Greater Boston Running Company

There are many reasons to love the South End, from the ornate stoops to the incredible restaurant scene to the abundant dog parks. My personal favorite reason to visit this bustling neighborhood is to peruse the boutiques that line Shawmut Avenue, Tremont Street, and the area in between. Many shops in the neighborhood offer local goods, ranging from homemade t-shirts to local beauty products. Here are a few of my favorite shops in the South End. Follain A recent addition to the South End, Follain is home to a curated collection of natural beauty products, many of which are not found elsewhere in the Boston area. On the corner of Dartmouth Street, Follain is reminiscent of a bookstore or coffee shop - a place that you want to settle in and spend some time. Take a seat at the marble bar while you try on a new blush, viewing the succulents and leafy green plants that surround the shop. Owner Tara Foley is passionate about sharing her commitment to natural skincare and beauty with an individually tailored approach. Tara is invested in her customers and takes the time to get to know their needs so that she can make the best recommendation. My favorite products include the liquid hand and body soap - scents ranging from rosemary citrus to peppermint, and the locally produced Shamanuti charcoal products. Sault One of the most inviting shops along Tremont Street is Sault. The bicycle perched out front beckons you inside to explore the perfectly appointed shelves and tables. An ode to a classic men’s shop, Sault is home to vintage and new clothing, as well as soaps, stationery and neat gifts, like wooden iPhone speakers, terrariums, and colorful bottle openers from Smith and Plank. There’s a strong New England inspiration, from the Pendleton blankets to vintage L.L. Bean apparel. This time of year, we’re especially eager to grab a warm wool sweater at Sault, just in time for a weekend getaway to the country. Flock Mother-daughter duo, Dani McDonald and Lisa Kupsc, are the fashionable team behind Shawmut Avenue’s Flock. Inspired by nature and a bohemian lifestyle, the decor at Flock includes an abundance of feathers and colorful birds. The styles are unique, yet classic ranging from velvet jackets and oversized sweaters to vintage-inspired jewelry and hobo bags. The difficult part is leaving empty-handed. Along with old favorites, there are always new shops popping up around the South End. The unique and colorful boutiques are a perfect way to spend an afternoon, whether you are a local or a visitor to Boston

I personally enjoy the act of shopping almost as much as the satisfaction of finding a new item to purchase. If you’re like me - and enjoy the thrill of the hunt - then you’ll want to explore some of my favorite antique and thrift stores in the Boston area. It’s easy to find over-priced, over-picked shops, so I am constantly on the search for new places that offer great pieces at reasonable prices. Easier said than done! The Cambridge/Somerville area is well-known for its density of shops offering gently-loved items. A favorite of mine is the Cambridge Antique Mart; be sure to have a few hours to roam the four floors of goods. You’ll find jewelry, clothing, furniture, and all sorts of odds and ends. The great thing about a larger shop such as the Cambridge Antique Mart is that there are hundreds of sellers, all with various styles and quality. In the past, I’ve bought a super inexpensive plastic necklace and a few nicer, more expensive pieces of clothing. Just down the road in Inman Square, there is Poor Little Rich Girl, one of Boston’s best consignment shops. The selection can be hit or miss, but on a good day, there are a lot of gems. I love the back room, which features vintage items from beaded boleros to heels and pill box hats. If you continue on into Cambridge, you’ll come across the beloved Oona’s in Harvard Square. Although Oona’s is a tiny space, the items are well sourced and are really beautiful. The price point is definitely higher, but you’ll find some great brand name gems. Plus, the store is really pleasant and well lit. They have a little room devoted to accessories and jewelry, plus a men’s section that has some great blazers and ties. My recommendation for uncovering great thrift finds: just explore. There’s an abundance of great places in Boston, and I often stumble across new finds just by strolling in new-to-me neighborhoods.

Accessories can make an outfit, a statement. They can add so much style to a simple tee shirt. Boston has a huge variety of stores that can add that extra touch you're looking for. Whether a big, bold necklace or a wrist of arm candy, any accessory can add that special touch and show a little personality. Flock Boutique in the South End has the most unique selection of accessories around. From ikat bags to gorgeous beaded bracelets, this is a one stop shop for clothing and jewelry. Opened four years ago, this boutique has added a touch of spunk to the South End. Bostonians come to see the ingenious pieces picked out by the mother-daughter owners. They even sell trinkets for the home. Flock has an array of independent designers you will not find anywhere else. Urban Outfitters is known for it's one of a kind clothing but inside this store is a huge selection of eclectic finds. Gold head chains and cool hats are all part of the UO collection. If you are looking for that perfect pair of gloves to adorn your ensemble, this is your store. Always on trend, you can find almost any accessory you may be looking for. With two locations in the city, Urban Outfitters is one main attraction. If you are looking for a specific piece of jewelry at the right price, So Good is the place for you. Whether it be a spectacular necklace or a some stand out earrings, So Good's array of costume jewelry will add those pieces that your jewelry box was missing. With regular sales, this jewelry boutique will not stretch your wallet. There are thousands of pieces here and something for everyone. Take a group of girlfriends and make it a party. Holiday Boutique in Beacon Hill prides itself for being a dollhouse of amazing clothing and baubles for the ladies in Boston. Known for it’s spectacular selection of dresses, Holiday also has some of the most magnificent handbags and accessories to complete any outfit. The store itself is absolutely adorable and will really make you feel like a girl. They also offer their own collection of labels including the "Holiday Pretty Little Thing" line. If you want to be a little different and find some pieces no one else will have, pop into this charming paradise. Don't be shy and add that extra touch to your wardrobe today. Your closet will thank you. Flock  274 Shawmut Ave Boston, MA Urban Outfitters  361 Newbury Street Boston, MA So Good  349 Newbury Street Boston, MA Holiday  53 Charles Street Boston, MA