Located in sunny Los Angeles, The Plus Bus is more than a boutique. It’s an attitude and an experience.
Founded in 2015, the shop offers just about anything a curvy gal could need. Best of all, you can shop online.
“We launched our site in January 2021 to serve our clients near and far. We also host biweekly QVC-style live sales where our entire team, local friends and visibly plus models try on clothes so you can see them move on real people in real time. We believe it’s a service we provide since so many retailers don’t use visibly plus models,” says Marcy Guevara-Prete, co-owner of The Plus Bus.
The boutique offers options in sizes 12 and up that might be otherwise hard to find in the resale market.
“We carry over 100 different brands. From indie designers to new kid on the block, Bloomchic, to luxury like 11 Honore, we have it ALL. We really encourage our customers to mix high and low, invest in great basics and also statement pieces. We love a curated wardrobe and are always dressing for our mood. We love how much is available to us as plus-size people now!” says Guevara-Prete.
The Story Behind The Plus Bus
Guevara-Prete met her future business partner, Jen Wilder, in 2012 at Full Figured Fashion Week.
“We instantly clicked and took a weekend-long trip to London for British Plus Size Fashion Week. Soon after, we both realized we were drowning in clothes after Jen posted on Facebook that she wanted to purge. I asked if she wanted to do a swap, and the rest is history,” says Guevara-Prete.
The swap was a massive success. The women had so many clothes left over that they knew they couldn’t stop there.
“We knew that ‘if we built it, they would come.’ AND THEY DID! We started doing pop-ups at the Rose Bowl and wherever we would get invited, and soon opened our first brick-and-mortar in Glassell Park near LA,” she says.
The quirky space soon became a sought-after plus-size destination. However, the boutique has since moved to York Boulevard in trendy Highland Park.
“We’re thrilled to have moved to York Boulevard a year ago, which has lots of foot traffic and provides a way more exciting visit to our shop as there are so many cute coffee shops, a donut store, pizza shop and lots of fun retail,” shares Guevara-Prete.
So why the name The Plus Bus?
“We always intended on buying a bus, but when a brick-and-mortar came into our orbit, we jumped on it,” she says.
“We went with it and now we always say it’s a state of mind. The body positivity journey is quite a long one and we really want people to come into our space and understand it’s not just about clothes for us. We are here to dress you, but we are here to change the way you see your body and help you navigate the world in a big body.”
More Than a Boutique
Events also play a big part in the duo’s business.
“We are very community minded and always have been. Being in the presence of plus-size people is so important and we have really seen the value of robust relationships with other fat people,” she says.
The business has hosted a number of unforgettable events.
“Over the years we’ve hosted comedy nights, movie nights, karaoke parties and even a mini music festival we called Fatchella. It was a rager! We have seen how impactful these events are for the community. Our beach days this summer have been truly magical and almost heavenly.”
The next big event will be coming up Saturday, Aug. 28 at the trendy W Hotel Hollywood.
“The Main Character Maskerade will definitely be an event to remember and we have created it for the sole purpose of wearing the sequins and not waiting for an event to wear that fabulous dress. We are encouraging our guests to stay the night and hit the pool with us for a big girl takeover!”
Tickets are still available, but based on past event popularity, The Main Character Maskerade will sell out.
Resale Shopping Advice
Many of us shy away from resale shopping as we feel overwhelmed. So what’s a girl to do?
“Resale shopping is no different than regular shopping, the difference is that it is sustainable! The biggest challenge to shopping is finding out what size works for you, and since sizing is so all over the place, you have to TRY THINGS ON,” shares Guevara-Prete.
In addition, you’ve got to ditch the rules.
“Our rule is there are no rules, but the one we have is: IF YOU LIKE IT TRY IT ON,” she says.
And if you’re an online shopper, the friendly staff at The Plus Bus will help you in your journey.
“We offer so many styling services! Since the beginning of the pandemic when we really pivoted to being online, we have been shipping across the country and it’s been amazing, from Wisconsin to Honolulu to Alaska and beyond. Whether it’s via email or Zoom, we are always happy to help people curate the wardrobe of their dreams. Slip into our DMs or email us for rates and to set an appointment.”
Body-Positive Words of Wisdom
At the end of the day, the staff of The Plus Bus wants you to remember that your body is amazing just as it is.
“One day at a time. Body positivity is a journey that can take many twists and turns, but the way we see it is about reprogramming your mind. There are years of body shaming most of us have endured and years of diet rhetoric to erase. It is a daily practice of appreciating your body, being kind to it, holding negative thoughts captive and trying to have moments of love, and ultimately, peace. What truly means the most to me about this community is the freedom it gives me to feel free in my body and move past the struggles of hating the one body we have. Life feels far too short to spend it at war with my vessel, my one temple, and the body that has brought me to this point in my life. We’ve been through so much together. It hurts to hate it any longer.”
The Plus Bus is located at 5031 York Blvd in Los Angeles and is open from 12-8 daily.
Shop their site 24/7: https://www.theplus-bus.com Follow them on Instagram @theplusbus
