I’m pretty sure it’s Masterpiece Theater. If it isn’t, it is definitely British, it was on public television and it’s from the 80s (I’m thinking mid) or at the latest, early 90s. Two sisters, without parents and of course relatively poor, open a clothing store that caters to the upper crust. The series chronicles their rags to riches. I read the book, my mom saw the series, now she wants to read the book and I want to see the series. I printed out the list of Masterpiece Theater titles from pbs.org but none ring a bell. Anyone familiar with this book/series?
I don’t think it was on Masterpiece Theatre. I saw it on A&E, I think. I’d forgotten about it until I saw your post, but I have fond memories of it.
The House of Elliott.
That’s it! I kept thinking the word Abbott was in the title–guess Elliott is close enough. And it doesn’t show up on the list of Masterpiece Theater series.