Neatly Nested is all about high-quality vintage furniture. (Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki)
From down by the Seaport harbor and into the winding streets of Southie, scores of shops bearing treasures abound, waiting to be discovered and taken to their new, loving homes. Shoppers can find whatever their hearts desire, from fun and funky vintage gems to secondhand to home goods, if you need it, somewhere in Southie’s got it.
Adorable and affordable
Habit
703 E. Broadway
617-269-1998
www.habitshop.com
Located in the heart of Boston, Habit offers a varied selection of men and women’s clothing including Hudson Jeans and BB Dakota, plus an array of tees and dresses from up-and-coming designers. Owners Pam Santorelli and Leila Moore’s eclectic collection of jeans, jewelry and scarves promises to not let customers fall victim to the “She’s wearing my dress!” predicament.
Tango
200 Seaport Blvd.
857-277-1191
www.tango175.com
This gem of a boutique is best known for its unique assortment of accessories that range from imported beaded shawls and flashy belts to brightly designed umbrellas. Owner Deb Tillotson curates a wide-ranging inventory of women’s clothes and various leather goods that have this well-situated stop on Seaport Boulevard, falling somewhere between funky and sophisticated. And good luck finding a belt buckle that’s more fun than the one on their homepage.
Pretty Reckless
485 East Broadway
617-765-8881
www.prettyrecklessboston.com
One-half girly bohemian, one-half edgy streetwise, Pretty Reckless converges the divergent fashion tastes of co-owners and sisters Jess and Jamie Sparks. This contemporary women’s boutique showcases small runs of fashion-forward pieces from indie brands and features a mixture of women’s boho and rocker clothing.
Dew Luxe
36 A Street
617-315-7531
Dew Luxe carries everything from sunglasses to clothing to collars for your furry friend, but what’s most impressive is the shop’s immense shoe wall. The shop’s selection includes boots and heels from brands like Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. They also have a collection of consigned and new designer clothing.
Ku De Ta
663 E. Broadway
617-269-0008
www.kudetaboston.com
No matter what you might be in need of, clothes for work or a dress for Friday night, this one-stop-shop has it. On top of that, the prices are amazing! Customers can snag designer jeans and bags at way more affordable prices than you would find on Newbury.
High-end
Louis Boston
60 Northern Ave.
617-262-6100
www.louisboston.com
Located in the building where Sam’s is (see page 14), you probably can’t afford anything here. One Metro staffer’s dad was retiring and his partners all chipped in and got him a big gift certificate to Louis. The only thing he could buy with it was a tie.
Flock
274 Shawmut Ave.
617-391-0222
www.flockboston.com
The mother/daughter team behind this South End staple brings together a variety of refreshing and comfortable garb that captures a more laid-back, bohemian style. It’s high-end, but the prices aren’t as high as Louis. A Georgia Mae dress is less than $200 here.
Shoes and boots
South Boston
Running Emporium
653 East Broadway
617-464-7273
www.runningemporium.com
The South Boston Running Emporium has proved a local gem since 2009. Chock-full of any type of gear you’ll ever need to work out, the emporium has experts on staff to help you select the perfect pair of sneakers and weatherized gear for running outdoors in the winter season.
Vintage and secondhand
Covet
395 West Broadway
617-268-1100
www.covetboston.com
Covet is the newest premium consignment shop in the bustling South Boston neighborhood. Opened after owner Hanadi Hamzeh decided to ditch her medical lab 9-to-5, the new resale store boasts eco-friendly business practices and sells designer clothing, shoes and accessories at seriously affordable prices.
Closet Connection
553 E Broadway St.
617-268-2949
www.closetconnectionboston.com
Need to clean out that closet? Maybe get rid of those Joe’s Jeans or Tory Burch flats that you never wear anymore? Someday you’ll find it; the Closet Connection! Make it sooner than later though. This upscale women’s consignment shop specializes in selling name brand, gently used women’s apparel, at fair prices. No H&M or Forever 21 tops for $40.
Boomerangs Special Edition
1407 Washington St.
617-456-0996
www.shopboomerangs.org
Clothes, particularly men’s clothes, are among the items in the spotlight at this New England chain. Boomerang’s prices typically reflect the quality of the high-end designers represented in the shop, but exceptions can be found. Plus, all proceeds from Boomerangs go to AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, so buyer’s remorse can’t set in — your dough is going to a good cause.
Bobby from Boston
19 Thayer St.
617-423-9299
A true vintage store, Bobby from Boston houses hordes of funky retro duds perfect for a Saturday morning of vintage digging. Bow ties, boots, old marching band uniforms, bell-bottoms, ’70s cocktail dresses and plaid sweater vests make for a fun shopping experience. Come here with time to spare and you’ll be amazed at how much there is to discover.
Fun and home
Neatly Nested
373 W. Broadway
609-923-4459
www.neatlynesteddecor.com
Interior designer Danielle Platzer’s shabby-chic shop brings a fresh aesthetic to high quality vintage furniture. Reclaiming beautiful woods and transforming traditional designs with new fabrics and textures, Neatly Nested has all of the hand painted vintage furniture, treasured accessories and cottage style furniture to decorate your home.
Machine Age
645 Summer St.
617-464-0099
www.machine-age.com
Visiting Machine Age is like a trip to a museum, only better. Occupying 9,000 square feet on Southie’s waterfront, the retail showroom houses New England’s largest collection of 20th-century furniture, lighting and objects. The price point is quite high, but it makes for a great place to find some home-design inspiration.
Museums
ICA
100 Northern Ave.
617-478-3100
www.icaboston.org
Besides playing host to some of today’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, such as Nick Cave and Barry McGee, the Institute of Contemporary Art’s waterfront location is Boston’s first new art museum in 100 years and bolsters an impressive permanent collection of works by contemporary artists that were at one time featured in ICA exhibitions.
Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum
306 Congress St.
617-338-1773
www.bostonteapartyship.com
Not your typical museum, the Boston Tea Party Ship will transport you back in time as you take part in an interactive reenactment of the famous event that forever changed the course of American History.
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress St.
617-426-6500
www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org
Boston Children’s Museum is the leading innovator for creating hands-on museum exhibits that focus on engaging children in joyful discovery. It’s no wonder that museums across the country host exhibits created by BCM.
