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Harlow + James

"Exclusively Curvy"

About Us

Welcome to Harlow and James, West Des Moines' premier boutique for curvy fashionistas! We specialize in curvy apparel, offering special occasion dresses, wide-calf and extended wide-calf boots, denim, and more. Our mission is to help you find the perfect fit and style while loving your reflection and wardrobe. Enjoy online shopping or make an appointment for private local shopping. Our dedicated team is here to help you look and feel amazing. Shop in-store or online today!

Areas Served

Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA | Ankeny, IA | Waukee, IA | Urbandale, IA | Clive, IA | Ames, IA | Altoona, IA | Polk County, IA | Dallas County, IA | Madison County, IA | Jasper County, IA | Story County, IA

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Our Brands include:

Our Products include:

Testimonials

On 1/14/2026 Sarah Owen had this to say:
My husband and I were down in Valley Junction for my 40th birthday weekend. My husband saw the sandwich board advertising this boutique. FROM THE MINUTE we walked in, we were so warmly greeted by several employees. The store is beautifully appointed, the clothing was exceptional. BUT if you hear nothing else from this review hear this, the SERVICE is like no other. I basically had the royal treatment. I had a stylist walking the store with me and assisting me in creating the perfect going out style. OH AND LET ME TELL YOU! I purchased a bra that I will be back to purchase in sooooo many other colors too as it is the most composed my bits have ever been. AT ANY RATE! I implore you to visit and experience a magical world of fashion and community.

On 1/3/2026 Cassabella had this to say:
I stopped in while getting my steps in because I saw a plus size sign! (Rare in my area) This boutique is so friendly and cute! The sizes are very inclusive! I saw a mix of bras, business casual, comfy clothes, and even everyday cute outfits! If you’re looking to update your closet this place is a must! So many cute trending clothes. Thank you again!

On 12/19/2025 Amy Brooks had this to say:
This is far the best store ever! The owners and the staff all so very friendly, lively, and helpful. I bought jeans and I get many compliments and I feel good wearing them. Perfect for my body. The whole store is amazing

On 12/8/2025 Nicole Howgard had this to say:
What can I say? If I could give the galaxy worth of stars I would. You hear about hidden gems of stores every once in a while. Places that are really intertwined with their community and the people on it. Where they know their customers by name and what their favorite color is. Can tell when they’re here for business or just need an ear and a hug. Often you find them when you least expect it. Harlow and James, is one such place. I must give a shout out to my beloved husband, because if he didn’t push for this place, I would have written it off. A plus sized boutique? Yeah, I’ve been to those before, done the song and dance. Sometimes they work. Most of the time they don’t, cause even ‘plus sized’ is subjective, and often still not the best, body flattering clothes. I am plus sized, 5’ll, 300 lbs, with a round, belly that people have asked on 3 separate occasions if I was pregnant or not. Yeah. I’ve been big my whole life. And I will be until they burn me to a crisp. And unless we suddenly all become nudists and only need to cover when it’s cold as Hell outside, we’re still going to need clothes. Ladies, gents, awesome folks of Des Moines Iowa, I’ve you are a plus sized individual that not only needs threads that fit, in any kind of style that you can think of, and a true ‘Pretty Woman’ moment with customer service and attention, look no further than James and Harlow. I was helped by Shannon and Kelly, Kelly being the co-owner and Shannon being a steadfast employee.I needed a cute, but nice Christmas outfit, and though I was skeptical, I was hopeful that I might find some kind of sweater that might look somewhat decent on me. The atmosphere, the vibes- screamed little LA store, and I was impressed. Enter Shannon, my height, and working a faux fur number with a Supergirl boob cut out. She was super welcoming, and listened closely when I told her what I was looking for. “Oh, don’t worry hun we got you. Let’s try these.” And got me they did. Two outfits in, Kelly comes in from the back, being a real working woman with finishing her makeup and working a booty -hugging skirt that anyone would be jealous of. She also listens with rapt attention, taking in my concerns with the pants I’m wearing and immediately starts collaborating with Shannon and my husband to outfit me. We spent 2 wonderful, long hours there. And the whole time did I not feel the least bit neglected, unheard or stepped over. They truly wanted to see me in clothes that would make me feel good, beautiful, powerful, and embracing all the lumps, stretch marks, and curves that makes me … well, me. And the whole time my husband was there grinning like a cat the ate the canary, singing ‘I told you so’s’ at the top of his lungs and throughly befriending Shannon and Kelly as I strutted my stuff around the store. The hype was real and genuine from all parties, and I left with more outfits, confidence and just overall bliss over a shopping trip that blew my expectations out of the water. Now, did it have a specialty store, ‘it was how much?’ price tag? Admittedly, yes. But that’s to be expected with quality pieces that I know I’ll wear again again and again. Should you find you reeeeeallly can’t justify the price, I’ve got news for you. Not only are they willing to order brands that they may not carry for you to try, but any of their excess product goes right next door to an adorable thrift store, most often marked down to thrift store prices. I haven’t had that much fun shopping for myself in a long time, and have put my fashion and what I wanted on the back burner because most styles I wanted just didn’t fit or didn’t include my size in mind. I don’t have to do that anymore, and you bet your bottom dollar that I’m going to be a repeat customer for a long, loooong time. Shannon, Kelly, you two are truely the best, and I can’t wait for my next visit to accessorize my black, twirly skirt and get a famous Kelly hug.

On 11/14/2025 Michelle Miller had this to say:
Great selection, exceptional sales associates. Fun atmosphere.

Contact Us

Harlow + James
417 Maple St West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 957-7949
Email: iowashopgirls@gmail.com

We are located in the historic Valley Junction

Where To Find Us

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Payment Types Accepted

Discover, American Express, Debit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, Android Pay, Apple Pay

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

News

Complete your look with stylish, functional bags from Harlow + James. From chic crossbodies to roomy totes, we’ve got the accessory you’ll love.

✨ Trendy designs
✨ Quality you can trust

Shop now: harlow-and-james.myshopify.com

✨ Find the Perfect Dress for Every Occasion at Harlow + James! ✨

Whether it’s a holiday party, wedding, or night out, Harlow + James has the special occasion dresses that make you feel confident, elegant, and unforgettable. 💃

From timeless classics to trendy statement pieces — discover the perfect fit and style for your next big event. 👗💖

Stop in today or browse our latest collection — your dream dress is waiting at Harlow + James! 🌸

Uncompromised style with Extended Wide-Calf Boots! ✨ Embrace plus-size clothing and explore our women's clothing range. Your shopping adventure awaits! #WideCalfBoots #PlusSizeChic

Discover Judy Blue Jeans and pair them with our plus-size clothing and extended wide-calf boots! #WomensClothing #PrivateShopping

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