WHEN IT comes to design, Michelle Willey of the South End's Michelle Willey Boutique (8 Union Park Street, Boston, 617.424.6700) is completely self-taught - unless you count her PhD in biology, which she admits occasionally influences her current career. Willey's housewares shop, which moved from its original Washington Street location in September and shares its new space with Vessels Gallery, carries high-quality, usable pieces that share clean lines and classic simplicity. Willey also works as a designer and hopes to begin introducing an eponymous brand of home goods within the next year. A side note? Her French bulldog, Bibi, who's often snoring away under a table, is the cutest store mascot we've ever seen.
A) Male customers, says Willey, are always drawn to Tivoli Audio's PAL Radio ($199.99). Known for its superior sound, the super-portable device is powered by an internal battery that's charged like a cell phone.
B) Made in Belgium, Libeco's dish towels ($6.25 to $12.50) are basic, well-made, and larger than average.
C) Graphic designer (and former South End resident) Christopher Jagmin named his "Barbara" plates ($22 to $72) for his mother; they're inspired by a hike in the New England woods.
D) Willey's popular Tibetan wool pillows ($220) retain the sturdiness of a traditional Tibetan rug without the price tag.
E) As a nod to her inner scientist, Willey chose to stock Natural Curiosities' Curiosity Box ($168), a collection of ready-to-frame flora and fauna prints that are limited-edition reproductions of originals from the 19th century.
F) Willey recently added furniture by Barclay Butera to the boutique's offerings; we love the Gramercy Chair ($2768) for its retro-modern silhouette; it's available in a number of custom fabrics.
G) Willey admits that she chose to carry Côté Bastide's line of bath products ($6 to $54) for the old-school glass-milk-bottle look of its packaging - and she loves its clean, simple fragrance, too.
H) Dr. Beazley's handmade wood stoppers ($18), crafted by a retired surgeon who lives in the neighborhood, make a unique hostess gift.
I) Only in the pooch-obsessed South End would Rani Arabella's cotton and cashmere dog sweaters ($56 to $168) be the obvious choice. @
[Photos by Joel Veak]
