Alexis Grace Consignments - Worcester, MA

I discovered a great consignment shop today, called Alexis Grace Consignment. I never would have found this place because it's located in a convenient but out-of-the-way location. What do I mean by that? Well, it's conveniently located right in Worcester in what I think is the Green Island neighborhood. But it's a street I would never go down otherwise. (7 Harrison Street, not far from Kelley Square) Today I was searching for some products by Worcester soap and candle-maker Melanie Paradise of "A Fragrant Paradise" - I had heard that Alexis Grace carries her line of products.

The minute I walked into Alexis Grace I knew I'd like it. It was attractively designed and, unlike so many other consignment shops, the tables and displays were not smooshed together. The spacious and lovely store made looking at the clothing, jewelry and other products a real pleasure. And the low prices were an even greater pleasure!

The co-owner, Mary, had a mug on her counter from which a wonderful hazelnut coffee smell emanated. When I approached, I did a double-take. "Your coffee's on fire!" I joked. Sure enough, it was a candle made by A Fragrant Paradise. If you can get past the idea of flames in your coffee cup, you will LOVE these candles. They smell so good; the entire room fills with the wonderful gourmet-coffee scents! I picked one up for my mother-in-law for Christmas. It's an attractive mug with a candle that looks like coffee with a pouf of whipped cream on top, and it's only $12.95.

If you like consigment shops you will love this one. There's even a back room where out-of-season bargains can be found. Parking can be found on the street OR in a little parking lot directly across the street from the shop.

Lip Gloss Productions

I came across another creative entrepreneur today, in the most unexpected way. I was in the city helping my friend who is looking for an apartment, and in a rather rough-around-the-edges section of Boston we stumbled upon an open house in a place called Lip Gloss Productions. What could it be, I wondered. Well we walked through the door with the hand-painted sign and grapevine wreath, down some stairs to the basement level, where we found ourselves plunged into a veritable wonderland of colorful fleece! Fleece items hanging from the ceiling, covering the tables, spilling out of bins, hanging from racks and being admired by customers. A sewing machine in the back was surrounded by fabric and thread on every available surface. A room positively overflowing with creativity! Darting around the room with a high energy level that could only mean "I'm the owner of this place," was Suzy Peabody.

Suzy's business card says "Clothing manufacturer, sample, production & consultant services," but the side of her we saw was creator of fun fleece clothing and accessories. Her fleece hats, scarves, mittens and more have her own distinctive style...the most popular theme is--hmm--how do I say it--dots, or flowers. Let me explain! Many items are adorned with little fleece flowers created from a series of cutout dots layered atop each other. And at the center of the flower---a handmade button created by none other than Suzy herself. Other items have dots cut out of them (hmm. Now that I think of it, I see the connection....those flower-dots have to come from somewhere!)

I hope Suzy had a successful open house. I was happy to buy some Christmas-gift scarves there, and a hat for myself in a vivid purple/pink combination. When I get a photo from her I will put it (or them) up here on the blog. She doesn't have a web site...yet. Telephone: (617) 269-0047 or Email: lipglossproductions@comcast.net