Shopping - Boston 2009 - page 216

TOYS & GAMES
A number of businesses listed earlier in this chapter are good places to look for toys.
They include most of the shops under “Gifts & Souvenirs,” Curious George Books
& Toys (see “Books”), and Calliope (see “Fashion”). Also be sure to check out the gift
shops at the Children's Museum, Museum of Science, and New England Aquarium.
The Games People Play Just outside Harvard Square, this 30-plus-year-old
business carries enough board games (foreign as well as domestic) to outfit every coun-
try, summer, and beach house in New England. Also check out the puzzles, playing
cards, role-playing games, Steiff toys, and chess and backgammon sets. 1100 Massachu-
setts Ave., Cambridge. & 800/696-0711 or 617/492-0711. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Stellabella Toys Both retro (lots of wooden toys) and modern (no guns), Stella-
bella is a welcoming destination for parents and kids alike. It carries everything from
baby strollers to craft supplies and costumes for big kids, and the friendly staff can lend
a hand if you need help maintaining your status as the cool aunt or uncle. 1360 Cambridge
St., Inman Sq., Cambridge. & 617/491-6290. www.stellabellatoys.com. T: Red Line to Central, then 10-min.
walk on Prospect St. 1967 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. & 617/864-6290. T: Red Line to Porter.
VINTAGE & SECONDHAND CLOTHING
Bobby From Boston Boston's vintage clothing scene tends to be light on men's
options (but not on whining about it). The perfect antidote is this off-the-beaten-
track shop run by a veteran dealer who specializes in supplying wardrobe for period
films. The focus is the 1940s through '70s. Open by appointment only. 19 Thayer St.
& 617/423-9299. T: Silver Line bus from Temple Pl., Downtown Crossing, to E. Berkeley St. Or Orange
Line to New England Medical Center and 10-min. walk.
The Closet This is the not-very-secret weapon of many a chic shopper. One of
Boston's best consignment shops, it offers “gently worn” (not vintage) high-end designer
clothing and accessories (be sure to check out the shoes and bags) for women and men
at drastically reduced prices. 175 Newbury St. & 617/536-1919. T: Green Line to Copley.
The Garment District You're hitting the clubs and you want to look cool, but
money is tight. You'll be right at home among the shoppers here, paying great prices
for a huge selection of contemporary and vintage clothing, costumes, and accessories.
“Dollar a pound” merchandise on the first floor actually costs $1.50 a pound. And
Boston Costume, which is on the premises, is the go-to place for rental, retail, and vin-
tage costumes, which are available year-round. 200 Broadway, Cambridge. & 617/876-5230.
www.garmentdistrict.com. T: Red Line to Kendall/MIT.
Oona's From funky accessories and costume jewelry to vintage dresses nice
enough to get married in, Oona's carries an extensive selection of “experienced clothing”
at good prices. The Harvard Square stalwart, which opened in 1973, is especially busy
at Halloween but great fun anytime. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. & 617/491-2654.
T: Red Line to Harvard.
Velvet Fly The merchandise here isn't exclusively vintage, but even the newest
pieces share that sensibility—you definitely won't see your outfit on anyone else.
Unusual accessories complement the flirty fashions. The Velvet Fly is one of the little
boutiques that's helping the North End develop its own quirky fashion sense; it's on
the main drag past where the restaurants peter out. 424 Hanover St. & 617/557-4359.
www.thevelvetfly.com. T: Green or Orange Line to Haymarket.