Now, a lot of you shop-o-holics out there, as stylish as you may be – might have your doubts about buying in Boston. Sure, The Brooks Brothers and Talbot sets are still often spotted, but the city’s increasing European population has really shaken up the Boston fashion scene. Thank Goodness for that. Fashion wise, the city has gone from basically boring to smart and sophisticated in recent years. Definitely a welcomed change for all.
Neiman Marcus The Chanel Boutique Louis Newbury Street
5 COPLEY PLACE, BOSTON
(617) 536-3660
5 ARLINGTON ST, BOSTON
(617) 536-5700
(TOP END OF NEWBURY)
234 BERKLEY STREET, BOSTON
(617) 262-6100
Dolce & Gabbana, Ada Barney, Prada, Miu Miu (Prada’s second line), Gucci, Jill Sander, UnderGirl, Ralph Lauren and many more. Partial List for men:
Vestimenta, Jill Sander, Brioni, The Louis Line, Ralph Lauren/Purple Label, Zegna.
The place is gorgeous. The staff is gorgeous. The cashmere’s gorgeous. The price tags? Not so gorgeous. If cash flow ain’t a problem, high tail it over to Berkley Street and experience true buyer’s bliss. If the restaurant, Café Louis, wasn’t chic enough, it will be after the current face lifting is completed. New chef David Reynoso, of Providence’s famed Il Forno new kitchen and new interior to go with your new pair of shoes. After lunchin’ with the ladies, head out the back door and hit Newbury Street.
Lots of great shops, but warning: You will find some of the national mall-like fare. Nestled in between the "indie" boutiques lurk the likes of Express, The Gap, Pottery Barn, and Banana Republic; you get the idea. Not bad shops by nature, just available everywhere. Worth Checking out (our personal favorites as we walk from the Ritz-Carlton hotel on down):
Burberry’s 2 Newbury St. (617) 236-1000. Ever since Christy Turlington showed up at her much publicized birthday party two years ago in a classic Burberry plaid kilt, you often spot scenesters combing the racks here with the blue haired lady set of Beacon Hill. It’s a classic.
Riccardi Boutique 116 Newbury St. (617) 266-3157. Very funky, very Euro. The only place to find good selection of Deisel line (funky jeans-meet-the-streets wear), as well as designer jean lines from Moschino, Todd Oldham, & Mugler. Also have select designer pieces – the funky hard to get pieces from the collections.
Agnes B. 172 Newbury St. 6(617) 266-3300. Yes, we know there is one in New York, but if you can’t get there this is the next best thing. Not a bargain, per say, but the stuff of major quality. So the white tee might cost you 65 bucks, but you’ll take it to the grave. My leather trench looks better than when I bought it 7 years ago. This is the way to shop. Less is more, Ladies! Ask for Amy...this girl’s got taste. She won’t sell you something she wouldn’t be seen with you in.
Allston Beat 348 Newbury St. (617) 421-9555. Been dying to find those black pleather hip huggers, or maybe you’re in the market for a mohair mini? Look no further. You’ve arrived at Boston’s most cutting edge. And don’t let the staff’s multiple facial piercings and oddly colored lengthy goat- tees fool you - they are all absolute dolls! (As my Mom would say, "They’re just very creative kids!")
There are too many fab stores on Newbury to list. Our recommendation: Newbury St. is a must for serious shoppers and window shoppers alike. The street is charming, very Old World Boston, and there are plenty of charming bars and cafes along the way to lose a less enthusiastic cohort, some of which may even have the game on at the bar!
