Have you ever walked into a clothing store and felt like you were in your own personal heaven? Shopping has never been an activity I much enjoyed. Clothing just never fit right and my big bold style?
Forget that.
I stuck it out with online Facebook groups and resale apps. Last year while I was visiting Portland I just had to stop by Fat Fancy, a plus size resale store with a fantastic reputation.
Walking into Fat Fancy felt like getting a big warm hug and was so memorable.
Fat Fancy is so much more than just another resale store. Itโs a community hub and as a store that focuses on fat fashion, itโs already unique.
They carry sizes starting at 14 and up with no cap, however have at least up to a size 34/36 on a given day.
If you come into my shop you best bet I am going to try and get to know you on a personal level. Some people come to me not ever having loved their body. Bee, Owner of Fat Fancy
When you walk into Fat Fancy, you can find clothing thatโs incredibly unique, bold and makes sure everyone knows you WANT to be noticed.
Bee, the owner, is a fat non binary queer femme who has created a space thatโs almost like a bookstore or a small local coffee shop. Itโs a community staple.
Fat people gather, shop together, laugh together, forming a bond over fashion thatโs hard to find in real life anymore.
The best part about Fat Fancy is that itโs not just for people who can shop in person. See, you donโt have to be in Portland to get the Fat Fancy experience or buy some fabulous clothing.
Bee hosts Facebook live sales at least once a week, shipping their unique style clothing all over the USA.
I asked Bee to share about Fat Fancy, clothing consumption and our planet and of course all about the incredible indie designers that Fat Fancy stocks.
Meet the Owner of Plus Size Consignment Store and Fat Fancy Founder, Bee!
Chaya: Why is Fat Fancy an important staple in the community?
Bee: Fat Fancyโs mission is to create a comfortable, fun, body positive space for our diverse family of plus size customers and artists to sell and buy clothing, accessories, and body positive merchandise.
We believe that by connecting them to each other we can create a stronger plus size community.
I believe that Fat Fancy is a staple in the community because we make space for people to love themselves and a place to come together in a world where we are told our bodies and ourselves are wrong.
Together we can fight fatphobia through self love and radical fat liberation.
Chaya: How do you think that buying second hand clothing impacts the environment?
Bee: Clothing consumption, and more specifically fast fashion, is one of the leading causes of pollution. Clothing ends up in landfills where the dyes and chemicals infiltrate the soil.
Clothing is burned and CO2 is released into the air. Making the garments, from synthetic or natural fibers, puts chemicals and plastics into our water and uses fossil fuels.
From packaging the clothing, driving the clothing to stores, ect. We damage the planet.
Our clothing consumption and the rise of fast fashion is such a great harm to the planet that buying second hand is really the only way to stop clothing pollution.
WE NEED TO SHOP SECOND HAND TO BREAK THIS CYCLE!!
There are already so many great garments in circulation that can be resold.
Chaya: What virtual services do you offer?
Bee: I offer body positive and gender affirming virtual styling services and consults. Let me dress you for any occasion!
These are free form styling sessions where you can talk with me about what your fashion goals are.
In the past, I have styled clients for formal events, work attire, drag shows, vacations, wardrobe overhauls, gender transitions and everything in between.
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I am always on the hunt for people and brands who share Fat Fancyโs vision of self love and radical fat liberation! Bee of Fat Fancyย
Chaya: Whatโs your favorite part about owning and operating Fat Fancy?
Bee: THE PEOPLE!! My passion in life is connecting with people in a meaningful way that helps them love themselves. I get to do that through fashion.
If you come into my shop, you best bet I am going to try and get to know you on a personal level. Some people come to me not ever having loved their body.
Those are my favorite clients.
I get to be a cheerleader for them and watch such a beautiful transformation when they put on something and maybe feel beautiful for the first time.
Chaya: Fat Fancy also carries some indie designers like Chubby Cartwheels. Can you share what designers you carry and why you choose them?
Bee: I carry a rotation of local and distant designers and artists at the shop. Some of the designers I carry are Chubby Cartwheels, Squirrel vs. Coyote, Shelbey Bergen, Shoog McDaniel,ย Sirens Song Stitchery, Queer Kuntry, Fat Designer, Fat Girl Flow, Chubby Mermaids, Nalgona Positivity Pride, and WAY more.
I am always on the hunt for people and brands who share Fat Fancyโs vision of self love and radical fat liberation!
I chose them because I know they are doing the work of body love too.
If anyone wants to be chosen for the shop all I ask is that you email me at fatfancy@gmail.com. Send us some pictures of your work and a little about yourself.
You can learn more, plan a trip, and shop at FatFancyFashions.com
Itโs been a year since Iโve visited Fat Fancy but I canโt forget the store. Bee is a joyous memorable human. This experience I had to share with you, so you can experience that too.
Next time you are itching to shop for something different, hop on Facebook and check out one of Fat Fancyโs Facebook live sales and glamorous Instagram feed.
Youโll leave with an empty wallet and a full soul.
