Shop gives a new home to reused, high-end fashions

Make no mistake, 2nd Act Las Vegas is one class act. Owner/operator Pamela Alksne accepts only dry-cleaned, higher-end fashions for the consignment store.

"I try to have something for everyone, and I don't take (in) anything lower than the main department stores," she said. "It's mid to high end."

The shop is on the edge of Sun City Summerlin at 9484 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 6. It recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Brand names include Yves Saint Laurent, St. John and Chico's. The last one is always 10 percent off.

In fact, discounts are available every day at 2nd Act. It's part of Alksne's marketing strategy and keeps merchandise moving, she said, so there's always something new to discover. This day, two spaghetti strap dresses adorned mannequins at the front of the store. Sizes go up to 3X.

"I think a heavyset lady can look just as nice as someone who's a size 0," Alksne said.

Besides clothing, expect to find fashion accessories such as scarves, name- brand purses and statement belts. Much of the jewelry is by local designer Falba Martin, who uses stones from exotic places. One of the necklaces on display, for example, used hauntingly blue stones from Madagascar.

Alksne receives clothing each week. Don't try to bring her anything that's this month's flash-in-the-pan trend. Alksne said she looks for classic pieces that can carry over.

"Nothing faddish," she said.

Kris Steinwand was shopping this day, but she wasn't looking for outfits that would last for years, only until she dropped another size.

"I'm losing weight, so I need more clothes. I've lost 117 pounds," she said, adding that as she loses even more, she'd be back to find more "temporary" clothes.

A table displayed high heels and boots. The soles bore barely any scuff marks. That's another prerequisite Alksne insists upon before accepting shoes for the shop. Cleanliness is paramount, she said.

Most customers stay 30 minutes or longer. Alksne said they consider coming to her shop "an event."

Jan Moore is a devotee of 2nd Act. She has been shopping there since it opened.

"I find really, really nice things in there," she said. "I kind of like to 'treasure hunt' when I go into stores like that ... (with consignment shops) you can't just go in and go out. You have to take your time and look around. It doesn't smell like a thrifty store. And it kind of has a boutique look to it."

The boutique aspect is likely because it has Alksne's touch as an interior designer. The moss green walls are brought to life with terra cotta accent walls and acid-washed concrete floors.

When a patron needs advice, Alksne uses her artistic leanings to help put together the right pieces. She said she can look at a woman and know instinctively which colors she should wear for her skin tone.

She also said some rules are made to be broken.

"I laugh because my mother used to tell us, 'never wear stripes with polka dots,' but now you can do that," she said. "It can be fun. People don't need to be boring."

The store also carries some gift items, books and home decor pieces.

Alksne did not set out to be a consignment shop owner. Her mother-in-law, Patti Alksne, has had a 2nd Act store in La Jolla, Calif., for years. It seemed fitting to open one in Las Vegas.

"She encouraged me to start (one) ... I had run five medical facilities and was way burned out," Alksne said. "I decided I wanted a change. She said, 'Do what I do. You're never going to be a millionaire, but you will have a blast.' "

Alksne said she's not a millionaire in a money kind of way, but the shop has brought her "something better - many many new friends."

Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 233-9974 or visit 2ndactlasvegas.com.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.