Dahlia

(dahlia.com)

Whether or not you're a clothing addict like I am, you probably have a thing for uniqueness. Everyone wants to find clothes that make them feel comfortable and special. And nothing hits closer to home for a fashion lover than seeing someone walking down the street wearing the same dress that they have on.

Though modern chain stores have attempted to undertake the boutique theme - aging their walls like Anthropologie, stocking odds and ends like Urban Outfitters - there's nothing quite like finding an actual boutique that specializes in truly adorable clothing.

Now that I've used the word 'adorable,' I assume most men have navigated away from this page - and that is probably for the best. Because Dahlia, the designer I'm going to be talking about today, is not a men's brand.

Dahlia's caters to the Manic Pixie Dream Girl in all of us. Their clothes have a preference for high collars and turn-of-the-century to 1950s inspired styles. There's a bit of modern flair, but always in a classic cut. Who knew you could find a pinafore anywhere other than a vintage store these days? I certainly didn't.

I first discovered Dahlia while I was going through my ASOS phase. For those who don't know of ASOS, well, your life is about to be forever changed. This UK-based self-described "global fashion destination" is an online store which offers a range of clothing from the ASOS brand merchandise (which is often surprisingly good quality) to local designer fashions. Prices on ASOS offer options for the penny-pincher and the high-rolling spender. And for those of us in the middle, there are gorgeous little finds like the designs from Dahlia.

After I discovered Dahlia, I knew I had to have Dahlia in my closet. The dresses were sweet and casual, tip-toeing toward lolita fashion without actually going anywhere near it. My first-ever purchase from Dahlia was my self-proclaimed Minnie Mouse dress, a red button-up chiffon number that had little white hearts printed into the fabric (from far away they might betray the eye, appearing as polka dots). Wearing the dress, which came with a grosgrain ribbon around the waist, felt like going to a costume party without the awkwardness. Looking fun and festive is okay with Dahlia.

(dahlia.com)

Not long after my first Dahlia purchase, I went to the flagship boutique store near Carnaby Street in
London. Surrounded by high fashion brands like French Connection and Jaeger, you might not even think to pop into this little hole-in-the-wall shop. But it's the itty bitty stores that possess the most character, and Dahlia is no exception.

Dahlia was started in 2000, growing into a sisterly enterprise when siblings Tracey and Leigh began selling homemade designs at Portobello Road and Spitalfields Market in London. According to the Dahlia website, their success was "fueled by word of mouth," the kind of phenomenon that can only be attributed to the quality of the products these sisters produced. The Dahlia designs caught the eye of TopShop - which is still one of their stockists - and eventually opened up the single Dahlia boutique that still stands today.

It's a lovely little story to go along with the lovely little designs by this little-known boutique. And for those who, like me, prefer not to walk down the street and see someone wearing that same high-low dress from Urban Outfitters, it just might be the perfect fit.

Dahlia is located 8 Fouberts Place W1F 7PD. Find more information at http://www.dahlia.com/.