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Jessica Lynn, the boutique’s owner, named Leokadia after her shoe-crazed mother who would rather build a bigger house for her shoe collection than throw a pair away. The boutique stocks shoes, handbags, jewelry and other accessories. Its well-edited collection of some of the best European designer shoes has had Boston buzzing since its inception on April 2008. Leokadia is a dream come true for the fashionista. After spending every summer in Europe since she was 8 years old, Lynn decided that her store would have to have the same look and feel as if she were back overseas. And that’s what you get. From the moment you walk down the front steps and see a patio filled with bright flowers and an antique bench from the Tulleries in Paris you know you’ve stumbled upon something good. Leokadia was decorated with the finest antique furniture and hand-carved European benches, marble countertops, and the walls brushed with gold. You’ve never seen anything like it. The focus of the store is to be ahead of the trends and work with brands and styles not carried in department stores. “I want everyone to feel like they can find something in here” Lynn explains. Currently the boutique carries designers such as Betta Carrano, Costablanca, Moschino, Missoni, Repetto from Paris, Emilio Pucci, Lumi and Treesje to name a few. But don’t get scared by price. Lynn understands sometimes you just need a shoe-fix without the expense so she welcomes lines like Dolce Vita and Boutique 9 in the mix. Lynn will continuously update her product mix to stay with trends as well as adding some her own creations from time to time. Leokadia also has exclusive lines of rain boots, vegan shoes, even umbrellas. Make sure next time you are in Boston’s South End district you stop in to see for yourself. And don’t be surprised if you walk out with a bag of your favorite accessories, everyone does! Participating in the South End Sidewalk Sale the weekend of Aug 8-10th

OUT OF BUSINESS Walking in to Motley Home makes you feel like becoming an interior designer, simply for the fact that you want to buy the whole store out. This store is rather new to the South End- it has only been in existence for 1.5 years, however, the place is sure to draw the adventurous shopper!

This is a sister company to the original My Nail Salon located on West Newton St. They are open Monday-Wednesday from 10am-8pm, Thursday-Friday from 9am-8pm, Saturday from 9am-7pm, and Sunday from 11am-6pm. They offer nail services, waxing services, and massage as well. They have reasonable prices and offer spa-like packages as well!

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