boston
Shopping
Simplemente Blanco
The name says it all. Each of owner-designer Fernanda Bourlot’s ethereal high-end home creations (eggshell candles, gauze lanterns) is simple, and 99 percent of them are white and totally dreamy. 460 Harrison Ave. B-15, 617-734-3669, simplemente-blanco.blogspot.com
Shopping
M. Flynn
Run by two sisters, this pink-walled jewelry spot features Alexis Bittar cuffs, ’20s cocktail rings and a house line of gemstone pendants. A custom design service is particularly popular with hip local marrieds-to-be. 40 Waltham St., 617-292-0079, mflynnstudio.com
Shopping
Forty Winks
A quick T ride under the Charles whisks you to this sweet Cambridge lingerie boutique, where the pretty bras come in hard-to-find sizes (30A to 40G) and the salespeople couldn’t be friendlier. 56 JFK St., 617-492-9100, shopfortywinks.com
Shopping
Magpie
A handful of small artists consign their one-offs at this eensy spot in Somerville's Davis Square. Delicately worked earrings, mini embroidered pillows, and a particularly strong range of modern stationery are good reasons for seeking it out. 416 Highland Ave., Sommerville, 617-623-3330
Shopping
Marimekko
This mother-and-son-owned undertaking (the first of only four Marimekko concept stores to have opened in the U.S.) carries all of the iconic line's punchy basics, plus loads from the up-and-coming textile artisans who now collaborate with the brand. There are rolls of chicly illustrated fabric, throw pillows, coin purses, and racks and racks of minidresses and simple cotton tops. 350 Huron Ave., Huron Village, 617-354-2800
Shopping
Nomad
Nomad got its start on Newbury Street in 1990 before migrating to Cambridge in 1998, where it occupies a space that used to house a witchcraft supply store (seriously). It has the feel of a well-curated global bazaar—a perfect mix of eclectic bohemianism and full-on luxury. There are gorgeous antique gold necklaces, Melissa Joy Manning opal stacking rings, and flawlessly embellished labels like Matta and Gary Graham. 1741 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-497-6677, nomadcambridge.com
Shopping
Passport
As its name suggests, this brand-new Harvard Square addition, owned by a recent business-school grad, is committed to all things travel. The essentials are here—cashmere wraps from White + Warren, Hayden-Harnett weekenders, itsy packs of stain remover from the Laundress—but what makes Passport so brilliant is the clothing. There are multitasking, wrinkleproof staples from Love Ya-Ya and Twinkle by Wenlan that truly streamline the packing process. 43 Brattle St., Harvard Square, 617-576-0900
Shopping
Stil
The Chestnut Hill mall is home to a just-opened Cusp (the wildly popular offshoot of Neiman Marcus), the best area Barneys New York, and the largest location of Stil, a local chainlet. Owner Betty Riaz hunts through Scandinavia to fill her racks, loading up on established names like Camilla Staerk, as well as nascent talents such as Heartmade and Rützou. It's all mixed in with separates from a handful of other, more familiar-to-the-States lines, like Ports 1961 and Maloles. 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-527-7845; plus other locations
Shopping
Concord
Lucky's favorite stores in Boston's Concord neighborhood! (Updated October 2008)
Shopping
French Lessons
Named for the Peter Mayle novel, this store intends to summon a very specific Southern European sensibility. Accordingly, there are Catherine Malandrino dresses and ornately detailed tunics. 8 Walden St., 978-369-6227
