Boston's 38 Essential Shopping Experiences, Fall 2013 Update

By Susie Kostaras Oct 3, 2013, 2:00pm EDT

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By Susie Kostaras Oct 3, 2013, 2:00pm EDT

2 comments / new

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

It's that time again—the seasonal update to our guide on Boston's essential shopping, the Racked 38. While we've released specialized maps for home goods and indie boutiques, our namesake list contains all the can't miss local venues in regard to fashion and tools for a stylish life across several categories. Today we are replacing South End furniture emporium Mohr & McPherson, Back Bay and North End go-to LIT Boutique, and denim expert in-jean-ius. In their place, we've added Orchard Skateshop (an Allston skate mainstay who expanded to Newbury Street), Olives & Grace (a "curtsy to the makers" full of regional goods), and quirky home shop Twelve Chairs (formerly of Fort Point, it has now relocated to the South End).

Per usual, we tried to strike a balance between major neighborhoods, price points, and aesthetics, leaving out food stores (Eater Boston has those covered) and any boutiques less than six months old. 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 cases 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: Orchard Skateshop, Olives & Grace, Twelve Chairs

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Mint Julep

Mint Julep has built a reputation for the perfect casual-meets-party assortment of premium denim, Tracy Reese and Tibi dresses, Ella Moss separates, and Adia Kibur baubles. The Brookline storefront came first, but the Harvard Square setup speaks to students and twenty-somethings alike, bringing plenty of feminine flair to the Cambridge side of the Charles. [Photo]

6 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Concepts

Opened in 1996 as part of the Harvard Square Tannery, Concepts is a Cambridge institution specializing in high-demand collabs and all the hype that surrounds a major release from Clarks, Nike, Stussy, and other iconic brands in skate and street culture. It also offers pieces from fashion legends like Margiela and Comme Des Garcons. A sleek design characterizes Concepts as a curated lifestyle brand synonymous with quality and a point of view. [Photo]

37 Brattle Street, The Atrium Shopping Center, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Forty Winks

On the outer edge of Harvard Square sits the loveliest little intimates boutique, run by lingerie aficionados Rachel Wentworth and Meredith Donaldson. The duo manages to stock an outstanding range of undies, convincing ladies on both sides of the Charles to start caring about what to wear under the rest of their wardrobe. They also stock little extras from The Laundress, Spanx, legwear, and garter accessories. [Photo]

56 JF Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Harvard Book Store

Block out a chunk of time when you visit this landmark indie bookseller, founded in 1932, which contrary to its name has no affiliation with Harvard University. Readers can pore over the latest bestselling titles or poke around an extensive selection of used books—and then maybe stay for one of the many author lectures in a packed event series schedule. A history of innovation includes eco-friendly bike delivery in the area and a book-making robot to aid in self publishing.

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1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Oona's Experienced Clothing

Harvard Square institution Oona's Experienced Clothing has been dressing Greater Boston in the funkiest vintage gear from the 1930s through the 1980s since 1972. Make sure to check out the top notch apothecary collection of fragrances and candles for an extra bit of panache.

1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Shake the Tree

One-stop shopping is the most satisfying for an on-the-go gal, and the North End boutique Shake the Tree keeps us on our toes with home trinkets, scents, books, accessories, and clothes galore. Designers' trunk shows are often held here, so watch the calendar for dates. [Photo]

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67 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

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Louis

Nearly a century old and having inhabited a historic Back Bay building for the latter part of the twentieth century, the fine retailer moved itself to the waterfront several seasons ago. Since then, fashion lovers have adored this department store for high end threads from the likes of Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu, intoxicating Diptyque candles, snacks at Sam's, and new hairdos at Salon Mario Russo. [Photo]

60 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02110

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Crush Boutique

Shoppers step in to Crush—Beacon Hill is the original location, with a secondary Newbury Street outpost—for a blend of contemporary favorites including Alice + Olivia, Shoshanna, and Parker alongside accessible footwear and jewels from brands like Dolce Vita and House of Harlow 1960. What keeps 'em coming back is the styling-centric service (they even host private parties) and freshly updated goods. [Photo]

131 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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Good

Good has been a haven for unique buys for over a decade, finally upgrading to a space four times bigger than its original Charles Street location last fall. Come here to seek out collected items ranging from regional home goods designers to transcontinental inspired jewelry and leather bags. [Photo]

133 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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Artifaktori

Artifaktori is a subterranean shop for curated vintage alongside vintage-inspired contemporary pieces. Added bonuses: a men's corner sits at back and everything is marked with its era of origin. [Photo]

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121 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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North River Outfitter

NRO serves New England's preppy community dutifully, stocking the latest wide variety of goods from Boston-loved lines like Milly, Alden, Barbour, Vineyard Vines, and dozens more. In just the last year, it expanded to a kids store directly next door, and as of late November last year, a sport store across Charles street.

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122 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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Vira Boutique

If VIRA feels like it has NYC cool factor, that's because it does—founders Vivek and Radhika brought their FIT backgrounds home to Boston last year. The lofty space boasts emerging international designers and sought after contemporary labels to excite the cosmopolitan woman. [Photo]

107 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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Holiday Boutique

Holiday is the epitome of girly with its "Pretty Little Sister" private line, feminine frocks made in Massachusetts, a signature cashmere collection, and designers like SF-based Kirribilla, Bell by Alicia Bell and Erin Fetherston. Also find knick knacks for your abode and jewelry box throughout the vintage-inspired store. [Photo]

53 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

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Moxie

Moxie focuses on adornments for your extremities: shoes in every silhouette and plenty of arm candy (in bling and bag form). Shoppers here swoon over a curated mix between classic and trendy footwear and accessories from Rebecca Minkoff, Foley + Corinna, Loeffler Randall, and Brian Atwood, while its Wellesley location stocks apparel. [Photo]

51 Charles Street, Boston, MA

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Alan Bilzerian

This family-owned shop is a bazaar of maverick luxury designers including Isabel Marant, Yohji Yamamoto, and Ann Demeulemeester as well as renowned fashion houses like Lanvin. Celebrities often frequent the establishment, and many ultra fashion fans contend this is excellence in service and selection. [Photo]

34 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

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Riccardi

With a legacy spanning several decades, Riccardi is the brainchild of Riccardo Dallai, an Italian transplant in Boston who wanted to make waves in a conservative town. Since then, his ability to turn this city on to cutting edge international fashion from Balmain, Givenchy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Dsquared2, and more, truly catapulted us into the world class shopping hub we have become. [Photo]

116 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

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Serenella Boston

Making a dramatic entrance is simple when you build a wardrobe with Serenella pieces. The Boston and Nantucket venues corner a niche for off-the-runway and hard to find European designers in a boutique setting, including apparel from Altuzarra and Rochas, fantastical jewelry from Delfina Delettrez, and gowns from Prabal Gurung. Just remember to pick up your jaw when you step inside. [Photo]

134 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

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Ball And Buck

Guys love this camo-clad habitat for Americana-inspired threads, kicks, and accessories, usually part of limited edition collabs and all of which are made in the USA. With a commitment to domestic jobs, the team also keeps customers looking fresh at the in-store barbershop.

144 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

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The Closet

Painfully chic vintage enthusiasts flock to this garden-level Newbury Street consignment shop for designer booty, often priced at a third of original retail. Superfans keep a pulse on the store's blog, where daily updates prove both the caliber and swift turnover of hot items.

175 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116-2835

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Second Time Around

While the lower Newbury store is a trendy counterpoint to this Boston STA flagship, shoppers here can find luxe items from Celine, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel among other standby labels. Two stories at this twenty year old location make for a bounty of discount wears.

176 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

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INTERMIX

This recently revamped outpost of the national chain remains a veritable who's who of the fashion heavyweights. While there is plenty of brand overlap with other Boston shops, ladies keep coming to Intermix for a sophisticated set of merchandise, including a consistent flow of exclusives, and solid customer service.

186 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116-2811

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The Tannery

The Tannery has been a Greater Boston mainstay for decades, and the Boylston Street flagship is just the spot to ogle a variety of footwear from Frye, ritzy outdoor apparel from Canada Goose, and upscale fashion on each store level, our favorite of which is obviously Curated by The Tannery for designers like rag & bone, Kimberly Ovitz, and Helmut Lang. [Photo]

711 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

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Daniela Corte

With a garden level storefront and her studio upstairs, designer Daniela Corte is taking over more than just a Newbury brownstone. Lovers of Corte's impeccable separates and signature legging bar are well known in the upper echelons of Boston fashion, but the crisp white and wood space also allows the general public intimate access to her beautiful clothing season after season.

211 Newbury Street, Boston, MA

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Converse

The first flagship of this internationally renowned footwear giant sits rather humbly at the base of our main shopping thoroughfare, but its two-level space is quite the ode to Converse's Massachusetts roots. The industrial design is a clean canvas for countless Chucks, apparel (with prominently displayed denim), and an in-store customization station. Die hard fans will be in sneaker heaven upon stepping in. [Photo]

348 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115

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Barneys New York

It's hard to imagine that this temple to luxury was ever a crappy movie theater, but then, it's hard to imagine anything when you're being distracted by endless Rick Owens jackets and 3.1 Phillip Lim bags. Offering the New York shopping experience in our own backyard, Barneys remains arguably the creme de la creme of its department store category and the first place to go for off-the-runway fashion and prestige beauty. [Photo]

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100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

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Bodega

The secret Snapple entrance is a rite of passage to many streetwear enthusiasts far and wide—no surprise given its close proximity to the universities. Since the secret is already out, we won't keep mum on the killer selection of all the sneaker favorites, jackets from Schott and Dr. Romanelli, Super and even vintage Cazal eyewear. And if you want a snack, the literal bodega is open too. [Photo]

6 Clearway Street, Boston, MA 02115

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Uniform

Uniform is the spot for stylish casual gear with more character than the mall stores. No Gucci or GPPR here—this inventory is not street nor is it high fashion—just good ol' RVCA, Levi's, Spiewak, lots of denim, Will Leather Goods, and plaid buttondowns galore from Ben Sherman, GANT, and Penguin. [Photo]

511 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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Twelve Chairs

Having formerly occupied a gigantic lofty Fort Point Channel space, the duo behind Twelve Chairs joins a vibrant creative community on Tremont Street with a newly opened second floor studio chock full of their same quirky home goods selection to warm up any abode. [Photo]

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581 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

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Sault

Owner Philip Saul knows how to speak to a Massachusetts man's sensibilities with items from New England Shirt Co., accessories from Ivy Prepster, toiletries from Mr. Natty, and even gently used goods. Everything here is a classic wardrobe addition. [Photo]

577 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

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Flock

Dani McDonald nails the laid-back Cali vibe with this eclectic shop for indie brands and Boston-bred labels. The boutique is cozy and inviting, with whimsical decor setting the tone for offbeat designers like Lauren Moffat, Line & Dot, Alkemie jewelry, and Wildfox. Plus, a shiny new website now boasts e-commerce. [Photo]

274 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118

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Bobby From Boston

People claim this is the best men's vintage shopping around, and a small women's selection is available too. Amazing bags, preppy wears of yesteryear, and a totally cool ambiance are the attraction here. [Photo]

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19 Thayer Place, Boston, MA 02118

SoWa Vintage and SoWa Open Markets

For the past decade, Bostonians have been strolling SoWa's markets on Sundays in search of clever trinkets, unusual decor, locally crafted items, and a cluster of vintage and antique vendors. Indoors you'll find the year-round Vintage Market, with May through October adding on an outdoor farmer's market, food and fashion truck gatherings, and tent upon tent of distinctive buys. Come fall, artisans prep for the notorious Holiday Market. [Photo]

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460 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118

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M. Flynn Accessories

The sparkle at M. Flynn lures you in with a shabby chic interior and displays of Alexis Bittar, Lulu Frost, Doloris Petunia, Erickson Beamon, and in-house collections including a fine jewelry branch of the business. Owners Megan and Moria Flynn can even rework your baubles for special occasions. [Photo]

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40 Waltham Street, Boston, MA 02118

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Patch NYC

Given their worldwide fame as artists and collaborators with Target and Anthropologie, we dig that the creative pair behind this design dynasty still calls a little South End courtyard home. The headquarters and shop are a warm setting for striking jewelry and home goods, many of which are private label and all of which are keepers. [Photo]

46 Waltham Street, Boston, MA 02118

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Olives & Grace

The winner of our 2013 Racked Awards "So Hot Right Now" category is a champion of the local movement, supplying South Enders with regionally-sourced gifts, trinkets, and food stuffs. This is the place to pick up holiday, birthday, and housewarming gift boxes. [Photo]

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81 Pembroke Street, Boston, MA 02118

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Orchard Skateshop

This Allston hub for all things skateboarding boasts a mini-ramp (open to the public) and a dedicated art gallery space on site. For an experience as fresh as an orchard apple, visit the new space at 297 Newbury with custom outdoorsy market-inspired decor elements. Shop Orchard's own apparel and accessories line, goods from Huf, adidas footwear, and Zero Skateboards at both locations. [Photo]

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156 Harvard Avenue, Boston, MA 02134

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Brookline Booksmith

This award-winning bookstore in charming Coolidge corner is much more extensive than it looks from the street. Over 50 years old, the shop is distinguished by its helpful staff, events ranging from grad students reading poetry to best-selling author series, a used book basement, and a monthly book club going 10 years strong. It's a true neighborhood center drawing shoppers from all walks of life. [Photo]

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279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446

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Salmagundi

With roughly 9000 hats, we think this shop can consider itself Boston's millinery expert. The JP boutique is owned by a husband and wife team that works with independent milliners for a wide selection of headwear, fit for varied tastes and price points. [Photo]

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765 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02130

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Mint Julep

6 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Mint Julep has built a reputation for the perfect casual-meets-party assortment of premium denim, Tracy Reese and Tibi dresses, Ella Moss separates, and Adia Kibur baubles. The Brookline storefront came first, but the Harvard Square setup speaks to students and twenty-somethings alike, bringing plenty of feminine flair to the Cambridge side of the Charles. [Photo]

6 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Concepts

37 Brattle Street, The Atrium Shopping Center, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opened in 1996 as part of the Harvard Square Tannery, Concepts is a Cambridge institution specializing in high-demand collabs and all the hype that surrounds a major release from Clarks, Nike, Stussy, and other iconic brands in skate and street culture. It also offers pieces from fashion legends like Margiela and Comme Des Garcons. A sleek design characterizes Concepts as a curated lifestyle brand synonymous with quality and a point of view. [Photo]

37 Brattle Street, The Atrium Shopping Center, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Forty Winks

56 JF Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

On the outer edge of Harvard Square sits the loveliest little intimates boutique, run by lingerie aficionados Rachel Wentworth and Meredith Donaldson. The duo manages to stock an outstanding range of undies, convincing ladies on both sides of the Charles to start caring about what to wear under the rest of their wardrobe. They also stock little extras from The Laundress, Spanx, legwear, and garter accessories. [Photo]

56 JF Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Harvard Book Store

1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Block out a chunk of time when you visit this landmark indie bookseller, founded in 1932, which contrary to its name has no affiliation with Harvard University. Readers can pore over the latest bestselling titles or poke around an extensive selection of used books—and then maybe stay for one of the many author lectures in a packed event series schedule. A history of innovation includes eco-friendly bike delivery in the area and a book-making robot to aid in self publishing.

Open in Google Maps

1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Oona's Experienced Clothing

1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Harvard Square institution Oona's Experienced Clothing has been dressing Greater Boston in the funkiest vintage gear from the 1930s through the 1980s since 1972. Make sure to check out the top notch apothecary collection of fragrances and candles for an extra bit of panache.

1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Shake the Tree

67 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

One-stop shopping is the most satisfying for an on-the-go gal, and the North End boutique Shake the Tree keeps us on our toes with home trinkets, scents, books, accessories, and clothes galore. Designers' trunk shows are often held here, so watch the calendar for dates. [Photo]

Open in Google Maps

67 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website