“Just wanted to let you know how much I LOVED your advise!! I feel like I have a whole new lease on shopping... dragged mom all around Pioneer Place this morning, and then went back to Washington Square to get even more!

I really do hear your little voice inside my head, just like you said.

Can’t express my delight in your services, and will very much call you next season, if not before!”
- Michele Clark

Write to me and let me know what "fashion" questions you have and I'll answer and post them for your review! sara@dahlstyle.com

DEAR dahlstyle:
I’ve never been considered a ‘tiny person’ and I’m okay with that, really. I just have an issue with fashion boutiques not offering my size. I’m a 14 and it seems that nobody carry’s my size. Aren’t I considered the ‘average’ size of a woman? What’s up with this?

Sincerely,
Big, beautiful and wanting to shop!

Dear Big, beautiful and wanting to shop!:
You need to give me a call!!! I’m not sure how long it’s been since you’ve been out to the boutiques here in Portland but there are a number of stores that carry your size and up! I understand your frustration though, it’s taken the retail world WAY too long to act on this!

By the way, the first step to having personal style is accepting and rocking the body you’ve got right now so, YOU GO GIRL! You’re one step already there.

Fashionably,
dahlstyle

DEAR dahlstyle:
I’m not sure if you have kids but after my third baby boy was born I just haven’t been able to find my style again. I feel like I’ve been out of it for years and years now. I can’t dress like I did in high school but I don’t want to dress like my Mom either. Any suggestions?

Sincerely,
Proud Mother of three

Dear Proud Mother of three:
I don’t have three babies but I did have one 11lb baby boy a couple of years ago and I totally understand the journey back from delivering your bundle of joy. It’s a hit to your esteem. Good for you for taking the steps to reclaim your beauty and style. It’s so easy to get lost in the world of caregiver but you can only be your best at what you do if you’re the best at who you are and looking and feeling beautiful is a part of that. You’ve taken the first step, my suggestion now is to visit your closet and remove anything that doesn’t Fit, Flatter or have Function in your wardrobe. Also if you don’t feel fabulous in the pieces you own, you should get out there and purchase only pieces that do. That’s what an effective wardrobe looks like. Give me a call, I would love to be a part of that journey with you.

Fashionably,
dahlstyle

DEAR dahlstyle:
I am a 42 year old woman who has never had a clue about fashion or style. Is there something wrong with me? Did I miss a day in first grade that would teach me all I need to know?

Sincerely,
Cluelessly Fashioned

Dear Cluelessly Fashioned:
Having a personal style isn't something that we're really taught. It's something that comes to us more instinctually. I like to use my lack of knowledge in computers as an example. Some people have the instinct to learn computer programs quickly. I do not have that ability, but I will hire the necessary technician to help me in this case. I understand that knowing what to buy and wear can be frustrating for some, so I am here for you if you need any "style" help.

Fashionably,
dahlstyle

DEAR dahlstyle:
I have a chest size of 38DD and I have the WORST time finding anything that fits me in the chest. Do you have any suggestions?

Sincerely,
Bust'n' Out

Dear Bust'n' Out:
I have a number of clients that experience the same frustration and I understand how difficult it is to find the right clothes that fit. First, try to find tops that have a little stretch in them. Make sure the buttons aren't pulling where they meet but the stretch will give you some room to breathe and move. Secondly, you can find jackets and tops that will fit you in your shoulders as well as your chest but it will be a matter of "trial and success". Once you've found tops that work, buy them in every complimentary color for you. As for jackets, make sure they are a three button jacket to "lock and load" your chest. Avoid ribbed knits and bulky sweaters. Stick to items that will skim your body type without pulling along the chest. You can also find custom made tops on the internet that are custom made to your specifications. They are expensive but the perfect fit is definitely worth the money!

Fashionably,
dahlstyle