Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Proud Mary is a vintage treasure trove exclusively for plus size individuals, and it’s been a vibrant part of the city’s fashion landscape for six years. Specializing in curated vintage pieces from across the decades, the boutique not only celebrates style but also supports sustainability and inclusivity.
From showcasing indie brands to offering its own original line, Proud Mary is a haven for anyone seeking unique, eco-conscious fashion with a plus size focus.
At the helm of this distinctive boutique is founder Jessica Hinkle, a passionate advocate for style at any size. Hinkle 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 is rooted in fatphobia and overlooks the reality that many vintage garments were tailored to individual measurements, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces.
In contrast to today’s stretch-heavy fashion, vintage clothing—especially pre-1980s—lacked spandex and Lycra. “Can you imagine that our grandmothers’ clothes didn’t contain any Lycra?” Jessica asks, marveling at the craftsmanship of past generations.
“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 goes beyond curating exceptional vintage finds—it’s a boutique with a mission. The store’s in-house 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 remnant houses or fabric waste from larger manufacturers.
In a playful nod to eco-consciousness, leftover fabrics are repurposed into matching scrunchies, adding a stylish and practical touch to their offerings.
Jessica’s personal story is woven into the fabric of the store’s identity, starting with its name, Proud Mary. Inspired by her grandmother, who introduced her to thrifting and celebrated bold, unconventional style, Jessica carries her legacy forward.
“My grandmother encouraged me to dress however I wanted, no matter my size,” she recalls. When preparing to launch the boutique, she stumbled upon a photo of her grandmother holding a shirt that read, ‘I’m so proud.’ Jessica took it 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 always evolving. As Jessica puts it, “We’re always adding not ‘new’ stuff, but new vintage stuff. Plus size vintage does exist.” Shoppers are encouraged to return frequently or follow the store’s Instagram for updates on the latest arrivals. While you might not find your perfect piece on the first visit, the thrill of the hunt is all part of the experience.
As Jessica playfully notes, “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’re in Los Angeles and searching for stylish, size-inclusive vintage clothing with a heart for sustainability, Proud Mary is a must-visit destination. It’s not just a store—it’s a celebration of history, creativity, and body positivity.
9 Quick Questions with Jessica Hinkle, Owner of Proud Mary:
Favorite Decade: ‘80’s because it was a fun kitschy decade where the clothes were kinda wild but also more accessible because they introduced “stretch”.
Favorite Accessory: “It’s a funny question for someone that grew up fat because I had to really lean into accessories. I love purses and earrings. I had a wild earring collection for a while and I still have so many purses.”
Favorite Color to Wear: “As you can see, I love pink (hence the pink store), but I tend to wear a lot of black.”
Upcoming Goal: “Garner more community events- I wanted to not just create a space that only tolerated us, but was catering toward us.”
Online or In-Person: “They don’t give us a lot of choice but if you can shop locally, it is more ecological sound. And I’m not going to lie, it’s like a dopamine rush to walk into a store.”
Advice for someone wanting to try a new fashion style: “Understand society is still there telling you to hate yourself, but that doesn’t serve you. It’s a journey to get there, but once you find your personal style, and wear what you like and not worry what others think, it broadens your horizons so much you start to feel so good about yourself and like a genuine version of yourself. It opens up your world in ways you couldn’t even imagine.”
Random Fact: “I worked 3 summers on the Jersey Shore boardwalk… it’s exactly like the show!”
Fighting Fatphobia: “We take different things that have been said like online comments or whatever and turn them into art.”
Hope for the Future: “It’s not really just about clothing and fashion and feeling like you’re on trend and cute, but it’s about feeling like you deserve to adorn your body how you want. “With vintage, I’ve always loved it because it’s so unique. You’re going to walk into a room and almost guaranteed to be the only one wearing it, let alone the only one to ever see it before.”
Learn more about the plus size vintage finds at ProudMaryFashion.com!
Your visit to Proud Mary is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a personalized experience steeped in history, style, and inclusivity. Imagine being styled by Jessica Hinkle herself, her enthusiasm infectious as she helps you piece together a look that feels uniquely you. Her eye for detail, deep understanding of plus size fashion, and love for vintage make every visit feel special.
Walking out of the boutique with a perfectly styled outfit, you’ll feel the thrill of finding a place that truly sees you—a rare gem where plus size vintage is celebrated, not an afterthought. At Proud Mary, you don’t just find clothes; you find confidence, joy, and a connection to the past, proving that style is timeless and for every body.
