Kris Early and Tara Louise Pitts met each other at a Mom's playgroup in Anthem. Their two kids are now best buddies, and it turned out the Kris and Tara had something in common as well. Fashion is their thing, and what started as a casual friendship turned into a business. Now, both are making a go at the fashion world, selling their unique designs at boutiques, trunk shows and through private consultations.

Kris and Tara promote together as "Kiki and Belles," but also sell their lines separately as Kris Elise and Tara Louise. Tara sells her couture at boutiques in Carefree and Tempe, and both sell at trunk shows and through private consultations.

Kris and Tara have distinctive clothing lines, but just when you think you know which design fits Kris or Tara, they'll create a whole different look. That flexibility may turn out to be the key to their success. Kris created a stunning long gown, but in the next breath unveils a playful baby doll halter. Some of her halter dresses have a bit of retro, reminiscent of the old movies glamour of Rita Hayworth. Tara can equally mix it up, between her sexy black lingerie skirt and the beachy terry and lace top and skirt.
 

Many of Tara's skirts use stretchy lace at the waist band, so skirts can be moved to show a little waist or not. That extra bit of stretch makes the skirt fit well but also makes what she calls "soft movable designs." Both designers work to create styles for a wide audience. "We think our clothes look good on different body styles," says Kris, who says that they sell sizes 6-16. Kris and Tara are both in their thirties, and having been through pregnancy, they realize that not every one of their customers will have a body like the Ford models that show their clothing on the runway and in front of the camera. However, there are items like Tara 's clubwear designs that look good only on the 20-something body and are meant to.

Tara Louise sells her clothing through Frou Frou, a boutique in Carefree and at Swell in Tempe , on Mill Avenue , or by appointment. She'll be selling her designs at the Channel 3 Women's Expo at the Civic Center , on April 9th and 10th. Kris sells her clothing line by appointment.

INFO> Tara Louise - 623-910-9548; Kris Elise - 602-321-0694; Frou Frou 480-437-9998.

LACE AND LAYERS

• PHOTOGRAPHY: Michele Celentano Studio
• HAIR: Erica Nadler, HedZ Salon
• MAKEUP: Jacque Starr-Hubert, HedZ Salon
• MODELS: Jen Marcum, Cristina Irimiciuc, Jackie Schuette - Ford/Robert Black Modeling Agency.