Wallet-Friendly Fashion
At Uptown Angels, a retail and resale clothing boutique in Springfield, all of the products are below typical boutique prices.
THE SHOP: Uptown Angels, 1314 E. Battlefield, Springfield, 417-882-2645, shopuptownangels.com (Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
ATMOSPHERE: The sign for Uptown Angels in the Fremont Center stands out as trendy, but the interior lets off more of a vintage-modern, at-the-beach feel. As I approach the shop, three mannequins greet me in the window, as does a chandelier. Deeper in, I see beautiful brocade wallpaper, more chandeliers, repainted furniture in whites and pinks, and airy tablecloths on tables stacked with jeans. I step inside and hear Christian rock music playing. That’s a new one. I’m relaxed, and even though the shop is a tad on the small side, it feels airy and open. The hangers are all lined up a finger’s width apart. I like order and symmetry, so this really works for me.
KEY PEOPLE: Inside, owner Sarah Shields greets me with a warm smile—one of those deep smiles that is true and real. She shakes my hand with both of hers. I like her already. Originally from California, she moved to Springfield 10 years ago with her parents. I was surprised to learn that her background is as an executive assistant. As a matter of fact, she has never really worked in retail, besides a short stint at The Buckle to see if she even liked the business.
So actually, she has opened Uptown Angels from the viewpoint of a consumer rather than a retailer. And that’s a good thing. She says that she is in the business of building relationships, and they are most important. High-pressure sales is not her style. She is a smart business woman and is ultra-conscious of the economy, and it shows through her price points and the basis of her store, which is “affordable.” Inspired by Rachel Zoe, she likes to see people take risks with fashion by taking a trend and making it their own.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND: Everything in the front half of the shop is new. Everything in the back is resale. Easy enough. But the funny thing is that, when you’re in the designated sections, you forget which one you are in. I was in resale spotting 7 For All Mankind jeans for $15, and in the new section, I spotted Rock & Republic jeans that are regularly $309 for $89. It’s a beautiful reason to be confused. To be honest with you, I really wanted to buy a couple of the furniture pieces too. I wonder...
If the stars align, Shields will buy your gently used name-brand clothing from you.
417 VERDICT: So it’s 4 p.m. on Friday, and I’m supposed to meet friends at Touch in two hours. I look a mess and have to stretch my paycheck for another week. DING, DING, DING! I now know where to go with a limited budget but big ideas. Uptown Angels buys and sells clothing that you want at prices you dream of. Stop in, even just for a curious run-through. Chances are you’ll come out with a great deal.
