New store is a step in the right direction

MILLERTON — Millerton’s reputation as a hip small town has just been given a leg up with the opening of a new boutique that caters to a younger crowd.Mary Magdeline’s , which held its grand opening on Saturday, June 18, offers a rich selection of trendy shoes, clothing and jewelry.“We’re an accessory boutique,” said Gina Mazzei, the owner and manager of the store, who described her hand-picked inventory items as “statement pieces” that add a sexy touch to any outfit.Mazzei says that besides providing fun, girly items that would appeal to contemporary women, one of her main goals is to maintain a dynamic, rolling inventory priced with affordability in mind.She noted that all of her stock is priced under $60, with most of her shoes ranging from $30 to $50. The clothing sells for between $20 and $50, and the jewelry sells for as little as $4.Her store is very similar in price and style to what can be found at the malls and department stores in Poughkeepsie, Kingston and Hudson, but Mary Magdeline’s has the added benefit of local convenience.Mazzei even joked that many of her items can be bought for what it would otherwise cost in gas just to drive to the nearby cities.One wall of the store is studded with fierce heels in fresh colors and patterns. The front of the store shows a selection of fashion-conscious sandals, flats and lower heels.The racks of dresses and shirts along the opposite wall are cleanly detailed with lace, texture, silhouettes and bright colors.A display case offers a wide variety of chunky rings, bold cuff bracelets and bohemian pendant necklaces.Some styles proved to be so popular during the store’s first week of business that they are nearly sold out.“Once an item is sold out, I won’t carry it again,” said Mazzei.She wants to have a constantly changing inventory so she can provide a wide selection that will draw in repeat customers coming to check out the new stock.While some of her shoes have a more dramatic, eye-catching sense of fashion, most of them can also be dressed down to fit into anyone’s wardrobe.Mary Magdeline’s is located at 24 Main St. (near the corner of South Center St.) in downtown Millerton. The operating hours are not yet set in stone, but the store is currently open six days per week and closed on Tuesdays. Call them at 518-592-1355.