Koo de Kir
It doesn't take a very discerning eye to look at Sarah Cihat's reglazed vintage plates and know that they are cool. Knowing whether they'll look good on your dining room table paired with a particular Michael Aram eucalyptus-branch candlestick—now, that requires talent. Koo de Kir's straight-out-of-a-Dwell-spread salesclerks take the intimidation out of mod design with their friendly, helpful hints and advice, letting shoppers spice up their abodes with confidence. 65 Chestnut St., Boston, MA koodekir.com.
The Gifted Hand
You could go to Pottery Barn. Or you could go to the Gifted Hand and—gasp!—buy something original. This well-lit Wellesley gallery sells handmade ceramic bowls, contemporary blown-glass vases, and hand-woven chenille throws that you won't find anywhere on the mass market. Pick up a vibrant tiled mirror, antique gold compass, or engraved wooden picture frame and add some unhomogenized touches to your home. 32 Church St., Wellesley, MA 2482, giftedhand.com.
Koo de Kir
It doesn't take a very discerning eye to look at Sarah Cihat's reglazed vintage plates and know that they are cool. Knowing whether they'll look good on your dining room table paired with a particular Michael Aram eucalyptus-branch candlestick—now, that requires talent. Koo de Kir's straight-out-of-a-Dwell-spread salesclerks take the intimidation out of mod design with their friendly, helpful hints and advice, letting shoppers spice up their abodes with confidence. 65 Chestnut St., Boston, MA 2108, koodekir.com.
Wilson Farm
Whether you crave fresh bell peppers or a fat little Christmas tree strapped to your car with a smile, Wilson Farm satisfies. It's pastoral—think fall hay mazes and an unspoiled barnyard area with roving animals—but modern enough for the harried shopper: To-go items, including chicken potpie and strawberry shortcake, have salvaged many a dinner. Maybe that's because Alsatian chef Raymond Ost—you might remember him from Sandrine's Bistro—heads up the farm store's kitchen. 10 Pleasant St., Lexington, MA 2421, wilsonfarm.com.
Cider Hill
With a commitment to sustainability in the form of its own wind turbines, a long-running compost program, and a robust pick-your-own schedule for kids and wannabe farmers, Cider Hill gives back to the community it feeds. Its care of craft also shows up in the three-season farm stand, where you'll find Cider Hill's own produce haul, pasture-raised eggs, and honey made by bees on-site, along with those namesake cider doughnuts, baked fresh every day. 45 Fern Ave., Amesbury, MA 1913, ciderhill.com.
Nomad
When you're over hipster onesies and cheeky monogrammed totes, venture to Nomad for rare objects that will remind your favorite dinner-party host of travels to exotic lands. The quiet two-story shop stocks folk art from Mexico, lanterns from India, jewels from Morocco, and other international treasures that change regularly. 1741 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, nomadcambridge.com.
Quadrum
Displayed in glass cases and backlit boxes like museum treasures, the handcrafted baubles at Quadrum are proof positive that fine jewelry needn't be boring. Here, raw diamonds, black tourmaline crystals, and ocean-blue opal star in bold pieces that work as well for a formal gala as they do for a dinner out with friends. Even better, the team often invites the artisans who create them into their space for special events, offering an inside look at the creative process behind your new favorite necklace. The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, quadrumgallery.com.
Alan Bilzerian
In this case, quality wins over quantity. You're not going to find floor-to-ceiling racks of denim in every style and wash here. What you will find is a tightly edited selection of jeans for men and women from high-end designers such as Isabel Marant, Alexander McQueen, and Rick Owens. These are not your average dungarees for casual Fridays; these are fashion pieces with nonpareil design elements that will never, ever be made into cutoffs. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
Exhale Back Bay
We'll admit, a bikini wax is not the most enjoyable reason to visit Exhale's pristine Arlington Street outpost—but the spa's serene vibes, privacy-ensuring labyrinthine layout, and fully stocked locker rooms make an, ahem, hair-raising visit as bearable as humanly possible. And thanks to the efficient deployment of the non-irritating, soy-based wax, all it takes is a few deep breaths before you're refreshed and on your way. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, exhalespa.com.
Balans Organic Spa
No need to choose from a menu of froufrou facials at Balans, Boston's first all-organic spa. Here, each 60- or 75-minute session is completely customized to your skin, targeting concerns ranging from acne to aging with a selection of plant-based products from Maria Հkerberg. Need an extra boost? Try the brand-new roseroot-stem-cell treatment, which promises to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Cambria Grace
Memories fade, but photographs last forever. Thankfully, you can trust Cambria Grace to be everywhere you are and everywhere you can’t be on your wedding day. The Boston shutterbug’s camera is like an invited friend, bringing unparalleled intimacy to every teary-eyed gaze and loving embrace it captures. These aren’t stiffly posed portraits; they’re art prints meant to be framed, hung, and cherished for a lifetime. cambriagrace.com.
Boston Public Library
The gurgle of the cast-bronze fountain in the Italianate open-air courtyard. The glow of the green glass lamps on Bates Hall’s long reading tables. Set the scene for your own epic love story at the BPL. With an array of dramatic party spaces and creative, personalized cuisine from the Catered Affair, the Renaissance Revival treasure is less library and more fairy-tale romance in the making. bpl.org; thecateredaffair.com/bpl. 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Pure Glow
One session with owner Lauren Rampello, and you’ll never hop into an automated spray-tan booth again. Her paraben-, formaldehyde-, and retinol-free formula is meticulously applied by hand, leaving no room for streaks or missed spots. Stop into the recently opened studio for a custom color consultation, or let Rampello bring her pop-up tanning station to your home. Either way, 20 minutes is all you’ll need for a subtle glow that lasts for the better part of a week. 176 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, pureglowtanning.com.
Patrice Vinci, Patrice Vinci Salon
Balayage, the freeform process of handpainting dye onto individual locks of hair, requires patience, artistry, and plenty of know-how. Luckily, longtime stylist Patrice Vinci has all of those things in spades, having styled celebrities from Ellen Pompeo to Betsy Brandt for the red carpet. Her sun-kissed, natural looks are so lustrous and dimensional, your only regret will be not having booked the appointment sooner. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, patricevinci.com.
Commonwealth Worldwide
Whether you want your high-profile clients chauffeured around town or simply need a lift to Logan, Commonwealth Worldwide has you covered, stylishly. Founded in Boston nearly 35 years ago, the international car service boasts sparkling new fleets of luxury sedans and SUVs, as well as an app that allows users to track their vehicle, contact their driver, or adjust their itinerary with ease. Move over, Uber. 250 Everett St., Allston, 02128, commonwealthlimo.com.