Goods & Services
Classes
Artisan's Asylum, Inc.
You won’t find the usual lesson on wine pairings in this studio’s catalog, but the instructors at Artisan’s Asylum can show you how to create a one-of-a-kind glass work. Or maybe you’d rather mold metal into a princely chalice? The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with welding, milling and sewing machines, power tools and even a 3-D printer, is home to some of the most hands-on classes in Boston. Our personal favorites include “Project: Blinky Pants,” a tutorial on incorporating L.E.D. lights into clothing and accessories, and “Wire-Armature Puppets,” a workshop that teaches students how to create fully functioning animated dolls.
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Photo credit: Dave BradleyAntique Store
J.E.M.
Most days, interior designer Jane Elizabeth Miller can be found perched on a stool in her South End studio with paint palette in hand and rap music playing on the speakers. Her adjoining showroom features a unique collection of refurbished antiques, like an old-school metal water bubbler, vintage educational diagrams and a lamp constructed from iron pipes by local artist John Atwater. Bully Boy Distillers commissioned a Miller piece to enliven their warehouse with her aesthetic, which she describes as French- and Belgian-inspired. We just think it’s universally chic.
470 Shawmut Ave., Boston » 617-391-0490 » jemhome.com -
Book Store
Porter Square Books
There’s a red sign hanging from the ceiling at Porter Square Books that summarizes their philosophy: “Eat, Sleep, Read Local.” From a unique consignment program that offers Boston’s self-published writers the opportunity to market their work, to the local, organic baked goods sold at Cafe Zing, this business is dedicated to serving the community. And in addition to a great selection of mainstream and indie titles, their calendar is jam-packed with author talks that bring more than a dozen scribes to the Square each month.
25 White St., Cambridge » 617-491-2220 » portersquarebooks.com -
Photo credit: Dan WatkinsCatering
Tables of Content
Food is just one variable in the complex equation for hosting a spectacular event. So while Tables of Content boasts an array of local and sustainable menu options, it’s their attention to detail on a grand scale that impresses. The state’s only independent, certified-green caterer assists clientele with finding the ideal venue, designing a picturesque table (complete with floral arrangements) and setting the mood with creative lighting. With connections to Boston’s leading entertainment companies and vendors, the service leaves even the most overwhelmed host feeling like a pampered guest.
2 McCraw St., Boston » 617-363-0404 » tablesofcontent.com -
Courier Service
City Express
Rush delivery from City Express is about as close to teleportation as it gets. Whether you’re shipping across the Charles or across the country, the state’s largest locally owned courier gets packages there fast and by any means necessary. Micromanaging bosses rejoice in their Employee Shuttle service, which speedily zips worker bees between office locations.
201 South St., Boston » 617-350-4000 » cityexp.com -
Dry Cleaning
Holly Cleaners
With 55 years of experience, Holly Cleaners gives expert treatment to every article of clothing, whether couture gowns or plain black slacks. They’ll keep your conscience clean too: Holly has been a green-business leader with their use of eco-friendly solvents to minimize their environmental impact. And if you’re too busy to make a pit stop at one of their four locations, Holly offers pick-up and delivery service to more than 30 Boston ’burbs.
1314 Centre St., Newton » 617-527-0770 » additional locations in Wellesley Hills, Needham and Sudbury » hollycleaners.com -
Florist
Exotic Flowers
Ordering an arrangement with Exotic Flowers will have you globe-trotting through the world’s most gorgeous gardens. You’ll find roses from Ecuador, daisies from Holland, orchids from New Zealand and birds of paradise from Costa Rica. Any bouquet from this well-connected florist is sure to impress that special lady—and for real Don Juans, a bag or two of fresh rose petals from Exotic’s ample supply can be the perfect finishing touch to a romantic night.
609 American Legion Highway, Boston » 617-247-2000 » exoticflowers.com -
Furniture
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Looking for the right statement piece to make your living room pop like a Hollywood film set? Beyond serving the typical homemaker-turned-interior-decorator, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ pieces have caught the eye of countless set designers and won a costarring role on The Good Wife. Browse their eclectic inventory and you’ll understand why—with tufted leather sofas suited for an Oxford library, and art deco–inspired lounge chairs fit for a swanky home office, there’s something to suit every taste. And if you’re indecisive, the knowledgeable staff is available for consultation services in your home.
142 Berkeley St., Boston » 617-266-0075 » mitchellgoldboston.com -
Gifts
Flat of the Hill
For 14 years, Flat of the Hill has been the go-to Beacon Hill boutique for cute and classy gifts. Whether shopping for your best friend or the special lady in your life, you’re sure to find something that’ll please even the most discerning woman. The store is stocked with scented candles from Nest, Lollia bath products, elegant Mariposa tableware, MZ Wallace bags and unique accessories—we love the rings made from repurposed Chanel buttons by Thad Cline. Don’t be fooled by the small space: You could spend an entire afternoon browsing the bibelots and trinkets, and maybe even picking out some for yourself.
60 Charles St., Boston » 617-619-9977 » flatofthehill.blogspot.com -
Photo credit: Dan WatkinsMuseum Gift Shop
Gift at the Gardner
You can keep your mass-market postcard reprints and van Gogh calendars. The Gardner Museum specializes in a quirky selection of luxury home goods, handmade jewelry and historical books. Take home a piece of the Venetian palace with collectible Sid Dickens memory tiles or colorful glass-bulb vases by Lynn Everett Read. The exclusive selection reflects Mrs. Jack’s dedication to the finer things in life—you can even pick up a copy of 1897’s Manners for Women, and promptly break all of the rules. As she did in her time.
280 Palace Rd., Boston » 617-566-1088 » gardnermuseum.org -
Outdoor Store
Hilton’s Tent City
Hidden among the bars and developments, this West End gem is a treasure trove for nature-lovers, brimming floor to ceiling with equipment for every sort of adventure. Fancy taking up fly-fishing this summer? Hilton’s has you covered. Want to make the most of a New England winter with a snowshoeing expedition? An expert staff will equip you with apparel warm and durable enough to rough it in a nor’easter. But be warned, you may need a compass and map to navigate the store’s four overflowing floors.
272 Friend St., Boston » 617-227-9242 » hiltonstentcity.com -
Parenting Store
Isis Parenting
We all know what to expect when you’re expecting—chaos. To cut it as a supermom or -dad, you’re going to need a support team supplied with bottles, pacifiers, slings, seats and strollers. Rest assured (if you can rest at all), Isis is a one-stop shop to parenting preparedness. To assist you on the journey, their community-oriented centers offer an extensive roster of classes on breastfeeding, baby yoga, first-time fatherhood and more.
Prudential Center, Boston; additional locations in Arlington, Needham and Hanover » 781-429-1500 » isisparenting.com -
Pet Boutique
Pawsh Dog
A cute Boston terrier named Balki is the inspiration behind this Back Bay dog boutique and salon. Disappointed by the city’s pet products and grooming services, Mike and Nancy Maida set out to open their own haven for the local canine community. Here you’ll find a unique choice of collars, toys, apparel, accessories and organic foods (be sure to snag the dog-friendly ice cream stocked in the summer). The real gem of this business is the exceptional salon service—the groomers are so popular, they’ve had to stop taking new clients for the time being.
31 Gloucester St., Boston » 617-391-0880 » pawshboston.com -
Photo credit: Jessica ScrantonShoe Repair
Santacross Distinctive
Scuff on your John Lobb oxfords? Broken heel on your Miu Miu pumps? That’s a walk in the park to owner John Anglin, an experienced cobbler who’s known for resurrecting shoes long thought to be dead. Since joining the family business more than 30 years ago, Anglin has learned to mend, shine, stretch, resole and reheel from some of the oldest Italian cobblers in town. But he doesn’t just cater to Bostonians—visiting celebrities including Cher and the cast of Broadway’s Wicked have entrusted Anglin with their footwear woes.
151 Tremont St., Boston » 617-426-6978 -
Sporting Goods
City Sports
Almost 30 years ago, a fruitless quest across Boston for a pump needle inspired Mike Kennedy and Eric Martin to open City Sports. Since then, the longtime friends have served the needs of urban athletes in cities up and down the East Coast. Here in the hub, they’re one of the only sporting-goods stores where you can find equipment and apparel for cycling, swimming, tennis, baseball, basketball and more. You can even pick up a Nike pump set, complete with needles, for just 10 bucks.
480 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-3900 » 11 Bromfield St., Boston » 617-423-2015 » citysports.com -
Tailor
Best Fit Inc.
A shopping trip down Newbury can stock your wardrobe with trendy pieces and classic staples, but a proper spree isn’t complete without a visit to Best Fit. Trusted by fashion retailers like Jessica McClintock and Emporio Armani, owner Lyudmila Sletkova's business lives up to the name. With expert hands and incomparable workmanship, she can raise a simple hemline or turn a retro thrift-store buy into an impeccably fitted cocktail dress. No job is too big or too small, and every alteration receives the same attention to detail.
268 Newbury St., Boston » 617-266-4490 » bestfitinc.com -
Photo credit: Dan WatkinsToy Store
Giggle
Forget annoying talking dolls and blaring monster trucks. At Giggle, you’ll find a wide selection of Manhattan Toy plush learning tools, stuffed animals made with organic cotton and contemporary rocking horses from Plan Toy. All of their playthings are rigorously vetted with an eye for innovation, value and simplicity. The store also carries childhood essentials like baby clothes and nursery decor, creating a one-stop destination for the multitasking parent.
528 Legacy Place, Dedham » 781-326-3622 » giggle.com
