Athens’ fashionistas already know a great little secret – you don’t have to travel to New York or Rodeo Drive to satisfy your craving for the newest selection of must-have labels.

Opulence, a lifestyle boutique catering to the funky styled elite, will soon add its unique collection of fabulous apparel to downtown Athens, as it is moving from its modern Five Points location to the building next to Transmetropolitan on East Clayton Street, which was built nearly a century ago.

“We are really excited about the new location; the building is a lot bigger and is much more convenient for our guests,” owner Mike Usry said. “We are hoping to reopen by the second week of May.”

Usry and his wife Karin, who also co-own Village Idiot and Rumor, have put a great deal of work into the renovation of the century-old building.

It had been used by all sorts of businesses over the century, ranging from an auto-shop in the 1920s to a local business office in the 1980s.

In order to restore the building to its original design, contractors dug through many layers of wall, ceiling and floor. One major part of the renovation was tearing down the dividing walls in the front room to create an open area where they could display their clothing.

Large windows initially welcome guests into the building. Once inside, vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors create a spacious and regal environment.

The entry leads into a palatial room where the walls are lined with shelves stacked with antique books and great doors open to a beautiful outdoor veranda.

Store manager Carly Sinclair chooses fresh new apparel each season from markets in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Opulence amps up wardrobes with stylish brands like Plenty by Tracy Reese, Three Dots, Denim for Immortality, Ben Sherman, Only Hearts and Kenzie.

Shoppers can find tops priced as low as $30 and dresses tagged as high as $200, giving guests the ability to choose from a wide assortment of apparel.

“We may play our music a little too loud, but we want to stand out and be edgier then other boutiques by offering unique designer brands that give those with a fresh sense of style the ability to be creative,” Usry said.

Opulence has been in Athens for three years, and the staff is very excited to vie alongside the many successful fashion boutiques in downtown Athens.

“We are planning a big cocktail party for the opening event. The store will stay open late. There will be food, drinks and a DJ to host the event,” Sinclair said “It’s just going to be a lot of fun.”