled, slow-braised, or brick oven-roasted food. It also means melt-in-your-mouth buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, and moist, pan-seared cod loin with creamy celery root purée. And unlike its North End brethren, Umbria offers desserts—amazing ones, at that. 295 Franklin St., Boston, MA umbriaprime.com.
The Upper Crust
With toppings this terrific, it's hard to limit yourself to just one slice. The Slightly Pesto—white pizza splashed with pesto, garlic, and diced tomatoes—is our fave, but thin, chewy crusts beneath fresh ingredients such as seafood or Italian sausage, and local monikers like the MGH (spinach, broccoli, and feta), make any slice at the Upper Crust a cut above. 20 Charles St., Boston, MA theuppercrustpizzeria.com.
Brown Sugar Café
Serving huge portions of flavorful curries and other Thai specialties at affordable prices, Brown Sugar is a perfect match for the tastes and budgets of the undergrads, musicians, and medical students who live in this neighborhood. In addition to less fiery offerings like "Siamese Twins" (shrimp and chicken in a sweet-and-sour sauce), there are such authentic dishes as laarb gai (minced chicken in a spicy lime sauce). Service is prompt but friendly, and the free parking—limited, but a rarity in these parts—means outsiders can enjoy one of the city's best pad thais, too. 129 Jersey St., Boston, MA brownsugarcafe.com.
Carmen
This pretty, brick-lined North End spot is the epitome of what a great neighborhood restaurant should be: small, full of warm greetings, off the beaten path, and equipped with a creative menu that keeps diners coming back. If you're lucky enough to grab a seat at one of the eight tables (there's also a bar), excuse the occasional harried service and enjoy the tapas-style appetizers with a glass of wine before digging into a simple, flavorful entrée, from flaky fresh swordfish to an Italian crepe filled with porcini mushrooms and caramelized onions. 33 North Sq., Boston, MA carmenboston.com.
Brookline Liquor Mart
For lovers of serious french wines, Brookline Liquor Mart is one of the best stores in the country. True, if you are looking for widely available wines, you may find cheaper places elsewhere. But because the store is owned by Classic Wines Imports, it boasts an absolutely extraordinary selection of French wines— many at bargain prices. Brookline's strong suit— older, mature Burgundies— are not just incredibly well priced for their age and provenance; they are also almost impossible to find elsewhere. A friendly, well-informed staff will hlp you find the real treasures. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA .
Divino
There is nothing like a good frock to get you through the day, and at Divino, the Versus line designed by Donatella Versace, has a range of short, sassy dresses for day and evening, as well as some very affordable jersey numbers. But for ultimate goddess dresses—one even transformed grunge queen Courtney Love—those at Gianni Versace couture are to die for. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Posto
With its mod open layout and warm brick and wood, Posto is snazzy enough for date night and relaxed enough for family get-togethers. But to truly appreciate one of Posto's pies, fly solo. With a bready aroma rolling off the crispy-chewy crust, and the flavors of premium ingredients (rich Gorgonzola cream, spicy soppressata, fresh baby arugula) only just married, a pizza delivered straight from the wood-fired oven demands—and rewards—your undivided attention. 187 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, .
Cafe Vanille
Boston doesn't have many patisseries, and our bakeries feel like coffee spots that just happen to have cinnamon buns and cupcakes. Café Vanille, however, seems like a French pastry shop that just happens to serve espresso and tea. One look at the lineup of flaky napoleons, ganache-glazed éclairs, colorful petits fours and fruit tarts, and buttery brioche makes the cookie-and-donut offerings everywhere else seem downright dull. 70 Charles St., Boston, MA 2108, frenchmemories.com.