Friday Video Blog Sept 23rd

Lots of new stuff happening here!  Check it out:

Friday Video Blog - 4 New Trends

In this video I outline all the super exciting things happening in the next few days as well as 4 key trends to wear this fall!

Enjoy!

Link for voting for us and all your Madison Faves can be found here!
Upshift is found under CONSIGNMENT

Madison Magazine Best of Madison Poll

Madison Magazine announced this week it's "Best of Madison" poll and we're included on the list!  Voting begins September 15th and runs through October 31st. Vote now!

Couple of things to keep in mind:

First, we are so honored to be a part of this and hope we are voted as best-of in our selected category!  That means we have to get out and vote (this is a positive election campaign, yay!) and it also means you should share on social media so people know you feel passionately about what we do at Upshift!

Secondly, as outlined by Madison Magazine you must vote for at least 25% of the categories (so you're not just voting for the category we're pushing).  Honestly, we are so proud to be Madisonians that we believe in all the businesses that make Madison awesome so get out the vote for your favorites.  We're all just a bunch of small businesses trying our best in the best town evaaa!  So, vote for the categories that resonate with you, just make sure it's 1/4 of the categories.

Lastly, you can vote once per day with one email as outlined by their rules.

Now get out and vote!  Share on social media!  

Thank you from our entire Upshift family; owners, staff, volunteers, customers and community!

Lindsay

Chloe + Isabel Pop Up Shop Hits Upshift

We are so EXCITED to feature a pop up shop at Upshift on Sunday, July 24th from 2-4pm and we're offering a half price discount on our swap fee at this time.  Chloe + Isabel collection will be set up for you to peruse while you swap at the store.  Nicole Fuller is a Chloe + Isabel Merchandiser and will be on hand to showcase their summer collection, which will be available for you to buy!

Sunday, July 24th 2-4pm
$10 off swap fee
Complimentary wine
836 East Johnson Street

View and purchase Chloe + Isabel jewelry!


When we decided to feature them as a pop up shop it was apparent we NEEDED to feature them based on their company philosophy, which is so very similar to ours! They have a friendship policy, I'll repeat that...a friendship policy! 


"The idea of best friends with different personalities and styles, united by their passion for fashion and self expression."  That seems so familiar it's uncanny.  They also are founded with the principal of being dedicated to empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs.  This also hits home as a female business owner that works at transcending certain stereotypes regarding this very topic. The very first sentence written by the owner, Chantel Waterbury, says, "I conceived of Chloe + Isabel as a place where smart, creative and confident women could play a significant role in creating an innovative new business model where they were at the center."  This very sentence perfectly expresses why I do what I do and reminds me of all the confident women that shop at Upshift.  To learn more about the Chloe + Isabel philosophy check out their webpage.

Beyond their amazing culture and philosophy as a company their jewelry is to die for!  It's unique, beautiful, and amazingly crafted.  I've seen it first hand and can say I am so pumped for us to feature it at Upshift.  Here's a sneak peek of their amazing summer collection:

Their pieces are also featured in major magazines and worn by celebs!  The jewelry looks very high end but is totally affordable for any gal!

Upshift Video News

Here's a quick video that will keep you up to speed on all that is Upshift!  Bonus at the end of the video; top ten garments for the day and top ten accessories for the day.

Check it out:

Top Trends for BTS

Back-to-School season is here and even if you don't plan on going back to school it still is a season that affects everyone, it's basically pre-fall and the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe for chilly, layering season.

So, without further ado, here are your must-have trends for this transitional season:

Denim and more denim

Lace

Pastels

Animal prints

Ethnic embroidery

Ethnic patterns

Mary Janes

Brights

Anything Gold

Leather accents

Ever wonder where we get our trend information?  We sift through tons of magazines and store shop as well as follow a ton of awesome instagram fashionistas.  Speaking of, follow us.  Do it, do it now.

Top 10 Summer Styles

We love our best-of lists here at Upshift, so on that note it's time for out top 10 styles for this summer!

1. Solid white top

Bonus if you pair with crisp white jeans

2. Cropped lace top

Cropped or boxy tops are a must have

3. Strapless dress in geometric patterning

The contrast piping adds a vintage flare

4. Anything in Neon

This adorable skirt is super light and airy

5. Polka dots

Chiffon tops in any style are super easy to wear

6. Denim top

Denim on denim is super trendy, pair top with jeans

7. Plaid top

Anything in plaid is hot for the summer and into fall

8. Pattern mixed top

Pattern mixing is taking two patterns in the same tone

9. Crop top with tribal print

Take any shirt you love and make it a crop!

10. Stripes!

Any and all stripes are hot for summer, bonus if it has a peplum

We are thee Destination 'Hood

East Johnson Street, Madison's best kept secret!  We are considered part of downtown, however we're tucked away between Madison's busiest bike corridor on Mifflin and Lake Mendota on a one-way street heading away from the square.  If you're headed away from downtown and totally zoned out you may miss this quaint little destination hood that is home to some of the best shopping, food, cocktails, and local services!

You could easily make a full day out of visiting our street where parking is FREE and right in front of the shops and restaurants (I park right in front of Upshift and walk 4 feet to our front door everyday).  The street signs state that it's a 2 hour limit, but has never been enforced in the 2 years we've called this magnificent street our home.

If you pack up your honey bunny or your little ones and head our way it's best to start your day with coffee at Johnson Public House or as we all call it JPH.  They have baristas on hand that concoct amazing brews and tea that is made alongside super duper awesome food.  And, yes they have beer and wine.

On your way to breakfast stop at Burnie's Rock Shop.  If you never have visited, this is one of Madison's shopping institutions filled with jewelry, stones, and crystals.

Next up, visit Sophia's Bakery (right across the street from Upshift) for the absolute best breakfast you'll ever have, promise!  Everything is organic, homemade, and delightful.  Sit outside on their curbside patio or inside where you sit family style with other patrons (it's not weird, it's actually really heartwarming and reminds us of why we love our little community so much).  Of course if the line is long, and sometimes it is, pop on over to say hi and grab a glass of wine while you put some awesome fashion on hold for a future swap.

After your amazing breakfast, and while your food settles (cause I have 2 more restaurants you're stopping at for lunch and dinner), stop in at the newly opened Drunk Lunch for adorable housewares which is next door to Fontaine.  Prepare to spend some time in Fontaine, it's packed full of the most phenomenal housewares and decorations you'll find in Madison.

Next stop is Good Style Shop, and it is a must stop!  They have the absolute best, curated collection of vintage clothing in Madison.  If retro or vintage isn't your thing it's still worth stopping in because the clothing is high quality and always trend on (my husband got his favorite dress shoes from there and they were way less expensive than a big box retailer and because they were made in the 50's the quality is unbelievable!).

If you're hankering a cocktail (and let's be honest who doesn't while they're shopping *ahem* wine while you shop at Upshift *cough*) a brand new craft cocktail bar opened on our street!  The Robin Room just opened up and serves hand crafted, specialty cocktails.  You know that delightful place called The Merchant, yeah, the guy that helped create their menu opened his own joint.  We are so happy to have this place in our hood!

If cocktails aren't quite your cup of tea stop next door to Macha Tearoom.  Yes, they reopened in our neighborhood! They used to be an institution over on Monroe Street, but headed to our end of town and we could not be happier!

Alright, by now you've had a ton of caffeine and possibly a cocktail or two.  It's time for lunch and the perfect spot is, well, The Spot.  We spend a ton of time there and they have our favorite items on their menu, which continually evolves based on their chef's recommendations.  It's safe to say anything on the menu is unbelievably delicious.  Their food is complex and simple at the same time, but never disappoints (and you're hearing this from one of the pickiest eaters out there).  The food and drinks are super affordable, too.

If you forget any necessities while on your day excursion you can stop at our corner store, Madison Food Mart.  They have everything from produce to beer to munchies or household necessities. If you need to replenish your liquor cabinet stop across the street at Cork N Bottle where they have a wide selection of wines and beers.

Ok, last but not least you should save room for dinner and I insist on Salvatore's Tomato Pies.  Not only the coolest space for a pizzeria, but their pizza pie's are to die for. At this point your shopping bags are full and so is your appetite. You can go home and bask in all the glory that is The East Johnson Neighborhood.

Now for the secret of all best kept secrets.  We are literally 2 blocks away from two of Mad ison's main-stays; Caribou Tavern (where you can get the best burger while you do laundry, yeah you read that right) and Forequarter where your taste buds will not be disappointed.  While you visit be sure to stop at Juneberry Studio and Marketplace for some of the cutest accessories, crafts, and housewares.

Additionally, here are a few businesses on our street that are perfect if you need specialty services:
Black Moon Tattoo
Wilke Chiropractics
Dog Haus University
U-Frame-It
Spruce Tree Music and Repair
Wisconsink Tattoo and Piercing
Studio 924 Hairstyling
Old Town Cycles
Jewel in the Lotus Yoga

There you have it!  Plan a visit and prepare to fall in love with our neighborhood as much as we all love it!  Every single business that exists in our hood is a small business owned by people in our community.  We depend on patrons like you!  We especially depend on and appreciate when you visit us and then spread the word on your experience.  Word of mouth advertising is the marketing most of us rely on because it has always proven to work.  Thank you in advance for visiting us!

Fashionably yours (and usually with a drink in hand),
Lindsay
Owner of Upshift Swap Shop 

Grand Reopening Video Blog

Check out all things happening here at Upshift Swap Shop

Warning:  The picture below looks like I will sneeze, I do not.  Also, I say, "Umm." a lot.  I'm so out of practice of doing video blogs.

The Winds Are a Changin'

Uffduh, we have had so much change happening here at Upshift.  First, a car drives through our front window which set off a whole chain of events.  We were boarded-up and closed for a week, and lucky for us a fabulous artist Stephanie Hagens came forward to paint a phenomenal mural on our temporary store front.  Next, we were told about all the hard work ahead to get our store back to fighting shape; new windows that take 3 weeks to order, garment cleaning, store cleaning, new rugs, mannequins, painting, dusting (dusting and more dusting, seriously where does it all come from), and constant questions about when we reopen.  WE'RE OPEN, come swap!

It's been a tough couple of months, especially with all the construction (to create an amazing new storefront), but mostly with people not really understanding that we are indeed open!

In fact, we're celebrating a Grand Reopening on June 23rd from 4-8pm.  Join us!

We finally have beautiful new windows!  What a blessing to have such an amazing new storefront, guess what though...our huge new windows expose how outdated our interiors are.  We plan to paint and replace all our outdated fixtures; mannequins, rugs, cash register counter, and fitting room curtains.  In addition, we will have a full new floorset (meaning all new trends) done by our merchandiser.

The first step in all these changes, after our new windows went in, was to move our amazing mural indoors.  There was a resounding response from the public that we HAD to preserve the mural and we could not agree more!

We moved that amazing piece of art into our fitting room!  Change Is Good, indeed!  Thank you Stephanie Hagens for contributing this piece to our store!  Here is the mural permanently installed into the store.

New Window Display

Update on our windows display:
Our dedicated staff, Amy has decided to redo her window display despite it being ruined when someone drove through our old windows.

Here are the amazing results:

Grand Reopening

We have new windows!  We are celebrating with our new digs by hosting a GRAND REOPENING on June 23rd from 4-8pm.  Mimosas and wine along with swag bags.

Join us and help celebrate!  $20 swap fee to get an all new wardrobe and party on down!

Keep it Local, Keep it Simple

 Shop local.  Everyone everywhere touts this concept, but what does shopping local look like in action?  It can take many shapes and forms when exercised, and the impact can go a long way.  Shopping local at independent businesses keeps communities alive and thriving all while you’re also saving your sanity by not shopping in a hectic, big box environment.  Shopping local is straight forward and simple while supporting the whole well being of communities both large and small. 

Shopping local creates a lasting impact on communities while supporting small businesses, usually owned by local residents, which in turn employs other community residents guaranteeing that local dollars stay within your city or town.  Most statistics agree that shopping local generates an 80% return of revenue back in to the community. Keeping revenue local is especially important during hard times such as the all too recent recession, during slower months or even during time of road construction.  All these variables can be devastating to the small, independent business which affects the local economy and community.  Spending dollars on a local level can alter the well being of small businesses as well as the foundation of the community.

What exactly does shopping local look like?  It can include sticking close to your neighborhood, even for small things like your favorite bottle of wine or your daily morning coffee.  Set a goal to purchase one specific item at a local shop, even if it’s just one day per week. Shopping local can include visiting destination neighborhoods within town.  These neighborhood gems have boutiques and shops that carry necessities or gift items, and often have restaurants that make it ideal for an afternoon retreat.  You could commit to eating brunch or lunch each week at a small, local establishment along with shopping at the surrounding stores.  Shopping local can also include a day trip to a small, local community.  The intricate matrix of small local businesses is intertwined even if the actual city or town isn’t physically connected.  Chances are the residents of any small community visit a larger, nearby community to shop. Supporting each other ensures we’re keeping both thriving communities alive.  Making a promise to take a seasonal day trip could make a huge impact on independent businesses in all communities.  Taking an afternoon or day trip on a consistent basis will have a lasting impact on small businesses as well as your personal well being.  It’s also worth mentioning that carrying cash versus plastic can help the independent retailer, as well as your own bottom line, by avoiding additional charges associated with debit or credit cards.

Get out of the house this summer and spend time within your community.  Specifically spend leisure time in your community’s unique shops and restaurants to support the business owner, their employees and ultimately your very own community.  It’s that simple.

Remodel Update

As you may or may not know we are remodeling, not by our choice, but hell yeah we get an all new store front! Want to hear the whole story click here. Otherwise update on progress below:

5/12:  Our contractor just called and windows will be installed on May 25th which marks the beginning of the remodel. We anticipate is will take some time so we will have our GRAND REOPENING on June 5th.  Of course, we'll keep everyone posted!

We are officially back to normal hours!

Mon- Fri: 12-8pm

Sat: 10-4pm

Sun: 12-6pm

5/4:  Front windows and door are ordered and shipping!  We feel confident in the progress of our remodel that we will be going back to normal hours next week, until then our hours are:

4/20:
We are officially open for temporary hours!  We will have a fabulous new mural on our store front, created by local artist Stephanie Hagens.  Our windows will be installed within a couple of weeks, and will greatly improve our amazing little store front!  Until then please help keep us afloat during the following hours:

4/18: A group of helpers came out today to hang all the clean garments and clean any remaining debris. The team worked quickly and we were done by 7pm.  We also met with an artist that will be painting a mural on the front facade until we get windows. The store is totally ready to reopen with limited hours.  We will be open today, Tuesday April 19th from 2-6pm.  We need to recoup lost sales so please come on out to shop today and during our limited hours in the coming weeks until we have our permanent windows in place.

Thank you to everyone that has offered support throughout the past week and in the coming weeks.  It's been a very crazy week to say the least and wouldn't have made today's opening if it hadn't been for such amazing friends, family, volunteers, employees, customers, contractors, and cleaners.

Much love from the Upshift family!

Team Awesome - cleaning the store

Finishing touches

Previous updates:

4/16: Our contractor placed the temporary front facade and new door. The cleaner finished with the building, but now we need to focus on cleaning the garments.  We found hundreds of pieces with debris and glass on them.  We loaded them up and they are being washed now, 12 loads total.  We have committed to using all natural products and are hang drying them all to cut down on environmental impact.  

4/15: We met with contractors and cleaners to begin work today. The boutique looks so much better already. We did an initial inventory of lost items. There are so many garment covered in debris, dust, and glass.  In fact, when I simply reached down to pick up a pair of pants I was cut by a shard of glass (minor, but still worth noting since we need to make all garments safe for swapping)  In addition to all lost garment and accessories,we need 3 mannequins and a mural artist to do a temporary facade on the construction wall until our windows are replaced in 2-3 weeks!

4/14: Met with contractors and cleaning begins tomorrow as well as initial reconstruction. We still have to do inventory and itemize all items lost or damaged. Work begins at noon. Temporary storefront for reopen estimated for Sunday 4/17. They're quoting a full recovery in 2-4 weeks.

Cleaned up and ready for construction

Boarded up with debris

New Mural Storefront

Here at Upshift we choose to only do things that brings happiness and optimism (ahem, fashion and wine), which can be tricky when a car slams through your front store window.  Like champs we took a deep breath, a long swig of wine, and chose to find the good.  We reached out to the community to find an artist that could repaint our temporary storefront.  Stephanie Hagens, a local fashion illustrator, was the first to get back to us and have a concept ready in hours.

Storefront after car accident

This chica is nothing short of amazing, check out her art here and definitely check out how she has transformed our storefront. Once we get our new windows up, in about 2 weeks, we'll move the mural into the store as a permanent art installment.  She was able to take something bland and transform it to something phenomenal that oozes happiness and optimism.  We are so thankful we met her and that she could act fast (all in all from concept to design to mural she did it in 12 hours).

Come on down to our Madison boutique located at 836 East Johnson Street to swap up, sip wine, and see the mural in person!

Follow Stephanie Hagens on Instagram AND visit her webpage here.

Before

During

After