I have to admit I’m no always in the loop on plus size goings on. I have a busy life, and at this point I think I do most of my shopping online, instead of in physical stores. So I have my husband to thank for for introducing me to the plus bus in Glassel Park (he’ll probably come to regret this eventually).
The Plus Bus started out as a pop up for plus size women to sell or trade their old clothing, and a chance to shop for new, gently worn clothes for a lot less than a new piece might cost. As most of us plus sized ladies know, our clothing options are limited, and often times more expensive than straight size,so having an option to revamp your wardrobe and not go broke at the same time is really exciting.
Back in my middle and high school days, I used to buy most of my clothes from thrift and vintage stores. I loved the hunt and finding a good deal, but as I gained weight, my selection dwindled and eventually I gave up on buying used clothing. Getting a chance to do this again made me so excited to finally check out the plus bus.
The shop is located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Glassel Park,right next to the uber hip Highland Park. The shop is hard to miss with its brightly painted exterior on the street corner. Inside, the shop isn’t huge, but packs a punch. Clothes are sorted out racks by size and color, with shoes and accessories in the back. In addition to used clothing, they have some vintage pieces, as well as some new accessiories made by local artists. We were greated by Alex (and her super cute dog) who was really nice and inviting, and even helped me with some of the more involved items I tried on.
As I perused through the racks I was able to find some of my favorite brands like Torrid and Modcloth, with other brands ranging from Forever 21 and Target, to higher end like Eloquii.
After looking around for a while I ended up trying on 5 dresses (including a new with tags black and gold Eloqii dress), a skirt and a steel boned corset. There was something so satisfying about easily finding so many items not only in my size, but in style I love. I popped in to the cabana in the corner and started trying on my pieces.
The corset ended up being way too big which made me sad, but it was worth a try. I had a few misses with the dresses, and my husband said the black and gold dress made me look like I was going to a quinceñeta (I still like it). I still ended up falling in love with a red and white polka dot dress by Moon, and a navy dress with pennyfarthing print and a very cool back detail by xhileration (target). Both dresses were in perfect condition and my total was under $40 for both, score!
Another great thing about the Plus bus is all the events they have going on. In the past, they’ve had events on moddling tips, plus size men’s events, a very fun brunch, and recently a wedding pop up with dolly couture. They even contacted me about doing a pastry pop up after Alex, the girl we met working there on our visit, recommended me to the owners. Sure this makes me a little biased, but there’s a lot to love above it this place regardless.
So if you get a chance, check out the plus bus. They’re usually open Wednesday to Sunday 3-7, but check in for extended hours during sp dial events. Also fr the first time, they did a clothing sale on their Facebook, so keep an eye out for that if you can’t get out to LA anytime soon.
Megpie and Cake 