Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Proud Mary stands as a delightful vintage treasure trove dedicated exclusively to plus-size individuals. For six remarkable years, this boutique has played a dynamic role in the city’s fashion scene, offering a carefully curated selection of vintage pieces from various decades. Proud Mary not only champions style but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

With a commitment to supporting indie brands and showcasing its own original clothing line, Proud Mary is a sanctuary for those seeking unique, eco-conscious fashion that embraces a plus-size focus.

Leading this unique boutique is founder Jessica Hinkle, a passionate advocate for embracing style at any size. She often encounters a frustrating misconception: “People think plus-size bodies didn’t exist in earlier eras, but that’s simply not true,” she explains. This false narrative stems from fatphobia and overlooks the fact that many vintage garments were tailored to individual measurements, resulting in exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces.

In contrast to today’s stretch-heavy fashion, vintage clothing—especially those pre-1980s—was crafted without spandex or Lycra. “Can you imagine that our grandmothers’ clothes didn’t contain any Lycra?” Jessica marvels at the exceptional craftsmanship that past generations put into their garments.

“Style is so fun! It’s a game, a hobby; so putting together an outfit with vintage pieces feels so good!”
— Jessica Hinkle, Founder of Proud Mary

Proud Mary transcends the mere curation of exceptional vintage finds; it embodies a mission-driven ethos. The boutique’s in-house clothing line seamlessly blends fashion with a profound commitment to ethics and sustainability. Jessica collaborates closely with local artisans to craft each piece, focusing on small-batch production and sourcing materials from remnant houses or fabric waste generated by larger manufacturers.

In a clever nod to eco-consciousness, leftover fabrics are ingeniously repurposed into matching scrunchies, adding both style and practicality to their offerings.

Jessica’s personal journey is intricately woven into the identity of the store, beginning with its name, Proud Mary. The name draws inspiration from her grandmother, who not only introduced her to the joys of thrifting but also celebrated a bold and unconventional sense of style. Jessica continues to honor her legacy through her work.

“My grandmother encouraged me to dress however I wanted, no matter my size,” Jessica fondly recalls. During the preparation for launching the boutique, she rediscovered a photo of her grandmother holding a shirt that read, ‘I’m so proud.’ Jessica interpreted this as a heartfelt message: “She was saying, ‘I’m here, I got you.’”

For those planning a visit, Proud Mary is truly a vintage lover’s paradise—its inventory is constantly evolving. As Jessica enthusiastically notes, “We’re always adding not ‘new’ stuff, but new vintage stuff. Plus-size vintage does exist.” Shoppers are encouraged to visit often or follow the store’s Instagram for timely updates on the latest arrivals. While you might not discover your perfect piece on the first visit, the thrill of the hunt adds to the entire experience.

As Jessica humorously shares, “It’s so hard to sell the cute clothes I find, so sometimes I’ll wear them for a couple of months before passing them on… it’s like the sisterhood of the traveling vintage.”

So, if you find yourself in Los Angeles and are on the lookout for stylish, size-inclusive vintage clothing that champions sustainability, Proud Mary is an essential destination. It’s more than just a store; it’s a vibrant celebration of history, creativity, and body positivity.

Engaging Insights: 9 Quick Questions with Jessica Hinkle, Owner of Proud Mary

Favorite Decade: “The ‘80s were a fantastically fun and kitschy era with wild yet accessible clothing thanks to the introduction of ‘stretch’ fabrics.”

Favorite Accessory: “As someone who grew up plus size, I had to fully embrace accessories. I adore purses and earrings. I once had a wild earring collection and still have an abundance of purses.”

Favorite Color to Wear: “As you can see, I love pink (which is why the store is painted pink), but I also tend to wear a lot of black.”

Upcoming Goal: “I aim to host more community events—not just to create a space that tolerates us, but to cater to us and our needs.”

Online or In-Person: “While options are limited, shopping locally is more environmentally sound. Plus, walking into a store gives you an exhilarating dopamine rush.”

Advice for Someone Trying a New Fashion Style: “Recognize that society often encourages self-hate, but that perspective is unhelpful. It’s a journey to discover your personal style, but once you embrace what you love and disregard others’ opinions, you will feel good about yourself and experience a genuine transformation.”

Random Fact: “I spent three summers working on the Jersey Shore boardwalk… it truly is just like the show!”

Fighting Fatphobia: “We take negative comments, whether from online trolls or elsewhere, and transform them into art.”

Hope for the Future: “It’s not solely about clothing, fashion, or trends. It’s about feeling deserving to adorn your body as you wish. With vintage fashion, I’ve always cherished its uniqueness; you’ll likely walk into a room as the only person wearing it, if not the only one who has ever seen it.”

Explore Plus-Size Vintage Fashion at ProudMaryFashion.com!

Your visit to Proud Mary promises more than a typical shopping outing—it offers a personalized journey steeped in history, style, and inclusivity. Picture being styled by Jessica Hinkle herself, her contagious enthusiasm guiding you as she helps you curate a look that feels profoundly you. Her keen eye for detail, extensive knowledge of plus-size fashion, and passion for vintage make every visit feel exclusively special.

Leaving the boutique with a perfectly styled outfit, you’ll experience the thrill of discovering a place that genuinely recognizes and celebrates you—a rare gem where plus-size vintage fashion is not an afterthought but a priority. At Proud Mary, you don’t merely shop for clothes; you uncover confidence, joy, and a connection to the past, affirming that style is timeless and inclusive for every body.