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Hop on the D Line to Shop and Get Pretty in Newton Centre

By Susie Kostaras
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By Susie Kostaras
1 comment / new

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Newton Centre is just a short reach beyond Chestnut Hill, and though much is happening along the Route 9 corridor passing through Boston's southwestern neighbors, this other suburban hub doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Longtime establishments anchor the area's retail scene, including Mr. Sid and National Jean Company, while shops like Duchess and Folklorica add charm to Union Street right by the Green Line stop. Meanwhile, newer additions Smudge Nail Bar and Vaiani & Clarke Salon encourage you to primp in between boutique hopping. Here are 12 businesses we suggest riding on the D line to visit.


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Alan Bilzerian

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Much like its Newbury Street sister store, this suburban outpost of Alan Bilzerian stocks absurdly luxe fashion items. The family-owned shop is an opportunity to splurge on Yohji Yamamoto, Lanvin, and Rick Owens without the hustle and bustle of downtown. [Photo: Google Maps]
1217 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 630-9988
(617) 630-9988

National Jean Company

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National Jean Co. is another boutique with a Newbury Street space, but this shop pre-dates that smaller Boston store with a ton of ready-to-wear mixed in among denim from Paige, J Brand, and Citizens. [Photo]
34 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 969-2888
(617) 969-2888

Smudge Nailbar

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Walk into Smudge and pick a stool at the bar. While nails are on the menu and not bevs, you'll feel tipsy off a selection of polish from Butter and vegan line Londontown, with treatment products from June Jacobs and Jimmy Jane. Cleanliness is a priority with jet-free pedi tubs. Manis start at $18 and pedis at $35. Waxing is also offered. [Photo]
757 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 332-1281
(617) 332-1281

Mr. Sid

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Mr. Sid dubs itself a fashion institution, and it certainly is legendary after a four decade presence in Boston area menswear. 15,000 square feet are home to impeccably tailored pieces from Ermenegildo Zegna, Frye and Alden footwear, New England Shirt Co. styles, Randolph Engineering eyewear, and Ernest Sewn denim. [Photo]
1211 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 969-4540
(617) 969-4540

MiniLuxe

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MiniLuxe is probably the top Massachusetts nail shop, valuing a sterile environment that feels anything but, with a broad selection of polishes including their own private line. The Newton space features a unique wooden architectural design and all the amenities you've come to expect from the salon. [Photo]
792 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 332-9200
(617) 332-9200

The Finer Consigner

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The Finer Consigner is certainly not home to last season's castoffs—this shop specializes in the big ones like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Lanvin, and Prada. Owner Amy Hahn Heller keeps tabs on customer preferences and needs, offering visitors the ability to inject their wardrobe with designer logos for a fraction of retail price. [Photo]
53 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 244-8100
(617) 244-8100

Lash L'Amour

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Lash extensions may seem like a daunting proposition, but Cynthia Vo's team at Lash L'Amour is more than accommodating, walking clients through their service gracefully and making sure those bombshell lashes are maintained properly. Natural-looking synthetic mink lash extensions start at $195, with $40-60 surcharges for Cynthia depending on the look you want. [Photo]
55 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 916-1209
(617) 916-1209

L'Optique Boutique

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Yelpers rave about the caliber of customer service offered by the owner, Carol, who is also an optician. The shop is modern and sleek, with a serious brand roster including Tom Ford, Dita, and Persol. [Photo]
55 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 796-9600
(617) 796-9600

Folklorica

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Folklorica has been supplying Newton with a jewelry-focused shopping experience for four decades, now equipping customers with the latest from Alexis Bittar, Sorrelli, Jenny Bird, and Chan Luu. Glittery headpieces, leather goods, and scarves balance out the displays for a true accessory destination. [Photo]
63 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 630-1815
(617) 630-1815

Duchess

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This charming boutique has built a following in the area for its wearable selection of Margaret O'Leary knitwear, eco-friendly line Prairie Underground, and US-made lines Salaam and Jude Connally. Other popular boutique brands including BB Dakota, LA Made, Sanctuary, and Three Dots. [Photo: Courtesy of Duchess]
77 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 964-0054
(617) 964-0054

Ceri

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The Ceri family of shops really makes a mark on Union Street, with independent apparel and accesories lines fit for women of all ages at this main Ceri boutique and the jewelry-dedicated Como space down the street at 91 Union. [Photo]
103 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 527-6710
(617) 527-6710

Vaiani & Clarke

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When Nicole Vaiani and Gia Clarke saw the chance to pursue their dream of becoming salon owners, the experienced stylists jumped. Nicole is a master colorist, a Goldwell Certified Colorist, and has a balayage certification; Gia is trained in the increasingly requested Deva cut for curly hair. The new salon is a proud user of Oribe products. [Photo]
15 Cypress Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 795-1550
(617) 795-1550

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Alan Bilzerian

1217 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02459
Much like its Newbury Street sister store, this suburban outpost of Alan Bilzerian stocks absurdly luxe fashion items. The family-owned shop is an opportunity to splurge on Yohji Yamamoto, Lanvin, and Rick Owens without the hustle and bustle of downtown. [Photo: Google Maps]
1217 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 630-9988
(617) 630-9988

National Jean Company

34 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
National Jean Co. is another boutique with a Newbury Street space, but this shop pre-dates that smaller Boston store with a ton of ready-to-wear mixed in among denim from Paige, J Brand, and Citizens. [Photo]
34 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 969-2888
(617) 969-2888

Smudge Nailbar

757 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
Walk into Smudge and pick a stool at the bar. While nails are on the menu and not bevs, you'll feel tipsy off a selection of polish from Butter and vegan line Londontown, with treatment products from June Jacobs and Jimmy Jane. Cleanliness is a priority with jet-free pedi tubs. Manis start at $18 and pedis at $35. Waxing is also offered. [Photo]
757 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 332-1281
(617) 332-1281

Mr. Sid

1211 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Mr. Sid dubs itself a fashion institution, and it certainly is legendary after a four decade presence in Boston area menswear. 15,000 square feet are home to impeccably tailored pieces from Ermenegildo Zegna, Frye and Alden footwear, New England Shirt Co. styles, Randolph Engineering eyewear, and Ernest Sewn denim. [Photo]
1211 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 969-4540
(617) 969-4540

MiniLuxe

792 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
MiniLuxe is probably the top Massachusetts nail shop, valuing a sterile environment that feels anything but, with a broad selection of polishes including their own private line. The Newton space features a unique wooden architectural design and all the amenities you've come to expect from the salon. [Photo]
792 Beacon Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 332-9200
(617) 332-9200

The Finer Consigner

53 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA 02459
The Finer Consigner is certainly not home to last season's castoffs—this shop specializes in the big ones like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Lanvin, and Prada. Owner Amy Hahn Heller keeps tabs on customer preferences and needs, offering visitors the ability to inject their wardrobe with designer logos for a fraction of retail price. [Photo]
53 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 244-8100
(617) 244-8100

Lash L'Amour

55 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
Lash extensions may seem like a daunting proposition, but Cynthia Vo's team at Lash L'Amour is more than accommodating, walking clients through their service gracefully and making sure those bombshell lashes are maintained properly. Natural-looking synthetic mink lash extensions start at $195, with $40-60 surcharges for Cynthia depending on the look you want. [Photo]
55 Langley Road, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 916-1209
(617) 916-1209

L'Optique Boutique

55 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Yelpers rave about the caliber of customer service offered by the owner, Carol, who is also an optician. The shop is modern and sleek, with a serious brand roster including Tom Ford, Dita, and Persol. [Photo]
55 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 796-9600
(617) 796-9600

Folklorica

63 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Folklorica has been supplying Newton with a jewelry-focused shopping experience for four decades, now equipping customers with the latest from Alexis Bittar, Sorrelli, Jenny Bird, and Chan Luu. Glittery headpieces, leather goods, and scarves balance out the displays for a true accessory destination. [Photo]
63 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 630-1815
(617) 630-1815

Duchess

77 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
This charming boutique has built a following in the area for its wearable selection of Margaret O'Leary knitwear, eco-friendly line Prairie Underground, and US-made lines Salaam and Jude Connally. Other popular boutique brands including BB Dakota, LA Made, Sanctuary, and Three Dots. [Photo: Courtesy of Duchess]
77 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 964-0054
(617) 964-0054

Ceri

103 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
The Ceri family of shops really makes a mark on Union Street, with independent apparel and accesories lines fit for women of all ages at this main Ceri boutique and the jewelry-dedicated Como space down the street at 91 Union. [Photo]
103 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 527-6710
(617) 527-6710

Vaiani & Clarke

15 Cypress Street, Newton, MA 02459
When Nicole Vaiani and Gia Clarke saw the chance to pursue their dream of becoming salon owners, the experienced stylists jumped. Nicole is a master colorist, a Goldwell Certified Colorist, and has a balayage certification; Gia is trained in the increasingly requested Deva cut for curly hair. The new salon is a proud user of Oribe products. [Photo]
15 Cypress Street, Newton, MA 02459
(617) 795-1550
(617) 795-1550