Owner Suzy Brady prefers to think of her elegantly appointed shop as a “lifestyle.” We can see why.

At first glance, it's easy to assume that Dear John is simply another place to go for fine stationery. Brady opened the store in 2006, and she offers custom gift-wrapping, stationery, invitation and business-card services, and an in-house letterpress. But Dear John has more than a few wonderful surprises up its sleeve: a collection of antique books (The Scarlet Letter, Swiss Family Robinson) circa 1840, an authentic stamped silver German hand-mirror and comb, a vintage wooden bowling pin, a delicate seashell chandelier, and a snakeskin jewelry box are among the many unexpected finds. For another big surprise, ask to see the back room, and you'll be led behind a curtain to a sleek mini-salon where Brady's friend Theodore Leaf cuts hair by appointment only. We thought they couldn't be serious, but they are. —Yvonne Puig