If you’re one of the many people who were sad to see Posh, the resale/consignment shop in New Buffalo move to St. Joseph, you’ll be happy know that there’s a new place in Lakeside that’s attempting to fill the gap.

A real estate agent with Keller New Buffalo, Armida Sopa has started a side hustle, Armida Atelier, out of a large room in Blue Anchor Antiques in Lakeside. The shop’s grand opening is Saturday, June 6 from 12-7 pm ET with wine from Dreihart in Three Oaks, catering from Flagship in Lakeside, sweets from Luisa’s Swedish Bakery in Harbert, live music and gifts to the first 10 customers.

Armida is from Lithuania, moved to the U.S. when she was 21 and spent about 20 years living in Chicago until eight years ago, when she and her husband had fully relocated to their beach house in Lakeside.

“I decided to open Armida Atelier because fashion has always been a passion of mine,” she says. “I’ve done consignment before through different consignment shops including Posh, and I’ve always loved the idea of giving beautiful pieces a second life. I tend to shop a lot and curate unique items, so creating a space where others can buy, sell, and discover special pieces felt like a natural step.”

Armida’s focus is on “elevated, high-end consignment—primarily women’s,” she says, “but I do plan to include select men’s pieces as well (and possibly expand over time).”

She’s got some beautiful pieces, mostly designer, but some Zara labels have made their way in, too.

Armida also started the shop to get to know more people in the area, she says. Weekenders tend to hole up in their vacation homes before speeding back to Chicago; living here full-time makes her yearn for more community.

She’s got the perfect space for it. Her 800-square-foot shop is an airy, light-filled space, and she’s carved out an inviting seating area with a comfy couch and chair. A friend and I spent a delightful hour browsing and chatting last weekend as she pulled some items she thought we’d like. As we were leaving, a woman with a last-minute fancy party to attend came in looking for an outfit, and we all had fun pulling things for her. And I snagged a fab Bakelite bracelet!

Hours are 11 am- 6pm ET Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; Thursdays by appointment. Those hours will likely expand as summer goes on, Sopa says. Consignments are taken on Thursdays by appointment. Sopa takes 60 percent of consignment sales; 50 percent of more expensive items.

Armida Atelier, 14876 Red Arrow Highway, 630-853-8331, armi77@gmail.com