While Boston has beautiful tree-lined Newbury Street that offers shoppers one designer boutique after another, I’m here to tell you that some of my favorite clothing and accessory shops are actually outside the city. Gasp! Yes, it’s true…
If you’re in the mood for a fashion road trip, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite boutiques west of Boston. Over the years, I’ve spent a good amount of time venturing through the tony towns of Newton, Wellesley, Belmont, and Concord, and have found a handful of boutiques that I return to continuously. For true Bostonians, the suburbs may be uncharted territory, but I’m here to tell you that if you’re a shopping fanatic, it’s worth some extra gas money to explore my top picks. Put on your favorite Spotify playlist (I’ve been listening to Sunset Chic and Morning Acoustic on repeat), get behind the wheel, and enjoy a suburban boutique adventure!
The A-Lyst for Best Boutiques, West of Boston
The beautiful town of Wellesley is one of my favorite suburban shopping destinations. I love to devote a Saturday exploring the shops on Church Street, Central Street, and in Linden Square, and then grabbing lunch at the beach chic restaurant, The Cottage. Alba Boutique, which just opened in December, is one of my new go-to boutiques. The shop boasts an array of sophisticated, contemporary separates in a sleek color palette of neutral hues (if you love black, white/cream, and grey then you will be in heaven in this store!). Alba’s racks are filled with everyday favorites like cozy ponchos and wax-coated leggings alongside stand-out pieces like a figure-flattering black dress that perfectly hugs your curves and a gunmetal grey faux snake-skin tuxedo blazer. The owner, Kate, has an eye for style and loves to host private shopping events for customers, which is a wonderful idea for a girls’ night out! Let’s just say that I never leave here empty-handed…22 Church Street, Wellesley, MA 02480
If you are on the hunt for a new pair of designer jeans, this Newton Centre boutique needs to be your first stop. Originally called National Jean Company, it should be no surprise that Tobey Grey’s selection of denim is unmatched. Whether you’re a fan of super skinny, ripped, frayed raw hem, or bootcut jeans, this store will have your favorite style as well as the perfect blouse to match. Beyond the jeans selection at Tobey Grey, I also adore their dresses and sweaters, which are at varying price points to match your budget. 34 Langley Street, Newton, MA 02459
As a self-proclaimed Francophile, I’ll admit that when I initially discovered French Lessons’ Concord boutique, I ventured inside because of its name. However, the store’s merchandise, which features some of my favorite labels including Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Rebecca Taylor, and DVF, is what has kept me coming back again and again. French Lessons is well-curated with pieces that you won’t find in the department store, which in my opinion, has contributed to its success over the years. Now with four locations in Massachusetts, French Lessons is a staple on the boutique scene and I highly recommend their Concord or Wellesley outposts. 8 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742 and 180 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Lilly Pulitzer fans should immediately head over to this Wellesley institution. More of a mini department store, than a boutique, E.A. Davis & Company has been in business since 1904, and walking through its doors feels like a step back in time. For shoppers who prefer the quintessential New England preppy style, you’ll love the racks of brightly colored Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines garb. In addition to its clothing selection, E.A. Davis also has an interior design studio to help with all of your decorating needs. It’s a great one-stop shop and I love its old school vibe!
Portobello Road is such a cool boutique! Offering a diverse array of merchandise, including unique housewares and gifts as well as gorgeous, trendy jewelry and clothing separates, this store has something for women of all ages. Anytime I’m at The Street in Chestnut Hill, I have to pop in to admire their eclectic selection of cashmere, sparkly jewels, and decorative trays. A fair warning – upon entering Portobello Road, you will be instantly inspired to rethink your entire wardrobe and select a more whimsical and boho chic look. 55 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
While Belmont’s shopping area is small, Bessie Blue keeps bustling Leonard Street fashionable with labels like 525 America, 360 Cashmere, and Velvet. With a solid mix of casual yet fashion-forward pieces, this boutique features everything from printed Jude Connally wrap dresses to the latest boyfriend jeans from DL 1961. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit! 21 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
This effortlessly chic jewelry boutique is one my favorite places. In fact, the moment I enter Isabel Harvey’s bright, crisp store, I instantly feel happier. With gorgeous baubles everywhere you look, it is hard not to spend an hour admiring the sparkling necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that line the clean white shelves. Owned by two beautiful blonde and equally kind sisters, who incidentally named the store after their grandmother, this Central Street boutique should not be missed. If I’m on the hunt for a new piece of jewelry to complement an outfit, this is my first stop, and the best part is that nothing in the store will break the bank! Oh, and after you pick out your favorite pieces of bling bling, make sure to check out the store’s brightly colored and oh-so-soft cashmere ponchos to complete your look. 41 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Outfit Details:
Sweater: Trouve Cold Shoulder Sweater
Jeans: Rag & Bone/JEAN – The Skinny Jeans in Joshua
Heels: Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 100mm in Black Leather
Coat: Love Token Vegan Leather/Vegan Shearling Black & White Coat from Alba Boutique (available in store)
Dress: twenty Black Knotted Dress from Alba Boutique (available in store)
Necklace: Silver Coin Statement Necklace (purchased at Covet in S. Boston, similar here)
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure Intense Long-Wear Lip Colour in Exaltee
Nail Polish: Opi Malaga Wine