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Karma
Designer consignments: that's what you'll find that this very upscale second-hand shop. Look for the fanciest names in fashion, and not only the Italian ones. Also look for prices that are about half-off the original.
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Koo De Kir
That's coup de coeur for you French-speakers. This innovative design shop aims to give patrons a 'strike to the heart' with its sexy, stylish home furnishings and accessories. The style is urban and sophisticated, but not cold or off-putting. Besides the interesting light fixtures, pillows and dishes, there is a small selection of gift-type items.
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Life Is Good
Life is good for this locally designed brand of T-shirts, backpacks and other gear. Styles depict the fun-loving stick figure Jake engaged in guitar-playing, dog-walking, coffee-drinking, mountain climbing and just about every other good-vibe diversion you might enjoy. Jake's activity and message vary, but his 'life-is-good' theme is constant. Check out the sister store, Everything's Jake, in the Garage, 36 JFK St in Harvard Square.
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London Harness Company
The history of the London Harness Company goes back to 1776, when local saddle maker Zachariah Hicks joined forces with WW Winship, a well-established trunk maker. This historic partnership claimed Ben Franklin as a customer, and today the London Harness Company is the country's oldest luggage retailer (you can't buy saddles here anymore). Look for high-quality leather and classic styles in handbags, briefcases and suitcases.
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Looney Tunes
Vinyl junkies should not miss Looney Tunes, which claims a rotating collection of hundreds of thousands of records. They are not all packed into this tiny store near Berklee School of Music (though it feels like it) - there is another store in Harvard Sq and a huge stock of items in storage. All records are graded so you know the condition of the product. Also carries CDs and DVDs.
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Lorem Ipsum
Thanks to fancy inventory-tracing software developed inhouse, you can browse Lorem Ipsum's extensive catalogue online. But why would you want to, if you can go to the brick and mortar bookstore and browse the old-fashioned way. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, hardwood floors and lots and lots of books. Anyone with voyeuristic tendencies should visit the restroom to peruse the collection of personal notes, things-to-do and shopping lists, garnered from the used books.
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Louis Boston
This beautiful four-storey townhouse occupies the entire block between Newbury and Boylston Sts. As such, there is plenty of room inside for ultra-trendy (and pricey) clothing and cool, contemporary housewares. The 1st floor is filled with gift ideas like gourmet foods, fancy bath accessories, nostalgic books and sweet pet gear. Upstairs, you'll find the fashion: Louis caters disproportionately to the males of the species, but somebody's got to.
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Luna Boston
If you have a thing for handbags, then Luna has a thing for you. With a mile-long list of designers, Luna will have no problem finding you the perfect tote, clutch or satchel. Luna caters to the working girl with its selection of stylish laptop carriers. Also: beach bags, backpacks and baby bags.
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Marika's Antique Shop
Over 50 years ago, a Hungarian immigrant opened this treasure trove in Boston's antique central. Today, it's run by her grandson, but it still holds an excellent selection of fine collectibles - most notably jewelry, beads and pocket watches.
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Matsu
This internationally inspired boutique sells exquisite clothing and gifts influenced by a Japanese Zen aesthetic. Matsu encourages shoppers to indulge their senses, with sweet-smelling fragrances, enticing, exotic music and clothing in a rich palette of colors and fabrics.
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Mcintyre & Moore Booksellers
McIntyre & Moore is one of Boston's best and biggest used bookstores, with over 85,000 titles in 200 subject areas. Subject matter ranges from scholarly to New Age to fiction, with an excellent selection of children's books and even cookbooks. The well-organized place is great for browsing. Also home of the Davis Sq Philosophy Cafe, which meets here monthly (from to , every third Tuesday).
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Modo Gatto
Gentlemen, if your lady friend has disappeared into the dressing room at In-jean-ius, you may wish to pop across the street to Modo Gatto to find your own pair of designer jeans. If the fashion doesn't do it for you, perhaps the baseball game on the big screen will.
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Moxie
'No outfit is complete without that perfect pair of shoes.' And 'Why have one bag when you can have a collection?' These bits of wisdom are what inspired avid shopper Karen Fadden Fabbri to open a store dedicated to shoes, handbags and other accessories. She pulls it off with much aplomb, enticing shoppers with unique styles, designer labels and top-notch service.
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Mudo
Tiny tops and slinky jeans. Shimmering dresses and strappy sandals. Short skirts and tall boots. Come here to clothe yourself for a night on the town. It's not exactly practical (or cheap), but such fun never is. Another branch is on Newbury St.
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New Balance Factory Store
Factory seconds and overruns of running shoes, fleece jackets and synthetic clothing made by New Balance. You may have to search for your size, but you can easily save 25% to 50% off any given item. Look for the automatic 20% reduction when you trade in an old pair of shoes of any brand. This place is not so easy to find: take bus 64 from Central Sq.
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Newbury Comics
Any outlet of this local chain is usually jam-packed with teenagers clad in black and sporting multiple piercings. Apparently these kids know where to find cheap CDs and DVDs. The newest alt-rock and the latest movies are on sale here, plus comic books, rock posters and other silly gags. No wonder everyone is having such a wicked good time. Another outlet is in the Garage in Harvard Sq.
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Niketown
Covering some 9000 sq ft, this palatial footwear emporium is more of a destination than a store. Gone are the days when the shoe salesperson disappears into the backroom to look for your size. Here, they plug the numbers into the computer, and your shoe arrives via shoe-tube. While Niketown is a sight to see, you'll pay top dollar for your sneakers here, so there is no point in buying unless you have your heart set on Nike's newest styles. It's worth stopping by around Patriot's Day to check out the tribute to the Boston Marathon.
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North Bennet St School
The North Bennet St School has been training crafts people and artisans for over 100 years. Established in 1885, the school offers programs in traditional skills like bookbinding, woodworking and locksmithing. The school's onsite gallery sells incredible hand-crafted pieces made by students and alumni. Look for unique jewelry, handmade journals and exquisite wood furniture and musical instruments.
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Oona's Experienced Clothing
Oona's sells kitschy clothes from all eras. Dress-up dandies come here for Halloween costumes, drag wear, retro attire from any decade and outfits for every theme. Not that you need an excuse to go vintage: Oona's merchandise is cheap enough that you can buy it just for fun.
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Parlor
The selection of super-cool duds and hot name brands receives rave reviews all around, but it's the friendly fashion advice that makes Parlor so popular. Regulars agree that these girls know their stuff, and they want you to know it too. Parlor's alluring outfits often feature local designers.
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Pixie Stix
This sweet boutique caters to 'tweens' - that awkward age between kid and teenager - and does so with cuteness and coolness, if that's possible. The fun fashions at Pixie Stix will appeal to mother and daughter with bright colors, bold patterns and preppy styles. Down the street, the Red Wagon carries equally adorable outfits for smaller tykes.
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Pod
Befitting of its tiny space, Pod celebrates the art of minimalism. Organic lotions and body oils. Cotton towels and sheets in soft textures and soothing hues. Candles and incense giving off enticing aromas. There is a wide variety of goods - including women's and children's clothing - but the common theme is its simplicity and purity.
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Polcari's Coffee
Since 1932, this corner shop is where North Enders stock up on their beans. Look for 27 kinds of imported coffee, over 150 spices and an impressive selection of legumes, grains, flours and loose teas. Don't bypass the chance to indulge in a fresh Italian ice.
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Raven Used Books
It's refreshing to see a used bookstore open in Harvard Sq, where the trend is that rising rents and increasing competition are driving independent shops out. Tucked into a tiny basement, Raven knows its audience: its 14,000 titles focus on scholarly titles, especially in the liberal arts. Bibliophiles agree that the quality and condition of books is top-notch.
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Riccardi
Fresh from Florence in 1978, Riccardo Dallai showed up on Newbury St and introduced Boston to European fashion. Ever since, his store has attracted Boston's hippest and hottest, who appreciate the ultra-cool-but-casual designs. Dallai's latest brainchild is Relic, featuring more affordable, more denim-focused modes.
