Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Proud Mary a vintage treasure trove exclusively for plus-size people, has been a vibrant part of the city’s fashion world for six years. Specializing in carefully selected vintage pieces spanning decades, the boutique not only celebrates style, but also supports sustainability and inclusivity.
From showcasing indie brands to offering our own original lines, Proud Mary is a haven for those seeking unique, eco-friendly fashion with a plus-size focus.
At the helm of this unique boutique is the founder jessica hinklea passionate advocate of style at all sizes. Hinkle often encounters frustrating misconceptions. “People think that plus-size bodies didn’t exist in previous eras, but that’s simply not true,” she explains. This false narrative is rooted in fatphobia and overlooks the reality that many vintage clothing items are tailored to individual measurements, resulting in one-of-a-kind products.
In contrast to today’s stretch-oriented fashion, vintage clothing, especially before the 1980s, lacked spandex and Lycra. “Can you imagine our grandmothers’ clothes didn’t contain Lycra?” Jessica asks, marveling at the craftsmanship of past generations.
“Style is so much fun! It’s a game and a hobby. That’s why it feels so good to coordinate outfits using vintage items!”
— Jessica Hinkle, Founder of Proud Mary
Proud Mary is a boutique with a mission beyond simply curating great vintage finds. The in-store clothing line combines style with a deep commitment to ethics and sustainability. Jessica collaborates with local artisans to create each piece, prioritizing small batch production and sourcing materials from abandoned houses and fabric waste from major manufacturers.
A playful expression of environmental awareness, leftover fabric is repurposed into matching scrunchies, adding a stylish and practical touch to the product.
Jessica’s personal story is woven into the fabric of the store’s identity, starting with its name. Proud Mary. Jessica continues her tradition, influenced by her grandmother, who taught her thrift and admired her bold, unconventional style.
“My grandmother encouraged me to dress how I wanted, no matter my size,” she recalls. As she prepared to launch her boutique, she happened upon a photo of her grandmother holding a shirt that read: “I’m very proud.” Jessica took that as a sign. “She was saying, ‘I’m here, I got you.'”
For those planning a visit, Proud Mary is a vintage lover’s dream. Its inventory is constantly evolving. Jessica said: “We’re always adding new vintage stuff, not ‘new’ stuff. Plus size vintage does exist. ” Shoppers are encouraged to visit the store frequently or follow the store’s Instagram for the latest arrival information. You may not find the perfect piece on your first visit, but the thrill of the hunt is all part of the experience.
Jessica says playfully. “It’s so hard to sell cute clothes that I find, so sometimes I wear them for a few months before I give them away…It’s like a sisterhood of traveling vintage.”
So if you’re in Los Angeles and looking for stylish, vintage clothing in a variety of sizes with an emphasis on sustainability, Proud Mary A must-see destination. This is more than just a store, it’s a celebration of history, creativity, and body positivity.
9 quick questions for Proud Mary owner Jessica Hinkle:
Favorite decade: The 80’s were a fun, kitschy decade where clothes were a bit wild, but with the introduction of ‘stretch’ they became more accessible.
Favorite accessories: “It’s an interesting question for someone who grew up fat because I had to really lean into accessories. I love purses and earrings. At one point I had a collection of wild earrings and I still have a lot of them. I have a wallet.”
Favorite color to wear: “As you can see, I love pink (hence the pink store), but I tend to wear black a lot.”
Future goals: “We want to attract more community events. We wanted to create a space that caters to us, not just tolerates us.”
Online or in person: “There’s not a lot of choice, but if you can shop locally, it’s more environmentally friendly. I’m not going to lie, it’s like a dopamine rush when you walk into a store.”
Advice for those who want to try new fashion styles: “Society still tells you to hate yourself, but understand that it doesn’t help you. It’s a journey to get there, but once you find your style and don’t worry about what others think. Wearing what you love without wearing clothes will open up your world in ways you never imagined possible.
Random fact: “I spent three summers on the Jersey Shore boardwalk…exactly like the show!”
Fighting fatphobia: “We take what is said, such as online comments, and turn it into art.”
Hope for the future: “It’s really not just about clothes and fashion and feeling like you’re on-trend or cute, it’s about feeling like you have the right to decorate your body the way you want. “Vintage is so unique. So I always love it, because when I walk into a room, I’m almost always the only person wearing it, let alone the only person who’s ever seen it.”
Learn more about plus size vintage products here. ProudMaryFashion.com!
your visit Proud Mary is more than just a shopping trip, it’s a personalized experience filled with history, style and inclusivity. Imagine being styled by Jessica Hinkle herself. Her enthusiasm comes through and she helps you create a look that’s unique. you. Her eye for detail, deep understanding of plus size fashion, and love of vintage make every visit feel special.
When you walk out of the boutique wearing perfectly styled clothes, you’ll feel the thrill of finding the perfect place for you. This is a rare piece of plus-size vintage that is celebrated rather than an afterthought. in Proud Maryit’s not just about finding clothes. You’ll discover confidence, joy, and a connection to the past, proving that style is timeless and suitable for every body.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
