Boutiques We Love
Looking to update old favorites on a budget or go full-tilt fashion forward? There's a neighborhood shop for you. Here are our picks, each with a local owner offering a unique take on the season.
(Photograph by Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff)
Moxie on Beacon Hill is shoe heaven.
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FOR WOMEN AND MEN
Alan Bilzerian $$$$
Point of View What's next, now.
The Goods Clothes from uber-experimental designers whose names are mostly unpronounceable, plus luxe private-label knits.
The Mood Hip utilitarian, intimate bordering on cramped (in-town location), and hidden treasures everywhere.
Typical Customer Rock stars, creative guys who wear what they want to work, and women who appreciate amazing design and fabrics.
34 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-536-1001, and 1217 Centre Street (women's only), Newton Centre, 617-630-9988, alanbilzerian.com
Mr. Sid $$$-$$$$
Point of View Ultimate shopping experience for the well-heeled.
The Goods Everything a smartly dressed man needs from sophisticated lines like Ermenegildo Zegna, Brioni, Canali, and Santoni, with equally rich, refined offerings for women.
The Mood Private-clubby, complete with hospitality bar, billiard table, and hair salon.
Typical Customer Classy crowd that appreciates service and selection.
1211 Centre Street, Newton Centre, 617-969-4540, mrsid.com
Parlor $$-$$$
Point of View Lower East Side, New York, edginess.
The Goods Items by under-the-radar designers from LA, New York, and Australia who focus on great cuts, great fits, and a decidedly unique perspective.
The Mood Swanky industrial with a killer chandelier and rotating shows by local artists.
Typical Customer Self-possessed urbanites who know how to take fashion risks.
1248 Washington Street, Boston, 617-521-9005, shopparlor.com
Riccardi $$$$
Point of View Unassailable cool with a European flair.
The Goods Daring yet elegant menswear from Dior Homme, Dolce & Gabbana, and John Galliano Men, with women's clothes from trend-defying designers like Vivienne Westwood and Junya Watanabe.
The Mood Cosmopolitan Italian informality.
Typical Customer Local celebs, chic city dwellers, and students with ample funds.
116 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-266-3158, riccardiboston.com
Stel's $$$
Point of View Nonchalant, original, timeless.
The Goods Sought-after progressive lines like Alexander Wang, Gary Graham, and Tom Scott for women and Nom de Guerre and Wings + Horns for men.
The Mood Comfortable and eclectic, like a musician's laid-back crib.
Typical Customer In-the-know college students and young professionals who want a bit of edge.
334 Newbury Street, lower level, Boston, 617-262-3348, stelsinc.com
FOR WOMEN
Ceri $$-$$$
Point of View Cool without being costumey.
The Goods Equal parts LA hip, sexy city, and off beat urban, with invest-in-your-future accessories like luxurious bags by Carlos Falchi.
The Mood Clean displays make it easy to spot just what's right for you.
Typical Customer Women who aren't afraid to be noticed.
31 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-266-0031, Atrium Mall, Chestnut Hill, 617-527-6710, 25 Centre Street, Nantucket, 508-325-7676, ceriboutique.com (Wellesley location coming soon) Cibeline Point of View Colorful classics with a twist.
The Goods Snappy suiting and wow-'em cocktail dresses that fit and flatter, all by owner/designer Cibeline Sariano, with loads of accessories.
The Mood Girly, energized, and fun.
Typical customer Worker bees who want to look mighty fine from 9 to 9.
85 Holland Street, Somerville, 617-625-2229, cibelinesariano.com
Crossing Main $$-$$$
Point of View Elegance in the burbs.
The Goods Upscale, contemporary-with-at-wist lines like Hugo Boss, Theory, Tibi, and Milly, plus shoes, accessories, and outerwear.
The Mood Pretty, bright, and staff ed by personal stylists who'll meet you before or after hours.
Typical Customer Suburban professionals who like one-stop shopping at their doorstep.
5 Main Street, Hingham, 781-740-0550, 28 South Street (accessories and shoes only), Hingham, 781-749-4332, 9 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, 781-631-3777, and 20 Church Street, Wellesley, 781-235-3366, crossingmain.com
Crush Boutique $$
Point of View Youthful sophistication.
The Goods Spot-on trends from currently cool labels like Ali Ro, Madison Marcus, and Bailey 44, with styles that are soft but not baggy, and modern but not severe.
The Mood Both the decor and sales help are warm, inviting, and friendly.
Typical Customer Young professionals who like outfits with an element of surprise.
131 Charles Street, Boston, 617-720-0010, shopcrushboutique.com
dress $$-$$$
Point of View Feminine without being girly.
The Goods Cunning, modern fashions from coveted lines like 3.1 Phillip Lim, ADAM, and Vanessa Bruno, plus out-of-the-ordinary casual wear and understatedly rich accessories.
The Mood Private and utterly charming.
Typical Customer Twenty-something working gals, style-hungry moms in their 30s, and urban empty-nesters.
221 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-424-7125, dressboston.com
dresscode $$
Point of View Forward fashion that outlives fads.
The Goods Day-to-evening dresses and versatile separates from top talents like Diane von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, and Susana Monaco, plus flirty knits from Autumn Cashmere.
The Mood A very happy place with loads of light and color.
Typical Customer Cool, trend-wise women living in the suburbs.
2 Elm Square, Andover, 978-470-0300, dresscodestyle.com
Essentia $$$
Point of View Only what's special.
The Goods Everything here will be a prized possession, from sleek silhouettes with bold detailing to intricately textured knits and outfit-making accessories.
The Mood Like a treasure hunt with sales help happy to draw you a map.
Typical Customer Women who want to be noticed without shouting.
91 Central Street, Wellesley, 781-239-1440, essentialifestyle.com
First Date $-$$
Point of View Exciting as a first date.
The Goods New-to-the-area designers of dresses and separates, with the Lauren Conrad Collection from The Hills's hottie a local exclusive.
The Mood Divided into date themes with chatty sales gals to dish with.
Typical Customer Twenty- and 30-somethings looking for clothes to love.
28 Chestnut Street, Andover, 978-247-8999, shopfirstdate.com
French Lessons $$-$$$
Point of View Foolproof fashion.
The Goods Trendy, sexy, but never over-the-top lines like Alice + Olivia and Nanette Lepore, plus a designer denim wall with 200 to 400 pairs of jeans.
The Mood Boudoirlike, with European lounge music and a dynamite sales staff.
Typical Customer Women of all ages seeking that "it" item that works for them.
8 Walden Street, Concord, 978-369-6227, 18 State Street, Newburyport, 978-499-0499, 26 Bay Road, South Hamilton, 978-468-1399, 180 Linden Street, Wellesley, 781-235-9090, and 7 Thompson Street, Winchester, 781-729-0456
Gia B. $$
Point of View Well-priced and classy.
The Goods Carefully selected pieces from social-butterfly lines like Tory Burch, Trina Turk, and Valentino Red, with dinner-party frocks sure to get compliments.
The Mood Clean, crisp, and relaxing.
Typical Customer The 35-plus suburban set who use elegant fashions as their calling cards.
92 Derby Street, Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, 781-749-5510, giaboutique.net
Gretta Luxe $$$$
Point of View Haute stuff from Rachael Ray's BFF.
The Goods Hard-to-find pieces from the likes of Chloe, Michael Kors, and Zac Posen, plus Gretta-designed wardrobe basics.
The Mood What you think owner/media darling Gretchen Monahan's closet must be like.
Typical Customer Fashion-forward ladies of means who think Vogue is a catalog.
Copley Place, Boston, 617-536-1959, and 94 Central Street, Wellesley, 781-237-7010, grettaluxe.com
Habit $
Point of View Flash for not much cash.
The Goods Layered looks from hip urban lines, with loads of color and fitted, feminine silhouettes.
The Mood Trendy neighborhood hangout, whether you're buying or just want to chat.
Typical Customer Under-40 set looking for guilt-free instant gratification.
703 East Broadway, South Boston, 617-269-1998, habitshop.com
Jari Boutique $$-$$$
Point of View Wherever did you get that?
The Goods Special mix-and-match pieces from small European designers, with an emphasis on the artsy and romantic.
The Mood An ever-changing window that's catnip for upscale city gals.
Typical Customer Well-to-do, 35-plus women who enjoy an active social life.
236 Clarendon Street, Boston, 617-725-0244, jariboutique.com
Ku De Ta $
Point of View Fashion forward but not too runway.
The Goods Kicky and girly classics from lines like Justin Timberlake's William Rast and Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers.
The Mood Fresh, pink, upbeat, and now double its former size.
Typical Customer Neighborhood and close-to-the-city gals who want the right look at the right price.
663 East Broadway, South Boston, 617-269-0008, www.kudetaboston.com
Looks $$
Point of View Urban hippie chic.
The Goods Luxe boho abounds in enchanting skirts and imaginative collections from labels like Lilith and Ronen Chen, with dynamite Chan Luu jewelry.
The Mood New owner (in new Harvard Square location) is going for a handsome, vintage library feel.
Typical Customer Academics and college gals whose fashion sense makes the grade.
11-13 Holyoke Street (as of early September), Cambridge, 617-491-4251
Matsu $$$-$$$$
Point of View Indulge all your senses.
The Goods Magical confections from lines like Comme des Garcons, Lilith, and Rozae Nichols - plus jewelry and home goods.
The Mood Transformative cocoon of saffron walls, hypnotic music, and incense.
Typical Customer A woman who likes to be surrounded by unconventional beauty.
259 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-266-9707, matsuboston.com
Mint Julep $-$$
Point of View Charm 'em day and night.
The Goods Current labels to lust for, including Tibi, Shoshanna, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Orla Kiely, Ella Moss, and on and on.
The Mood Cheery, sweet, and hospitable.
Typical Customer Coeds, young moms, and working gals who love no-fuss fashion.
1302 Beacon Street, Brookline, 617-232-3600, and 6 Church Street, Cambridge, 617-576-6468, shopmintjulep.com
Nouveau Fashion Gallery $-$$
Point of View Unexpected, understated drama.
The Goods Ingenious drapery and exotic prints in sexy mix-and-match separates, with statement-making jewelry both in-store and at a freestanding mall cart.
The Mood Open and airy, yet intimate.
Typical Customer Confident women who like to make an entrance.
Copley Place, Dartmouth Street-level entrance, Boston, with mall jewelry cart across from Ferragamo, 617-266-1114
Portobello Road $$-$$$
Point of View Forty means fabulous.
The Goods High-powered pals Kristina Lyons and Marina Kalb have created boho haute heaven with a California-meets-Euro mix of tantalizing clothes and accessories.
The Mood Like an exotic street bazaar, complete with fresh flowers and inspired global goodies for the home.
Typical Customer Women who like to look well traveled and accessibly exotic.
47 Boylston Street (next to Legal Sea Foods), Chestnut Hill, 617-264-2020
Sara Campbell $$
Point of View Unabashedly pretty and tasteful.
The Goods Beautiful and polished day-into-evening clothes by local success story Sara Campbell, with fabulous accessories and a great bang for your buck.
The Mood An ultra-feminine oasis on an otherwise charmless street.
Typical Customer Favorite of local newscasters, social butterflies, and ladies with a capital L.
44 Plympton Street, Boston, 617-482-7272, saracampbell.com
Serenella $$$$
Point of View Fall into the lap of modern luxury.
The Goods Unmistakably chic dresses, special-occasion wear, and luxe accessories from locally underrepresented high-end lines like Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Sophie Theallet, Thakoon, and Narciso Rodriguez.
The Mood Classy, clean, modern, and pampered.
Typical Customer Uptown women with impeccable taste and very deep pockets.
134 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-262-5568, serenella-boston.com
Stil $$-$$$$
Point of View Avant-garde Euro chic.
The Goods Irresistibly adventurous Scandinavian and British lines like Bruuns Bazaar, By Malene Birger, Camilla Staerk, and Noir, with exciting accessories you won't find anywhere else.
The Mood Whimsical and welcoming, with eye candy everywhere.
Typical Customer Self-possessed women who think fashion shouldn't have a comfort zone.
170 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-859-7845, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 617-527-7845, and Natick Collection, 508-651-7845, stilinc.com
The Studio $-$$
Point of View Real life, real clothes.
The Goods Reborn classics and quirky accent pieces by small, imaginative labels from the United States and abroad.
The Mood Oddly tucked away in an office building, the space is jampacked with goodies and personalized sales help.
Typical Customer Moms and daughters who want trends with staying power.
233 Harvard Street, 2d floor, Brookline, 617-738-5091, studio233.com
Tess & Carlos $$$$
Point of View Understated and rich without the glitz.
The Goods Fabric, color, and silhouette take center stage - think Jil Sander and Etro - with indulgent knits from Marika Charles and Majestic.
The Mood Super-minimal, with all attention on the clothes and you.
Typical Customer Wealthy, time-pressured women who don't shop for entertainment.
141A Newbury Street, Boston, 617-262-8377, 20 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617-864-8377, and 1241 Centre Street, Newton Centre, 617-965-8377, tessandcarlos.com
Turtle $$
Point of View Trend hive for emerging designers.
The Goods The best of the new-wave design talents, with an always impressive selection of strikingly original clothes and accessories.
The Mood Steps down from the street and you're in haute heaven.
Typical Customer Both neighborhood creative types and word-of-mouth converts from the burbs.
619 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-266-2610, turtleboston.com
Twilight $$
Point of View When you want to wear a statement piece.
The Goods Party dresses and sportswear to set your heart aflutter, featuring dramatic design elements such as oversized zippers, batwing sleeves, and expressive prints.
The Mood Glamorous, yet approachable, with terrific sales help.
Typical Customer Women who like to make a vivid impression at soirees. 12 Fleet Street, Boston, 617-523-8008
Wish $$
Point of View Preppy can be sexy.
The Goods Tweaked classics and just-trendy-enough popular lines like Rebecca Taylor, Susana Monaco, and Milly, with irresistibly girly accessories.
The Mood Colorful and charming, though the narrow space can easily get crowded.
Typical Customer Young professionals who put Beacon Hill on the style map.
49 Charles Street, Boston, 617-227-4441, wishboston.com
W.O.W. $$
Point of View Fashion is an art form.
The Goods Quirky but beautiful clothing with an artistic twist in an all-inclusive size range from extra-small to 3X, plus a killer collection of jewelry and handbags.
The Mood Like playing dress-up in an actress's loft.
Typical Customer Imaginative women whose wardrobes are works in progress.
32 Needham Street, Newton Highlands, 617-558-1969, shopatwow.com
FOR MEN
Drinkwater's $$-$$$
Point of View Effortless modern traditional.
The Goods Polished dress/casual looks a specialty, featuring sportswear from classic American and hot New York labels, such as the buzzed-about Engineered Garments.
The Mood Welcoming, like a great host's living room.
Typical Customer Brainy Cambridge guys such as academics, architects, and lots of psychiatrists.
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 617-547-2067, drinkwaterscambridge.com
Uniform $-$$
Point of View Life's too short to dress uptight.
The Goods All the fixin's for dignified street cred, with hip offerings from Trovata, Vince, and an exclusive on Converse by John Varvatos, plus retro accessories.
The Mood Unpretentious and relaxed.
Typical Customer Guys who don't try too hard to look good.
511 Tremont Street, Boston, 617-247-2360, uniformboston.com
FOR TOTS TO TWEENS
Brussels Sprouts Kids $
Point of View Kids know fashion.
The Goods Mind-boggling array of fun, innovative, and wildly colorful children's clothes from the most magical lines.
The Mood A feast for the eyes and the senses in a delightfully playful open space.
Typical Customer Youngsters who think of themselves as walking works of art.
855 Washington Street, Newton, 617-244-9832, brusselssproutskids.com
Pixie Stix $
Point of View Tweens need hot trends.
The Goods Funky fashions for style-hungry girly-girls, including sized-right offerings from hip lines like Free People, Juicy Couture, and Flowers by Zoe.
The Mood High School Musical and everything Generation Me.
Typical Customers Local girls, ages 6 to 16, who love Hannah Montana, Hilary Duff and the Jonas Brothers.
131 Charles Street, Boston, 617-523-3211, theredwagon.com
FOR SHOES
Cuoio $$
Point of View Spot-on trendy, yet cobblestone friendly.
The Goods Chic comfort lines like Donald Pliner, Stuart Weitzman, and Taryn Rose share space with the latest funky footwear and the best-looking waterproof boots.
The Mood Unmistakably up-to-date, with helpful staff and a fun accessory wall.
Typical Customer Shoe mavens who walk everywhere.
170 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, 617-742-4486, 115 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-859-0636, and 26 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, 781-631-0100
Le Strada $$
Point of View No one does footwear like the Italians.
The Goods Exceptional-quality Italianmade shoes for men and women in the kind of styles you see in foreign movies.
The Mood Like a European modern-art gallery.
Typical Customer Both neighborhood and Boston professional crowds who want razor-sharp designs that ooze cool.
27 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617-277-0081, lestrada.com
Moxie $$
Point of View You can never have too many shoes.
The Goods From sexy heels to adorable flats, with loads of color choices from lines like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, and KORS Michael Kors.
The Mood Feminine, friendly.
Typical Customer Ladies who don't want to go broke satisfying their shoe cravings.
51 Charles Street, Boston, 617-557-9991, moxieboston.com
Tina Sutton is a freelance writer who creates the magazine's weekly "The Clothes We Wear" column. E-mail her at tsutton@globe.com.
BOUTIQUE PRICE KEY
$ most items under $150
$$ most items from $150 to $300
$$$ most items from $300 to $500
$$$$ most items more than $500
