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All photos by Flagship Photo unless noted otherwise

It's that time again—the seasonal update to our guide on Boston's essential shopping, the Racked 38. The last few months have delivered standout additions to the retail scene, but to make room for the newbies, we had to replace a couple of our favorite bookstores, Harvard Bookstore and Brookline Booksmith, and secondhand shops Oona's Experienced Clothing, Second Time Around, and Artifaktori (fear not, we'll be rounding up Boston's consignment stores soon enough!). In their places you'll find: Follain, a buzzed-about natural beauty boutique; Officina 189, a super niche Italian goods shop in (where else) the North End; Viola Lovely, a luxury suburban store making its Boston debut; Caramelo Clothing Co., a menswear haven in Jamaica Plain; and finally, Steven Alan, the beloved indie New York retailer leaving a mark on Newbury Street.

Per usual, we tried to strike a balance between major neighborhoods, price points, and aesthetics. The list below is in no particular ranked order; rather, we're taking a look from North to South.

Do you have any other suggestions? We update the list quarterly and are always looking for reader input. State your case for (or against) stores in the comments or email the tipline.

04/02/13: Added: Shake the Tree, North River Outfitter, Bobby From Boston, Mohr & McPherson
07/09/13: Added: Artifaktori, Salmagundi, Sault
10/03/13: Added: Olives & Grace, Orchard Skateshop, Twelve Chairs
01/23/14: Added: Caramelo Clothing Co., Follain, Officina 189, Steven Alan, Viola Lovely

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