Wish and Moxie
Admittedly, we're taking some liberties by calling two separate stores a one-stop shop. But if you're trying to put together an inspired head-to-toe ensemble, these side-by-side boutiques on Beacon Hill are a match made in retail heaven. Wish is stocked with versatile frocks from Trina Turk, Milly, and Ella Moss, while Moxie covers the accessories and shoes. One stop, two doors, and zero department-store drudgery? Ring us up. 49-51 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, wishboston.com; moxieboston.com.
Serenella
No one knows how to dress a woman with more sophistication than the Italians. That's why this Newbury Street boutique, which stocks the best of Italy's labels from Moschino to Blumarine, is the first stop for women who want to wear their clothes with style. The colorful dresses, expertly tailored suits, and one-of-a-kind blouses are, in the true Italian sense, investment pieces, and the graceful staff knows just how to select the perfect garment to begin—or enhance—a wardrobe. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA serenella-boston.com.
The Frame Gallery
Step one: Buy an ideal piece of art. Step two: Find a framer you can trust. Good ones, like the professionals at the Frame Gallery, have an artist's eye, offer quality workmanship, and won't pressure you into spending more than you need to. You'll walk away with a well-priced, perfectly framed piece. 2 Summit Ave., Brookline, MA theframegallery.biz.
Lower Falls Wine Company
No 'oaky' chardonnays and 'plummy' merlots here. The quaff hounds at this third-generation business call on a broader viticultural vocabulary in helping a customer discover the perfect bottle: 'Thought-provoking.' 'Animalistic.' 'Zany.' And they're as passionate about choosing their wines as their adjectives, traveling to craft vineyards worldwide in search of small-batch surprises like Sottimano Barbarescos and a cache of 2005 Rhônes. Stop in for a wine tasting or for a friendly one-on-one consult, and the word that'll come to mind is 'intoxicating.' 2366 Washington St. (Rte. 16), Newton Lower Falls, MA 2462, .
Picture Perfect Pets
More kindergarten teacher than drill sergeant, Bette Yip can teach pooches to do anything—sit; stay; scoop their own poop (we can dream, can't we?). If Rover can't make group classes—or hasn't yet learned to play well with others—sign him up in advance for private lessons. After a few one-on-one sessions with Yip, he'll be ready to fetch the paper and roll over like a pro. 9C Dudley Street Pl., Arlington, MA 2476, betteyip.com.
Pieranna Cavalchini
Thanks to this easygoing contemporary-art curator, the Gardner has maintained one of the most vibrant artist-in-residence programs in the U.S. No doubt Cavalchini's close relationship with director Anne Hawley has also helped shape the museum's new Renzo Piano-designed digs, which will give the city one very hip theater-in-the-round. 280 The Fenway, Boston, MA 2115, gardnermuseum.org.
American Repertory Theater
Even by its own cutting-edge standards, the A.R.T. had yet another landmark year, one that began with a searing performance by monologist Anna Deavere Smith about the state of African Americans in school and in prison, and ended with Arrabal, a mesmerizing tango show about one woman's search for her missing father in repressive Argentina. The coming season promises more of the same with the world premiere of Warhol Capote, based on real conversations between the two famous artists. Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, americanrepertorytheater.org.
20byNine
Martha’s Vineyard is known for many things, from crispy fried clams to breathtaking beaches. But top-notch craft-cocktail bars wasn’t one of them—that is, until 20byNine came along. You can’t go wrong with a Manhattan, which comes close to the classic drink’s platonic ideal. After just one, you might be bold enough to cozy up to your bartender and ask for that day’s “smash,” a rotating off-menu creation. 16 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, 20bynine.com.
Parker Cote Elite Fitness
Fitness model Parker Cote has graced dozens of magazine covers, each showcasing his remarkable physique. At his new studio, a 1,600-square-foot space brimming with luxury amenities (a spa-quality restroom and shower area, free Fiji water, and towel service), we can train to cover-model perfection, too. Cote offers semi-private and one-on-one training sessions that incorporate cardio, strength training, and plyometrics. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, parkercotefitness.com.
Eyestarr
Not to be confused with those glue-on falsies of yore, lash extensions are painstakingly applied, one by one, to your own lashes. Sound extravagant? Perhaps, but skilled lash masters like Andrea Starr, of Eyestarr, have begun taking extensions from special-occasion accessory to daily must-have. Starr's work is both meticulous and natural-looking. From her bright, sunny shop on Newbury Street, a boldface clientele emerges batting a thousand. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, eyestarr.com.
Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
World's End
The fact that this prime spit of land, surrounded by water with views of the city and harbor, isn’t a golf course? That’s a miracle unto itself. It’s well worth reserving a timed parking pass ahead of time to be one of the lucky ones who get to peruse the blessedly crowd-controlled hills, rocky shoreline, and Frederick Law Olmsted–designed carriage paths each day. Martins Lane, Hingham, MA 02043, thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/south-of-boston/worlds-end.html.
Viola Lovely
Have just 30 minutes to assemble a head-to-toe weekend outfit? Here's help. Lisa Cancelli Picard's South End boutique—the first city outlet of her North Shore chainlet—is a one-stop coffer of casually edgy tees, blouses, jump suits, shoes, and jewelry from forward-thinking designers like Veronica Beard, Isabel Marant, and Rachel Comey. Cancelli Picard has also quietly assembled one of the best denim collections in town, with newer L.A. labels such as Strom, Mother, and Amo. 1409 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, violalovely.com.
The Winnetu Oceanside Resort
The Winnetu is an island classic for a reason: It's family-friendly (with evening s'mores and a life-size chess board) and ultra-convenient (overlooking one of New England's best beaches), yet removed enough from the hustle and bustle to be relaxing. And the best has recently gotten even better, thanks to a renovation that left the guest rooms—which range from one-bedroom suites to five-bedroom cottages—with notable new polish. 31 Dunes Rd., Edgartown, MA 2539, winnetu.com.
Kelly Link
Link's fiction may be teeming with the inexplicable—polite zombies, world-swallowing purses—but it's no mystery why the work of this Pulitzer-nominated Northampton author was chosen for the Boston Book Festival's "One City, One Story" campaign last year. Razor-sharp, her take on magical realism is packed with local flavor. Who else would start an urban fairy tale in the Garment District's $1-a-pound pile? kellylink.net.