Ah yes, the wonderful world of working a retail job: standing, walking, lifting, sorting, spacing, color-coordinating, styling, hanging, folding, scanning, price-checking, turning, bagging, searching, and much more. Retail can be a great job for people who want to deal with that one soccer mom who wants to “speak to your manager” because you can’t accept a return after 14 days of purchase. Working retail is great…

Everyday on social media there is talk about whether the word “plus-size” is appropriate, and everyday everyone has their own opinion and story; as if it is an AA meeting. Well, if this means anything, here is mine! Hi, my name is Rachel and I am a plus-size fashion addict. Frankly, being someone who is considered plus-size you would think I would surround myself around clothes that fit my body type. Wrong. Something that is surprising to many is that people within the fashion industry do NOT always surround themselves around products that serve them directly (which, personally, helps my bank account stay out of the negatives). I have worked at a clothing boutique for over a year now and, quite frankly, not many products fit me the way they were intended to look on a person. I also mentioned in my last blog post how I am actually supposed to be able to fit into these garments according to the sizing charts provided for a size Large: size 8-12. But here is the thing, just because the products don’t fit me doesn’t mean I don’t love them (which makes it all that more difficult for me to satisfy my addiction). Overtime, it has become easier to deal with the fact that not many items accomodate me in the fashion industry, but that doesn’t mean I love fashion any less. If anything, I have found new ways to style certain items so that it does end up fitting me. My styling skills have become advanced because of the realization I had of fititng the garment in different ways has actually helped me show customers see the versatality in garments and they become more drawn to getting the item. In the end, I am happy to be working in this industry despite not having as many options for clothing as others.

Owning a clothing boutique has come into a surplus of popularity in Southern California. Offering unique clothing in the amazing limited sizings of small, medium, and large. But don’t worry! You will see the occasional extra small size option: *rolls eyes.* How can these small business owners expect to get great business when the average size for women is a size 16?! Crazy, I know. I recently worked at a women’s clothing boutique. It was emotionally straining being in love with fashion and not being able to fit into most of the items sold there. But hey, at least my paycheck wouldn’t magically disappear once a new shipment came in! A size large at a clothing boutique is said to fit a size 8-12. So how come I, being a true size 10, cannot fit in 90% of the clothing items offered at your average clothing boutique? It is believed that these clothing boutiques flock to areas where the average population around it tend to have people who have a certain body type: way way smaller than the average size for women. Obviously, not everyone in this population is thin, but that does not mean they enjoy shopping for unique items at your local clothing boutique! I mean, living in an area where you are surrounded by people who judge you for not having a certin body type is hard enough! Let alone not fitting in because you can’t wear the clothes that are cool and hip amongst your peers. Choosing to be exclusive is the unsaid rule to run your business. So why are these boutiques trying so hard to be inclusive?