Granite City Electric Supply

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.

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

Hats are a game changer. They create a certain mood; an attitude of sorts. Let's face it, in the winter months of New England weather, they keep us warm. There are endless types of hats and sometimes it can be hard to choose one for a certain occasion. Try to spruce up your wardrobe with a hat for casual and dressy times. Style can sometimes be all in the accessories. Anthropologie is a store known for many entities but their selection of hats is truly remarkable. The store has so many styles for all types of facial structures. They are unique and fun; playing with many different fabrics and textures. A standout is the Vera Fedora unlike any fedora you may have seen. It's made with wool and mohair in Italy, at $58 it is a steal. This is a great everyday piece that can be worn throughout most of the year. Try some of the fabulous evening styles as well for an eventful dinner party. Marie Galvin is renowned throughout Boston for her outrageously fun work with hats. Galvin is a trained milliner and loves making a statement. Her hats are for bold fashionistas ready to show their style and attitude through her vibrant creations. Even Cher, Claire Danes and Alicia Keyes have adorned these chic hats. Located in the SOWA District, GALVIN-ized Headwear has a hat for everyday of the week. Looking for the true hat experience? Check out Goorin Brothers on Newbury Street. Bringing true craftsmanship to each hat, this adorable shop features everything from bowlers to floppy designs. For those who do not know their hat size, no problem. They will measure you and make sure you find the perfect fit. It is a true custom designed experience. Also a plus, the hat guide that allows you to find the best hat for your face shape. Around since 1895, Goorin Brothers is the real deal and you will even leave with a souvenir hat box to keep your accessory looking new all year. Don't count out H&M. Each season, they have a selection of the trendiest styles. Right now, we are seeing fedoras and newsboy caps. At less than $20, it is a great way to start your own little collection. Try many styles before you settle on your favorite. It may take a few shapes to find what you are comfortable in but once you do, you'll be adding an exciting element to your style. Anthropologie 203 Newbury St Boston (617) 262-0545 GALVIN-ized Headwear 450 Harrison Ave #67 Boston, MA 02118 (617) 834-2910 Goorin Bros 130 Newbury St Boston (617) 247-4287 H&M 100 Newbury St Boston (855) 466-7467