boston
Shopping
Curated by the Tannery
Cambridge institution the Tannery has been quietly selling nothing but sensible walking shoes since the early '80s. Then, this past year, its owners decided to spin off two wildly different and fashion-forward ventures. One is Concepts, a rare sneaker emporium, and the other is Curated by the Tannery, which has flooded a cavernous 10,000-square-foot space with an insanely comprehensive selection of independent talent, from names like Pencey, Society for Rational Dress, and Sea. Beyond the impressive depth of cool clothes on offer, it also has one of the largest denim walls we've seen in a stand-alone boutique. 39 Brattle St., Harvard Square, 617-491-1811
Shopping
The Garment District
This famous Cambridge vintage warehouse is broken down into several departments, but to our mind there are only two that matter. Those who like a good dig should hit the ground floor's Dollar-a-Pound (where the owners estimate they sell several million pounds of apparel a year) before heading upstairs to the women's section, where a trove of about 40,000 pieces awaits. They're all neatly sorted by color and style, which makes it easier to take in the sheer mass of offerings. And almost everything is under $15. 200 Broadway, Cambridge, 617-876-5230
Shopping
Grand
Occupying a palatial former auto garage in up-and-coming Somerville, this newcomer is owned by three record-label veterans who were all born within four days of each other. Maybe this bit of fortuitousness explains why their tastes are so uncannily similar: Cleverly designed finds abound, like doorstops cast after roller skates, molded plastic lamps, and Tobias Wong's sun jars. 374 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617‑623-2429, grandthestore.com
Shopping
Gray Mist
This Cambridge jewel box of a shop—owned by Japanese couple Ken Kimura and Etsuko Yashiro—specializes in beautifully contemporary iterations of Nantucket baskets, which you can learn how to make yourself in one of their in-store classes. There are also tiny carved-ivory whales, rust red rain boots, and striped hand towels, which all look like they'd belong in the most elegant seaside cottage on the planet. 360 Huron Ave. Huron Village, 617-868-8868
Shopping
Holiday
Charming, quintessentially feminine staples are the specialty at this cozy Boston shop.
Shopping
Grettaluxe
The stock here, from some of our favorite American and European designers, never disappoints. From Boston's Back Bay & Copley Place neighborhood store listing.
Shopping
Stel's
Boston's style-obsessed rely on this Newbury Street gem for offbeat names and a welcoming staff.
Shopping
Beacon Hill
Lucky's favorite stores in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood!
Shopping
The Beauty Mark
There's an impressive selection of top makeup and beauty brands (Chantecaille, Molton Brown, Japonesque, Mason Pearson) served up by a super-helpful staff. From Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood store listing.
Shopping
Good
This shop features the best in glassware, candles, vases, and beautifully designed tabletop accessories. From Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood store listing.
