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City Shopping Guides

City Shopping Guides: Boston

As one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston’s history is vast. So is it’s shopping.

People often come to see the site of the Boston Tea Party, watch the Red Sox at Fenway Park (the oldest original baseball stadium), eat seafood, or run the Boston Marathon — but the shopping is not to be overlooked. Between streets of stores in old townhouses, vintage markets, and high-end malls, there’s something for everyone.

Citizen Femme’s Social Media and Design Manager, Sophie Wang, is a Boston native and shares her shopping hotspots below.


Best area or street for shopping…

Newbury Street has it all, from thrift stores to designer brands and everything in-between. Plus, if you walk the whole thing you’ll arrive at the Boston Public Garden… a beautiful, green escape from the crowds of busy stores.

Where can we find the best vintage shops?

SoWa Vintage Market is my absolute favourite. It’s open every Sunday and has the best collection of antiques, one-of-a-kind collectables, and vintage fashion. During the warmer months, there’s an accompanying open-air farmer and artist market.

 

 

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One place only locals know about…

There is a vast literary history in Boston’s Beacon Hill. In that spirit, Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is my new favourite place. It opened last year in a townhouse near the old homes of many authors including Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Covered in the most precious wallpaper, there are aspects such as a mini-sized room for kids and a restaurant on the garden level that make the space feel quaint and complete.

Your favourite local brands or boutiques? 

Ouimillie is a local, Boston-based boutique and design studio featuring local brands as well as designers from Denmark, France, Belgium, and Italy. It’s one of the most colourful stores I’ve been to and has the best selection of quirky accessories and statement pieces.

 

 

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Souvenir to take home?

Black Ink is where I’ve taken many people to get small presents and trinkets. Resembling a general store, it offers a selection of “unexpected necessities” (their tagline) such as art supplies, puzzles and games, and Boston-themed goodies.

The best place to treat yourself is…

Copley Place. A beautiful and upscale shopping mall that houses luxury designer collections across two floors. To me, the biggest treat is the architecture and design — and the skywalk that connects it to the Prudential Center.

Best overall shopping experience? 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum gift shop is a wonderful place for holiday presents, art-themed knick-knacks, and items crafted by artisans from New England. My ideal day is going to an art museum or shopping, and this combines both into one experience!

 

Best store design?

The Restoration Hardware on Newbury Street is eye-catching. The historic building was the second ever to be built in Back Bay, and originally served as the New England Museum of Natural History. Now with a glass elevator and the RH home furnishing line, it is the perfect mix of classic and modern.

Best pit stop for lunch or coffee?

The Thinking Cup. This cosy café has the most delicious coffee and build-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches, but the reason it’s my go-to is the atmosphere. I’ve been going there for years, popping in to get away from the cold on snowy winter days or sitting outside to catch up with friends during the summer months.

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