Mass. - Boston
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Velvet Fly
Boston
The merchandise here isn't exclusively vintage, but even the newest pieces share that sensibility -- you definitely won't see your outfit on anyone else. Unusual accessories complement the flirty fashions. The Velvet Fly is one of the little boutiques that's helping the North End develop its own quirky fashion sense; it's on the main drag past where the restaurants peter out.The merchandise here isn't exclusively vintage, but even the newest
Vose Galleries of Boston
Boston
One of Vose's specialties is Hudson River School paintings -- fitting, because the business and the mid-19th-century movement are about the same age. The Vose family (now in its sixth generation) runs the oldest continuously operating gallery in the United States, which opened in 1841. You'll see works of the Boston School and American Impressionists among the 18th-, 19th-, and early-20th-century American paintings, as well as contemporary pieces by American realists. Closed Sunday.One of Vose's specialties is Hudson River School paintings --
West Elm
Boston
The minimalist purveyor of furniture, home accessories, linens, and textiles (also known as Williams Sonoma's answer to Crate & Barrel) operates its first Boston branch in a somewhat inconvenient location near Fenway Park. If this is your style -- for decorating or daydreaming -- it's worth the time.The minimalist purveyor of furniture, home accessories, linens, and textiles
Whittard of Chelsea
Boston
The venerable British tea and coffee -- and hot chocolate! -- merchant used Boston as an entry point for the American market. Whittard (accent on the second syllable) dates to 1886 and prides itself, rightly, on personalized service. A Faneuil Hall Marketplace branch is in the works.The venerable British tea and coffee -- and hot chocolate!
Windsor Button
Boston
The name doesn't come close to telling the whole story of this 70-plus-year-old business. It's known for its impressive range of yarn and knitting and crochet patterns and accessories; the helpful staff is a great resource for everyone from beginners to experts. Also in stock are thousands of buttons, from utilitarian to ultra-fancy, as well as ribbon, trim, notions, and needlework kits. Closed Sunday.The name doesn't come close to telling the whole story
Wish
Boston
The interior is stark, the service chilly, the prices high -- and the designer fashions unbeatable. Wish is a default destination for an incredible number of stylish Bostonians and suburbanites, not because the labels are unusual but because the selection is so painstaking. The January and July sales are worth waiting for.The interior is stark, the service chilly, the prices high
Brookline Booksmith
Brookline
The huge, varied selection makes this store a polymath's dream. The employees have excellent taste -- look for their recommendations. A great gift-and-card section, a small but choice used-book selection in the basement, and tons of events are among the offerings.The huge, varied selection makes this store a polymath's dream.
Paper Source
Brookline
Gorgeous paper (writing and wrapping), cards, pens, ink, stamps, books, stickers, unusual gifts, and custom invitations make these well-organized stores magnets for anyone with a thing for stationery. Be sure to check out the handmade paper from around the world. A crafty friend swears by the Boston location, but all three are delightful.Gorgeous paper (writing and wrapping), cards, pens, ink, stamps, books,
Trader Joe's
Brookline
The celebrated California-based retailer stocks a large selection of prepared foods, cheese, nuts, baked goods, natural and organic products, and other edibles, all at excellent prices. Get a preview on the website or just ask devotees -- they can't shut up about it. The Cambridge location (which sells alcohol, as does the Brookline store) is a good place to stop for picnic provisions if you're driving, but it's not convenient to public transit.The celebrated California-based retailer stocks a large selection of prepared
Beadworks
Cambridge
The jewelry at these shops will suit you exactly -- you make it yourself. Prices for the dazzling variety of raw materials start at 5¢ a bead, findings (hardware) are available, and you can assemble your finery at the in-store worktable. Beadworks also carries ready-made pieces and schedules jewelry-making workshops; check ahead for details.The jewelry at these shops will suit you exactly --
Berk's Shoes
Cambridge
"Trendy" doesn't adequately describe the wares at this Harvard Square institution. College students and people who want to look like them come here to stock up on whatever's fashionable right this red-hot minute."Trendy" doesn't adequately describe the wares at this Harvard Square
Bird by Bird
Cambridge
This "urban boutique," the brainchild of two local moms, stocks everything you need to turn your youngster into a teeny-tiny fashionista and offers classes (such as yoga and massage) for kids as well as adults. Closed Monday.This "urban boutique," the brainchild of two local moms, stocks
Black Ink
Cambridge
The wacky wares here defy categorization, but they all fit comfortably under the umbrella of "oh, cool." Rubber stamps, stuffed animals, and doll figurines from Japan caught my eye recently; greeting cards, desktop accessories, and retro toys are equally appealing. Under the same management, the
Museum of Useful Things, 49 Brattle St. (tel.
617/576-3322; www.themut.com), up the street from the Harvard Square location, is a festival of industrial design for home and office.The wacky wares here defy categorization, but they all fit
Borders
Cambridge
All three local branches make good places to retreat when you've had enough of the abundant shopping around them. The sprawling Downtown Crossing store contains two levels of books and one of music, the Back Bay location has an entrance off Newbury Street, and the Cambridge Borders is one of the only quiet places in the mall.All three local branches make good places to retreat when
Boutique Fabulous
Cambridge
The name, a classic case of truth in advertising, only partly conveys the fun of exploring this jam-packed emporium of home accessories, antiques, cosmetics, tableware, memorabilia, greeting cards, vintage fashion, and (in case this isn't implied) offbeat gifts. A visit to Boutique Fabulous is the perfect after-dinner treat on a visit to Inman Square -- it's open until 10pm Sunday through Friday, 11pm on Sat.The name, a classic case of truth in advertising, only
Buckaroo's Mercantile
Cambridge
Proclaiming your business a "pop culture superstore" might sound like overreaching, but this place delivers. The wild selection of vintage and retro-style contemporary gifts, home accessories, clothing, and gadgets -- there's a nun candle in my living room, and I have my eye on a mirror with mermaid drawings arranged around it -- changes regularly.Proclaiming your business a "pop culture superstore" might sound like
Calliope
Cambridge
The must-see window displays at this Harvard Square shop use stuffed animals, clothes, and toys to illustrate sayings and proverbs, often twisted into hilarious puns. The merchandise inside, for children up to age 6, is equally delightful. You'll find clothing and accessories, European shoes, and unusual gifts, including a huge selection of plush animals.The must-see window displays at this Harvard Square shop use
Cambridge Antique Market
Cambridge
As you navigate the enormous variety of merchandise spread over five floors (don't forget to check out the basement), you may feel as though you're on a treasure hunt -- and really, aren't you? Weekends, especially Saturday, are when most of the 100-plus dealers are likeliest to be open. Prices are better than in Boston, but the selection is more catch-as-catch-can. Closed Monday.As you navigate the enormous variety of merchandise spread over
CambridgeSide Galleria
Cambridge
This three-level mall houses two large department stores --
Macy's (tel.
617/621-3800) and
Sears (tel.
617/252-3500) -- and more than 100 specialty stores. Pleasant but quite generic, it might be the bargaining chip you need to lure your teenager to the nearby Museum of Science. There's trendy sportswear at
Abercrombie & Fitch (tel. 617/494-1338) and
H&M, electronics at
Cambridge SoundWorks (tel. 617/225-3900) and the
Apple Store (tel. 617/225-0442), casual clothing at
J. Crew (tel. 617/225-2739), and music and appliances at
Best Buy (tel. 617/225-2004). The mall also has a branch of
Borders, three restaurants, a food court, and seating along a pleasant canal. Strollers and wheelchairs are available. Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9:30pm, Sunday from 11am to 7pm.This three-level mall houses two large department stores --
Macy's
Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
Cambridge
A veritable United Nations of fancy food, this Harvard Square landmark carries specialties (including beer, wine, and a huge variety of candy) from just about everywhere. If you can't afford the big-ticket items, order a tasty sandwich to go.A veritable United Nations of fancy food, this Harvard Square
Colonial Drug
Cambridge
The perfume counter at this family business puts the "special" in "specialize." You can choose from more than 1,000 fragrances -- plus cosmetics, soap, and countless other body-care products -- with the help of the gracious staff members. They remain unflappable even during Harvard Square's equivalent of rush hour, Saturday afternoon. No credit cards; closed Sunday.The perfume counter at this family business puts the "special"
Crate & Barrel
Cambridge
This is wedding-present heaven, packed with contemporary and classic housewares. The merchandise, from juice glasses and linen napkins to top-of-the-line knives and roasting pans, includes items to suit any budget. The Boylston Street location (which also stocks the full line of housewares) and the Mass. Ave. store carry furniture and home accessories.This is wedding-present heaven, packed with contemporary and classic housewares.
Crate & Barrel
Cambridge
This is wedding-present heaven, packed with contemporary and classic housewares. The merchandise, from juice glasses and linen napkins to top-of-the-line knives and roasting pans, includes items to suit any budget. The Boylston Street location (which also stocks the full line of housewares) and the Mass. Ave. store carry furniture and home accessories.This is wedding-present heaven, packed with contemporary and classic housewares.
Cross
Cambridge
The Rhode Island-based pen company's first retail outlet proves that good things come in small packages. The tiny store carries a surprisingly large selection of beautiful stationery and cards, gift items such as journals and picture frames, and office accessories. Oh, right -- pens, too.The Rhode Island-based pen company's first retail outlet proves that
Curious George Books & Toys
Cambridge
No, it's not just Curious George books and merchandise. Here you'll find a superlative selection of children's books and gifts, including stuffed animals and games. Check downstairs for items that suit older kids, with an emphasis on old and new classics.No, it's not just Curious George books and merchandise. Here
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