This weekend, we made a splash! The Plus Bus Boutique, Highland Park’s unapologetic mecca for fierce plus size fashion, cranked up the heat for its “Mayhem in the Water” Rooftop Pool Party. This wasn’t just a party; it was a 10-year anniversary celebration of breaking norms, empowering bodies, and owning every curve. Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM was absolutely lit! Everyone dressed in their sexiest swimsuits and unleashed some serious fun.

For a decade, The Plus Bus Boutique has been more than just a store; it’s been a revolution. They’ve been the antidote to bland, the home of bold, and the destination for everybody that refuses to be put in a box. They’ve championed confidence, curated killer looks, and built a community that celebrates self-love with every stitch.

Image by Michelle Mosqueda

“We’ve spent ten years being a part of your style journey, and honestly, we’re just getting started,” declares Marcy Guevara-Prete, owner of The Plus Bus Boutique. “Sure, ‘thin may be IN again,’ but let’s be real: FAT is where it’s at. This party is our shout-out to everyone who’s ever dared to feel amazing in their own skin. Get ready to turn heads and make some waves!”

Image by Michelle Mosqueda

The “Mayhem in the Water” Rooftop Pool Party was an afternoon of pure, unadulterated good vibes – a reflection of The Plus Bus’s commitment to fun, inclusivity, and unapologetic style. 

Fat liberation isn’t just a concept; it’s a vibrant movement advocating for the radical acceptance and equitable treatment of all bodies, regardless of size. In a world that often polices and shames larger bodies, especially in spaces meant for leisure and enjoyment, the importance of events like this cannot be overstated.

Image by Jordan Service

These gatherings become powerful acts of resistance and reclamation, transforming what can be a source of anxiety for many into a celebration of joy, community, and unadulterated fun. By stepping into swimsuits and public spaces with confidence and camaraderie, individuals actively dismantle harmful beauty standards and demonstrate that all bodies are worthy of comfort, celebration, and unapologetic visibility. Pool parties, in this context, are not merely social events; they are joyful affirmations of existence, freedom, and the right to simply be and have fun, without caveat or condition.

Jillian Pfennig

Jillian Pfennig (she/her) hasn't met an adventure she doesn't love. She is a writer, photographer, plus size model and traveler of the world.