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.
Lekker Home
Whether you’re a Marie Kondo purist or a Diane von Furstenberg maximalist, the one thing we can all agree on is that for everything to be in its place, it has to have a place. Luckily, this South End standout has plenty of creative solutions for stashing your stuff. Start small with Thayer Design baskets and Muuto coat hooks, or get ambitious with a new Blu Dot bookshelf or roomy credenza—then watch as your ambitious to-do list shrinks a little bit every day. 38 Wareham St., Boston, MA 02118, lekkerhome.com.
Lekker Home
The shop’s name says it all: "Lekker" means alluring and enticing in Dutch. The family-owned company curates a selection of tempting goods (lush pillows and blankets made from natural yarn; French colored-glass vases; and mirrors with walnut pegs that hold keys, hats, and scarves) that strike the perfect balance between contemporary and traditional. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, lekkerhome.com.
Bundle of Hope
Leighanne Henkenmeier likes to say her Scituate Harbor shop is for "the grandmothers," and indeed, a doting and sufficiently deep-pocketed nana could happily spend an afternoon in Bundle of Hope. Sunlight glows off the white-painted cupboards and armoires, which are filled with designer outfits (Clayeux, La Petite Ourse, Bebe Bonheur) as well as romping American cuteness (Bees & Dragons, Tadpole & Lilypad). With the further temptation of gifts like handpainted music boxes and organic Erbaviva skin care, nothing's-too-good-for-my-grandkid types are bound to drop a bundle of their own. 132 Front St., Scituate, MA 2066, .
Cole-Haan
Whether it's wingtips for work or a pair of loafers for a Saturday stroll through the Square, Cole-Haan has something for all occasions. 109 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Cole-Haan
Where you can find more than 60 styles to choose from in a pleasant atmosphere that smells of leather and polish. 109 Newbury St., Boston, MA .