Billy Drummond
Short but not scary, his flattering haircuts make you feel like Winona Ryder or Isabella Rossellini (depending on your age and role model). Billy excels at developing long-term growth strategies for hair that looks like an outtake from the disaster movie of your life. He's also the manager of this youthful-but-not-too-trendy salon, set in a Commonwealth Avenue townhouse. John Dellaria Salon, 623 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
James Peltier
It's unusual to find a hairdresser who can cut curly hair without reducing one's twisty, tangling locks to a frizzy puffball. James can handle both of these challenges. Even more unusual, before he turned to his current career, he worked as an auto mechanic and a construction worker. And he rides a Harley. So you can get your hair cut and discuss your carburetor all at once. Alexanders, 163 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Matsu
Luddites rejoice. Perhaps the factory-inspired, hard-sell, high-tech atmosphere infiltrating most retail outlets inspired Dava Muramatsu to open a store that has your spiritual well-being in mind. Sure she sells great designer togs from Dosa, Cynthia Rowley, and Lilith among others, but she also stocks objects of beauty for body, home, and soul. Keep your eyes peeled for her seasonal festivals featuring yoga instructor Roni Brisette, astrologer Elizabeth Hermon, and hair maestro Troi. 259 Newbury Street, Boston, MA matsuboston.com.
Marathon Sports
By a mile, Marathon packs a lot of running expertise and merchandise into its very small Cambridge anchor store, but as they say, size doesn't matter. The prices aren't much lower than at those megastores, but the salespeople are knowledgeable runners, so the fit will be worth the money. If you like, they'll help you with your technique, and even analyze your feet. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Grettacole
Beauty may be only skin deep, but the relaxing effect of a day at Grettacole goes so much deeper. A true spa-goer's spa, Grettacole is staffed by an army of masseuses, aestheticians, and nail technicians—every last one a perfectionist—who can fix a nail as perfectly as they can clean your pores or buff your skin to a high shine. The spa offers not only top-of-the-line services, but also excellent salon and spa products from Kérastase, Bumble & bumble, and Trish McEvoy. 95 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettacole.com.
Euro Design Jewelry
Does anyone care about workmanship anymore? The congenial Russian husband and wife who own Euro Design do, and it shows in the intricate, graceful jewelry they create. They preside over a cadre of cases gleaming with ethereal diamond bracelets and ruby necklaces so delicate they seem to float on the neck. Much of the jewelry—designed and crafted on the premises—is custom-made for clients, so if that one perfect, lustrous pearl brooch wrapped in sapphire streams is still looming in your imagination, your search ends here. 1298F Worcester Rd., Natick, MA eurodesignjewelry.net.
Elegant Entrances
"Cluttered" may not be your adjective of choice when it comes to home décor, but a trip to Elegant Entrances might be enough to make wrought-iron candelabra and Mission lamps on iridescent spring-green tablecloths staples of your permanent decorating style. Crowded with items as varied as Victorian basins and wall-mounted cowbells, this Norwell shop has the feel of a Harvard Square boutique, but without the prices. So leave the Platinum AmEx at home—and bring a car with a big trunk. 430 Washington St., Norwell, MA .
Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland
Your quest for the Holy Grail of chocolate can end right here. Topnotch and velvety white, dark, and milk chocolates are flown in from Switzerland every week to literally and happily melt in your mouth. The shop's crème de la crème? White chocolate-covered apricot and orange slices, cocoa-filled truffles, and the signature champagne truffles (at a hefty $27 for a box of 16). Admittedly, the staff can be icy, but, then, so can Switzerland. No matter. The exemplary chocolate stash will leave you without a hint of bitterness. 230 Newbury St., Boston, MA teuscher.com.
Lavender Home & Table
Why shop at a chain store? At Lavender, linens, candles, and other tabletop wares are culled from independent European vendors. And while a French country vibe pervades the shop, it's not all rustic; sleek and modern looks abound as well. If you can't outfit your abode with accents from your own adventures, this exotic home store is the next best thing. 173 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pyara
Even if you have only 30 minutes to spend at Pyara, you'll reap the relaxing benefits: Nosh on dark chocolate and sip a calming tea while your therapist prepares a combination of oils and lotions with fragrances suited to your needs for a quickie Elemental Nature massage. The spa partners with Aveda, but also offers a variety of different hair, beauty, and skin-care products. 101 Middlesex Tpke., Burlington, MA pyaraaveda.com.
Kenny Young
If you're checking into the Ritz, you're probably used to kid gloves anyway. But here's a guy who not only watches your car, gets your luggage taken care of, and ushers you into the lobby—he just makes you smile. He's friendly and jovial in an era when good service has somehow gotten a bad rap. Ritz-Carlon Hotel, 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Karen Pham, Trephin Hair Salon
Whether you’re sporting long nails or short, natural or acrylic, Karen Pham stands ready to deck out your set. She can handpaint you a tiny bunny or bird, or encrust your tips with crystals or gold foil. Arrive armed with inspiration, or let her creativity shine: Either way, you’ll walk out with 10 unique conversation pieces. 25 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111, trephin.com.
Balans Organic Spa
There’s nothing worse than sitting back for a relaxing facial only to have your aesthetician slather on products that smell vaguely like petrochemicals. That’ll never happen at Balans, where facialists use only 100 percent organic products in conjunction with expert analysis of your skin — sans the very annoying upselling attempts common at so many spas — hot steam, thorough extractions, and a lovely, soothing environment. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Pasta Beach
Remember when Mom said, “Eat your veggies”? At Pasta Beach, you’ll be shouting, “Yes, please!” That’s because of the recently revamped Italian joint’s twist on asparagus — that’s right, asparagus — which takes the spear-shaped vegetable to new heights thanks in part to a decadent Parmigiano-Reggiano cream. But the real showstopper is a crispy poached egg with a runny yolk that will make you fall in love with that advice of your childhood, possibly for the first time. 30 Rowes Wharf, Downtown, MA 02110, pastabeach.com/boston.
Faces by Robin
If there’s ever a time to put your best face forward, it’s your wedding day. With more than 15 years of beauty-industry experience, Robin Liebowitz specializes in creating flawless looks for brides and their bridesmaids that reflect each person’s individual personality and style. Whether you opt to go au naturel or glam, Liebowitz will ensure you’re picture-perfect in every shot throughout the event, day or night (and day into night). N/A, facesbyrobin.com.