The Fish & Bone
Admit it: If your pets don’t feel — and look — good, you don’t either. So whether you’re in the market for a gold glitter collar for your cool cat, some freeze-dried pig snouts for Fido to obsess over, or fresh toys, outfits, and blankets, this shop has you covered. Having a hard time deciding? Let the knowledgeable and friendly staffers throw you a bone. thefishandbone.com.
Louis Boston
If Louis Boston rented out sleeping space, there'd be no reason to ever leave. The four-story Newbury legend can clothe you (quite well, in Dries Van Noten and Mayle, and as the only place in town that carries Marni), accessorize you (with quirky jewelry from Mannin and Francisca Botelho), coif you (Salon Mario Russo, third floor), and feed you (from chef Pino Maffeo's on-site kitchen). The only part of the store you'd have little use for is the otherwise excellent home goods collection—your new address comes already very nicely appointed. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
The Artful Hand Gallery
The cache of fabulous handcrafted items, many of them one-of-a-kind, includes everything from fine jewelry to furniture—something for everyone. 36 Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Sym's
Comfortable environment. Great buys for men and women. Norwood and Peabody, MA
The Boston Phoenix
"Cardinal Sin" by Kristen Lombardi in the Boston Phoenix, March 23, 2001, which reported four months before the Globe that the court had sealed documents related to whether Cardinal Bernard Law knew in 1984 about Geoghan and did not remove him.
The Boston College men's basketball team
From the elite eight to losing their troubled blue-chip recruit in one year. Already a "where are they now?" trivia question.
Brannelly’s Cafe
The chatty bartenders, trivia nights, and weekly karaoke are more than enough to turn this hidden gem into your go-to watering hole. But the friendly Rozzie locals are what really make Brannelly’s feel like the home you never knew you needed. 4432 Washington St., Boston, MA 02131, .
Jamaica Mi Hungry
The fiery, hearty, soulful fare of Jamaica has a cozy home in Jackson Square, where chef Ernie Campbell uses skills honed as a caterer and food-truck operator to serve heaping helpings of jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, oxtail, and curry goat. Bonus points for the prime location next to an MBTA Orange Line stop and bus hub, which makes these good eats accessible to a broad, underserved swath of the city, notably a nearby section of Roxbury with few sit-down or takeout restaurants. 225 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, jamaicamihungry.com.
Nicole Rueda-Watts, NYX Studio
There’s nothing wrong with a chunky necklace from J.Crew, of course, but if you truly want to stand out from the flock, snag a handmade feather collar—with elegant plumage that wows—from Nicole Rueda-Watts. The designer, who honed her metalworking skills in a Mexican artist community, fashions her eye-catching wares with semiprecious stones, leather, and beads. Catch the collection at her West Cambridge boutique Observatory, which also stocks arrangements from Laura Jean Floral & Design, as well as vintage furniture and home accessories. nyxstudio.com.
Lekker Home
You already know this South End boutique for its modern furnishings and home accessories. Now discover Lekker Home’s softer side, courtesy of a luxe linen collection with everything you need for a lifetime of pampering: Sasawashi scrub towels to keep your skin looking fresh, a super-soft Blacksaw throw for movie nights, and a crisp set of Area bed sheets to sink into later. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA lekkerhome.com.
Bundle of Hope
Be prepared to drop a bundle here: As soon as you spy the Zutano casualwear and fancy attire from European lines Petit Bateau and Deux Par Deux, you won't be able to resist stocking your kids' closets. 146 Front St., Scituate, MA 2066, bundleofhope.net.
Lekker Home
Continuing their quest for the latest in clean, contemporary design, Lekker owners Natalie and Curt Carpenter have introduced several new lines to their store's stunning portfolio. John Derian's decoupage serving ware is a must-have, while the just-launched eco-friendly Central Station line is destined to become a classic. Lekker's selection of chic outdoor accessories (lanterns, bird feeders) and elegant tabletop essentials (coasters, serving trays), meanwhile, remains exceptional. 1317 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, lekkerhome.com.