I'm disappointed to read some of the less positive reviews about Melanie's written here - especially when I know that just recently the owner thought of closing down the store to retire and the public outcry against it closing was so large she decided to postpone retirement. Small public announcement over.
I am a fan of Melanie's (in case you couldn't tell), and have watched it slowly change over the years. Melanie's has always had lots of jewelry for very reasonable prices (especially their "sale" racks), sunglasses, hats, small clutches, scarves, headbands and other hair accessories, and any cutesy Lilly-Pulitzer-style monogrammed stuff.
Compared to the mall-store equivalents, Melanie's prices are reasonable, bordering on inexpensive for most things. I've found many a great pair or earrings there, gifts for my sister-in-laws, and even a pair of cheap sunglasses I could use at the beach without worrying about getting them sand blasted.
The staff has always been nice to me: the owner seems to always be present with at least one extra person working behind the jewelry counter or wrapping gifts in the little back room. (Tangent: gift wrapping is free and they do a very good job of it.)
I'll admit the selection at Melanie's is a little hit or miss - sometimes you find a ton of goodies, sometimes not, but either way, I still love going every once in a while to see what's new and different. read more