How one local is bringing fashion to rural Iowa women
Amanda Rink, Editor
April 3, 2025 – Twice a year since 2022, Ali Disney, owner of Italics Boutique has hosted a fashion show to showcase new arrivals. The event brings “big-city style” to Clarion, complete with runway looks, styled outfits, and models of all ages and sizes.
The most recent show was held Thursday, April 3, and showcased her incoming Spring clothing. The event was vibrant, and fun, just as Ali hoped it would be.
But to Ali, Italics Boutique is more than just a clothing store and the twice-a-year fashion shows are more than just about selling clothing, it is a reflection of her passion for fashion, family, and her small-town community. For each ticket sold, $5 was donated to Clarion Parks & Rec, a non-profit board Ali is a member of that is dedicated to raising funds to improve Clarion’s parks.
Italics is in a large, split-level building that once housed Mr. G’s clothing store. The shop carries a sense of local history. Just recently, Ali uncovered an old banner advertising “Keleher McAdams Anderson Clothiers—Wright County’s Finest!”, a nod to the building’s retail roots.
The name Italics holds personal significance to the owner as well, “It has my name in it—Ali. But also, when you italicize a word, you emphasize it, and that’s what a great wardrobe should do—emphasize who you are,” she explained.
Inside the vibe is relaxed and always welcoming, with women’s clothing neatly organized by season and color. It isn’t uncommon to hear cartoons and giggles drifting up from Ali’s downstairs office, where her kids often tag along when they’re not in school.
“I love that my kids get to see me living my dream,” Ali shared with The Wright County Monitor.
A mom of four- Greyson, Delaney, Laurel, and Maren – Ali wears many hats, including Parks and Rec board members and advocates for her community. “My kids say things like, ‘Mom is building that park’ or ‘I’m going to take over Mom’s shop one day,’” Ali said. “They don’t always get it, but it’s sweet.” Her husband, Kyle, is a constant source of support as well.
“I also think it is very important to show our children that we are a part of a community, and we can make a difference in our community.”
For Ali, Italics Boutique has always been about more than just clothing. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to own a business—a clothing store, bookstore, ice cream shop…I had a lot of ideas!” she said. With a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and an English minor, she started Italics as a small in-home shop before opening her first storefront on Main Street.
She describes Italics’ style as “trendy but real,” focusing on versatile, comfortable pieces for women of all ages. “I try to stay true to what I think ladies in Wright County will wear,” Ali explains. “I focus on affordable, everyday styles.” Which is what separates Italics from big box retailers or online stores.
“Shop Local, Support Local.. it is said a lot,” she said, “Small shop owners simply can’t compete with Amazon, Target and Shein. But what you will get when you shop Clarion small businesses is business owners who truly care about our community and give back to this community.”
But beyond that, Ali believes it’s important for customers to see clothing on real people rather than hangers or just photos online and that is one of the reasons she hosts fashion shows twice a year. “It’s fun, relatable, and shows how outfits can come together,” she said.
Ahead of the show, Ali shared that she was excited to showcase new styles in denim jeans like wide-leg pants to customer-favorite brands like Judy Blue and Risen jeans.
Attendees could hear “oo-ing” and “ah-ing” through the hour-long show, which featured 30 looks from five local models. Kelsey Burres led the show in a Heimish USA Vertical Stripe Maxi Dress paired with a crowd favorite Corky Cognac Wedges. Christina Webb wowed in a Tribal Green and Blue Cinched Top paired with matching green pants and Knockaround Woodland Shades. Olivia Walton kept things relaxed in a pink Charlie B tie-dye top with wide-leg cropped Tru Luxe jeans, topped with a Jen & Co blush wool hat.
Models often returned with the same bottoms or shoes on with each look to show the versatility of the items. A truly unique throwback look came when Webb stepped out in “Tribal Black Cargo Pants”, a cute crossbody purse, and comfortable sneakers. Jamie Wahl was a new model for the Spring show and left attendees imagining exactly where they’d see themselves wearing the “Olive Colored Tribal Tropical Blouse and Shorts”.
While Ali loves fashion, running Italics means balancing a lot, business, community, and family, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “My biggest challenge is not overcommitting,” she admits. “Knowing when to say no and making time for myself so I can care for others.”
Despite the challenges, she finds joy in the personal connections she’s made through her business. “I truly love seeing my customers every day—women who are my kids’ teachers, church friends, or people I see at sporting events.”
Looking back on the busy night, Ali is proud of what she’s built in our community. “Even if Italics doesn’t last forever, I’ll know I did it,” she reflected. “My fashion shows are something unique, something special for our community. I’m grateful for every person who’s walked through my doors.”
If you missed the Spring Fashion Show, Ali will host another fashion show in the Fall.
