Kool Style

«Excuse me, where do you keep the BIG sizes?» I whispered.
… Followed by a major case of déjà vu…
Flashback to twelfth grade: My mother had nasally SHOUTED those very same words when she took my twin sister and me shopping for prom dresses. My «identical» sis was a size 0 — and I was, well, in need of something for full-​figured young ladies. Marie was twirling around JC Penney (small town, okay?) trying on dress after dress, saying she felt fat, while I sulked in the dressing room, my wide booty eating the bench, arms crossed, and refusing to budge until the saleswoman found me a pink dress that made me look five inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter.
At Kool Style on Friday evening, when I asked for the «big sizes,» I felt the shameful feelings of 9 years ago wash over me.
But the saleswoman (owner?) whispered back, «let me help you find something.» She didn’t need to whisper, since I was the only one in the store, but it was a very sweet (and much appreciated) gesture. She searched through the garment racks and found two items in the store that would fit me — the same dress, available in pink & coral.
I tried them both on, and we agreed that the pink one went better with my coloring. Then, she helped me find a pretty necklace and a sparkly bracelet. I was bummed this store doesn’t carry shoes in my sasquatch size ten, but not surprised.
They don’t accept debit cards, and I only had $ 100 in my purse. She could have asked me to go to the ATM, but she said, «don’t worry about it,» and gave me a $ 2.00 discount.
If your butt is skinny, then this place is phat.

Kool Style an Asian women’s clothing boutique, similar to Theme 18 and Masks n More (also on Taraval). The styles, mainly casual, are definitely for younger, petite women who favor the grunge look, New Wave, and Flashdance. Most of the clothing is embellished (ruffles, attached chains) and definitely has a unique look. You don’t have to worry about running into someone else who’s wearing the same thing, since they only have a few pieces in the same style and I doubt too many stores carry the same styles.
Tops are about $ 20 – 30 and include t-​shirts, layered looks and buffalo plaid button down shirts. They have jackets, sweaters and dresses (most of them are sheer chiffon with a floral print), scarves, jewelry (rhinestones are common and charms) and shoes.
Cash only (which seems odd for a clothing store), no returns or exchanges.