We all know times are tough for retailers. Big stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus - even Target - are losing money. Even the promise of holiday shopping isn’t making anybody feel too comfortable.

So if the big boys are having trouble, what about that wonderful, independent, chic, beautiful boutique you love? It’s probably in real trouble.

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We totally agree with designer-to-the stars Mary Norton: “Some days only a fiercely beautiful pair of shoes and handbag will do.”  Chic celebs agree too: such as Teri Hatcher, Carrie Underwood, Katherine Heigl, Queen Latifah,  Jennifer Lopez and Miley Cyrus. They’ve all carried Mary Norton handbags and clutches and stepped into her thing-of-beauty shoes. Now we can too, through the new Mary Norton online boutique.

Some of you may know Mary from her wildly successful handbag company, Moo Roo (named for her daughters Micah and Reilly), which she started in 1998 after having a dream about making handbags out of flowers.

 From there, she went on to be named a rising star in 2004 by Fashion Group International, Inc. and the Accessories Council. In 2006 Mary re-launched her luxury accessory collection under her own name and opened two boutiques in her hometown of Charleston, S.C.,  and Melrose Place in Los Angeles.

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