Neighborhood Watch: Marblehead

Tag : Lace Stocking

DOUBLE BREWED
If the Central Perk of Marblehead hangouts is Java Sun (35 AtlanticAve., 781-631-7788, javasuncafe.com ), with its yellow paint and red couches, nearby Atomic Café(14 School St., 781-631-6464, atomicafe.com ) is the edgy Brooklyn coffeehouse of Gossip Girl. At the former,flavored beans and coconut-chocolate cupcakes keep the regularshappy; at the latter, hipster coffee klatchers linger overmaximum-strength joe and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.

HOME BASES
Window displays including such oddities as a full-size gold suit ofarmor welcome shoppers to a world of eccentric finds at Piari Luna(33 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-0651). The catchall home store feelslike an upscale Anthropologie, with vintage chandeliers and milledFrench soaps, but call ahead: A recent visit revealed a signreading “Perfect beach day—couldn’tresist!” on the locked door. Up the road, long-standingdécor boutique C’est La Vie (24 Atlantic Ave.,781-639-2468) deals in John Derian alphabet plates, countrifiedmelamine place settings, and soft tees designed by local artists.

BEACH CHIC
At the new Bobbles & Lace (92 Washington St., 781-631-0190),silvery mini shifts and jewel-toned maxi dresses by designers likeCollective Concepts go for under $100, while plastic and woodenaccessories hover around 20 bucks. Another newcomer, French +Italian (129 Washington St., 781-639-5129, frenchitalian.com ), steers away from the North Shore’s pervasive preppy lookand toward a cleaner, European aesthetic with Roberto Collinaknitwear, Le Mont St. Michel blouses, and, coming this fall,exclusive “simple with a twist” Anne Willi dresses.Somewhere in between is She (86 Washington St., 781-639-9800), ashabby-chic stalwart stocking eco-friendly organic pants and topsby Trinity and Rebe, as well as handbags by Marblehead’s ownHelen E. Riegle.

TREAT YOURSELF
Gouda-flavored popcorn, spicy artichoke dip, fresh blueberry teabread…and it’s all free! Well, sort of. AtShubie’s (16 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-0149, shubies.com ), snacking on samples is encouraged. Lunchers can grab and go, orenjoy gourmet bites at the newly debuted “food bar.”

WEE CARE
At the hot-pink Babe (7 Pleasant St., 781-639-4900),tweens—and a few small-boned adults—dig the selectionof clothing, which includes comfy lounge pants by Hard Tail andFree People, plus stickers and games. Next door, Mud Puddle Toys(One Pleasant St., 781-631-0814, mudpuddletoys.com ) entices tots with sandcastle sets and classic kid-friendly books.

PREENING CREW
The recently overhauled interior of La Belle Femme (8 Spring St.,781-631-9806, labellefemmedayspa.com ) gives the staff ample room to execute sharp haircuts, ultrasonicfacials, and hot and cold stone “perfect legs”treatments. The two-floor spa is loaded with premier products byFrédéric Fekkai and Rescue Beauty Lounge. And Jambu(38 Atlantic Ave., 781-639-9600, jambujewelry.com ) offers a tightly edited collection of affordable jewelrythat’s both conservative (Jamie Joseph gem pendants) andfunky (Me & Ro silver bangles).
-Photos by Katharine Navins.