If Bling Is Your Thing

I know what you are thinking.

"What happened to the Fair Trade for All store that was there just last week? It seemed like it was doing really well." 

And you'd be right. It did well, but it was temporary. What you maybe didn't know is that they only had a three-month lease here in Shorewood, and that was that.

Allison Rozek, proprietor at Shorewood's newest high-end secondhand store Swanky Seconds, has signed a three-year lease with landlord B.K. Yun, and is already reaching out to the community, seeking to grow long-range roots. So, consider this store fair trade, literally, and locally owned and pre-owned, as much of the merchandise is already starting to come, as it were, from you.  

The focus of Swanky Seconds is to sell fashion for women in a fun environment. The store welcomes consignment from locals, and will offer upscale brands of new and pre-owned purses, accessories, women's shoes and clothing, as well as some home decor. 

For shopping convenience, updated pictures and prices of items in the shop will be listed on the website (some already are), and can be shared on Facebook for general consensus gathering. Some offerings will be new, such as scarves, belts and jewelry. They won't sell electronics, but they will have music and snacks to accompany your shopping experience. They sell shoes and clothing that fit all types of women, and have some unexpected accessories. Need long gloves for prom? Check here. Need a rhinestone belt for your second job? Swanky Seconds will be for you.

And Rozek plans on making it a fun shopping experience.

"I want people to come and hang out, see what's new, and come back for parties and events," she said. "Basically, we're going to have some fun."

Retailing decor and jewelry runs in the family. Her mother and uncle have both run successful stores for years in North Carolina and Florida, where Rozek has had experience marketing her inventory. Both her mother and uncle plan to give her support here in Shorewood and are flying in to help set up the store and design her first window display for the opening on May 15. To prepare, Rozek is painting the store window bays (with plans for the town) red.

Rozek herself is no stranger to fashion or business. This store will give her the opportunity to do both. She has even invested in a "swanky" new consignment shop computer system that will allow her to manage inventory and direct donations. It also allows for bar coding and inventory control that benefits both consignor and consignee.

Rozek and her husband are parents of a second-grader at , which is across the street from the store. She is planning to work with all schools in the district to allow clients and customers to direct proceeds to St. Robert's, Shorewood SEED and the PTO groups at and . The Rozeks are also planning a move to Shorewood soon.

"We're working on selling our house on the east side and moving to Shorewood," she said. "We really fell in love with this community."

The grand opening is May 15. Until then, items will be received by appointment only. Email info@swankyseconds.com or call 414-313-4042 for more information. Once the store is officially open, consigned items may be brought in during store hours, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Instructions for which brands, and what types of items qualify are on Rozek's website.