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An unassuming alley of galleries and tiny shops in a less-traveled part of Boston—the way South End across the Pike from Chinatown and near a notable homeless shelter and the headquarters of the Boston Herald—is home to one of the most influential clothing shops in the country. It's called Bobby From Boston and it stocks a mind-blowing selection of prime vintage clothing ranging from almost-antique to merely retro.
Predominantly menswear—but with a smattering of women's dresses, shoes and accessories—the shop is beautiful. Softly-lit and decorated in rich wood, curio cabinets, vintage luggage, an ornate pool table and row of antique shoe-shining stalls, Bobby is gorgeously merchandised, extremely organized and absolutely packed with classic prep and Americana, much of it mint or entirely unworn.
Find suiting, spectacles, shoe horns, rep ties and collegiate scarves, military garb, cabana shirts, whale-monogrammed belts, stacks of baby-soft polos, a million ties, vintage denim, a symphony of tartan, trench coats and a room full of classic lace-up shoes. Prices are surprisingly friendly considering the overall aura and aesthetic of the place—think sunglasses for $20, funky short-sleeved shirts priced around $35, an odd pair of Dr. Marten's for $25—with rarer items priced accordingly. It's no wonder stylists, costumers, designers and the entire trend industry pilgrimage to Boston Bobby's—we hear it's even a favorite of Mr. American Prep himself: Ralph Lauren.
· Bobby From Boston [Yelp]