GOOD \’gud\
–adjective: 1. excellent, 2. high-quality, 3. favorable
–adverb: 1. done well
–noun: 1. a valuable item, 2. a charming Boston shop filled with well-designed and desirable gifts, homeware, and personal accessories

From cleverly decoupaged tabletop treats a la John Derian to universally elegant Beth springer leather totes, to bewitching cuff links made from antique European currency, Good is a treasure trove of only the best…which is why it’s a no-brainer that jewelry artist Melissa Joy Manning will be joining the Charles Street boutique to present both her best-selling handmade designs as well as her new line of re-purposed pieces created exclusively for Good.

Join Good on Thursday, November 13th, from 5:00pm-9:00pm for wine, light snacks, and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

RSVP by calling 1-866-426-GOOD, and see what’s good.

Pass up these presents? How could you? How could anyone?

In addition to covering the boutique scene in Boston for Store Adore, I write for a number of other local Boston publications. So, for me, the pre-holiday season means pretty much one thing: Gift Guides. I give the editors a lot of credit this year (including our own Store Adore’s Meredith). They all made their assignments early, and were quite focused in what they wanted to present, so to speak. So I went out, I scoured, I scored. And, thankfully, I have successfully (and painlessly) finished my work.

But in the wake of these guides, there are left all sorts of treasures, which I hate to see go to waste. So here you go, some of my favorite finds that didn’t make the cut. And remember, these are items in actual Boston boutiques—you won’t find them online (but we dare you to try!).

1) These wooden bangles ($30) from modern housewares haven Urban Living Studio in the South End are an updated take on old-fashioned charm bracelets and of-the-moment disc pendant necklaces. A perfect token of friendship at a great price point.

2) Bugs ahoy! These nifty, weighty lucite blocks have bugs embedded in ‘em. I’m hardly an entomologist, or even an insect enthusiast, but I was tickled by these critters. I’m thinking my little boys might find them fun too. Bug blocks (starting at $14), available at Hudson, the South End home furnishings boutique that combines good taste with great finds.

3) Beacon Hill lingerie boutique French Dressing has a new proprietress named Melissa, and boy, does she do sexy. This lacy underwire bra ($195) and lace thong ($98) by brand new label Le Coi Mondain, which means “Shy Socialite” in French is sure to rev his interest, and yours. Sure, it’s a bit pricey (though a bargain compared to La Perla, just across the Common), but the lace and detailing are incredible.

4) When you venture into the cutting edge and thus wallet-draining Louis Boston, avoid the stairs, and instead get lost in the shop’s first floor wonderland of home decor and gifts. I adore this mid-century modern style silver candelabra ($1,375), complete with black tapers. (They also do a model in black.) Surely a splurge, but it makes a spectacular centerpiece

5) I haven’t seen these snuggly tights by Hansel from Basel ($33) anywhere else in Boston besides Miniluxe, the mod Newbury Street and Newton Center nail lounge with über-girly gifts. In addition to the neutral blacks and greys shown here, there’s are also cable knit pumpkin and sage styles, complete with pompoms. I think they’ll make a perfect stocking stuffer for your sister, and mine.

Hey girls! Get some shopping in for yourself before all your time and resources go towards holiday gifts (for other people). Here are the hottest sales happening in Boston in early November:

“The Weekly Green” at Envi
A new sale each week!
164 Newbury Street, Back Bay, 617-267-3684
Eco-chic shop Envi introduces “The Weekly Green,” a rotating online sale boutique featuring the best of eco-fashion. This week’s theme is handbags. Save 25 percent on all of them; no code needed! Click here “the weekly green” sale boutique. (Photo: Long Cloak Hoody by 12AM, regularly $248, on sale last week for $186.)

Breathe-in-Style at Shake the Tree
Thursday, November 6th, 6pm to 8pm.
67 Salem Street, North End, 617-742-0484
Meet the Breathe-in-Style T-shirt designers, local gals Tonya Rockett and Sara Brogna, who will showcase their super soft printed cotton tees, hoodies, dresses and wraps. Tees are silkscreened with their signature icons, including lotus flowers, skull, butterflies and more. (Photo: Gold Girl Skull on Burnout Black, $48.)

Mid-Season Madness at Dress
Starts October 31st.
221 Newbury Street, Back Bay, 617-424-7125
More markdowns on impeccable styles. Greater reductions have been made on already marked-down fall 2008 items. In addition, new styles are being added to the sale. All sale items will be 50-75% off!. While you’re there, have a look at new holiday arrivals from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Adam. (Photo: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Silk Slip Dress, $189

Jacket Sale at Mint Julep November 2nd to 8th.
6 Church Street, Harvard Square, 617-576-6468 and 1302 Beacon St., Coolidge Corner, 617-232-3600 As the days get colder and darker, brighten them a bit with a new jacket. All jackets are 20% off, including styles by Beth Bowley, Odd Molly, Free People, Ben Sherman, Shoshanna, Ted Baker and Tibi.

Two for you at In.jean.ius
Throughout November.
441 Hanover Street, North End, 617-523-JEAN
Hot date Saturday night? Buy one pair of jeans at full price and get 20% off a second pair. Fave brands include Kasil, Denim for Immortality, Meli Melo, Goldsign, Anlo, Paige and Rock & Republic.

Birthday Party and Sale at Jean Therapy
Friday, November 14th, 7pm to 10pm.
524 Commonwealth Avenue, Kenmore Square, 617-266-6555
Celebrate Jean Therapy’s 4th birthday with cocktails and cake, plus 30% off jeans purchased that evening. They’re only allowing 40 people in for the evening, so RSVP ASAP to info@jean-therapy.com.

With this season’s bright colors and bold statements, its important to make sure your jewelery stands up. In her Copley Square showroom, surrounded by wall panels in berry colors and glass cases filled with her designs, Lana Barakat is quick to help customers navigate the collections that make up her bold geometric jewelry line, Lazuli Jewelry. Lazuli’s Cubist group of brightly colored shapes is inspired by paint chips, with a palette that changes each season. These pieces, fashioned from sterling silver and resin, launched Barakat’s career, and made up the bulk of her inventory in the first Lazuli boutique, which was housed on Newbury Street. These days, her line has evolved to include new collections, including Organic, Copper and others. Here Lana talks all about her newly relaunched eshop, styles she’s getting ready for and trends she’s ready to leave behind.

SA: You recently re-launched your website. What features are you most excited about?

LJ: the entire site is easier to navigate and looks very sharp and clean. Best of all it features a way to view each piece up close and even on a model, so you can really get a feel for it. This is key not only when shopping for yourself, but also when buying gifts for others!

SA: I you could only chose one word to embody your store or brand, what would it be?

LJ: Bold

SA: If you could recommend one item from your store or brand to our shoppers this season, what would it be?

LJ: This is a hard one because there are so many great pieces but I would have to say something in Gold or copper depending on the customer’s style!

SA: If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be?

LJ: That’s a hard one too but I would love to see Nicole Kidman in our Gold Pebbles Collection. Above is the Pebbles Gold Ring made of crushed, handmade 18k gold vermeil ($85.00).

It’s Halloween again. That’s a pretty big deal in my house. Actually, it’s a pretty big deal in my neighborhood. The public playground throws a party—the most attended of the year. The guy who owns the mansion on the corner hires a decorator and caterer to gussy up the entry and dining room to resemble a graveyard and haunted house, complete with fancy hors d’eouvres and libations for the parents, and goody bags for the kids. (Though at the moment, Mel Gibson’s film crews have taken the place over to shoot his latest film.) At sundown, Marlborough Street closes, and every parent and child around treks off in search of candy. The houses are decorated, some with sound effects, people sit on their porches, hand out candy and coo at the kids’ costumes. A bunch of grown-ups even get dressed up. Not I. My kids, of course, do. Last year they were FBI agents, donning blue blazers, ties and handcuffs. This year it’s all Star Wars, all the time. One will be a Clone Trooper and the other Darth Vader. See their pic above. Their friends will be various other Star Wars characters, like Babba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi. If I were a more indulgent mom, I’d muster up the energy to parade around as Princess Leia. Alas, it’s not happening. However, if you are looking for some galactic inspiration this Halloween, read on, because you can battle the dark side decked out in designer pieces from our best boutiques.

DARTH VADER

A tough and sexy spin on the dark side. Rick Owens Metallic Panel Coat, $3,295, at Net-a-Porter; Graham & Spencer Faux Leather Skinny Pants, $295, at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on online purchases of $350 or more (use code “ADORE” at checkout); Jimmy Choo Heather Patent Boots, $1,195, at Net-a-Porter.

C-3PO

Geeky goes girly, all golden and glam. Michael Kors Cashmere Beaded Dress, $2,995, at Net-a-Porter; Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Ankle Boots, $490, at Net-a-Porter; Accessories and Beyond Braided Cuff, regularly $187, Store Adore price, $162, at Ravinstyle, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on purchases of $100 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout).

PRINCESS LEIA

White hot, even without a weapon. Belted Shift by Milly, regularly $315, on sale for $221, at Twigs; Chloe Raised Leaf Boots, $1,495 at Net-a-Porter; Antoinette Lee Dolcita Clutch, regularly $235, Store Adore price $210, at Ravinstyle, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on purchases of $100 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout); Twinkle Whiskey Patent Belt, $154, Store Adore price $115.50, at Goldyn, where Store Adore shoppers receive 25% off full-priced items (use code “SADEALS” at checkout) and 40% off sale items (use code “SA40″ at checkout).

CHANCELLOR PALPATINE

A lady in red is all the rage. Body AMR dress (currently out of stock) at Net-a-Porter; Cluster Cuff at All the Rage, where Store Adore shoppers save 20% off a purchase of $50 or more (use code “StoreAdore” at checkout).

CHEWBACCA

Furry and so fine. Gryphon Faux Fur Vest, regularly $830, Store Adore price $780, at Intermix, where Store Adore Shoppers save $50 on online purchases of $350 or more (use code “ADORE” at checkout).

Halloween costumes from Annie’s Costumes.

Earlier this week I saw Madonna in her Sticky and Sweet concert in Boston.

When my friend first invited me, I thought I could re-visit teenhood with an armful of rubber bracelets, lace anklets and a pink “Material Girl” tank top. My husband convinced me otherwise. “She’s all about re-inventing herself,” he reminded me. Right. (Note: For pictures of Madonna through the years, see Vanity Fair.)

While I’ve followed Madonna’s romantic exploits as closely as anyone, I admit I’ve been a bit out of touch with her techno-rap-like tunes. So, I popped in her CD in the car. (Who buys CDs you ask? The same friend who got the tickets.) After suffering through over four minutes of dance tunes and Timberlake accompaniment, I decided I preferred the Madonna of yesteryear, at least as far as the music was concerned.

With only one day to go, I did a cursory search on Madonna Style so I’d know how to dress. In this area Madge, is much improved. Lots of shiny black, from track pants with rhinestone stripes and a cami, to satin dresses and lace up boots. OK, I wouldn’t be wearing a bustier bodysuit with fishnets (ever), but this is a look even I could pull off.

While I’ll spare you a photo of myself, here are some Madonna-worthy pieces we can all consider.

PS. She looks (and sounds) AMAZING.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Ann Lace Print Tank (regularly $70) and DVF Silk Lace Cami (regularly $198) both at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

LnA Olivia Leggings (regularly, $92) at Blondette, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “storeadore” at checkout. Kova & T Latex Stretch Skirt (regularly, $210) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

Milly Scalloped Pencil Dress ($395 at Shopbop). Lauren Conrad Elizabeth Dress (regularly $190, Store Adore price $152) at Manhattanite, where Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on everything by entering “storeadore” at checkout.

Giuseppe Zanotti Lace-Up Open Toe Booties (regularly $995) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on any online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout. Dolce Vita Cher Heel with Cut Outs, $152, at Pink Mascara, where Store Adore shoppers save $20 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “adore” at checkout.

Alexander McQueen Lace-Up Boots ($1,555) and Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror Embelished Ankle Boots ($995), both at Net-a-Porter.

Lorelei Julie Metallic Lizard Emboss & Suede Clutch (regularly $250, Store Adore price $188) at Lorelei, where Store Adore shoppers save 25 percent on everything by entering “storeadore”at checkout). Erickson Beamon Studded Felt Cuff ($465) at Net-a-Porter.

Main photo: Interview Magazine photo from Pop Sugar.

[Editor’s Note: Check out Madonna in these Killer Gun Shoes by Chanel, and the controversy her footwear is causing.

Nikki Dalrymple, a former television producer, had always been a design junkie. After a year as a manager at Good in Beacon Hill, she’s opened up her own shop in the North End, Acquire. It’s a soothing space of creamy whites and dusty blacks, with pops of color here and there. (This season, aubergine and teal are prevalent, but the colors change depending on the season.) Nikki has a great eye, blending vintage items, like flea-market find glass, with contemporary pieces created by cutting edge artists. Antique chairs and lamps are rehabbed and updated, while soft furnishings like pillows and blankets are of the finest threads.

I love the overall aesthetic (not to mention the price points), and I even purchased three vintage milk glass vases for myself, in different heights and patters, for $15 apiece. While there are only one of those left at the moment (sorry!) I did snap some shots of other treasures, which I think you’ll adore as much as I do:

1. Rewired vintage lamp, circa 1960s, with a prickly black vase and modern shade ($350)

2. Beehive vase in violet by contemporary glass artist John Pomp ($215)

3. Ecospheres containing live plants and brine shrimp (yes, sea monkeys!), developed by a NASA scientist ($65 to $325)

4. Antique Louis XIV style chair, repainted in glossy black, upholstered in a fanciful cotton print ($995)

5. White earthenware bottles by Laura Zindel, featuring elegant insects, inspired by the contents of Victorian curio cabinets ($35)

Other items I found and love include distressed leather pouches by Barbara Wiggins ($65), vintage diamond point Indiana glass black glasses ($55), white, hand-thrown vases and bowls with crackled glazes by Lois Aronow ($45 to $165), hand-embroidered pillows by Judy Ross ($200), astrological candles by Soalar Therapy ($35), Emporium soap bars by Marco Cosmetics ($18) and vintage spreaders with black resin handles ($5).

While you’re in the North End, don’t forget to stop by our other favorite boutiques!

1. The Velvet Fly - Vintage (Pucci, anyone?) and new dresses, tops, and accessories (Kensie, Soda Blu, Plastic Island). Plus, fab costume jewelry like grandma has buried in her attic.

2. In.jean.ius - The only place to shop for jeans. They’ll find the absolute best pair to make your bottom look delectable. There are SO many brands to choose from, but the atmosphere is intimate and the shop petite.

3. Twilight - Party dresses galore (Besty Johnson, Nicole Miller), plus day dresses, tops and pants too, from popular designers (Rachel Pally, Corey Lynn Calter, Gypsy).

4. A Matter of Face - A tiny slice of beauty heaven with makeup and skincare lines like Skin Alison Rafraele, Paula Dorf, Susan Posnick, Darphin and Caudalie.

5. MODA - Owned by the girls of North End Yoga, this new shop carries yoga clothing by labels that you won’t see everywhere else (Samamama, Victoria Keen, Hard Tail, Anjaly), plus Lululemon staples, and Kappa soccer jerseys for the guys.

6. Shake the Tree - So many cute items you’ll wish you had more friends to buy presents for. Coffee table books from exotic locales, silver jewelry by local designers, cute tops and dresses by Susana Monacco and Ell Moss, plus wonderful notecards and a smattering of ceramics and lamps.

Boston’s trendy South End has undergone many changes in the last several years, going from gritty to urbane; rough to polished. Always notable for its charming brick row houses and scenic green parks, today the district is equally famous for fine restaurants, art galleries (and the Boston Center for the Arts) and some truly stellar shopping. This is definitely the ‘hood to visit if you’re in the market for unique home decor (furnishing and design shops, like Lekker and On the Side, are plentiful), but the South End has so much more to offer in conteporary fashion, quirky gifts and so much more. Check out the full South End Shopping Tour here!

Pictured: Hudson

Whether it be a lunch date, interview or mid-week drink, the question of what to wear always ends in a hanger-pulling rampage towards the back of my closet. The problem is that while dark skinny jeans may be too casual, the silk halter and trousers are definitely too much. So what’s a girl to do when the horror of ambiguous attire attacks without warning? Well, put on the perfect dress of course! At Dress in Boston, the fabulous boutique pays tribute to the life-saving wardrobe achievement that can take you from day to play without ever looking under or overdressed. With piles of little black numbers, flirty anytime garments and the best accessories to pair with your one-piece purchase, Dress is at the top of our list of Store Adore saviors. But why is this Back Bay gem so darn good at selecting the perfect pieces for night and day? We were curious, so this week’s interview spot went to Dress.

SA: What unexpected item has been flying off the shelves in your store?

Dress: It’s been a surprise to see so many people so early in the season inquiring about and purchasing heavier fall styles, like scarves and boots. Even in July, when our fall collections were just beginning to arrive and the weather outside was sunny and hot, we were getting requests for sweaters and winter coats!

SA: What is the craziest customer experience you’ve had?

Dress: Fortunately, I can’t think of one crazy customer experience! I guess we’ve been lucky! (We’d be too busy staring at this Folded Layer Neckline and Cinched Waist Dress by ADAM to cause any drama; below, $425 at Dress)

SA: What trends are you happy to see go?

Shopping is an experience that involves all of your (very refined) senses. It’s not just about the goods; it’s the whole package, baby. (And sometimes, if the packaging itself is superb, it doesn’t even matter what’s inside.) Boston has a handful of boutiques that not only have amazing merchandise, but also amazing merchandising—the kind of spots you hit just so you can luxuriate in the atmosphere. Here are some of my faves:

1. Twilight

Designed by owner Alison Barnard, Twilight’s boudoir-like setting features dark wood floors, plum rugs, ruched taffetta curtains around the fitting areas, fun black and white print wallpaper and upholstery,jet black glass chandeliers and fun shooting star imagery painted high up on the walls (the design echoes the store’s logo, also seen on its cute shopping bags). The festive setting is perfect for the party dress-focused inventory.

2. First Date

Owned by two super-cute sisters who grew up in town, First Date embodies the spirit of the pulled together PYT with a preppy sensibility, but a trend-conscious attitude. The clear blue walls provide the perfect backdrop for all the fun outfits, which hang on racks and shelving that might resemble your very own closet (or the ones you’ve drooled over in Hold Everything catalogs). The sofa, with its trellis-print cushion and hot pink pillows, makes the perfect place to lounge while watching the date movies playing on the flat panel TV. Who says the ‘burbs are boring?

3. Lazuli Jewelry

If you’re looking for a solid selection of modern jewelry, but don’t feel like pawing through the afterthought pieces so often placed at the register, hit Lana Barakat’s Lazuli Jewelry showroom. Housed in an office building on Copley Square, you can stop in sans appointment for a pretty view of the city and a pop of color. The bold colors are enough to perk anyone out of a midday slump. Plus, we guarantee you can get your holiday shopping done early, both for your BFFs and your guy friends that can pull off a piece of silver.

4. French Lessons

Gilda Tunney stocks her heavenly mini-chain, French Lessons (in chi-chi suburbs like Wellesley and Hamilton) with delectable fashions from the likes of DVF, Milly, and Nanette Lepore. But in addition to these fashionista staples, what we love about the boutiques is the decor: baby pink shelves set against romantic black and white wallpaper, curlicue chandeliers, mirrored vanities, stretched canvases with prints of Audrey Hepburn, oversize and ornate mirrors and even a leopard-print chaise. It’s as though we’ve died and gone to Tiffany’s.

5. Plum Produce

I may not eat my vegetables, but I sure like to look at them at Plum Produce. Barbara Lynch’s tiny shop is the kind of spot that might just turn a meat-eater into a dedicated organic vegetarian. The offerings are the art of the earth. I find myself imagining that if I purchased these edible treasures, I could undoubtedly create a masterpiece in the kitchen. And, if I’m not in the cooking sort of mood, I go in to gather inspiration for my dream kitchen. Someday, sigh.