Posted: Friday, June 12, 2015 4:00 am Mother, daughter team up to outfit tall women
By HANNAH COMBS,
CENTREVILLE - Women come in all shapes and sizes, but statuesque is not often a size choice available off the rack in department stores. Growing up, Helen Pappas and her mother Diane Pappas, of Centreville, realized these frustrations far too often.
"How often would we venture to the mall for school clothes," said her mother, "and return only with an eyeshadow or bangle bracelets."
After graduating college, Helen Pappas, who stands 6'4", decided to do something that would make clothing for taller women more accessible.
Pappas' mother was quick to join her efforts, "as her mother, I suffered along with her," she said.
The two formed a partnership in 2012 that has grown from a basement shop to an internationally known boutique. The store's focus is on providing stylish and high-quality garments that are specially tailored to fit the frames of women 6'0" and over. Many of their garments are handmade in the USA.
The company's clients are mostly women between the ages of 16 and 35 and they currently offer the longest jeans sold in the United States at a 41 inch inseam. Their client list includes models, WNBA players and coaches. Satisfied clients are the heart of the Pappas' business.
"Thank you for the hard work and courage to market to a segment of the population that the 'big stores' seem to ignore pointedly," said Carrie Livingston of Florida, in a recent letter to Talltique. "You deserve the support of all 'big' girls in the U.S. and abroad, and the rewards of growing a much-needed business."
Helen Pappas is responsible for the design and personally fits all of the customers that comes into her store. Diane Pappas assists with fittings, alterations, public relations and most importantly is the her daughter's support system.
"We often see mothers and daughters come in together, said Pappas, "it can be a very emotional experience."
"It's important to let women know they have these options available to them," said Diane Pappas. "As women we struggle with body image anyway, without having to struggle to find clothing that fits properly." Talltique is an online boutique and can be found at www.talltique.com. Appointments can be made for fittings at their store in Bethesda or private in-home consultations up to two hours from Bethesda.