Nestled within the coronary heart of Los Angeles, Proud Mary is a classic treasure trove solely for plus measurement people, and it’s been a vibrant a part of town’s trend panorama for six years. Specializing in curated classic items from throughout the many years, the boutique not solely celebrates fashion but additionally helps sustainability and inclusivity.
From showcasing indie manufacturers to providing its personal unique line, Proud Mary is a haven for anybody searching for distinctive, eco-conscious trend with a plus measurement focus.
On the helm of this distinctive boutique is founder Jessica Hinkle, a passionate advocate for fashion at any measurement. Hinkle usually encounters a irritating false impression: “Folks assume plus measurement 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 fact that many classic clothes had been tailor-made to particular person measurements, leading to one-of-a-kind items.
In distinction to at the moment’s stretch-heavy trend, classic clothes—particularly pre-Nineteen 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.
“Type is so enjoyable! It’s a sport, a passion; 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 fashion with a deep dedication to ethics and sustainability. Jessica collaborates with native artisans to create every bit, prioritizing small-batch manufacturing and sourcing supplies from remnant homes or material 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 identify, Proud Mary. Impressed by her grandmother, who launched her to thrifting and celebrated daring, unconventional fashion, Jessica carries her legacy ahead.
“My grandmother inspired me to decorate nonetheless I needed, irrespective of my measurement,” she remembers. When getting 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 bought you.’”
For these planning a go to, Proud Mary is a classic lover’s dream—its stock is all the time evolving. As Jessica places it, “We’re all the time including not ‘new’ stuff, however new classic stuff. Plus measurement classic does exist.” Buyers are inspired to return regularly or observe the shop’s Instagram for updates on the newest 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 arduous to promote the lovable garments I discover, so typically 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 looking for 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 additionally 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 may see, I like pink (therefore the pink retailer), however I are likely to put on loads of black.”
Upcoming Objective: “Garner extra group events- I needed 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 loads of alternative however should you can store regionally, 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 trend fashion: “Perceive society continues 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 fashion, and put on what you want and never fear what others assume, 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 Reality: “I labored 3 summers on the Jersey Shore boardwalk… it’s precisely just like the present!”
Preventing Fatphobia: “We take various things which have been stated like on-line feedback or no matter and switch them into artwork.”
Hope for the Future: “It’s not likely nearly clothes and trend and feeling such as you’re on development and cute, however it’s about feeling such as you should adorn your physique the way you need. “With classic, I’ve all the time beloved 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 measurement classic finds at ProudMaryFashion.com!
Your go to to Proud Mary is greater than only a purchasing journey—it’s a personalised expertise steeped in historical past, fashion, 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 measurement trend, 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 really sees you—a uncommon gem the place plus measurement 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 fashion is timeless and for each physique.
