By James Cullum (Courtesy photo)

In today’s era of chain stores and fast fashion, it can be tough to find clothes that fit, and fit reliably.
But a new Old Town boutique is looking to change that. TSALT, located at 106 N. St. Asaph St., offers the experience of getting clothes custom made and tailored.

“Business is booming,” said TSALT owner Tamara Saltonstall. “Women tell me that this is what Old Town needs, what they need. We’re friendly and devoted to wom- en of all shapes and sizes so that they feel fabulous.”

Saltonstall, who describes her personal style as “comfy western chic,” opened her boutique last December. She and her small staff design and sell seasonal collections of outfits and offer free alterations for that perfect fit.

Half of the merchandise is created in-house, with outfits from designers including Smythe, MIH and Marie Saint Pierre. The store also sells outerwear, jackets, scarfs, wraps, sunglasses and jewelry. Prices range from $25 to $1,000.

“Women today, in the era of H&M and mass-produced clothing, walk around wearing clothes that don’t actually fit,” Saltonstall said. “I’m a 10 in my shoulders and back and a zero in my hips. And I think if you took a room full of size 8 women you’d find they have completely different bodies.”

But your choices aren’t necessarily limited to what’s on the rack, she said.

“I have a customer who has an Armani suit she’s had for 15 years, and it’s the only suit she’s had that fits her properly,” Saltonstall said. “She chose the fabric, we took it and made an identical suit.”

Saltonstall, a native of Aspen, Colo., lives in Old Town with her husband and three teenagers. She previously owned and operated the Territory interior design firm on King Street for four years, and began her career working for famed interior designer Mark Hampton.

She has a degree in theater costume and set design from the University of Arizona, was raised by interior designer parents and learned to sew from her grandmother.

“Our mothers and grandmothers had less clothes, but they were tailored and fit their bodies,” she said. “There’s something to be considered about that line of thinking, and, you know, it’s important to us that everyone who comes through our door feels special.”