Madox Jewelry recently opened their second location in Andover (Mass) Center taking over the old Andover Gift Shop space. If you haven't been to Madox, you MUST check it out. You'll find amazing jewelry, clothes, accessories and bags from Italy and Paris...as a matter of fact, almost everything they carry is from Europe! So you would expect to pay top dollar for such fabulous items, right? Wrong! Most pieces (including dresses!) are under $100.00. So how do they do it? Owner Terrie personally travels all over Europe to find  high quality and unique items at the the best price points. Check out some of my favorite Madox finds which are definitely going on my holiday wish list!

The bags....oh boy, the bags!! From structured leather bags with amazing details to soft suede totes and quilted leather crossover styles (very Chanel) to stunning and sparkly evening bags (statement pieces) you just can't beat the quality and prices.

Blue suede bag $74.00

Evening bags under $100 (many under $50!)

Leather crossover bag $64.00

 Italian jewelry designer Volpino's creations sparkle with Swarovski Crystals. These unique pieces are  exclusive to Madox so you won't find them anyplace else.  I couldn't resist buying one for myself.

This amazing leather belt is just $54.00

Madox has a wide variety of fabulous Italian scarves--you won't believe the prices!

 Check out the Madox stores in Burlington and Andover. You can also shop online
at http://madoxjewelry.com/  Happy shopping!

We all need a little glamour in our lives. Here are some easy ways to feel sophisticated, posh and like a million!





This fabulous Steve Madden faux fur vest just looks expensive at just $68.00.


Make a statement with crystal. Love the neutral tones of this necklace and the sparkle is "just enough"!.
From J. Crew ...on sale now for under $100.00.










This rich looking quilted oxblood leather jacket says "luxury".  From ASOS and under $300.00




Nothing like a pair of amazing shoes to glam things up and these red patent leather pumps do the trick!
Ivanka Trump from Piperlime 



We all need one (okay, at least one!) amazing bag. LOVE this patent croc (faux) from
H & M  and under $100.

Spending five days in Charleston was like a little slice of heaven...it is one gorgeous city!
Richard and I had so much fun exploring. We walked miles every day photographing
the stunning scenery. The houses simply take your breath away...one is more striking than the next.

And the restaurants!! Charleston is truly a foodies paradise.From Gospel brunch at Hall's Chophouse to a dinner under the stars at Macintosh, we ate our way through the city. And we had the best dessert ever, a sinfully decadent layered carrot cake, at Lana Restaurant








So other than the city's beauty, rich history, nightlife and amazing food...the SHOPPING was also fabulous. Charleston has style. Women know how to dress...I saw a lot of gorgeous outfits cruising around town!

I love the casual comfy look of a ballet flat, but sometimes you want to step (no pun intended :) things up a notch. I just ordered these Banana Republic Capra Flats in black and nude and they're fabulous.
Here's why...

• With a comfy memory-foam insole and a very short 1/2'' heel, they give a little more support than a ballet flat.
• They're dressier with rich patent leather, a gold trimmed heel and a slightly pointy toe. These flats can be worn with just about anything, including a dress.
•  They come in three fabulous colors including black, nude and burgundy.
• The price is right at $110 with 35% off today using code BRSHOP35. 

Ugh, middle age. No matter what size we are, the waistline is the first thing to go.
As my husband says "we thicken".
The good news is that we're all in this together and with the right style clothing, you can "fake a waistline".
Here are some tips:

Look for dresses that have lines in all the right places. This dress shown below actually carves out curves with the black side panels.


A wrap dress is fabulous for enhancing a waist. Notice how the criss-cross design shows off the smallest part of waistline.




Not Your Daughter's Jeans having slimming power! They suck in the mid-section and eliminate the dreaded muffin top. These jeans stretch A LOT so be sure to buy them very snug!



Belters beware! Yes belts can whittle a waistline, but they can also add to it! Place the belt strategically at the smallest part of your waist..When worn under a sweater or jacket it adds just the right "svelting" power.







Jackets, jackets, jackets!!! I just love the slimming effect of a jacket.






Last but not least...don't forget to add a fabulous pair of heels!