Brunhilde is a specialized tailor's shop, designer and dressmaker, and is open only by appointment. Focusing on alterations and tailoring for men and women, this store also designs and makes gowns and dresses suitable for high society functions. You will find ball gowns, evening attire, formal wear and more, all with custom tailoring for that perfect fit.

Army and Navy goods are stocked from floor to ceiling here at Army Barracks. So also are a huge variety of outdoor clothing and supplies. Choose from whatever camouflage happens to be in style this week or pick up the latest outdoor gear suitable for scaling K2. You will find it all here, from bandannas, compasses and cooking supplies to heavy-duty footwear, durable cargo pants and bulky, warm jackets, perfect for weathering whatever obstacles mother nature tosses your way.

Hailing itself as Boston's only adult bakery, Sweet & Nasty has been a fixture at the top of Massachusetts Avenue for almost 10 years. The items inside are definitely not for children and range from the softer side of passionate to the downright ribald. Find a wild, anatomically correct cake, a box of curvaceous chocolates and a host of extremely funny novelty toys to spark up any party or function. Leave your inhibitions at the door.

Just like the museum itself, this shop offers a wide selection of quality pieces. You will find magnificent jewelry, unique posters, wonderful trinkets and a variety of other items to decorate your home. Aside from posters and other recreations of the beautiful pieces you may have seen at the Museum of Fine Arts, be sure to check out the hand-crafted lamps, woven bags, jewelry boxes and stationery.

Berklee College of Music Bookstore is part of the Barnes & Noble College Bookstores chain, but you will find much more here than textbooks and bestsellers. Where better than a music school's bookstore to pick up sheet music, violin strings, music software, or a piano instruction book? Best-selling books range from Beatles' scores to jazz theory, to Internet music guides, making this a good source for student, professional and amateur musicians alike.

The husband-and-wife team behind Porter Square's Greenward is sincere about their mission to move toward sustainability without sacrificing function or design. Read about the measures taken to minimize the store's impact on its web site. The floors are cork, the gift wrap is recycled, and the owners are conscientious. No one is perfect, and Greenward does sell some tchotchkes that the world would perhaps be better of without; but many of their goods are ingeniously designed to help the patron reduce their carbon footprint. Check out the bike accessories, water bottles and earth-friendly cleaning products. - Anais Wheeler

Located just outside of Porter Square, this vitamin and herb store has been serving the community since 1974. Confused about natural health philosophy? Check out the extensive library of books, guides and how-to volumes on detoxifying the body, eating right, vegetarian lifestyles, yoga and more. Then wander through the aisles of vitamins and supplements, pick up some herbal teas, check out the natural cosmetics section (produced without animal testing) and finally drop by the juice bar for a great tasting drink or shake.

This Cambridge shop features one of the best assortments of hunting and fishing gear in town. Established in 1905, it has a loyal patronage of area fishermen who visit for the incredible tackle inventory, hunters who shop for firearms and ammunition and archers who need new arrows and targets. You will also find an incredible range of camping supplies, including gear by the North Face and Timberland. Be sure to check out the canoes as well.

Tired of paying top dollar for sub-standard beer? Brew your own with the help of Modern Homebrew Emporium, which sells everything you need. Whether you're just starting out or are already experienced with the brewing process you can find the right equipment. The expert staff is always ready with advice and guidance. You'll find a wide assortment of grains, hops, yeast and malts, as well as all the equipment you need to start turning out respectable micro-brews.

Knitting may not be as popular a pastime as it once was, but you wouldn't know it at this cozy store outside of Central Square in Cambridge. Hundreds of unique yarns in every imaginable color fill shelves alongside knitting needles, accessories and pattern books. The shop also sells spinning wheels and accessories. Mind's Eye Yarns offers knitting and spinning classes and has an expert available to answer questions about any project during business hours.