Violet Furxhi, Salon Mario Russo
No post-appointment plans? You'll be scrambling to make some after a visit to this ego booster/blowout artist extraordinaire. Calling on fierce wattage and killer technique, Furxhi shapes locks into your desired frizz-free configuration, from stick straight to full-on Jessica Simpson—all the while complimenting in an exotic growl your "gorgeous," "hot" new look. One glance in the mirror, and you'll be hard-pressed to disagree. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Natale’s
Though Natale’s focus is on suiting (with more than 2,000 suits and 1,000 sport jackets available), this one-stop shop also offers golf shirts for hitting the fairway, cuff links for hitting the boardroom, and everything else you need to smartly (and stylishly) dress for all your days. And because Natale’s provides free alterations for the lifetime of its fine suits, pants, and sport jackets, your wardrobe can grow with you. 171 Washington St., Norwell, MA 2061, natalesclothing.com.
Royal Jewelers
Don’t know the first thing about carats and clarity? Head to Royal Jewelers, where experienced staffers (the shop’s been in the same family since 1948) are ready to hold your hand through every step of the ring-selection process. For a sparkler as unique as your soon-to-be bride, ask about the store’s customizable Royal Crown Collection. 58 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, royaljewelers.com.
No. 9 Park
Chalk it up to the anticipation of an unforgettable meal, the warm reception proffered at the host stand, or maybe just the impact of that briskly shaken craft cocktail in your hand. Whatever the reason, there's something so magical about No. 9 that your date suddenly seems to have gotten infinitely more attractive. And just wait till you try what Barbara Lynch's kitchen has created that day, be it sturgeon with pork belly en papillote, or a chocolate cream tart with saffron and grapefruit—two spoons, of course. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, no9park.com.
Clio
Among Boston's power-breakfast set, Ken Oringer's otherwise high-profile restaurant (and the chef's own 'baby') has mostly remained a close-kept secret. Exquisitely mannered servers glide through the elegant dining room, quick with the coffee and sparing with the interruptions. The only risk is that the caviar scrambled eggs, banana galettes, and fresh-baked zucchini bread might have you paying more attention to your plate than to your breakfast companion. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, cliorestaurant.com.
Trefler's
It's unfair to call the artists at Trefler's mere restorers. In fact, they are museum-level art conservators who perform miracles on ancient porcelain, paintings, antique furnishings, gilded frames, and books. These artisans will rescue your First Period blanket chest from the ravages of time, or save you much heartacheif a careless elbow sends your Ming dynasty vase tumbling. 29 Tower Rd., Newton, MA trefler.com.
Vetcall
Anyone who's ever tried to cram a hissing cat or a yelping dog into a pet carrier knows that a trip to the vet is the worst day of your furry friend's year. So spare everyone the ordeal and ring up Vetcall's Jake Tedaldi, a Harvard- and Tufts-trained DVM who'll examine Fluffy in your home and take care of vaccines on the spot. 304 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2115, vetcall.com.
MiniLuxe
Germaphobes, this is your safe haven. From the single-use buffers and nail files to the individually packed, disinfected trimming tools, MiniLuxe feels cleaner than most hospital rooms. But just because the place it practically sterile doesn't mean it lacks artistry: The nail techs scrub and polish till your ragged fingertips gleam like jewels. 296 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, miniluxe.com.
Sean Kavanagh, Shag
Underneath all those tattoos and piercings is a man deeply committed to hair. Kavanagh combs, coddles, and coerces your strands to suit any occasion, with a down-to-earth bonhomie rarely seen among big-city stylists. Trained at Vidal Sassoon, this locally grown talent is now a disciple of Sandy Poirier's Shag principles, which include rocking out while preening the clientele and getting 'Princess' tattooed on your knuckles. (Alas, his mother nixed that last part.) 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, .
Jazz Shoe Repair
Heels break. Toes scuff. Salt stains. Stop pouting—head instead to Jazz Shoe Repair, where owner Yuriy Arutyunov will fix and shine your shoes in his cozy garage-like shop while you wait. His capable hands have been bringing battered boots, heels, and loafers back to life for more than 40 years. He'll repair your pair with a smile—and at a very affordable price. 686 Washington St., Brookline, MA jazzshoerepair.com.
Dog Day Afternoons
Dog Day Afternoons bills itself as the city's first prep school for pooches, which sounds a bit ridiculous—unless, of course, you happen to be someone with a predilection for seriously pampering your pet. In that case, Dog Day's sprawling indoor play space, private dog run, optional limo service, unique amenities (an aquatherapy pool is in the works), arts and crafts lessons (yes, really), and rigorous admissions process sounds like exactly what your dog deserves. 1011 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
Giuliano Day Spa
The highly trained aestheticians at Giuliano are experts with the spa's specialized Phytobiodermie line, which is based on Chinese herbal medicine. They say it's about energy flow and biorhythms. We say it's about luxe pampering and velvety skin. Either way, the facials take into account your birth date (stay with us here), then custom-tailor herbal extracts around the natural elements that relate to your skin type. Whatever. It's pure heaven. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Dave Vasconcellos, Gold's Gym
Feeling flabby, unmotivated, and bored with your workout? Charming, funny, and committed to making you crank it, Vasconcellos won't let you off easy, but you'll hardly know it. And you'll see results in a matter of days. Dave can help you drop pounds, gain muscle, and tone up through proper weight training, aerobics, and nutrition tips. He'll also build your confidence like a personal cheerleader. 30 Park Ave., Arlington, MA .
Gentle Giant Moving Co.
These are no lugs from the Cretaceous period. Gentle Giants moving guys are pros, they speak in full sentences, they're polite (many are college rowers), and they know their way around your marquetry, majolica and Mikasa. They'll baby-sit you all the way, steering you through all the petty decisions that can drive you nuts on moving day. By the end of the day, they'll be your best friends. Smart move. 29 Harding St., Somerville, MA .
Belmont Carwash
Once or twice a year, lavish love on your buggy with the $30.99 full treatment— an exterior wash and interior cleaning and vacuuming, with all the bells and whistles. The whole process takes about 15 minutes, and the car washers don't make you feel like a curmudgeon for pointing out that little smudge just to the left of your rear bumper. Given the gentle touches and attention to detail, we wished they buffed car owners, too. 521 Trapelo Rd., Waverley Square, Belmont, MA .