Shopping - Boston 2009 - page 215

PERFUME & COSMETICS
Colonial Drug The perfume counter at this family business puts the “spe-
cial” in “specialize.” You can choose from more than 1,000 fragrances—plus cosmet-
ics, soap, and countless other body-care products—with the help of the gracious staff
members. They remain unflappable even during Harvard Square's equivalent of rush
hour, Saturday afternoon. No credit cards; closed Sunday. 49 Brattle St., Cambridge.
& 617/864-2222. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Kiehl's Lots of trends originate in New York, but few of them develop this kind
of cult following. Customers wax evangelical over the skin, hair, and body products
from Kiehl's (“since 1851”), which straddle the line between cosmetics and pharma-
ceuticals. 112 Newbury St. & 617/247-1777. www.kiehls.com. T: Green Line to Copley.
Lush Of all the lotions-and-potions purveyors in the Boston area, this is my
favorite. It smells great, and the enthusiastic staff is entirely attitude-free. U.K.-based
Lush specializes in fresh, organic, natural products, notably “bath bombs” (solid bub-
ble bath) and solid shampoo priced by the pound. 166 Newbury St. & 617/375-5874.
www.lush.com. T: Green Line to Copley. 30 John F. Kennedy St. & 617/497-5874. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Sephora This European phenomenon is a fashionista magnet. You'll find an ency-
clopedic, international selection of manufacturers and products in a well-lit, well-organ-
ized space overflowing with testers. Everything is self-service, and the staff provides as
much help as you want. Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St. & 617/262-4200. www.
sephora.com. T: Green Line E to Prudential, Green Line to Copley, or Green Line or B, C, or D to Hynes Con-
vention Center.
SHOES & BOOTS
Also see the listing for DSW Shoe Warehouse under “Discount Shopping,” earlier in
this chapter.
Berk's Shoes “Trendy” doesn't adequately describe the wares at this Harvard
Square institution. College students and people who want to look like them come here
to stock up on whatever's fashionable right this red-hot minute. 50 John F. Kennedy St.
& 888/GO-BERKS or 617/492-9511. www.berkshoes.com. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Cuoio The enormous selections of designer footwear at these compact boutiques are
dream fuel for the truly fetishistic (you know who you are). Be sure to check out the
dramatically discounted clearance merchandise. 115 Newbury St. & 617/859-0636. T: Green
Line to Arlington. 170 Faneuil Hall Marketplace. & 617/742-4486. T: Blue Line to Aquarium or Green Line
to Government Center.
Helen's Leather Shop Homesick Texans visit Helen's just to gaze upon the
boots. Many are handmade from exotic leathers, including ostrich, buffalo, and snake-
skin. The shop carries brands such as Lucchese and Tony Lama, along with a large selec-
tion of other leather goods, Western shirts, belts and buckles, and Stetson hats. Closed
Tuesday. 110 Charles St. & 617/742-2077. www.helensleather.com. T: Red Line to Charles/MGH.
Moxie A chic little shop with an unbelievable selection of designer shoes, Moxie
may look like an intimidating boutique, but it so isn't. The welcoming, helpful staff
will help you put together an ensemble of accessories (shoes, handbag, jewelry) that
makes you feel like a princess—while making you feel like a princess. 51 Charles St.
& 617/557-9991. www.moxieboston.com. T: Red Line to Charles/MGH.

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