Saturday, February 28, 2015

Take a Tour

Sneak peek of our adorable boutique and amazing trends created by fabulous merchandiser (humble opinion).

Check it out:

Friday, February 27, 2015

We're Sponsoring Madison Story Slam 2.27

Madison Story Slam is this amazing community event that combines an open mic (anyone can enter) format with a comedy platform of themed stories (this month's is worst job, madness will surely ensue) and places all this in a a venue that is cozy and communal (think 50's era underground bar) all with complimentary PBR and craft brew (first come, first serve or just BYOB) and this is all FREE!  We're this month's sponsor, meaning we are ensuring that it stays free and open to the public.  We'll also be handing out $5 off coupons throughout the night.

Details:
Friday, February 27th
Sign-up 6pm, show at 7pm
Located at Wil-Mar center at 953 Jenifer St., Madison

If you've never been than this is your chance to just show up and watch (did we mention it's FREE), you'll be hooked and want to tell your own crazy tale!

Basically show up to have a great night of beer, story telling, and making connections.




Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Magic of our Trends

This is how we create our trends:


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Top Ten Transitional Items for Spring 2015

We're about to hit that weird time of year where the weather and fashion don't sync up....and most importantly your brain plays a big role because it's saying, "I'm so over winter and ready for spring, but my office/communte/movie theater/house is still freezing cold but I sooooo want to start wearing spring clothes because the sun is FINALLY shining."  Ok, maybe your brain isn't saying all that but mine is and so I have this huge dilemma about what to wear during this transitional period.

Well, I'm here to help you take the guess work out of it all and tell you that there are 10 key items or styles that will help transition into warmer months (ahem, any day now *fingers tapping table*).

Here's a short 1:21 minute video (video not your thing, scroll down for still shots).




1. Cardigan
This one is an open front perfect for layering which can be easily taken off if you warm up.  Go with a great neutral such as grey, cream, or black.

2. Light weight sweater
It's all about layering your outfit between seasons, so going from winter to spring you need light weight pieces that feel springy, but keep you warm.





















3. Fashion top
This means any top that strays from being basic.  We went with chiffon (for that airy feel) in animal print (so trend-on) and can be layered up (see a theme here?!). 


4. Printed Skinnies:
Bold denim in bright colors or a nice subtle print like this will put a bounce in your step and help you shake the winter blahs.  If it seems too risky for your taste be sure to tone it down with neutral layers on top. 

5. Bright Tones
I believe we can collectively as a whole decide winter is over by boycotting dull shades.  Let's put the power back into the people and start a revolution by ending winter by starting to wear bright, bold shades.  Ok, that got a little too preachy, but seriously it's proven that people feel better by wearing cheery shades.  Go dig out some neons or even rosie shades of bright pink and you'll inspire a spring vibe.

6. Bold Plaid
Gingham is the talk of spring, but for the sake of getting to warm weather wear any bright bold plaid. This staple is great for laying under a bold sweater (ahem, above) and adding a big bold necklace or scarf.  It's like you'll be strong-arming winter into giving up because you'll look so vibrant.


7. Florals
This piece is in a simple shape but is in a really bright print!  Watercolor floral is perfect for pre-spring and can obviously be layered over just about anything.  


8. Chiffon Dress Top
A light weight top in pastels is the ideal top for winter to spring.  This color works all through winter and definitely works for spring.  Obviously you know I'm going to mention layering.  It can layer under any sweater or blazer for a dressy vibe.  Button it all the way up and put on a bold necklace.



9. The Blazer
This piece is the miracle piece. It can be dressed up, dressed down, and layered up.  Any single item on the list can be mixed and matched with this blazer.  Seriously, scroll back up and you'll see what I'm talking about.  
10. Pencil Skirt
I'm not gonna lie, I put this on the list because it's fabulous.  It's a vintage 80's leather pencil skirt.  It's so classic it can be worn fall through spring and made to look professional or just cool and edgy. Any pencil skirt will work for this season, but take a moment and enjoy this fine piece.
Bonus: Footwear
Keep your boots for colder days and once the snow melts start rocking your heels again.  Once the sun is shining it's time to wear flats and show some ankle.  Warm weather calls for open-toe shoes and go perfect with any type of bottom.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Bahhh! New Items!

Our savvy customers know to come in the day after our events because we get in such amazing new items.  Today we had our accessories event...meaning all new items (hundreds) available tomorrow!
Check it out:

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Award Season

We love award season: red carpet, speeches, glamour...a reason to drink champagne on a Sunday night.  The Academy Awards are notorious for the red carpet fashion, however we need to take a look at the nominees and their street wear.  In this clip we show the 5 women nominees for best actress and recreate their style with UpShift garments....and you can do the same  with items from your closet and our swap system.  Enjoy.


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Out with the Old and In with the Better Looking Old

In this post we take what has been cast-off by the fashion world (it is fashion week and of course they're taking stock) and make it look new again.  Meaning you don't have to get rid of your favorite trends just because the fashion world says so, you get to hang onto it and make it look great...and wear it with zero shame, in fact, wear these trends with pride cause you look amazing!

(pssst, outtake video at the end of this post)





Patterned Leggings:
Recently there has a been a back lash to the idea of leggings as pants (and although there is a nugget of truth to this), there are appropriate ways to wear any style of leggings.  This idea certainly includes printed leggings.  We see people of all ages and professions wear leggings as pants, and most make it look great as long as this slim-fitting staple is balanced with a longer top and the appropriate shoe (think tall boot or spiffy flat).



Rounded Toe Shoes:
If the trend of finger nails is any indication, pointy is trending.  Rounded toe shoes are so stinking adorable that we say there is definitely room for this trend.  Wear it and wear it in a cute way and you'll still be trend-on.  Along with this trend we show a way to wear the high waist, crop top combo that is all over the celeb circuit.  Here is a pencil skirt paired with a boxy cropped jacket, keep this look tame with a button up top and of course little rounded pumps.





















Animal Print:
This trend has been around for so long it's hard to think it will ever go away.  We don't think it will, at UpShift we see so many amazing silhouettes in animal print that it's almost become a classic. Also, the fashion world can get snobby so with this trend they're just picking on this sophisticated oldie but goodie.  Here we keep it  classic with cropp black bottoms and make sure to showcase the peplum because we think that's also a key trend (see below).





















Peplum:
The peplum is a little flare added to the bottom of a top adding a feminine flair by creating a glasshour figure.  Apparently the fashion world gets sick of a new trend pretty quickly, this trend just hit mainstream and they're saying it's over.  We say it's still an important trend for this figure flattering top.  This one is a sweater which gives it more depth and we pair it with a skinny dark denim and a chambray button up.  Layers upon layers of gloriousness, the peplum is often portrayed as really dressy, but here we keep it nice and casual.  You should too.





















Wedge lace-up shoe:
This trend just hit it's stride (*pun*) and so we know you aren't ready to part with your favorite casual/height inducing shoe.  Neither are we.  Keep this trend and keep it cute by pairing with skinny casual pants and a cutesy print top (this has palm trees...hello, spring) along with a slim fit little military coat.





















Outtake video that didn't make the cut for final UpShift Short


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Accessories Event

Bring accessories as part of your swap and pay only $10

Swap and sip wine February 22nd 2-4pm

At this event (one of our most popular gigs) you'll get to swap while sipping wine for half price!  Yahoo!  Sift through all your old duds....and most importantly your old accessories (jewelry, handbags, shoes, scarves, hats, etc).  We go through accessories so quickly and always need a new selection of goods in this area.

See you Sunday!

www.up-shift.webs.com



Monday, February 16, 2015

Stylist Event February 2015

Here is our adorable guest stylist (stepping in for our fabulous Mary B who will be back later this month).  Check out Sonni's spring advice:


Sunday, February 15, 2015

Fashion Flash


We run these fashion flashes on our webpage, but wanted to share them here!  Scroll through and enjoy!


























Friday, February 13, 2015

Stylist Event February 15th

Here's a sneak peek of some stylist picks for our upcoming event this Sunday, February 15th from 2-4pm.  $10 swap fee and complimentary wine as always!





Thursday, February 12, 2015

Weekend of Lovvvve

Whether you are spending Vday with a certain sweetie or a bunch of gals (cue this new thing called Galentine's Day..it's a thing, Google it), we have options for your weekend wardrobe.  It's a given that both these outfits go with wine...wine is a must for Vday, Gday, or February 14th...whatever you choose to call this Saturday.

Valentine's Day Outfit:  
Take a super sexy dress, anything flattering, and layer it with a blazer and a girly headband, but keep it sexy with shiny pumps.



















Galentine's Day Outfit:  
The key is to let it be know you're out to have fun!  Graphic mullet skirt (short in front, long in back) with a screen tee or neon yellow tank and an eyelet jacket for layering.  Red pumps (duh!) for added color and a way to say screw you to Valentine's Day.

All item's available at UpShift Swap Shop today!  Open Mon-Fri 12-8, Sat 10-4 and Sun 12-6.  Get in here.



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

3 outfits for 3 different lifestyles - featuring plus

In this UpShift short clip we build 3 different outfits for 3 different lifestyles using plus size garments.  Our plus size location is open every Wednesday 2-7pm with an expert plus size fashionista on hand for stylist help.  Plus is located at 2315 Superior Street, Madison. More info on the lcoation can be found on our webpage.


Impact of Swapping Second Hand

Gently Used Clothing: Sustaining resources while looking trendy
By Lindsay Leno
Article originally featured in Nature's Pathways Magazine on February 2014

Used clothing can be incorporated into any wardrobe no matter what profession, stage of life, economic status, or region a person is in.  Not only can used clothing supplement any fashion-forward wardrobe, but by seeking out gently used clothing a person is making a huge impact on sustaining Earth’s resources.  Women can be economical and eco-friendly while building a fashionable collection of clothes by shopping for used garments.
According to The Huffington Post it takes an average of 1800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton for one pair of jeans.  This water consumption doesn’t even include the amount used to dye, treat, and process the fabric for the final product.  The average American owns between 8 and 11 pairs of jeans, just this one style of clothing can strain our water resources.  This statistic doesn’t include the water consumption of other fashion items in our closets such as cotton tee shirts or synthetic styles that use water for processing.  In addition all new clothing has a huge carbon footprint due to the production and shipping of raw goods as well as the final product.  This consumption can be alleviated in your own closet by making a commitment to purchase used garments for some or most of your fashion needs.


Being fashionable is a top priority for many women for a variety of reasons such as career choice, self expression, image, and fit.  Women can honor their fashion sense while maintaining a gentle approach to using Earth’s resources by committing to incorporate used garments in their wardrobe. In fact, women can add a one-of-a-kind flair to their fashion selection while shopping for used garments.  Used garments are available in many different venues such as thrift stores, yard sales, vintage shops, and the growing trend of swapping with family, friends, or community members.  Although committing to wearing used clothing requires an alternative approach toward shopping it can be achieved by following a few easy tips.
The key to incorporating used trends with an existing wardrobe is to have a core set of basic items such as black trousers, straight leg jeans, a white dress shirt, the little black dress, a wool coat or trench, and basics such as neutral camisoles.  With a collection of these classic items it’s simple to purchase trendy items from used stores to layer with the basic items. When setting out to shop for used garments it’s always helpful to have a sense of personal style that compliments career and lifestyle.  If uncertain, it’s easy to gain inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, and even co-workers.  This will help you fine-tune your personal style along with honing in on specific items to seek while thrift shopping.  This is usually a good time to take stock of what is in your closet so you have an understanding of fashion needs and wants.  While taking inventory of your current wardrobe you can clean out unwanted items to donate at the venue you shop at.  Going through your closet will help you understand what you want to suit your fashion needs for work, weekend, and special occasions.


Having a wish list of items to add to your wardrobe will help with staying focused in thrift stores that often times can feel overwhelming due to cluttered racks that display an overabundance of trends.  The shopper should choose one or two thrift stores to shop at in order to maintain a focused shopping experience.  Arrive with a list of what you want as well as a reminder of favorite colors, prints or patterns, and size preference as most stores organize their assortment accordingly.  Be sure to try on all garments and only purchase items you know you will wear.  An additional perk to shopping for used garments is that you can take more risk with your fashion sense because prices are lower on used garments, so don’t be afraid to purchase one or two items that may seem risky for your personal style. 

Adding trendy fashion items to your wardrobe can be easy and enjoyable if you follow a few simple standards.  Not only is it rewarding to find items that compliment your fashion sense, but it helps alleviate the burden that new fashion items have on Earth’s resources.  Taking all this into consideration while shopping for used garments can create a fashionable wardrobe while sustaining our resources.

Monday, February 9, 2015

This week's outfit - 2/8/15

Sunday, February 8th
First day of the outfit.  I wore it to the boutique to work 12-6pm.  It has my stamp of comfy approval, so yeah, it'll work for the week. I'll be wearing it everyday until Saturday. Reference my previous blog post for taking the One Week Challenge.



Monday, February 9th
I wore my weekly outfit today to teach.  It's basically a big drapey sweater that I dress up with a pin and my favorite scarf.  Cuffed straight leg jeans and boots.  I took it off this afternoon and laid it out for tomorrow.  I'm not afraid to switch up shoes or jewelry because that doesn't affect the laundry/water/time consumption of my whole one-outfit-per-week way of life.

What's it like to wear the same outfit each week?  Pretty simple, I lay out the outfit on Sunday (or if I"m having too much Sunday Funday then I pick it out on Monday morning).  I wear it each day, lay it out after work (maybe Febreeze it), and re-wear it each day of the week.  I switch up accessories, like a scarf or earrings, and sometimes if I'm lazy I wear leggings instead of the actual pants I originally picked.  Also, it makes it pretty simple when I only have to do a small handful of dirty laundry each week.  Literally, I did laundry today and it was just my workout clothes and my daily undergarments.  
I wore the outfit everyday last week, Sunday through Friday.  I do this each week because I own a limited amount of clothes that can all be mixed and matched to create hundreds of different outfits to accommodate any occasion. My closet is full of items that fit well and are in classic colors and simple silhouettes.  I own the basics and a few trendy items, which allows me to keep a simple, yet impactful wardrobe.  This would be incredibly expensive to do if it wasn't for our swapping system.




Saturday, February 7, 2015

UpShift Short Clip

In this clip we talk about an unconventional way to best utilize your second hand wardrobe.  Check out this 2 minute short clip and take the challenge. I'll continue to add to this post as the weeks wear on and I personally continue with this second hand challenge.


Suggested Outfit - Wear it for a week!
February 1st - Weekly Outfit
February 8th - Weekly Outfit