BellaModa offers style for Sisters

Sisters Country women who want to look stylish but aren't trying to look like their daughters have a new resource in downtown Sisters.

BellaModa offers a blend of retail clothing and gently-used resale items designed to meet the needs of women: Jeans that fit women with curves; styles that don't look like an attempt to mimic teenaged girls.

"My stores are all about ladies, not little girls," said owner Karen Poulson. "Women who still have style and want to look great - in the sizes that fit them."

Many women in Sisters Country are already familiar with the styles BellaModa offers them. Poulson has shops in Redmond and in Bend.

"I felt there was a client in Sisters... that doesn't always make it to Bend," Poulson said. "I was fortunate to find a wonderful downtown space (in Sisters)... And I decided to go for it... So far it's been well-received by the ladies in Sisters."

Fashion is a new field for Poulson, but she is no stranger to the needs of women for mature, appropriate style. She was in the technology field in south Florida before moving to Central Oregon nine years ago.

"I was an executive and I had to dress nicely," she said.

After retiring from that career, Poulson "wanted something to do" and decided that filling that style need for other women had business potential.

"It's just kind of taken off," she said.

Poulson seeks out unique clothing, including European lines, and limits her lines so that her clients can maintain their unique style instead of seeing ubiquitous

duplicates.

"You won't see yourself walking down the street," she said.

The resale aspect of the business allows women to purchase designer-label clothing at an affordable price. And now they don't have to drive half an hour to access BellaModa's selection.

"I want to thank the people of Central Oregon, and particularly Sisters and Black Butte Ranch, for such a warm welcome," Poulson said.

BellaModa is located on Cascade Avenue next to Sisters Cascade of Gifts. Contact Poulson at 541-914-9461.