Nashua’s Niches

The Gate City has an exceptional Main Street, with plenty of great places for holiday shopping.Featured Shop: Fresh of NashuaBegin at the City Room Café, 105 W. Pearl St., for some quick eggs over easy and coffee and then get ready to fill your awesome. Let Fresh of Nashua, 178 Main St., fuel your fashion. Slip into a pair of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (known for making you look a size smaller, $110), add a flirty top and a pair of dazzling crystal dance ball earrings ($28) and you’ll feel younger, confident and, yes, awesome. Need jeans hemmed? The store’s seamstress is a phone call away. Owner Cheryl “pampering” Plunkett (my new BFF) will not, not ever, tell you something looks good on you when it doesn’t.What’s NewGifts and Garb
When the social calendar says corporate event, you’ll want to drop in to Design Wares, 206 Main St., for that stunning, yet understated look of the Joseph Ribkoff dress collection. Famous for their slimming styles, women of all ages deserve at least one Ribkoff wrap ($198). While trying on clothes let Marylou or Kelly help you find a one-of-a-kind handcrafted hostess gift. The Four Season Design handcrafted asparagus salad serving set is spectacular ($80-$100).A Good Deal
Pump up the volume in your shoe closet with a visit to Alec’s Shoes, 201 Main St. The second floor is where you’ll find designer brands like Etienne Aigner on the famous clearance rack for ridiculously low prices ($10-$20). If you have a hard time explaining to your SO why you need another pair of shoes, let Beckonings, 21 Main St., bail you out. Here is where you’ll find gifts for everyone, even grumpy old men. Look for glass paperweights that contain ash from the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption and check out the Beatriz Ball fine metal ware made from 100 percent recycled aluminum cans.Perfect for Parties
Sashay into Scontsas, 169-173 Main St., and start filling out your holiday wish list. Dress up with a simple triple strand of Majorca pearls and work your way through the diamond collection. Tableware from Vietri or Juliska will dress up any holiday table. Don’t forget the wine. WineNot, 170 Main St., is the place to go for exotic wines, imported cheeses and, of course, caviar. The store’s best seller is The Bean, pinotage, vintage 2010, for $17.99.A Reason to Celebrate
Did we hear birthday? Happy 80th to Fortin Gage Flowers, 89 W. Pearl St. Known for decorating the White House, this is where you’ll find Thanksgiving centerpieces, holiday wreaths and that extra “pop” that makes a house a home. Lovely dragonfly doorknockers by Michael Healy and the Byers’ Choice Carolers make perfect gifts. The official birthday celebration is November 19, so mark your calendar and head in for giveaways, treats and savings of up to 80 percent on many fine quality items.