East Coast Alpine
East Coast Alpine boasts the broadest inventory of winter toys in the area, encompassing top brands (Völkl, Atomic, Ride, Mountain Hardware) and the latest technology. Rent skis and snowboards for your kids; snag new boots, poles, and helmets; or bring older equipment in for an evaluation and tune-up. You'll leave fully prepped, be it for black diamonds or bunny slopes. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA eastcoastalpine.com.
The Coop
With independent bookstores (and even national chains) falling by the digital wayside, it's all the more impressive that this classic soldiers on. The four-story Harvard Square behemoth peddles both bestsellers and literary classics, as well as arcane treatises on history, philosophy, music, and science—precisely what you'd expect from a store founded by Crimson scholars in 1882. 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, thecoop.com.
Hudson
Jill Goldberg's four-year-old shop perfectly captures the new Boston aesthetic: a charming balance of country chic (whitewashed woods, salvaged signs), old-money signifiers (vintage French settees), and a touch of modern chrome. Few homeowners can nail the upscale-casual look without a pro's help—Goldberg offers styling services, too—but a couple of well-placed items from Hudson are an excellent start. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
Landry's Bicycles
Bike lanes are popping up everywhere, but two-wheeled travel is still the underdog in this town. Thankfully, Landry's is positioned to mainstream the biking lifestyle. The shop features a well-rounded selection of commuter, racing, and kids' models, and there are four convenient locations (critical when you're running on oatmeal rather than gas). Best of all, each Landry's store is staffed with cycling enthusiasts who'll happily shepherd you through decisions big (road bike? hybrid?) and small (U-lock or old-fashioned chain?). 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Stel's
In a highly competitive retail environment, Stel's refuses to play it safe. Instead, it cultivates an always cutting-edge cast of emerging and indie designers (most of them found only here): Alexander Wang, Rachel Comey, Society for Rational Dress. The spot-on buying ensures that one stop will produce all your staples (tees from Coven, denim by Rogan) as well as that truly standout item (like a Gary Graham leather vest). 334 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, .
Parlor
Yes, we know: We look cute today. We looked cute yesterday, too. But really, we can't take all the credit. We had help from best-friend team Kelly DiNisco and Nilda Martin, who stock pleasingly anti-prep clothes and accessories out of New York and L.A.: Porridge wrap dresses, Nicholas K. trenches, and in-demand Tag Jeans among them. Prettying your pals? Why, that's what friends are for. 1248 Washington St., Boston, MA 2134, .
Cross
Parents, face the facts: Bics and Trapper Keepers are way over; your kids wouldn't be caught dead with them. Today's junior scholars want Cross's ultracool chrome-plated Tech3 pens, vividly colored goatskin envelopes, and canvas totes in groovy blue-wave, pink-swirl, or neutral-flower patterns. The bright side: The last two items at least still hold a lot of homework assignments. Zero Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, cross.com.
Neiman Marcus
Smaller boutiques deserve snaps for cleverness and class, but no one touches Neiman's when it comes to sheer selection. Sole searchers here can browse through zebra-print Manolos, steel-heeled Kors slingbacks, Marc Jacobs espadrilles, and bejeweled Christian Lacroix sandals. And with plenty of stock and attentive service, it's that much easier to walk out with your best foot forward. Copley Place, Boston, MA neimanmarcus.com.
Q Optical
Optical issues are somber enough, so we love a spectacles shop that doesn't take itself too seriously. Such is the case at Q Optical, where visitors are greeted by whimsical, four-eyed steel sculptures and treated to fun and fancy frames by Gucci, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, and Paul Frank. Need some snow and sun protection, too? Also on hand are ready-to-ride ski goggles and stylish shades. 287 Newbury St., Boston, MA qoptical.com.
The Art Store
From its creative workshops and tattooed employees to the epic collection of papers, every inch of the Art Store inspires creativity. The meticulously organized setting is the perfect place to lose track of time as you meander through wide aisles neatly packed with everything from standard paints, brushes, canvases, frames, journals, gifts, scrapbooks, and wrapping paper. Whether you're in the market for professional art supplies, a photo album, or rainy day children's games, the Art Store is the place to find your inner Degas. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA .
The Tannery
Boasting a crackerjack stable of labels and styles, the Tannery exists to serve the active male's foot: Will it be Clarks Wallabies for a stroll through the Back Bay or $220 Scarpa hikers for the Everest expedition? Johnston & Murphy loafers for the board meeting or Birkenstocks for the weekend on the Vineyard? An accommodating staff and two spacious locations ensure superb fitting and extensive inventory. Whatever the function, rest assured your well-shod feet will lead you there in style and comfort. 11A Brattle St., Cambridge, MA thetannery.com.
Vidal Sassoon
Still think Vidal Sassoon is about those cheesy '80s commercials? Not anymore. This international house has spearheaded trend after trend, and the Boston branch is particularly blessed with a dream team of hair artistes in colorist par excellence Laurel Elliot and the exacting stylist Dirk Diegel. Add to all that a widespread practice of professional but personal treatment punctuated by a notable lack of pretense, and you've got the consummate coiffure. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Kelly's Funky Groove, Longfellow Club
Kelly's Funky Groove at Natick's Longfellow Club is for people who've been searching for a class to teach them how to avoid doing the "white man's overbite." The class is hop-hop-cum-philosophy of music and dance, and Kelly's enthusiasm is infectious. It's a rhythm thing: Leave your shy demeanor at the door and get funky. Bonus: Mothers and daughters often take this class together. 203 Oak Street, Natick, MA longfellowclubs.com.
Boston Car Service
Whether you need transportation for a big cheese from New York or just a ride to Logan at 3 a.m., traveling in a Boston Car Service sedan will do you right. Rates are easy on the check-book: From the Boston/Cambridge area to Logan, it's about $33 to ride in a swank Lincoln with a driver who asks your route and temperature preferences. Now this is living. 60 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, MA bostoncorpcoach.com.
Dirk Diegel, Vidal Sassoon
Fortunately for men seeking a haircut, Dirk Diegel of Vidal Sassoon styles and cuts like he was born with comb and scissors in hand. Trained in Hamburg, Germany, Diegel has done his thing at Vidal Sassoon for five years. He's been the manager for more than a year, but he still lavishes his talent on upwards of forty heads a week. If you're lucky enough, you'll let Dirk work his magic on your locks. 14 Newbury Street, Boston, MA sassoon.com.