davis_square | Lost at Found

Last evening I ran into

ron_newman on Elm Street in front of Found, the new high-end consignment store. I had missed the post here about it a few weeks ago, so it was news to me, and we went in. It was about 2 minutes until closing time so we only got a quick peek. Being a size 14/16, I asked on my way out if they carried plus-sized clothing for women.*

A staffer (who might have been the proprietress, but I don't know that for a fact), answered with a clipped "No, we don't." Her tone came across as offensive to me. It wasn't even mildly apologetic; more proud of the exclusion, as if she expected I'd respond with "WELL THANK GOD FOR THAT!"

I didn't. I said "You will be getting lots of requests for plus-size. Lots of requests," and gave her the stink-eye. She then back-pedaled a bit and said that if they got lots of good consignors in plus-sizes, they'd consider selling them.

It takes a lot to get my knickers in a knot. I'm not a size activist, nor the kind of rabble-rouser I was in my young years. I'm just a person who needs quality business-wear in lower plus-size, can afford to buy them, and would like to think I am welcome to do so in my neighborhood. If the average woman in the US wears a size 14 (citation), that's a lot of body types marginalized. I am first-hand acquainted with many beautifully-dressing women who wear plus-sizes and who certainly don't accept smocks and leggings from Family Dollar as a "fashion" option.

Since she said they might consider plus if they got enough good consignors, I'm going to take her at her word. I have 3 lovely blazers in 14 and 16 that would look better on someone else. I'll take them to Found and see what happens. I encourage all well-dressed people who wear larger sizes to do the same with fine clothing you no longer want.

_{*Sorry this post doesn't speak equally to men. I just don't do much clothes shopping for males or know if there's as much size politic-ing. Maybe some big guys can chime in.}