Nestled within the coronary heart of Los Angeles, Proud Mary is a classic treasure trove solely for plus dimension people, and it’s been a vibrant a part of town’s style panorama for six years. Specializing in curated classic items from throughout the a long time, the boutique not solely celebrates model but in addition helps sustainability and inclusivity.
From showcasing indie manufacturers to providing its personal unique line, Proud Mary is a haven for anybody in search of distinctive, eco-conscious style with a plus dimension focus.
On the helm of this distinctive boutique is founder Jessica Hinkle, a passionate advocate for model at any dimension. Hinkle typically encounters a irritating false impression: “Individuals suppose plus dimension our bodies didn’t exist in earlier eras, however that’s merely not true,” she explains. This false narrative is rooted in fatphobia and overlooks the truth that many classic clothes had been tailor-made to particular person measurements, leading to one-of-a-kind items.
In distinction to at present’s stretch-heavy style, classic clothes—particularly pre-Eighties—lacked spandex and Lycra. “Are you able to think about that our grandmothers’ garments didn’t include any Lycra?” Jessica asks, marveling on the craftsmanship of previous generations.
“Model is so enjoyable! It’s a sport, a pastime; so placing collectively an outfit with classic items feels so good!”
— Jessica Hinkle, Founding father of Proud Mary
Proud Mary goes past curating distinctive classic finds—it’s a boutique with a mission. The shop’s in-house clothes line combines model with a deep dedication to ethics and sustainability. Jessica collaborates with native artisans to create each bit, prioritizing small-batch manufacturing and sourcing supplies from remnant homes or cloth waste from bigger producers.
In a playful nod to eco-consciousness, leftover materials are repurposed into matching scrunchies, including a classy and sensible contact to their choices.
Jessica’s private story is woven into the material of the shop’s identification, beginning with its title, Proud Mary. Impressed by her grandmother, who launched her to thrifting and celebrated daring, unconventional model, Jessica carries her legacy ahead.
“My grandmother inspired me to decorate nevertheless I wished, regardless of my dimension,” she recollects. When making ready to launch the boutique, she stumbled upon a photograph of her grandmother holding a shirt that learn, ‘I’m so proud.’ Jessica took it as an indication: “She was saying, ‘I’m right here, I obtained you.’”
For these planning a go to, Proud Mary is a classic lover’s dream—its stock is at all times evolving. As Jessica places it, “We’re at all times including not ‘new’ stuff, however new classic stuff. Plus dimension classic does exist.” Customers are inspired to return continuously or comply with the shop’s Instagram for updates on the most recent arrivals. When you won’t discover your good piece on the primary go to, the fun of the hunt is all a part of the expertise.
As Jessica playfully notes, “It’s so laborious to promote the lovable garments I discover, so generally I’ll put on them for a few months earlier than passing them on… it’s just like the sisterhood of the touring classic.”
So, should you’re in Los Angeles and trying to find trendy, size-inclusive classic clothes with a coronary heart for sustainability, Proud Mary is a must-visit vacation spot. It’s not only a retailer—it’s a celebration of historical past, creativity, and physique positivity.
9 Fast Questions with Jessica Hinkle, Proprietor of Proud Mary:
Favourite Decade: ‘80’s as a result of it was a enjoyable kitschy decade the place the garments had been kinda wild but in addition extra accessible as a result of they launched “stretch”.
Favourite Accent: “It’s a humorous query for somebody that grew up fats as a result of I needed to actually lean into equipment. I like purses and earrings. I had a wild earring assortment for some time and I nonetheless have so many purses.”
Favourite Shade to Put on: “As you’ll be able to see, I like pink (therefore the pink retailer), however I are likely to put on a variety of black.”
Upcoming Aim: “Garner extra neighborhood events- I wished to not simply create an area that solely tolerated us, however was catering towards us.”
On-line or In-Particular person: “They don’t give us a variety of selection however should you can store domestically, it’s extra ecological sound. And I’m not going to lie, it’s like a dopamine rush to stroll right into a retailer.”
Recommendation for somebody desirous to strive a brand new style model: “Perceive society remains to be there telling you to hate your self, however that doesn’t serve you. It’s a journey to get there, however as soon as you discover your private model, and put on what you want and never fear what others suppose, it broadens your horizons a lot you begin to really feel so good about your self and like a real model of your self. It opens up your world in methods you couldn’t even think about.”
Random Truth: “I labored 3 summers on the Jersey Shore boardwalk… it’s precisely just like the present!”
Combating Fatphobia: “We take various things which have been mentioned like on-line feedback or no matter and switch them into artwork.”
Hope for the Future: “It’s not likely nearly clothes and style and feeling such as you’re on development and cute, however it’s about feeling such as you need to adorn your physique the way you need. “With classic, I’ve at all times cherished it as a result of it’s so distinctive. You’re going to stroll right into a room and nearly assured to be the one one sporting it, not to mention the one one to ever see it earlier than.”
Study extra in regards to the plus dimension classic finds at ProudMaryFashion.com!
Your go to to Proud Mary is greater than only a purchasing journey—it’s a customized expertise steeped in historical past, model, and inclusivity. Think about being styled by Jessica Hinkle herself, her enthusiasm infectious as she helps you piece collectively a glance that feels uniquely you. Her eye for element, deep understanding of plus dimension style, and love for classic make each go to really feel particular.
Strolling out of the boutique with a wonderfully styled outfit, you’ll really feel the fun of discovering a spot that actually sees you—a uncommon gem the place plus dimension classic is well known, not an afterthought. At Proud Mary, you don’t simply discover garments; you discover confidence, pleasure, and a connection to the previous, proving that model is timeless and for each physique.
