Updated 21:41, November the 3rd, 2008
Shopping radar
These new boutiques make us want to spend
Leokadia
667 Tremont St., Boston
www.leokadiashoes.com
Boston’s yet-to-be chain store’d South End offers a new gem: Leokadia, which is filled with delightful shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories, mostly culled from European designers, and with an emphasis on those not carried in department stores. Currently, that includes Betta Carrano, Costablanca, Repetto and the more friendly-priced Dolce Vita and Boutique 9. What’s special, though, is that Leokadia also stocks stylish vegan shoes by Cri de Coeur among its leather wares.
Passport
43 Brattle St., Cambridge
www.passportboutique.com
Over in Harvard Square, the tiny but organized Passport is all about stuff that travels well, so you can too. Obviously, there’s luggage: from cosmetic cases to suitcases, including a delightful Toss 22-inch rolling-bag in brilliant orange ($220) with matching carry-on ($145). Passport also considers what goes in the bag and offers cute, easy-to-pack, comfortable “go anywhere” clothing, including jersey mini dresses, stretch bottoms and knit tops from Love by Ya-Ya, Twinkle and newer labels Dream Society and Peel. Accessories run the gamut from Spare Soles fold-up flats ($25) to raincoats, including a smart trench coat by Hayden-Harnett ($440) with a detachable wool lining.
Looks
11-13 Holyoke St., Cambridge 617-491-4251
Looks has been a fashion name in Cambridge in various locations for 25 years. However, only the name — and of course, the good taste — remains at the newly opened Holyoke Street store. New owner Annette Duclois’ focus is on highly individual designers and attentive customer service. Right now the spacious store looks so cozy filled with ankle-length warm wool coats ($165-$500) that have a classic edge, so they’ll last more than one season; sumptuous sweaters ($80-$300, the latter for a thick cashmere); and snazzy holiday season party dresses by Chan Luu and Velvet ($100-$250).