Tall woman problems: “regular-size” pants often end up as capris (or “caprants”); tops end up being half shirts (not the cool kind) and bodysuits — forget about it! For those of us who fall into the long-waisted, extended-leg, long-limbed and simply tall-girl categories, finding fashionable clothes that are also comfortable and fit properly can be a real challenge. And that’s exactly what Angela Zdrale, founder, designer and owner of Liv Tall — and Arizona resident — sought to help remedy. In doing so, Zdrale has created an inspiring, unique and coveted clothing line for the extra-vertically-enhanced.
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Many of Zdrale’s Liv Tall creations are perfect for Southwesterners who must contend with toasty summers and unpredictable fall, winter and spring weather fluctuations. She offers several light and breezy, casual and professional looks that are easy to layer (when it’s cold in the early mornings and evenings).
Zdrale solves one of tall-girls’ biggest problems
Most 5’11” women can get away with finding a few items here and there at brand-name stores, but often it’s a gamble. Plus, it’s not uncommon to feel a lack of variety — especially when seeking long enough pants.
“I spent my entire career in the fashion industry before launching Liv Tall. I was surrounded by clothes every day for 15 years and let me tell you, the struggle is real,” Zdrale says. “The challenge is not just about length; it is about the total proportion of clothing being off, and having to search endlessly for items that will fit. Tall women have more options today than ever, but it is still nowhere near as accessible or abundant as clothing for women of regular height.”
To help tall women in their search for height-perfected attire, Zdrale designed Liv Tall to accommodate a range of women — from 5’9” and above, with sizes ranging from S-XXL — which is roughly a 2-18 and my pants go up to a 39” inseam.
Southwest manufactured and managed
One thing for which Zdrale takes supreme pride in is the fact her clothing line is produced in the U.S. And not only is it made and manufactured stateside, it’s production cornerstones are in not one — but two southwestern states.
“I manufacture in Arizona and Colorado,” Zdrale notes, “so being a domestic fashion brand is something I am proud of and it allows me to have more insight into the production process.”
She is also a self-taught designer. “I jumped headfirst into manufacturing so there have been some tough learnings along the way,” she says. “I am still perfecting my methods, but being hands-on and connected to every step of the design process from inception to production gives me the confidence to believe in every piece I make, because it is truly for a tall woman, by a tall woman.”
Last summer Zdrale launched her first line of swimwear, which was well received. So much so, that she’s working on new designs for this summer. Additionally, her sweatsuit which debuted earlier this year completely sold out and she’s preparing to re-stock with some new styles for fall.
Career goals
Before she launched Liv Tall, Zdrale spent 15 years in the Arizona fashion industry. She worked retail for brands like kate spade, Tory Burch and most recently was the marketing manager for Saks Fifth Avenue.
“I have always loved fashion and pursued a career in it because of that love, but being tall it was always a love-hate relationship,” Zdrale says. “While I was busy in my career, I had different business ideas and always dreamed of having my own line, so when I lost my job, I took it as an amazing opportunity to leverage my experience and launch my own label.”
Fashion forward
Zdrale is just getting started. In the future, we can certainly expect exciting things from this tall, talented and tenacious Southwest clothier.
“I feel very lucky to be able to pursue my dream,” Zdrale says. “I am now working from home, allowing me to spend more time with my daughter and husband, which is where you will find me when I am not building this brand. Liv Tall just turned two which feels unreal. I have accomplished so much but feel as though I am just getting started. I am hard at work developing items through next Spring and am working on spreading the word and gaining more visibility as a brand so tall women know I exist.”