Chique boutique women's fashion store Tess the owner is fabulous Trend setter with great eye for overseas fashion Great specials I've been a client for more than 20 years!! read more

Thank you Tess for helping me shop for a warm wool top coat. Love it. The hat is fun with the coat, a cool match ! (; D Patnod, L.Ac. Cambridge read more

Tess - Denise, wearing her new coat from Tess's - Accessories Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I so enjoyed my recent personal shopping experience with Tess! She is so knowledgable about her clothing lines. She knew exactly which tops and bottoms would be flattering on me and got the size right on the first try!! The fabrics are just fabulous!!! The European styles are timeless and unique. Your purchases will be a worthwhile investment in statement pieces for your wardrobe that will set you apart for the rest. Tess, I am so impressed with our talent for fashion and your expert knowledge. You are so appreciated! I will see you soon!! read more

Absolute treasure of a store and I am sure the owner is a genius. Because she looked at my figure and pulled things from the rack that fit perfectly and matched my style. I've never experienced such an expert salesperson. Maybe the way she "studied" me comes off as rude to some people? I feel that, as with anyone who is passionate about their work, honesty or directness is a given. I think the five stars here are from people who appreciate that. I tried on something that she warned me was too small, and indeed it was. She wasn't being rude, she was just trying to save me time. I walked out happy that my purchases looked like they were made for me, and were of beautiful quality. The Donegal tweed coat I purchased will have the sleeves taken in an inch and be ready in two days! That is service. Nothing is more depressing than fast fashion or buying less than well-crafted items. Inferior material, patterns that don't line up, hems or seams that are careless and unfinished, make me sad. We're reduced as people when we have to stop caring about quality and uniqueness simply because a store like this is near impossible to find. The expense is valid given that I will wear the clothes for a long time, and I want items that are different from what is carried in chains (even high-end chains) and department stores. BTW I'm Asian, and feel the accusations of racism are unjustified. This is an owner who cares about quality and fit, and that works for me as a picky customer who doesn't respond to fake smiles or untrue flattering. read more

Tess was my personal shopper. She knew exactly what would look good on me. Great clothes that run the gamut from everyday to special occasion. I think the prices are appropriate for the piece. There's a big sale selection also. Even though I'm usually tough to please, I was pleased. read more

The dresses have a nice design and fabric--great for summer. They altered them for me to fit my figure, and the fit is flattering. I'm enjoying them a lot. I just had one on this morning and received a compliment already. read more

I totally understand the up and down the reviews about Tess. Her manner can be brusque but she is a genius for finding the best outfits for me! Hear this ladies of style-- I still wear clothes I spend admittedly a bit of money on 12-20 years ago from Tess that still look unique and have worn incredible well. If you are looking for department store clothing don't bother going in. If you want to look like you shop in Milan or Paris get the store and Tess a try. read more

Service is straight out of the internet of Karen freak outs. I don't believe that the employee sassed me and stared me down for not wanting to shop in the moment. Her attitude was unbelievable, and she raised her voice at me, I would have come back to take a look when o have time but I'm too scared to even want to check it out. Experience ambience was horrible and unwelcoming read more

Update: The owner replied on Google calling me a liar. Based on other reviews here, sounds like I was not alone in my experience, and I am still scratching my head as to why I would make up a story about being totally humiliated in public... Shop at the much friendlier Mint Julep next door, or literally *any* other store. It'll likely be cheaper and you won't be ignored (at best) or body shamed (at worst). read more

Stay away!!! Very rude staff. When I realized their fitting room is actually the bathroom, I politely said " No thanks". The woman replied: " we have been here for 20 years and no one has ever complained"!! Well, I wasn't complaining , I was just signaling that this wasn't for me. Now, this review is complaining! read more

I am loving reading these other comments that echo the experiences I've had visiting this store. It is super messy and disorganized, there are no price tags on clothes, and Tess the owner is grumpy and unwelcoming. I went in a few months ago and asked about a nice looking tunic made in India which she told me was $300 (I can only imagine how much she acquired it for, and how little the person who made it was paid). I am a white woman and haven't directly experienced the racism that some people have reported when visiting the store -- so sorry and sad to hear about this. Hoping that others like me will boycott in solidarity. read more

I ha e been going to Tess in Harvard Sq. for years and was so happy to just find out that she is still open (a little way down Brattle St. and has a new store on Charles St. In Boston. Make no mistake - Tess sells investment pieces - but I could always find something gorgeous and affordable (classic bias cut top quality linen skirt for $70). Tess sources her clothes in Italy and from other top quality manufacturers and has some of the most unique clothes in Boston. You could just walk through the store and feel the difference fabrics to have a whole experience. My second favorite thing about Tess stores is the scarf collection. I dare you to go in and not fall in love with a scarf. You can leave your Hermès in the drawer! But my favorite thing about Tess stores is Tess! First she is a successful businesswoman who is also raising a family. But most importantly she is as good a personal shopper as you will find at Saks and Neimans. Pop into the Cambridge Store and say hi! Tess has an eagle eye and will help you navigate her collection to find the pieces you love. In the Charles St store say hi to Yasmine. Formerly from Niemans she also has an eye for both trends and classics! As one of the few local businesses that has survived the gutting of Harvard Sq. by Real Estate speculators and a place that has outfitted the Harvard and Cambridge community for years I wanted to give Tess and her store the props they deserve!!! I'm saving up and coming for the sale rack Tess!! Regarding other reviews here - I'm not a friend of Tess. Also I generally see price tags on the clothes. She gets a lot of foot traffic from people not looking for the style and price point of her store so may not be greeting every person with "hi can I help you." It's true that the clothes r not Chanel or Gucci. But first everyone has the same thing and Tess buys unique pieces. I worked high-end retail for years and can tell good fabric by a touch. I was also in Paris in Sept. The clothes at Tess are beautiful, thoughtfully curated and mostly unique with a slightly trendy yet classic feel. I feel like the ratings here r maybe skewed since she has been in business for 20 years and there r only a couple of disgruntled reviews. What business doesn't have them?? read more

What a complete waste of prime real estate space in the heart of Harvard Square. The clothes are poor quality but have the price tag of unique, bespoke well-made items. The worker was an absolute downer and the space is very dark. I remember going in there 4 yrs ago thinking the same things, and I guess some things never change. Save your money and go next door or across the street. There's nothing special about Tess. read more

I walked into Tess today looking for a scarf while two employees (one of which I now realize must have been Tess) were in the front window working on a display. Neither greeted me, but I chalked it up to them being busy until a minute later when two men walked in and were warmly greeted by the younger salesperson who asked them if they needed any help finding anything. After walking around for a minute I couldn't find any scarves, but I did see a lone sneaker on a table - no price, or evidence of other shoes around, but I liked the look of it, and the maker (Barbour) so I went up to the two salespeople, still working on the window, and said, excuse me, do you have this in any other sizes, while holding up the shoe. The older woman - Tess, I assume - brusquely and flatly said "NO." I was taken aback by the aggressive response, and said "okay" in a surprised tone. At that, the other salesgirl said something like it's the only size we have and Tess said the size, which of course I could see on the shoe. Anyway, I'm middle-aged and white, but I suppose I didn't look rich enough to shop there, though that was a mistake on their part. I left immediately after, absolutely never going in again, have no idea how they stay in business. read more

Tess herself is sophisticated, approachable, quiet until u say you are ready for her opinion. Then get ready for a WOW!! She starts talking with passion about her merchandise. She is eager to pull things off the rack that FIT YOU!! She knows what will flatter YOUR body, not any body. So easy to talk to her. You stand put in one place. She brings all the pieces oto YOU. She brings you perfect cuts and colors to flatter YOU. She knows her merchandise and how to treat each person as a unique special individual. She want you to feel good about ur purchase. She is a rare jewel! Go see her and tell her Ashley from Dallas sent you her way! read more

It has been an absolute revelation reading some of these reviews! I'm a Harvard alumna and would walk by the old Tess location on Brattle (next to the old Dickson's Hardware) almost every day. The styles were a bit too mature for me at the time but they seemed well made and attractive. I went in once to look at a great cashmere coat and this woman (now I know it was Tess) approached me and said (approximately) it's expensive and then, I remember this so clearly "I don't know what's in your bag". It took every ounce of self-control for me not to gasp. I turned and walked out and never even looked in their store window again. Big mistake, Tess, BIG mistake. That horrible memory came flooding back this weekend, I noticed a CAVA is in the old space BUT Tess seems to have relocated to a less prominent, tiny space next to Patagonia on Brattle. I will NEVER give my patronage to this person and have encouraged all my friends (now of prime shopping age) to do the same. Shop anywhere else in the Square. read more

Tess is a remarkable store. Every item is original and made by someone who understands tailoring and style. Its not mass market style, so tiring sometimes. Tess is actually there to give you her honest opinion on what works and doesn't. The clothes are beautiful and in my opinion reasonably priced given how long you can wear them. In this age of throw away fashion where everyone looks the same, Tess is a true gem and should always exist as a light for people who want to look like themselves, not what the current trends say you should wear. I treasure every piece I have purchased from Tess. read more

Tess sells truly beautiful garments, and has an interesting range of styles too. I love the textures of the pieces in the store as well. I've only had great experiences shopping here even when I didn't buy anything. read more

I'm laughing at all these reviews and feeling much better now that I know she's just clearly a bad business owner. I went in on lunch break because my office is freezing, looking for a sweater. No idea this was a high end store as everything looks like a goodwill with things strewn all over, musty smell, racks of dated clothing, nothing really tasteful in sight. The owner asked if she could help, I said I'm looking for a sweater, she pointed to a table of them. I touched ONE item and she said "that's cashmere." I said it was beautiful to which she replied "It's $900." Clearly she wanted me to leave. Don't come in here. She is incredibly rude and based on other reviews, has a few screws loose. The store next door, Mint Julep, was very friendly to me. Go there instead. read more

One time I came into this store because I saw an interesting dress in the window. I walked in and pointed to the mannequin and asked the owner if she had a size 4. She gave me a terse "no." I asked what size the mannequin was wearing and she replied just as tersely, "size 6. Too big for you." I asked something like, "oh could I get it to fit? Maybe with a belt?" And she replied "NO. IT RUNS BIG." then glared at me until I left. read more

Tess has a good eye for beautiful clothes and what will look good on you. She's creative, knows her stuff and is pleasant to talk to. You will get a ton of compliments when you wear clothes you have purchased here. read more

Prefacing this review by saying that I very rarely leave a negative review but the experience I had at this store compelled me to spread the word. While shopping in Cambridge Square I stopped into Tess. Immediately I felt a dark negative vibe. I continued to look at the clothing without so much as a peep of greeting from the this sour woman who gave me a side eye glare. As I was looking at some sweaters hanging on a rack in the back, she growled, "Those are up front." I did not realize she was talking to me until I heard her repeat the negative phrase in a deeper growl. I looked up to have my eyes met by her scowling face. What?! There is clothing on a rack in a store. Customers should feel welcome to look at them even if they are in another part of the store. How about a "Can I help you find a size?" How is a store like this still in business. Close and make way for a nice boutique that actually wants to sell clothing to willing customers. Avoid this store unless you want to have negative energy and buy overpriced basic clothing in a dark unhappy place. read more

The owner body shamed both my teenage daughter and me when we were here in April 2022. My kid had picked out some dresses and tops which were slightly oversized as she prefers. The owner then looked at me holding them and, assuming they were for me, loudly declared that I would need to size up. It was really embarrassing. She didnt apologize - just scowled - when she realized they weren't for me. Then, a few minutes later, the owner snapped at my daughter that she "needed" different sizes too and what she had chosen was too big, and not in a nice way. We had not asked for her judgment in either case. So rude! read more

Old inventory, overpriced and poor service. Buyer beware, I learned the hard way.

No prices on any of the clothing. I bought a basic sweatshirt that ended up being $150 -- talk about sticker shock! I wore it out of the store and it started pilling the SAME day. I saw some dresses with the exact same material/pattern/cut that you can find on Amazon for a fraction of the price. Tess is incredibly rude and standoffish if you don't fit her preferred client type: affluent middle aged white woman. Stay away. read more

Yesterday Nov2,2021 after voting at the polling station for West Cambridge at the Friends Meeting House at Longfellow park, my companion and I, a lovely Parisian Woman who knows a thing or two about Haute Couture took a stroll through Harvard Sq via Brattle street and entered the store called Tess. We thought we were visiting a store going out of business. The owner, Tess never acknowledged or greeted us or looked up from her chair behind the counter until we engaged her in a conversation. She asked me if I was the Grandson of my French companion? Which was very INSULTING. According to the previous reviews she is XENOPHOBIC and does not like lovely Asian Women. The prices are ridiculously expensive and most of the merchandise does not have any price tags! You pay what she thinks you are worth! Her merchandise is definitely not HAUTE COUTURE!!! We will never, never return to what looks like a warehouse. BUYER BEWARE! read more

I have bought some items many years ago and still wear them and I popped in this weekend not intending to buying anything - that aside I ended up with several dresses and pants. I wandered for a minute but realizing the volume of stock I asked for assistance and got wonderful and speedy guidance from Tess the owner. I notice a lot of reviews complaining about not being let rummage through the store without assistance and I have to say that is an unreasonable expectation as the volume of inventory and your knowledge of fit is just not going to be enough. Accept this fact and ask for assistance, they know the merchandise and will have you in the changing room in minutes with a workout level of clothes to try on and if you are very nice they may bring you things you did not know you needed and yes, it is expensive but if you read the other reviews you will see they last for years. I get nauseous as a shopper watching other shoppers tear through racks and piles of clothing trying to juggle their sweating iced coffee in one hand showing no regard for the merchandise, seriously park your beverage and ask for help - Don't get me started on changing room etiquette! read more

In consulting, you gotta have 2 out of 3 things at least: 1.) You like the work 2.) You like the clients 3.) You like the money In fashion retail, you need 2 out of 3 things: 1.) You like the clothes 2.) You like the customers 3.) You don't care how much it costs But in fashion in general, don't yield. Bat 3 for 3. 1.) Fashion 2.) Style 3.) Everlasting Mutability So who's got the special sauce for your wardrobe? Louis Boston? No. Barney's New York? No. Saks Fifth Avenue? No. The best threads are at Tess. Absolutement. Back when they used to sell Men's, I was so entranced by everything in the store. I bought a lot of stuff there, way more than I should of. Somehow, all of those gorgeous things are missing from my wardrobe. Pretty much all horked by ex-girlfriends. The only thing left? A $950 Biella outerwear coat. Sure, extravagant, (I'm not made of money! At the same time, I have a rule of thumb, "Anything worth buying is at least a thousand bucks.") but I've had it for oh, 8 years now, I still wear it all the time, and if I had a dollar for every compliment I got for it, it would of paid for itself. Unfortunately, I work it off like everyone else. I still enjoy buying gifts here occasionally. Make sure your choices are 3 for 3, and you'll never regret shopping here, no matter the cost. read more

When my bank account can afford it - I love shopping at Tess for the very best of the top designers - they do an incredible job of stocking some great up and coming Japanese designers work along with the standard European houses lines. Tess also always has some of the best shoes of the season (although nothing compares with the shoe department at Neiman Marcus!) ... Not affordable at all but some of the very best out there in the fashion world.... read more

I had one of the most disturbing and unsettling experiences ever in this store. The entire time in Tess, I felt like I was being targeted and stalked by the saleswoman/Tess. It honestly felt like I was a victim of racism and ageism. My visit was about a month ago. My two girlfriends and I (all in our mid-twenties) decided to take a look in the store. We were greeted by the saleswoman. As we walked around the store, looking at different items of clothing, the saleswoman started following us. She asked us if we needed help with anything. We kindly replied no and that we were just looking. We then moved towards the back of the store to look at some of the dresses. After a minute, she comes over again and asks us a second time if we need help with anything. Again, the response is "no, we're just looking." We move further into the store when a cardigan caught my eye. I noticed the price tag, $800, written in big bold ink. Curious about what the cardigan was made of, I started reading the tags. The saleswoman came over a THIRD time (literally less than a minute after the 2nd time), and then asks "Do you need help reading the price?" I was taken aback by her curt and as a matter of fact tone. I responded "No, I can clearly see the price written on the tag." Unrelentless, she then asked condescendingly "Well then what are you looking for?" Me: "I'm looking to see what it's made out of." Her: "It's made out of cotton." She then directed her attention to my friend who was standing next to me, who was holding a cup of tea and several feet away from any of the clothes and said rudely, "Don't spill any of that on the clothes." In shock of the disrespect we experienced in just the 5 minutes we spent inside the store, my friends and I got the hint that we were clearly unwelcome and decided to leave. On our way out, we noticed another customer - a Caucasian middle aged woman. Never once did this salesperson bother to follow or interact with this customer. I felt like I was being targeted for being young and Asian. We've come a long way with racism, ageism and sexism in the last few decades - but I felt like all of that progress was lost in that store. I've never had someone make me feel so inferior as that woman did that day. It was like she was expecting me to steal something or ruin her clothing; she had to watch my friends and I like a hawk. I was so infuriorated I decided to write a yelp review right after the visit. I saw a number of other yelp reviews expressing the same concern and frustration with the saleswoman/Tess. My review ended up getting flagged and taken down so I am re-writing it. I've also noticed that the other negative reviews are no longer here - probably flagged again. Not cool - especially if this is being done by a store owner or employee. Instead of sweeping all the people who you don't think are rich enough to buy your clothes under the carpet, why don't you address the fact that your customer service needs some improvement. Stores shouldn't shun customers, they should welcome them. I challenge you Tess, to be a more kind, respectful and less judgmental person to your customers. I bet your store will be more successful that way too. If you're reading this and have had a similar experience in this store, I encourage you to write a review. I don't believe businesses should operate in such a rude and prejudiced manner - and they certainly have no place in Harvard Square. Corrective action and improvements can only be made if awareness is raised and poor customer service is flagged as a concern. read more

This is a fabulous store!...The clothes are unique and gorgeous...u can get sticker shock on some items but u can understand why-cashmere coats, sweaters with fur collars, wool/linen blend scarfs etc. ...I enjoy the shopping oasis especially working with Tess. She's very knowledgeable and will tell you if something works on you or doesn't! Def check it out! read more

The owner/solo sales person is Tess herself. Do NOT be swindled by this calculating psychopath. I was in her old store that she moved out of 4+ years ago and at that store she would act fake nice then change the price on things as she rang them up... that's her game so watch out at the cash register she will increase the price without you realizing it until your credit card is run. She is now in a tiny hole in the wall shop - how she can afford it with the shop worn clothing? - it looks like the salvation army. I stupidly bought a Love+Token brand sweater jacket that was tagged $245 she sold for "25% off" making it $183. I checked when I got home - on the Love +Token website it is selling for $160 at regular price!! So she is still playing games and running a racket. I promise Tess is sick. I am not a minority, she stalked me with crazy eyes and while checking out 2 women screamed across the store at me "hey!!" when I got near the front of the store carrying the jacket I was waiting to buy.... treating me like I was a thief. I had on my fur coat so I looked attractive and upscale - so I think has no filter for her rude insanity --it's not racial she will attack anyone. I started laughing she was so ridiculous. She has nothing worth stealing. The only reason I bought the jacket was bc I am visiting and needed it for an event last night and all the good Harvard Square shops are closed/gone. Be careful - BUYER BeWARE at Tess. read more

To all small companies selling to this store and retail buyers beware. Tess, owner, of the Tess store refused to pay for the items that she purchased for her store. We are a small company and we shipped Tess high quality scarves with a promise that she had good credit and would pay. It has been over 5 months since we shipped her over 40 handmade scarves and we have not receive a penny from her. We called numerous times and sent many emails without any response. From one small company to another - you need to do the right thing. read more

Tess is really friendly to me. I've shopped here for years even though I don't always buy something when I go in, and she always recognizes me. I don't know why other people seem to have had bad experiences. She helps me choose things that actually look great on me, and gives me honest feedback. I love this store because it offers really high end clothing that's well made and can't be found elsewhere. It's so much better than trendy, fast-fashion. read more

I just had the most unpleasant experience at TESS in Harvard square. So much so that I decided to look up reviews and - no surprise - many posts have reported how rude the owner can be with customers (as it was the owner after I did a quick Google search). I had found their a couple of nice outfits in the past and while I was in Harvard sq. but luckily she wasn't there at the time. I thought I would give it a try. First many items were not priced at all which was surprising. When I asked about it owner Tess Enright - her name - barked at me: "All those dresses are $675" (over $600). Ok, so I went back looking at more dresses, still no tags. Then I saw some sweaters I might try on, still with no tags. I asked again, expressing my surprise. She barked:"They are all $475". Clearly either she decided nothing in her store would be within my budget OR she just wanted me to go away (which she succeeded in doing). At that point, I looked at her and I said that I was surprised she was in retail because she clearly didn't understand customer service and that she looked really angry (I said that calmly while smiling). I was casually dressed (so was she, wearing worn out capri jeans). May be if I had come in wearing my Kate Spade bag or Tory Burch outfit she might have treated me better (but then asking for price might have not been right in her mind). I have been interviewing store managers and store associated for luxury brands (as well as smaller brands) for a living to develop a clienteling app as my company serves many upscale brands. As one can assume, customer service is key and it becomes an art form in developing a trusting relationship. read more

Today (11/24/2015) at Tess I had the most horrifying shopping experience in my entire life. There was only one salesperson at the store (and based on the reviews posted here, she must be Tess, the owner). With her assistance, I tried on two coats. I didn't buy them, put them down, and continued looking around in the store. Suddenly the salesperson came over and asked me where one of the coats I tried on was. I didn't need a change room to try the coats on, and I just put them on while standing in the shopping area in the store. I didn't remember exactly where the coats were after I put them down, and I suggested that maybe the coat was on the chair, or she put one coat back on the model. She immediately became very impatient and rude and basically was accusing me of stealing the coat. After a few intense minutes, I said, you can search my bag, I didn't take it. Suddenly she said I can go. There was another male customer in the store, and he intervened and asked if anything is missing. I said to the salesperson, I want to be helpful here, is everything okay, are you sure I can go. She said again that I can go, as if nothing has happened. The coat I tried on was labeled $800-900, and I can understand the salesperson must be worried if she can't find it. I'm willing to help her locate the coat, but she simply accused me of stealing in a rude way, and a moment later she let me go. If she let me go because she eventually found the clothes and realized she had mistakenly accused me, at least she should have apologized to me (and she didn't). I am an Asian female under age 30. Reading another Yelp review, it seems that other young Asian women had also had disturbing experience at this store. The other review also writes that Yelp tends to delete negative reviews, so I have posted the same review on Google and I have filed a complaint to the Office of the Attorney General of MA to report the unjust practices at this store. read more

I would like to thank the lovely staff for such wonderful, courteous service. The frumpy redhead behind the counter was especially attentive. My family and I walked in were immediately greeted with a sour look and "um, are you looking for someone?" No, no I am not looking for "someone". I was looking for a black handbag to which she replied "I don't think there's anything here for you". How very Pretty Woman of her! Especially surprising coming from a woman who dresses like she shops at Old Navy. Thank you, sad, schlump woman. Because of your kindness I found the perfect bag at another store. By the way,we were in Boston for a Harvard Psychiatry Conference so we could afford ANYTHING IN THAT TRASHY STORE read more

You are a mean lady, Tess, and you hire snotty women who can tolerate your luke-warm to cold 'tude. I've never felt welcome in your store even though I certainly can afford to dress in style. I'll spend my cash at Sak's -- yes, Sak's -- rather than give you another dime. read more

Buyer beware. Everything in the store was "on sale" at deep discounts because they were moving. Prices, if you could find them, had been hand written on the label tags. A google search showed that the prices had been jacked up so that when the discounts were taken the final price was still greater than the MSRP. Stay away from this store. read more

I am loving these reviews that describe the weird and uncomfortable experience that is shopping in this store. Like others, I went into Tess and found it was totally disheveled-racks and piles of clothes everywhere, it looked like they were moving or going out of business. Hardly any prices on anything - found a thin, tiny sweater that was $500, which in itself is crazy, but some people can afford that and that's okay. What made the experience awful was who I can only assume is Tess herself, the woman at the counter. I came in and she was on the phone yelling at someone on the other line. She did not greet me, but instead curtly asked me to put my drink (which had a secure lid) down. This is fine, but I was taken aback by her coldness. I began browsing and she continued to yell into the phone at someone, getting angry about some sort of claim - it was the only thing I heard while looking at the merchandise. Once I determined that everything in the store was not in my price range, I grabbed my drink and said "thank you," to which she completely ignored me. As I left, I pushed open the door which slammed back onto my finger and seriously injured it. I am currently typing with a splint. I'm pretty sure doors are supposed to shut slowly, but I got the full force of a heavy glass door on my finger. Tess probably saw this happen but did not check if I was okay. Definitely never ever going in there again - stay away if you value your time and the use of your fingers. read more