Fashion
Women's Vintage Store
Oona’s
An institution in Harvard Square, Oona’s welcomes visitors with a proper guest book to sign. After that, it’s a vintage orgy—1940s baubles, cowboy boots, cable sweaters, mink jackets and rhinestone-encrusted gowns. Perfect for costume parties or high-quality, of-the-moment looks, the boutique has a glut of inexpensive, eclectic merchandise from yesteryear.
Photo Credit: Katie Noble
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Bargain Hunting
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
Year after year, Wrentham Village scores the Best Bargain Hunting award for one reason and one reason only: the stuff is cheap! From Burberry to Burton Snowboards, 7 for All Mankind to Waterford Wedgwood, wicked deals on designer goods abound. With 170 discount stores, the outlets offer amazing steals for fashionistas, jocks and homebodies alike. As if patrons of cheap-chic needed another reason to make the Wrentham pilgrimage, a Bloomingdale’s outlet is slated to open this fall.
1 Premium Outlets Blvd., Wrentham » 508-384-0600 » premiumoutlets.com -
Children’s Clothing
Bird by Bird
Winning over Cambridge hearts with its eco-friendly children’s wares, Bird by Bird tempts tots with itsy-bitsy motorcycle jackets, newsboy caps, rad T’s and a playroom atmosphere. Duds by Tea Collection and Picaflor do good by donating funds to youth organizations. And there are natty goods by local designers like Bianca Baader and MeMo Baby, plus cute kicks by See Kai Run. Kids will eventually outgrow the fashions, but they’ll look good doing it.
Photo Credit: Katie Noble
1361 Cambridge St., Cambridge » 617-497-1361 » mybirdbybird.com -
Clothing
Drinkwater’s
It’s not always easy to get guys to shop. But the oversized leather armchairs and duck decoys at Drinkwater’s turn even the most recalcitrant grouch into a changing-room diva. And then there are the clothes: Carrot & Gibbs bow ties, leather loafers from Martin Dingman, rugged fisherman sweaters and Angelo Nardelli checkered sports jackets—everything for both football fields and formals. Made- to-measure suits, jackets, trousers, shirts and accessories take any dude from Neanderthal to natty.
2067 Mass. Ave., Cambridge » 617-547-2067 » drinkwaterscambridge.com -
Costume Jewelry
Patch NYC
Owners John Ross and Don Carney discovered the secret to fabulous style: keep it simple, but make it spectacular. To wit: the duo’s handcrafted collection of larger-than-life, crystal-embedded, mixed-metal jumbles ripe for wrapping round your neck. Make sure to check out the extra-long chandelier earrings and multi-chain toggle bracelets, too. Made from new and vintage finds, these pieces need just a T-shirt and jeans for a look that’s très chic.
46 Waltham St., Boston » 617-292-2640 » patchnyc.com -
Fine Jewelry
Lux Bond & Green
Any designer worth a sterling silver spoon (much less a diamond) is here. The fine-jewelry mecca triumphs at mixing old-school settings with of-the-minute style, mainly through a thoughtful selection of artists: Temple St. Clair, Ippolita and Carelle, not to mention the option to make your own wedding rings. With timepieces by Patek Phillippe, Baume & Mercier and TAG Heuer, this Back Bay shop features quality and service reliable as clockwork.
416 Boylston St., Boston » 617-266-4747 » lbgreen.com -
Handbags
Flat of the Hill
The pocketbook connoisseur seeks the creative and the unusual over wallet-killing name brands. That’s why people stampede to Flat of the Hill. Here, you’ll find Lauren Merkin snakeskin clutches and MZ Wallace magenta totes, with enough variety to please both prepsters and punk rockers. Leather hobos, patterned Toss totes and Envirosax reusable shopping bags can become wardrobe staples, while delicate, jewelry-inspired numbers with long snake chains bring on the glitz. This shop is a handbag carryall for every occasion.
60 Charles St., Boston » 617-619-9977 » flatofthehill.com -
Hats
Goorin Brothers
Whether you’re going for a look that’s Queen Mother or Princess Beatrice, get your royal wedding on at Goorin Brothers hat shop. The boutique opened its doors this winter and overnight launched a mad hatter craze. Bowlers, newsboys, wide-brimmed and cowboy hats are now common on Beantown streets. Who knows? Maybe Massachusetts will join Panama and the Kentucky Derby on the map of millinery significance. We have so much more to offer than the tricorn.
Photo Credit: Dan Watkins
130 Newbury St., Boston » 617-247-4287 » goorin.com -
Intimate Apparel
Forty Winks
Leave it to frilly garters, nude underpinnings and a lavender-and-mango lace bra to spice up your days (and nights) at Forty Winks. The petite boutique stocks pretty little numbers by Cosabella, Toute la Nuit, Between the Sheets and Mimi Holliday. Those seeking backless, strapless or seamless support will find themselves in good hands. The Forty Winks staff, experts in all things lacy, can offer solutions from NuBra or Commando, helping you be sensibly sexy.
Photo Credit: Dan Watkins
56 JFK St., Cambridge » 617-492-9100 » shopfortywinks.com -
Jeans
The Tannery
The Tannery, now with locations on both sides of the Charles, turns denim into a spiritual matter. With full men’s and women’s collections from Seven for All Mankind, J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans, AG, Diesel, Hudson, Made and Crafted, their list of designer duds goes on and on. Curve-hugging skinny cuts by MiH and Rag & Bone will treat your body (and bum!) like a temple, while options from True Religion will make your legs go on for eternity. Amen.
711 Boylston St., Boston » 617-267-0899 » 39 Brattle St., Cambridge » 617-491-1811 » thetannery.com -
Local Designer, Clothing
Nara Paz
Nara Paz is our own Vera Wang. Our personal Marchesa. The Brazilian native graduated from Newton’s Lasell College in 2009 and has been on fire ever since. Purchase her sophisticated designs—now carried at boutiques worldwide—at her Woburn atelier or Newbury Street’s Matsu. The line’s delectable ruffled strapless frocks, gold sequin–saturated sheaths and Jackie O–style pastel bouclé suits can handle any Hollywood premiere. Bring on the paparazzi.
10 Tower Office Park, Suite 401, Woburn » 781-933-2333 » narapaz.com -
Local Designer, Jewelry
Lauren Blais
Lauren Blais’ jewelry is a homage to the Victorian era: enchanting lockets made from sterling silver and wallpaper etch, chunky cluster necklaces that tell stories from the past. Taking her inspiration from cabinets of curiosities and mourning rituals, and exploring the nature of ornamentation, the young artist’s work is textured with history and nostalgia. From cuff links featuring bumblebees frozen in resin to floral-engraved chain bracelets, everything this Somerville metalsmith creates is gorgeous, haunting and irresistible.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Greenberg
86 Joy St., Somerville » 401-225-8960 » laurenblais.com -
Maternity
Helena’s of Arlington
This one-stop-shopping emporium carries comfy clothes and shoes for women of all ages, along with jewelry and handbags. But the maternity collection is its best-kept secret. Expectant mothers can outfit themselves for all occasions with looks from Jules & Jim, Sweet Pea, Inca Mama and more. Snug ruched hoodies, cargo capris and silk cappuccino cocktail dresses promise style aplenty for any mom-to-be. Even the entrance ramp is helpful for waddlers hauling a baby bump.
397 Mass. Ave., Arlington » 781-483-3055 » helenasofarlington.com -
Men's Vintage Store
Bobby From Boston
Whether Rat Pack, tweedy or rockabilly, Bobby From Boston has everything a snappily dressed man longs to wear. Bargain-seeking upper-crusters and the costumers behind flicks like Titanic and A Beautiful Mind shop at this nationally known treasure trove. Inside, you’ll find gear ranging from monocles and flasks to vintage leather trunks housed alongside genuine military jackets, collegiate striped scarves and jaunty bowlers. In fact, the bow tie–strewn shop is so well-outfitted that more than one loyalist has asked to live there.
19 Thayer St., Boston » 617-423-9299 -
Men’s Moderate Clothing
North River Outfitter
Patagonia bubble vests, Vilebrequin boardshorts—even designer leather dog collars for man’s best friend catapult this Beacon Hill boutique to the top of the men’s apparel mountain. Heritage brands like Barbour of England, Alden and Smathers & Branson balance sport and sophistication. The owners pick just the right designers and brands to outfit the modern male, surfer dude and country clubber alike. From Aspen to the Appalachian Trail, NRO has the goods to keep guys looking dandy.
Photo Credit: Photographed by Adam DeTour; model: Tim/Maggie Inc.
124-126 Charles St., Boston » 617-742-0089 » northriveroutfitter.com -
Men’s Shoes
Barneys New York
Lanvin and Harris and Tod’s, and styles in every size, shape and color abound at Barneys. Leather thongs, moccasins, Chelsea boots, penny loafers and eat-you-for-lunch wing tips prepare men to take on the world, step by step. Their kicks are killer, too. With sneakers by the likes of Moncler, Raf Simons and Maison Martin Margiela, Barneys is a must-stop spot for all of the Hub’s aspiring, stylish moguls.
Copley Place, Boston » 617-385-3300 » barneys.com -
Men’s Suits
Mr. Sid
Mr. Sid is where the masters of the universe shop for their big-boy pants. Ermenegildo Zegna pinstripes, Brioni silk seersucker and Canali charcoal double-breasted suits highlight the worldly collection of the top tier in men’s clothing. The made-to-measure program features a variety of fabrics, models, details and manufacturers tailored to your measurements, posture and hip alignment. In just four to eight weeks, you’ll have dapper duds as unique as the man wearing them.
1211 Centre St., Newton Centre » 617-969-4540 » mrsid.com -
Move in the Right Direction
Centralization of Boston Fashion Week
No more neighborhood zig-zagging. No more parking issues. This year’s Boston Fashion Week (Sept. 23-30) will be held under a 3,000-square-foot tent between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Shops at the Prudential Center. At the ultimate celebration of the region’s fashion talent, crowds of 250 observers will be able to watch models sashay down the catwalk enhanced by stage lighting and professional sound systems. Excuse us while we strut our way to the chic seats.
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Party Dresses
Mint Julep
Be it a prom or black-tie affair, Mint Julep delivers sure-thing frocks from Beth Bowley, Milly, BCBG and Susana Monaco. With a full selection of sizes and price points, customers without 24-inch waists or imperial credit lines can still walk out with something special. They stock so many cute little numbers—perfect for date nights and cocktail soirees—that a trip here is like raiding your best friend’s closet. Party on.
6 Church St., Cambridge » 617-576-6468 » 1302 Beacon St., Brookline » 617-232-3600 » shopmintjulep.com -
Sneakers
Concepts
The undisputed leader of the local sneaker scene, this boutique began inside the Tannery in Harvard Square and is now its own stylish standalone shop. The space’s city-slicker wood, glass and metal decor primes shoppers for what’s in store: skateboard-lovin’ Vans, streetwalking Converse and limited-edition Nikes. Only hardcore aficionados are allowed into the downstairs, members-only lounge, so try as you might, your high-style rubber may be told to hit the road. With the new fashion on your feet, your hasty retreat can become a trendsetting getaway.
37 Brattle St., Cambridge » 617-868-2001 » cncpts.com -
Welcome Addition
MassArt Made
Finally, the Massachusetts College of Art has opened the doors to its own boutique, cashing in on its astonishing talent pool. Monique Rancourts’ spectacular tangles of aged-metal necklaces, Short Army’s knit Mohawk hats and Amy Patacchiola’s brooches doubling as hair clips are local pieces that will create stand-out looks. In addition to a selection of super-cool jewels, you’ll find handbags and clothes by Pedro Romero and Ashley Conchieri. Run, don’t walk to this hot spot for indie gifts and emerging talent.
625 Huntington Ave., Boston » 617-879-7407 » massartmade.com -
Women’s High-End Clothing
Serenella
A certain boutique’s Facebook page regularly reminds us that Boston harbors A-list style. Reese Witherspoon’s piping-hot Giambattista Valli dress, Michelle Obama’s Thakoon sheath and Halle Berry’s Roberto Cavalli ensemble could be discovered on the racks at Serenella. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Leslie Shupe’s shop is the best spot this side of Rodeo Drive to snag hard-to-find international labels like Sophie Theallet and Alberta Ferretti.
134 Newbury St., Boston » 617-262-5568 » serenella-boston.com -
Women’s Moderate Clothing
Crush
Anne Hathaway may have slipped into a pair of ultra-skinny J Brand jeans at Beacon Hill’s Crush, but the boutique’s enthusiastic staff is skilled at making even no-namers feel like glitterati. Merchandise from House of Harlow, Shoshanna and Chelsea Flower breathes new life into wardrobes without breaking the bank. Savvy customers should take note of the store’s private shopping appointments, parties and closet-cleanse services. It’s out with the old and in with the new you.
131 Charles St., Boston » 617-720-0010 » shopcrushboutique.com -
Women’s Shoes
Moxie
Moxie is where the stiletto (and gladiator wedge, d’orsay pump and rain boot) meets the cobblestone. Shoes by Pour la Victoire, Cole Haan, Delman and Sigerson Morrison may cost a pretty penny, but you can trust that they’ll stand up to our city’s tough streets. Stocked by owner Karen Fabbri, this shop’s full of shoes we’d love to walk a mile in.
Photo Credit: Photographed by Adam DeTour; model: Allison/Maggie Inc.; makeup: Robin Powers/Emerge and G2O Spa & Salon; hair styling: Jessy Lockward/Emerge and G2O Spa & Salon
51 Charles St., Boston » 617-557-9991 » 24 Church St., Wellesley » 781-235-1833 » moxieboston.com -
Worst Trend
Jeggings
Consider this our grand mea culpa. One year ago, jeggings seemed poised for a closet-takeover. But let’s be real. Since we named them last year’s of-the-moment trend, we’ve seen enough calves bound like sausage casings to retract our support. Our next ground-breaking fashion statement of choice: PajamaJeans.
