Stylish Surprise

A store that stands up for style—you won’t believe where

ired of having to trek to Newbury Street for decent shopping, Nicole Cronin decided to start her own shop in, of all places, Southie. The result is Ku De Ta, an ultra-girlie boutique with unique clothes, accessories, and designer jeans. Once a year, Cronin travels throughout the United States and Asia to pick her collections, and sells only six of each item, so you’ll never look like a department store fashion clone. Don’t let the sound of a hand-picked inventory scare you off—prices are rarely over $100, and often far less. Templeton

Shhhh! Cronin’s husband, John, runs
bars and restaurants including the Beer
Garden, down the street from Ku De Ta.

Shhhh! You and 10 of your friends can have
a private shopping party at the store, complete
with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a 20 percent discount. Just call to make a free reservation.

Shhhh! For extra-original pieces, check out the “Random Rack,” where the items are literally one of a kind. Then cross your fingers that it’s in your size.