LIFESTYLE SHOPPING TRAVEL TRAVEL & EXPERIENCES

THE BOSTON MARATHON

March 20, 2016

a wall of swatches and quirky decor

I wanted to spruce up my holidays so I came up with my own version of the Boston Marathon. I walked through miles and miles of the lovely streets of Boston and I just couldn’t get enough. This city has so much character–it seamlessly blends together the historic feel of the past with the modern aura of the present. Whenever I travel to another country, I always visit local shops so I put together my favorite ones in this post.

Adi Amor #ootd in the middle of the street

For a day of shopping, I wore my Uniqlo Heattech garments under my GAP pants, vintage turtleneck sweater, THE NORTH FACE coat, and vintage boots with the fur. I also accessorized with TOPSHOP eyewear and ABBY JOCSON tote bag.

Viola Lovely storefront (display window)

VIOLA LOVELY is an independent retailer of curated pieces from both established and emerging designers–I love that they support all types of designers. This women’s boutique carries gorgeous ready-to-wear pieces that are both modern and chic. I couldn’t take pictures of the interior though so the store front will do, for now.

H store decor

HUDSON is the brainchild of designer Jill Goldberg. She wanted to create a space that combines the traditional style of her upbringing in New England with the California cool she learned to love while living in Los Angeles. The whole space is filled with inspiring vignettes, furnishing, accessories, and so much more. I love how Jill reimagines vintage furnishings with bold fabric.

H store green sitting chair, glass side table, and shelf H store quirky picture frames

I love the simplicity of these inspirational frames and the innovation of hanging vintage suitcases as decor.

H store decor--suitcases hanging on the wall. "There are no short cuts to any place worth going" -Thomas Jefferson

This is the best quote card I found in the store. Awesome life advice, don’t you think? I also love their vibrant spin on traditional games–the colors and patterns are so hip.

H store colorful board games adi amor on the corner of Union Park street Michelle Willey lifestyle store

MICHELLE WILLEY is a design boutique that integrates classic ideas into modern living products. It carries a well-curated selection of simple, elegant home furnishings and fashion accessories. I love how all their products are beautiful but practical pieces. The store interiors and product displays are also so inspiring.

Michelle Willey store bedroom decor and clothing displays

shirt display table Store window display featuring men's trenchcoat store window display of a bed with pillows on top

I love how the product displays aren’t the typical uniform shelves but a showcase of how the pieces can be easily integrated into everyday life.

candles and notebooks display table accessories and ceramics display shelf

The selection of Men’s and Women’s fashion pieces are well-curated.

Dining table display

It’s great that the store provides other companies with a space to hold their very own pop-up. When I dropped by, there was a pop-up store by THE GROMMET.

Grommets display area Boomerangs store front

BOOMERANGS is a thrift store operated by the AIDS Action Committee of MA, Inc. that supports AIDS Action’s work to prevent new infections, support those affected, and tackle the root causes of HIV/AIDS. They sell various products –like books, furniture, men’s and women’s clothing, and accessories–at vey affordable prices.

Women's clothing and shoes section

I love the thoughtful design of the interiors and how the products are organized into sections.

Store front window display Men's clothing and shoes section Gracie Finn main entrance

GRACIE FINN is a lifestyle store that sells quirky pieces. It’s one of those stores that you go into without knowing what you want or need and you’ll come out with awesome buys.

"Creative ramblings of a wrestles mind" notebook

I found this cool journal that I got for my brother.

floral arrangement decor Christmas tree with snow globe ornaments "Excuses & Lies" pocket book

Yes, this book actually contains a compilation of excuses and lies.

Greeting cards display shelf residential street

The next time you travel to the U.S. or if you already live there, spend a day exploring the local shops of Boston. It’s the best way to get to know the city through the eyes of the locals.