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SALMAGUNDI
Categories: Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shopping Fashion Accessories Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Women's Clothing, Accessories, Men's Clothing [Edit]
765 Centre St(between Thomas St & South St)
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
(617) 522-5047
- Nearest Transit:
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775 Centre St (192, 35, 39, 41, 48)
South St @ Centre St (192, 39, 41, 48)
Centre St @ Eliot St (35, 37/38, 38)
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12 pm - 8 pm
Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Tanya L. said: "As a colorful dresser, I was happily surprised to find myself enjoying the aura of this store: chandelier laden with majestic, printed carpet. I am wanting to buy their monthly POP color of magenta, in a knee length skirt. Also, I…" read more »
123 reviews for SALMAGUNDI
Review Highlights
122 reviews in English
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Review from Evan W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/4/2012
Who knew there was a hat store in JP? In the course of a week, Salmagundi had come up multiple times in conversation so I knew I needed to check it out. I went on a "prospective" shopping trip to let me friend know whether she could find a "furry winter hat" and yes, they had serval, and I ended up walking out with a hat myself.
The store had a great ambience, music that made you dance and staff that made you feel at ease. I would definitely reccomend it for anyone looking for a hat (obviously), but also as a place to check out accessories like jewlry, scarves or belts. Their inventory changes regularly. -
Review from Scott S.
Boston, MA
11/30/2011
Outstanding in every way. In the day and age of Walmart, Salmagundi takes you back to a time where service, attention and real honest assistance with a purchase from an intelligent human being run the show. On top of all that, an absolute stunning selection.
Jessen knows his business and his industry back, forwards and upside-down; true gent as well.
Thanks again for the rockin fedora! -
Review from Austin J. A.
Wellesley, MA
9/24/2011 ROTD 11/24/2011
If you are interested in a hat, ever in your life, you will love Salmagundi. This is because the owner Jessen is a man who is probably secretly a hat; when the lights go out at night, he very likely hops up onto the shelf next to the snakeskin Stetson, takes his true form (an ostrich Bowler) and falls fast asleep.
Jessen knows heads, and hats, and social justice. He is passionate about all three of these elements in an intertwined manner that makes for an incredible shopping experience. When I and several other genderfabulous people came in, he showed each of us hats from both sides of the store, enthusiastically, talking about the makers and histories of each selection. This is a LGBTQQIAA-happy space. It's also just a happy space. There's always a bustling crew of shoppers, but it never feels crowded. Hats of many sizes co-mingle with jewelry, accessories (like business card slash cigarette cases), and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting because: hats. Hats, hats, hats. This place is a hat paradise.
I feel like I would be so very well-suited (get it? because suits go with...never mind) to show up at Salmagundi in attire from any period where hats feature prominently. I've spent hours in this store (in fact, on just one visit, we stayed for two), and never get tired. These are hats for people who appreciate amazing, stylish, well-made attire, and these unapologetic hats pull no punches. You could easily make one of these hats last for decades.
Get on the email list for secret specials and sales, like I did. Totally worthwhile. Also, see if you can get Jessen to bend your ear as to why Panama hats are graded, and where they come from; it won't be too hard to persuade this magical haberdasher to make some hat chat or tell you some Goorin gossip. -
Review from K R.
Boston, MA
12/22/2011
I wish this place didn't exist for my own financial security. I want to max out my credit card to buy everything in there. They have any accessory possible and cute clothing too.
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Review from Kelly R.
8/31/2011
Prior to tropical storm Irene welcoming herself to the area, my fiancee and I went out and braved the rain to check out Salmagundi. We are unique and eclectic and as such, enjoy things of the same ilk. We've been on the search for a haberdashery for quite some time and through various links we found ourselves at Salmagundi. We felt like we had gone over the rainbow as we weren't in Kansas anymore! The amazing selection of hats and accessories were simply awesome- unique and not things that you find everywhere else. The only thing better than the selection here was the courteous & professional staff that were helpful to the nines! It all made for a great shopping experience and we both walked out with hats that we love!
Thank you Salmagundi for running a great store - we will definitely be back for more!
**Note** The store carries a wide array of hats from many different makers, but they also design their own hats in house and they are something to see! ** -
Review from Marina O.
Dorchester, MA
8/20/2011
I thought this place was cool when it first opened. I got a few nice things there, a knit hat, some costume jewelry gifts for friends.
When the store first opened the staff were very friendly. As time progressed and Salmagundi became more popular the staff became less friendly and more pretentious and as another reviewer stated stand offish.
The last time I was in the store the owner was so unfriendly and stand offish that I decided that while you can find some nice things at Salmagundi (although you can find these nice things at other boutiques as well) I was no longer going to be supporting this business. I was completely turned off by the vibe in the store. -
Review from Kara B.
Norwell, MA
6/13/2011
Great little indy hat shop. My dude's noggin is fair, bald, and larger than most so I brought him here to find some fashionable SPF. He got two hats: a reversible cap w shape-able brim that I haven't even been able to find online and a Goorin Bros newsboy cap.
He's totally styling and has been telling everyone where he got his latest finds. This is a must-visit spot for anyone with a head. -
Review from R G.
Boston, MA
Updated - 8/7/2011
Salmagundi, you're killing me! The last time I was in here I found not one, not two, but three hats I would have dropped serious cash on if I had it, two of which were your own creations. I need to get a raise and grow a few more heads so I can go wild here.
Oh, and the adorable hat boxes? C'mon, stop twisting the knife, you've got me!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/13/2010
just wonderful, in every way. don't think you're a hat person? you will be. they have great… Read more »
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Review from Kristeen A.
Medford, MA
10/28/2011
This shop is fantastic! Salmagundi is passionate about hats. Their decor is wonderful, their customer service is friendly & helpful, and they have a great selection of headgear in many of styles and some surprising color choices. I hadn't purchased a hat in quite a long time, so it was necessary to try on every style to see what would work for me. The staff was great, and I really appreciated the bits of history about my new hat.
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Review from Rick B.
Newton, MA
10/7/2011
I walked into this cute store, told the owner that I had seen the article in the Boston Globe (about how people say that they "are not a hat person"- but Jessen-the owner-says, "That is like someone saying that they are not a 'shoe person'!) Ya gotta love that positive outlook!. Well, I asked him if he could get a hat that worked for me and- at first try- he did exactly that! I love my new hat- and I never thought that I'd be a "hat person".
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Review from patrick w.
1/12/2011
For my 200th Yelp review I wanted to pick something special.
I haven't lived in Boston for a couple of years, but when I did I was extremely fortunate to live close to Salmagundi. Having now moved to my fifth city in ten years (LA; Magdeburg; Boston; Berlin; London) I can honestly say that without doubt Salmagundi is my favorite store in all the World. To the point that on my next visit to New York, I will need to factor in a five-hour side trip to Boston, just to stock up on their latest range.
Why the love? Lots of different factors come into play. Probably the most central to me are the owners Andria and Jessen. You couldn't ask for a cooler couple to own and develop a store. Salmagundi is clearly a labour of love, but love which is infused with incredible taste. My wife has a collection of t-shirts, dresses and other bibs and bobs she bought over the year or so we lived near the store. I am still wearing the fedora I bought years ago, which I love dearly, but it is starting to show signs of wear (her t-shirts are likewise showing signs of over-loving fatigue). Perhaps I could find a (poor) replacement somewhere in London (really?) but I know it wouldn't be the same so I am trying to hold on until my next trip across the Pond.
A&J why don't you think about setting up a sister store in London? You know you need a European base. There are lots of ex-Bostonians here that would love to help you out.
Much love, for a much missed store. -
Review from May N.
3/12/2011
This store is one of the few in the area singlehandedly bringing back the hat as the accessory du jour. I stopped in today for the first time and was delighted with the charm of the store, the accessories, and the employees. The hats capture your attention first, but for the ladies there are a few racks of dresses and scarves at the entrance; headbands, jewelry, gloves, and tights left of the register, and handbags sprinkled throughout the store.
The dresses are feminine and flirty with a retro twinge. The scarves are special with neat details. The jewelry is bold and chunky. The headbands and hair clips are sweet. The bags are affordable and unique, but not leather and not my taste.
The star of the store is truly the toppers. I would've loved to find a wintery wool wide-brimmed floppy hat, but I think their spring merchandise is in and for the women the selection was mostly shorter-brimmed styles such as cloches, fedoras, and retro cuties. It's especially a good place to help gentlemen get dressed. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/19/2011
Rather than trying to sell you on what they sell, let me tell you a story.
Around Christmas, my manfriend and I decided we wanted to give a couple of hats from Salmagundi. These folks included my father and his brother, both who live in Maine -- and whose head sizes we did not know. Jessen's awesome staff fit these two fellows afar from *photographs* of them! And on Christmas, we got to see that they fit them properly, too. 'Nuf said.
That's not to say I haven't purchased anything for me. I have a great hat that garners compliments from random strangers all the time, a cute goldenrod cardigan with big tulle flowers on one shoulder, and an awesome American-made leather belt. They sell high quality, fashionable items here.
I LOVE their parties. Get on their mailing list.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from Amy Lynn B.
Providence, RI
12/28/2010
Hold on to your wallet!
My hubby had been searching for the pork pie hat of his dreams for months. He found Salmagundi google searching. We went.
Let me tell ya, if you love hats or fine accessories of any kind do not, I repeat, DO NOT make your first visit alone. You will pass out from overstimulation in seconds. Scores of gorgeous hats, scarves, gloves, costume jewelry, some hair things and a dress or coat here and there. All great quality and reasonably priced. They'll maintain your purchases for a lifetime, all old school like--reblocking and resizing as needed. "We don't wanna be married to crummy hats," one staff member explained as we discussed their commitment to quality.
Said staff are smartly dressed, wicked friendly, and perfectly attentive--neither too little nor too much.
Steve found the perfect pork pie. And a fedora. I found 3 great hats, including one of the lavender custom caps from Brooklyn (photo #3 in the file) and a pair of hot pink leather gloves. Yeah, baby, yeah! We left considerably poorer, smartly chapeau'd, and laden with boxes. Steve looked at me and said, "what just happened?"
"Nice hat," I replied. We'll definitely make the drive to JP again. -
Review from Kevin V.
Lynn, MA
12/8/2011
This place is great. When you are bald and it gets warm and some grubby college student steals your $15 Target hat, you have little choice but to get back to shopping. I have always loved hats and it is annoying having to hear salesmen talk about my old trilby as a fedora and then want to charge me $50. Not here. These guys are great. The two hipsters working there convinced me that anything less than a diamond cut panama pork pie would not suit the shape of my jaw, the size of my ears and what kind of fashion I wear. I ended up buying two hats and l wish I bought more. I brought my girlfriend and roommate two weeks later and the owner was there. He was eccentric and reminded me of a younger more american Elvis Costello. He was really helpful and must have pulled at least 25 hats for the three of us. He knew his stuff and that's something a salesman always looks for in another. I can't wait until Labor Day when I switch back to felt, and buy another hat from Salmagundi!
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Review from Lauren D.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/14/2011
It's love at first visit!
This is my favorite store to shop at in Jamaica Plain. I love the clothing, it's both unique and priced right. I only discovered this store this year. All I can think is if I had only found it sooner!
I now have a few items from this amazing store (a dress, a hat , a gift from my boyfriend ( a sweater and scarf.) I have a wonderfully stylish hat; I hated hats until I went in to Salmagundi. Jessen and Jason can fit a hat on anyone's head. They were even able to help me find a hat for my boyfriend.
Jessen and Jason are also very helpful and personable. It's always a pleasure going into the store and feeling good about what you've bought.
Salmagundi, is a great place to get gifts, such as, jewelry, scarves, mittens, etc.)
If you haven't been here, you should definitely stop in!Listed in: Oh JP, how I love the...
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Review from Arlene O.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/12/2011
Love this place! The owners really love what they do and seem to have so much fun getting people into the perfect hat.
Any store that has had a part in transforming my husband from wearing a college sweatshirt and baseball cap every single moment he wasn't at work to, yes this is true, rocking a fedora and pairing it with (yes! finally! something not older than our relationship!) a button down shirt and maybe a sweater, is a godsend.
I wish they had a frequent-buyer card or something because I've purchased 2 hats for myself and maybe 4 or 5 others for the dudes in my life. I also scored an amazing feather headband. Now I'm eyeing a snazzy umbrella I saw there last week. -
Review from Nelson M.
Santa Monica, CA
Jessen Fitzpatrick is the king of hats. He and his fabulous team have more than one new hat and personality you didn't know you needed. Find the new you, it's waiting to take you to a new place. I couldn't stop frankly. I went in looking for one hat and after narrowing down my choices for over an hour, I ended up getting 4 new hats, I mean expressions of my personality. Geez maybe I'm schizophrenic and didn't know it....
I've been in hat stores all over the US and Europe and this is one of the most diverse selections I've ever seen. No matter how many personalities you have, they'll all love being expressed at Salmagundi! -
Review from Linda B.
Roslindale, MA
1/27/2011
This shop is a visual delight and its owners and staff are terrific. For me, buying a hat is as nerve-wracking as buying shoes or a bathing suit, as I have short hair and can look dopey very easily in the wrong hat.
The fellow who helped me was exceedingly patient, listened well, and made terrific suggestions. I walked out very happy with a red-and-black plaid cap that has garnered many compliments and, even better, keeps me warm and dry and looking good! -
Review from Chris C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/6/2010
Well, Jeez! I thought I'd throw Slamagundi a few props but I see 93 people have already done that! That alone should tell you something about this place.
I hate hats. They all look stupid on my head. I think my head's too small, or maybe it's my "fivehead" (a little more than a forehead). But somehow these guys & gals always find something for me that I love! The staff is fantastic and fun, and they have the art of capping-off down to a science! Plus, they usually have great music playing.
BTW, 'lest you fret, there is a wide range of prices, from "that's all?" to "shut the front door!". -
Review from Sabrina R.
Salem, MA
7/21/2011
This is a kick ass store. My guy wanted a new cap, I tagged along. The owner is very knowledgeable and engaging, obviously excited about what he does, a rarity in retail today. I left with a coin purse and two of the biggest hats in the shop...Note that I was a tag along.
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Review from Steven T.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/13/2011
It doesn't matter if you're young, or old, a hipster, or a geekster, gay, straight, male, female: EVERYONE looks better in a hat - and Salmagundi is the BEST place to buy yours.
They have thousands of hats in stock and some really great accessories for men and women. Best of all, the staff @ Salmagundi KNOW what they're doing. You need a quick run-down on hat-etiquette, or the diference between a trillby and a fedora? You'll get your answer here - along with friendly service.
I'm a fan - and suddenly have the urge to buy more hats! -
Review from Sarah A.
6/13/2011
Great store, great stuff, great staff! A friend of mine who lives in the area recommended Salmagundi. I could not be more impressed with this store and the great customer service. They have an excellent selection of hats and other accessories including rings, necklaces, bracelets, hair clips, fascinators, scarves and sunglasses. I picked up a great pair of retro 70s style shades. They also have a limited selection of men's and women's clothing. When I first arrived at the store, they were experiencing a power outage, so they told me to come back and they'd give me 10% off my purchase. Excellent! The staff was also really friendly and relaxed and chatted with me about the area. Love this place! Can't wait to come back!
Listed in: Jamaica Plain
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Review from Kat L.
Pensacola, FL
8/18/2011
A few things first:
Salmagundi, I'm sorry I'm giving you three stars. I'll go back soon and try to get a better impression.
I stopped in while I was going laundry. I had walked by the store a few times and there window displays were always gorgeous.
Tried on a bunch of hats, but didn't find anything that I thought looked nice. For feminine hats there really wasn't much variety in my opinion (ok - shoot me. I'm talking about shape here, lots of very long bucket hats). The masculine selection was great, but that's not what I was going for.
I didn't see any hats under fifty bucks, but I wasn't expecting to.
Three stars for the price not matching the quality or variety it warrants.
I tried talking to the staff a bit, about what would look nice with my hair, yada-ya; but all three of the ladies there were very distant and stand-offish. Maybe it's that I was in my 'doing laundry' outfit, but I didn't think I was throwing off any bad vibes.
Hopefully I caught them on an off day. I'm sure there are tons of hats there that were above my line of vision, or something like that. -
Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
12/9/2010
First went here a couple years ago when visiting some friends and I can't tell you how excited I was to return to Salmagundi when I realized I'd be moving to Boston this fall.
I have a giant dome and I have plenty of trouble finding hats at regular stores (ATTN every retailer ever: one size does not fit all). You can imagine my wonder, my delight, when I first strolled in and marveled at the selection. Hats for every occasion and most budgets -- as other reviews have mentioned some hats run quite a bit, but I knew the first time I spent serious scratch on a hat it would be great. (And they offer cleaning/maintenance/blocking on all their inventory.)
Centre Street in JP has a lot to offer and this place is a gem. -
Review from Olivia C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
11/16/2010
Oh hey Maia, hey grl.
This place is so marvelous. I think I am going to reinvent my inner hat person.
I have to admit, I hated on this place before I went in. Oh, another high-end boutique that I can't afford. Don't judge right away-ladies and gents, and that's what you are in here, try one on for size! Sure, many of the items are a fashion investment, but now I say, don't be afraid to shop around for quality.
You don't have to look like a hobo to face the New England weather. You can actually look good in the cold!!
The accessories are from local and semi-local artisans and cover different fashion decades. I recently treated myself to beautiful, understated, and thin, hushed purple-toned stone hoop earrings. Made with a supposedly rare Italian stone by a N.Y. artist.
I love the brooches, the belts, the scarfs. I love the headbands, though headbands always end up hurting my big head? I love the feathery hair pieces that are so in right now, like they were in the 20s, I guess? Can I rock that without looking too showgirl? Though I have my punky edge, I'm not a girl who drools for spotlight. I just immediately feel like singing Ella Fitzgerald when I put it on.
I am going to rediscover my inner hat, and also get my boy to discover his. He is convinced hats will cause early baldness! But the boy has his hair and needs to cover his precious ears. I wonder. Covering the dome and looking good can contribute to the baldness that nature may or may not have intended?
My pops has been rocking the fedora for decades-before it became cool again. That Bronx gangsta; if he only knew how hip he is. Maybe I should get him an extra special hat for the holiday. Cool Breeze Tommy stepping out Jamaica Plain style-
Check out SALMAGUNDI-it's like a fashion history lesson. Let's try on hats like giggling little girls! The people and mirrors in here are kind! -
Review from Al R.
Lynn, MA
8/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Let me preface this by saying I'm a certifiable hat psycho....blame my Grandfather.
When I walked in this store I nearly creamed myself. This is pretty much what I've been looking for, well, forever. Ever since Bay View closed I haven't been able to find a local hat store with such a diverse selection for quality mens hats. Yes, there are other hat stores, but not like this, and not for men. I tend to find most of them while traveling, not locally.
When I entered the store I was greeted by a cute and helpful sales girl (Amanda). She actually got a kick out of my reaction to this wonderful place, since I'm sure my eyes were popping out of my head and I was kinda speechless. After watching what I was trying on and picking out, she went into their secret basement and grabbed a couple hats from their fall line that she thought I would like. Sure as shit, I loved them...now that's service! Of course I had to temper myself, as I would have probably bought everything, but I ended up with a 'few' hats for good measure.
Quality, diversity, great service, needles to say to say I'm locked in, and I will be back...many...many times. Oh and they sell other stuff, but I was incapable of seeing anything else this time around...next time.
*Comment from my bank account: I hate you Salmagundi! -
Review from Melissa C.
Boston, MA
4/30/2008 ROTD 9/28/2008
I've been dreaming of a hat with a brim so big that when I walk down Newbury St. on Saturday, it makes people angry. A hat that says, "I claim this space in the name of Melissa!" A hat that forces people to orbit me rather than approach me.
I have never found this hat, and all other attempts at hat wearing have seemed forced--limited to a few wild parties where part of the dress-code was an air of arrogance. So I had given up. I thought that if I haven't been able to wear hats in normal situations by now, I just wasn't a hat person.
Salmagundi showed me that I was wrong.
I looked at the hats, wishing that I were someone who could wear them. I was so tired of seeing a great hat only to find that I made it look dumb, so I wasn't even going to try one on. But then, I was confronted by one hat. It was beautiful, simple, clean, unassuming. Its shape was inspired by my favorite era in style. It said, "Wear me!"
I shook my head, "No, I'm not a hat person."
"But I'm made with environmentally responsible materials!"
This made me pause.
"And I match your dress perfectly!"
I gave in. I would try on one more hat. It was a perfect fit. It said, "We were made for each other!"
This is when I realized that there is no such thing as "hat people" and "not hat people." Rather there are those who have found their hat and those who haven't yet. I didn't see anyone who wasn't able to find the hat for them. For those who were too shy to try to pick up any hats, Jessen was an enthusiastic matchmaker.
Now, while I am saying that there is a perfect hat for everyone, I am in no way suggesting that there is only one perfect hat for everyone. I started practicing hat polygamy right away.
Did I find my dream hat there? Not yet, but I'm sure that if it's out there, it will be waiting for me at Salmagundi one day. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
5/1/2008
You may or may not know this, but I have a large, bulbous melon on my neck that many people mistake for a planet, but no, that's just my head.
It's been a lifetime of pain...
...Soccer balls to the head countless times while growing up...
Stranger: "Wow that kid just got nailed and didn't even flinch."
My inner thought: "The pain of the hit doesn't match the embarrassment of the heed that teeters atop my body."
...Costume fittings for upcoming plays...
Designer: "Well, I guess your character doesn't NEED a hat."
My inner thought: "It's bad enough my head is large, but now it will be showcased when I'm the only peasant in King Arthur's court sans cap."
...Walking to lunch from work, a pigeon flew into my head...
Stranger: "Are you okay!? That was wild!"
Me: "Yeah I'm fine." My Inner thought: "I'm Elaine from Seinfeld."
But then one day Salmagundi came into my life.
Ligaya: "Yelp event @ Salmagundi!"
My inner thought: "Salt. Meet wound."
But I was wrong.
This store SPECIALIZES in hats and accessories and has a very knowledgeable staff on hand.
Jessen (owner): "Let's get a hat for you."
Me: "Oh no, I don't wear hats. Bulbous Head McGee here."
Jessen: "No problem!"
Cut to me buying my first hat ever!
I am obsessed with this store. Everything they sell from hats to wallets, t-shirts to umbrellas, are absolutely amazing. The staff is wicked cool, the space is vibrant & gorgeous, and the prices definitely match the quality and service they offer.
I'm already planning to go back to shop more because I saw stuff I still want to buy.
Like that green hat.
And a wallet.
And a money clip.
And maybe a doo-dad over on the wall.
I want everything. -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2008
Simply spectacular style from the headwear, handprinted tees, scarves, jewelry, bags, gloves, belts to the music and decor - this place is so much more than a milliner, it's an awesome accessories wonderland!
Thinking on the glory days when brims were tipped and everything was in black and white reminds us how much ZING can be injected into an outfit with a simple hat. They come in a host of types, patterns and sizes but where they really shine is the fedora.
I was so delighted upon my first visit I could literally barely speak. The rad owners were so welcoming and encouraged me to try everything on. They've got classic, modern, funky, you name it. They didn't seem to mind when I played dress up or caressed everything in sight.
Long live Salmagundi!Listed in: Awesome Owners
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Review from Paul S.
Boston, MA
1/29/2009
I didn't always have this certain kind of "cool" around women. As a child, I came second in my class to a girl that I had a crush on. I responded by crying in front of her and the entire class. As a teenager, I was really nervous about my first kiss. I waited for the perfect moment and planted one on her lips--while she was still chewing her food.
I learned "cool" later on and I will write a historical account of that journey in a later review. But for those guys who need the accelerated course in "cool," go and visit Salmagundi. The staff will help you fit your item, let you take a few confident steps out of the dressing room area, and when you walk out that door, you'll be well on your way to "cool."
Salmagundi has hats, scarves, and other accessories for the modern man and woman. The staff understands and lives that certain kind of "cool," so take their recommendations without hesitation. The layout of the store, the displays, the decoration all exude a knowledge of "cool."
My wife was especially struck by a cap that she believed would make me look more like the black man she wants to be with. That's "cool," too. Bring your lady friend and see what she wants to fit you with. At Salmagundi, "cool" is everything and everything is "cool." -
Review from Tom E.
5/11/2008
Everytime I hear this store's name get a mention I can't help but think about the Rhyme of Solomon Grundy which I remember hearing as a kid. A weird rhyme about a guy who only lives for 7 days, but goes through every right of passage in that week.
Turns out Solomon Grundy is a corruption from Salmagundi - which is the name of a dish popular a hundred or more years ago in England. The dish was basically an all-in salad - a random mix of good things... with many flavors and colours thrown together, often with a flower or two as well.
Which nicely brings us to JP's Salmagundi - a wonderful mix of the best things in fashion... hats, bags, sunglasses, ties, bracelets, a few t-shirts and now shoes as well. With an appealing layout and nice staff it's already doing well and prices are very reasonable for a boutique so we're doing even better.
What really matters to me though is having a guy running the store. Too many boutiques just throw in a handful of stuff for guys as an afterthought and invariably all the hats are too small for me. The usual result is that nothing is worth getting and I'm bored as a tunnel whilst my lady shops til the second coming. Not here though - this place is equal opportunity. Give it some love. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/20/2009
Salmagundi is more than just hats. It's cool purses and cool shirts and cool jewelry and freakin' awesome belts with Mary and Baby Jesus on them too.
I just got back from buying a fabulous 30th birthday present for my best friend. She is going to love it. How do I know she's going to love it? Because any fashion-forward girl worth her salt would love any of the accessories at Salmagundi. Everything is hip and current with whiff of vintage classiness. The selection is obviously carefully selected- everything is well made, top end stuff. So, no, it's not the cheapest place on the block- but it's definitely the best place on the block. (And I wouldn't say it's over priced either- the classic "you get what you pay for" thing).
I've yet to purchase a hat from Salmagundi- which is ridiculous seeing as that's what the store really is- but I plan to. And I plan to buy a wholeheckuvalot more than just a hat- there's just too many other fabulous things not to.Listed in: Your Unofficial Guide to…
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Review from Morgan F.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2008
I LOVE this place!
The owners are just so excited about life and having a cool shop that carries awesome stuff for their customers! I am excited for cool independently owned stores like this in Boston! Especially when they are full of things I want to buy at reasonable prices ;)
Its worth it to trek out to JP JUST to go here! BUT if you got it worth staying for brunch/lunch at one of the yummy places near by!Listed in: LA looks from Boston shops!
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Review from Tracee D.
Boston, MA
4/29/2008
This is a great place! Wowee.
the hats are to die for! the bracelets, necklaces, knitted hide & seek neck pieces, pins, scarfs, purses, wallet'ish things, tee's!!!!!!!!!
Seriously.
All you need is a photo booth Salmagundi!
Perfection. -
Review from George W.
Boston, MA
5/20/2010
-Smooth ass hats, mostly for gents.
-Creative jewlery and trinkets for the ladies.
-Weakass shirts and clothing, plus it's overpriced. I'm not paying 75 bucks for a shirt whose brand name is "Just a cheap shirt", and trust me, they look like goodwill caliber stuff.
-Superhelpful staff who have nailed my style and got me to buy some realible, killer hats.
-Occasionally, you get invited to a party there if you join their mailing list. I went to one last night. It was ok. -
Review from Kristina M.
1/20/2008
Awesome shop - it's impossible to pass by without checking out their hats, gloves, scarfs, shirts, wallets, jewelry, etc. Their selection changes all the time so you're sure to find something new and exciting every time you walk in. They carry all sorts of sizes, styles and materials to make sure there's something for everyone. It's difficult to go in there without buying anything, but even if you don't end up buying any of their hats or accessories, it's just sooo much fun to try on all those great hats....
I love the decor and style of the shop and they always have great music, too.
Plus, the owners are just super-nice - they're always friendly, let you try on everything and make helpful suggestions without being pushy or trying to do a hard-sell.
They also saved my husbands life once: We had just returned from Australia and the snow-storm hit us totally unprepared, so we went there in desperate need of a hat and gloves for him. They let us in even though the shop was actually closed, and we found not only a very functional, but also totally cute hat and gloves that saved him from freezing to death. Thank you!!Listed in: My former Neighborhood - JP
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Review from Daniel P.
7/15/2010
Jessen is a great salesman because he's not trying to sell you anything. He knows his store is fly and he has the best hat shop in town.
He's just a chill ass dude who envisions a pimp ass future where gents wear pimp ass fedoras and their ladies outclass them by stealing those same hats and rocking them meaner and with those feminine wiles. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
Updated - 7/21/2008
How to enjoy a Saturday afternoon:
1. Find a patient and willing gentleman.
2. Hit Salmagundi and play "try on" with Jessen and Andria.
Since writing my initial review I've been in and out of Salmagundi a few more times. Scored big sunglasses, quite a few hats, and even a present or two for other folks (I can be generous). This weekend I was happy to find a lovely and massive hat to wear in the sun (protect my soon to be shorn scalp) and some beautiful scarves (fall will be here faster than you think).
Great service, great selection, great store overall.Listed in: Accessorize, Shop and Learn
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2008
Salmagundi has made me realize something. I'm polyamorous. Sure, I proposed marriage to nearby… Read more »
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Review from Cara P.
Cambridge, MA
1/10/2008
I was completely depressed when I went to Jasmine Sola and wanted a cute plaid hat that fit my huge ass massive head.
I thought it would be super cheap since they were going out of business. I thought to myself "Jasmine, you suck...for once just let me find something cute for a good price." Alas...nope. With the % it was still $50. No way. Not for a Hat at jasmine Sola.
Fast forwards a few weeks...still hatless.
Visits to my SO's aunts in JP always are interesting....mainly because I had never been to JP before we started going out....Wait, once before I did...... to go to see Joey McIntyre sign autographs at the little peach when I was a small fry and in love with NKOTB.
Anywhoo, I am always finding a new place and love checking out the area......our last trip was especially awesome....because.....it brought our asses here.
What a cool store! Not only do they have amazing hats-but they fit my head! They have all different styles and materials.......as well as accessories galore. Cool bags, scarves, belts and gloves.....Nice antique-ish and unique looking jewelry (some made by local artist)...headbands...wallets....If it is considered an accessory..they'll have it. Not only is their accessory collection border on the trendy, funky, sophisticated and whimsical, but they have items for work, a night out on the town or just a Sunday brunch. I wish I lived closer! If you think accessories make the outfit.......get your ass here!
Plus, I think Joey McIntyre's family still lives in the area, so chances of me seeing him on a visit home are at 85%! Yay me!
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