Replacing Armani Cafe, Zara is a women's and men's fashion store that officially opened its doors in March 2008. Specializing in European-style clothing and footwear, the new Zara store on Newbury Street is basically an upscale H&M. Famous for its flagship stores in Montreal, Italy and NYC (see the YouTube video below for more info), the Back Bay store has three levels (two floors dedicated to women's clothing, one for men with a stylish kids section on the second floor).

Recently opened in early June 2008, the funky jeans made popular by Fergie's "My Hump" song are now on their way to Newbury. The jeans are characterized by the distinctive back-pockets (most designer jean buffs know jeans by the design on the back pocket) and the outter seam twisting forward to the front of the pant. The jeans flatter most figures- letting you have curves in all the right places. The jeans will cost you a heafty $150 and up. Apart from the well known jeans, the store will carry men, women and children's clothing lines, sportswear, headware, and handbags.

PLEASE NOTE: L'Espalier moved to its new home on the second floor of the Mandarin Oriental on Boylston Street.

UPDATE: L'Espalier opened its doors at 774 Boylston Street for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.
Fearlessly led by Frank McClelland, one of the top 25 chefs in the nation according to Food and Wine, L'Espalier is as good as it gets. And it gets good. Ascend the narrow staircase into the first of L'Espalier's 2 classically-decorated dining rooms (get a table in the more modern upper dining room if you can) and prepare yourself for high-class French food, catering to no less than serious eaters with serious finances; this is one place that'll get you psyched for Parents Weekend. The menu is a standard three-course prix-fixe for $75: spanning a wealth of tastes, from foie gras to Hawaiian red snapper to grilled lamb, the seasonal selection is substantially varied and guaranteed to delight every palate (course if that isn't enough, there's always the 6-course Degustation Menu for $95; $135 and up with paired wines). But perhaps the best thing L'Espalier has to offer: their special events, like “cheese Tuesdays,” a 4-course dinner with matching wines and a grand cheese sampler, all led by the restaurant's top cheese and wine meisters for a bargain $55. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Afternoon tea: There are two tea service choices offered: 'Make Way For The Ducklings' ($27) - your choice of tea plus a selection of petit fours and pastries - and 'Red Riding Hood's Basket' ($36), which adds tea sandwiches and canapes. For 15 dollars further, a glass of fine champagne can be served with either. Vegetarian substitutions can be requested. The tea choice is a typical 8 or so varieties and your cup is refilled from teapots carried by the staff rather than leaving them on your table. The accompanying food includes lobster salad, cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, strawberry terrine and the classic L'Espalier swan.

The Copley Square Hotel plans to unveil its new urban-chic look on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 after a $17 million facelift. The historic hotel's initial re-launch date was postponed from Nov. 11 to New Year's Eve after mandatory city inspections held up the renovations kicking off more than one year ago on January 24, 2008. At this contemporary boutique hotel, guests will enjoy top-tier accommodations at a lower rate within walking distance of many of the city's most popular restaurants, nightspots, shopping and attractions, The Copley Square Hotel showcases the best of Boston at highly competitive hotel rates. Also, the revamped hotel boasts a new martini bar, formerly Domani Bar & Trattoria, called Minibar. Inspired by lounges at the W Hotels and Miami's Delano, designer/architect Stephen Sousa's Minibar boasts modern design elements including a black-and-metallic color motif and gray-leather seating surrounding a minimalist U-shaped bar area.

UPDATE: Minibar is now open for business. The Copley Square Hotel plans to unveil its new urban-chic look on Wednesday, Dec. 31 after a $17 million facelift. Formerly Domani Bar & Trattoria, this new martini bar is located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. The interior of Minibar, the soon-to-be-opened lobby lounge and U-shaped bar adjacent to the Copley Square Hotel, is emerging as a sleek example of modern chic. Inspired by lounges at the W Hotels and Miami's Delano, designer/architect Stephen Sousa's Minibar boasts modern design elements including a black-and-metallic color motif and gray-leather seating surrounding a minimalist bar area. After snooping outside of the Copley Square hot spot yesterday, it looks like the interior of the South End's Oishii coupled with the contemporary flair of Vintage Lounge in the Financial District as well as the stark modern design elements of the new Downtown Crossing Italian restaurant Bina Osteria. Of course, Sousa designed Gypsy Bar and nearby Saint so there are obvious design similarities. Minibar will offer a renowned drink menu with signature cocktails and an inspired host of appetizers. All served under the ambient sounds of cool, hip, progressive lounge music. Minibar will be accessible from both the hotel lobby and the street, and will be open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.

Be it for a power breakfast, long and leisurely lunch, or night on the town for dinner, Asana in the new Mandarin Oriental, Boston, can offer American and Asian fusion cuisine for all of the above. Stocked with a special cheese cavern and extensive wine list, Asana also offers an exclusive Chef's table for 8 in the kitchen that allows the diners to watch Executive chef Nicolas Boutin at work.

Luxury Italian linen purveyor Frette extends its long legacy to Boston, officially opening the doors of its flagship New England shop in October. Frette, offering bath towels, bed linens, robes and home accessories, is located at the base of the The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The stunning 2,776 square feet of showroom space extends the brand's 150-year-old legacy of high-end warmth and refinement. Designed by Randall A. Ridless, the showroom features walnut flooring, thickly textured carpeting and natural stone elements to offset polished plaster and lacquered walls.

This upscale, chic bar attached to the The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Their drink, wine list and bar is expensive. A bottle of Duval Leroy goes for $75 and a Martini around $13. Definitely not a hipster hangout for youngsters but a hot spot for professionals looking for a luxurious evening out.

Looking for over-the-top opulence with Asian-inspired elegence? You're in luck. Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites that span over 14 floors, the new Mandarin Oriental officially opened its doors on Oct. 6, 2008 with a ceremony officiated by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The rooms are designed with custom furnishings in golden-hued, exotic wood coupled with lush silk. While extravagant in both price and amenities, the rooms boast a to-die-for view of the Back Bay. The hotel's in-house restaurant Asana offers breakfast, lunch and dinner dining from an inspired menu by executive chef Nicolas Boutin. Sporting panoramic views of Boylston Street, the restaurant's offerings include a combination of American and authentic Asian-inspired cuisine. The Boylston street urban landscape is shared by the adjacent M Bar & Lounge.

The larger Poor Little Rich Girl shop in Somerville has expanded its vintage and consignment business to the oh-so-stylish Newbury Street. Originally a hidden hole-in-the-wall on Highland Avenue, owner Meredith Byam's independent vision has grown into a full-blown shopping experience now at two locations that’s chock full of vintage jeans, killer pumps, '80s-style shoulder pad dresses and old-school clutch purses with attitude. The smaller Newbury Street shop next to Sarni's dry cleaners is definitely more upscale ... with a focus on vintage evening wear and hard-to-find classics.