About Us

 

Our Story~

Our store started back in 1976.  Eleanor was struggling to find clothes in Portage so she decided to solve the problem and open her own shop.  Because that's what strong and fabulous women did in the '70's!  Her daughter-in-law Cindy came on board right away and together they began to build our foundation.  Shortly thereafter, they packed up and moved to a larger store.  A few more years went by and the opportunity arose for a main street location.  The building was purchased and the rest is history!  Eleanor retired in the late 80's and her granddaughter Megan (Cindy's daughter) joined the store in 1996.  From there they built Fancy Pants into what it is today.  

Also in 1996, Smart Woman Shoes and Accessories was established on the corner of Cook Street and Wisconsin Street.  Then, Smart Woman, was added right next to Fancy Pants in 2012.  Thanks to a shared opening, you can move from Smart Woman to Fancy Pants without even stepping outside!

Building the business even further, Cindy and Megan decided it was time to give their customers an even easier shopping experience.  In the Summer of 2023, Smart Woman Shoes and Accessories was moved into the two other stores.  Doing so allows you to truly complete an outfit from head to toe under one roof, as now the shoes and accessories are conveniently located right along with our fabulous clothing selections!

Our team loves to make our customers look good and more importantly, feel great!  Our buyers search apparel markets throughout the country to bring you the best and most unique items.  Customers tell us they are excited to find something new and different every time they shop. 

From urban to classic, timeless to trendy, workday to weekend, we recognize the necessities in your wardrobe and seek to always provide you with the styles you're looking for!

It has always been our mission to create a friendly and fun experience.  We cherish the relationship we build with you and hope you enjoy our shop as much as we enjoy helping you!

We absolutely love being a third generation small business.  Our heart is and always will be in historic Downtown Portage WI.  We can't wait to see you!  If you are from afar, we look forward to helping you too.  Give us a call to place your order and we'll get it shipped out right away.