Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Episode 257: There IS (more) ethical consumption under capitalism (part two) with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:16:04 -0500

Yes, there IS more ethical consumption under capitalism, but it all starts with understanding the impact of where and when we spend our money. In this episode (part two of two), Amanda is joined by Lisa Sharp of Retro Housewife Goes Green. We discuss the following:

Recommendations for more ethical swaps for cleaning and personal care products,
How Amanda and Lisa make more ethical decisions about where to shop and what to buy,
Why you are probably buying and using too many cleaning products,
And why cleanliness does not equal morality.

To get things started, Amanda unpacks some of the biggest food megacorporations and explains the impact of a handful of companies controlling most of the food we eat.

Lisa's recommendations (Substack)
Open Secrets
Goods Unite Us
Little Blue Cart
Black Cat Bulk Goods

Episode 199: Is there REALLY no ethical consumption under capitalism?

The new Clotheshorse PO Box: 69 Main Street, Box 16 New Providence, PA 17560

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For the next month, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 12 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy.

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.

Episode 256: There IS (more) ethical consumption under capitalism (part one) with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:23:03 -0500

Yes, there IS more ethical consumption under capitalism, but it all starts with understanding the impact of where and when we spend our money. In this episode (part one of two), Amanda is joined by Lisa Sharp of Retro Housewife Goes Green. We discuss the following:

How and when boycotting is effective,
How shifting up our spending habits is really an exercise in “progress not perfection,”
The "illusion of choice" in the area of cleaning products, laundry detergent, food, skincare, and more,
Some examples of the megacorporations that own a lot of the brands we already buy,
How some of these megacorporations are actually MAGAcorporations,
And the political impact of the brands we buy.

Before we jump into that, Amanda reminds us of the origin of the statement "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism," and why/how it is misused all over social media.

Lisa's recommendations
Episode 199: Is there REALLY no ethical consumption under capitalism?
Open Secrets

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 255: I'm With The Brand (the price is right?), part eight

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:12:25 -0600

This episode is part eight in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we will talk about how the price we are willing to pay for an item is directly related to branding:

Why "perceived value" is almost more important than mathing the math,
How brands manipulate the perceived value via small changes to products,
Why even the graphic design of a brand's website will change your expectations around pricing,
How you often guess the prices in a store just by looking at the merchandising and fixtures,
And why we have to stop expecting small business prices to align with fast fashion/fast everything pricing.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 254: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 2

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:40:01 -0600

In part two of two, Amanda explains how and why they worked in fast fashion. This episode picks back up at Amanda's worst job ever, takes a journey through the very opaque supply chain to (hopefully) find out who is making our clothes, and ends up back in Philadelphia (again). And yes, Amanda is trying very hard to not be a people pleaser.

Learn more about the sustainability of clothing rental by listening to The Rental-sode.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 253: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 1

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:16:01 -0600

In part one of two, Amanda explains how and why they worked in fast fashion. This episode gets started in Portland, OR in 2002, travels to the Urban Outfitters home office in Philadelphia, PA, then on to Los Angeles (Modcloth and Nasty Gal), and ends back in Portland, OR. Yes, Amanda is really good at organizing a cross country move.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 252: Survival is Political, with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:51:22 -0600

Survival *is* political. This week -- for the first episode of 2026 -- Amanda is joined by Lisa Sharp, aka Retro Housewife Goes Green. Lisa shares her own experiences becoming activated politically. In this episode, we will discuss the following:

What inspired Lisa to leave the Republican party in 2012
How Lisa avoided the "trad wife pipeline"
How she is inspired by the resistance of women and children in France, Germany, and Poland...and how we can be inspired by history today
How we can make a difference and show up for our communities
Where Lisa finds hope now

And more!

Find Lisa on Instagram and Threads.
Retro Housewife Goes Green (website)

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 251: A Japan-isode, part 2

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:11:04 -0600

You asked for it, so here it is: a recap of Amanda's first two weeks of her 2025 Japan trip!
What Amanda covers in this episode:

Tips for finding the best prices on airline tickets. Special shout to Rebecca for being in the ELITE 1% of listeners who read the show notes! 🏆🏆🏆
Why you should pack your favorite clothes for every trip, rather than buying new vacation clothes
Amanda's strong feelings about travel size toiletries
Tips for having the best flight
Narita vs. Haneda, wi-fi devices and e-sims, Japan Rail passes, Suica, and Yamato
Amanda's experiences in Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, and Kyoto
What Amanda bought in Japan

And so much more!

Here's a guide to the places mentioned in this conversation:

Tokyo
Hotel Graphy Nezu (Amanda and Dustin always stay here in Tokyo)
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Mandarake
Ninja Wi-Fi Rental Japan
Visit Japan Web (for your visitor QR code)
Japan Rail Pass
How to add Suica to Apple Wallet/Android phones
Yamato
Punk Doily (Australian hand pies with vegan options)
KawaeKayo

Matsumoto
Yayoi Kusama
Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Matsumoto Castle
Toyoko Inn

Kanazawa
Hyatt House Kanazawa
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Barrier (the restaurant that Amanda wanted to visit but was afraid to go alone)
Kenroku-en Garden

Kyoto
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto
Future Train
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Cafe Soiree

ALSO:
Amanda's "potage maker" (please note that the price on this website is WAY higher than the price in Japan)
Snowpeak collapsible coffee pour over
"Angel Rain" from We Love Katamari (you really should listen to the whole song)
"Hot Topic" by Le Tigre
Shinkansen melodies

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

Episode 250: A Japan-isode, featuring Mr. Dustin Travis White

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:52:15 -0600

Hey! It's a little end of year treat: Mr. Dustin Travis White joins Amanda to talk about the two weeks they spent together in Japan, traveling from Nagoya to Fukuoka to Beppu to Tokyo. They touch on all kinds of things in this episode:

How and why one can hear more Christmas music in one month in Japan than they have heard in their entire adult life
What is Kentucky Christmas?
Physical media and "extinct" media are still more relevant than ever in Japan: magazines, books, cassettes, cds, and more
Secondhand shopping in Japan
Finding vegetarian and gluten free food in Japan
How to be thrifty while 6000 miles away from home
How not to flood a hotel room in Fukuoka
Weird dudes at the public foot bath
Tourist traps are a global experience
Yes, you CAN do laundry while you're traveling

And so much more!

Here's a guide to the places mentioned in this conversation:

Nagoya
Hotel Resol Nagoya
Stiff Slack (incredible record store and venue)
Aichi Art Triennale
Matsuzakaya Art Museum (museum in a department store)
Lee Jeans (Japan)

Fukuoka
Hello Kitty Shinkansen
Motorpool Records
The Lively Fukuoka (hotel)
With The Style Fukuoka (fancy hotel)
Sonu Sonu (vegan restaurant with great burgers and taco rice)
Evah Macrobiotic Vegan Deli (multiple locations in Fukuoka, including Hakata Station)
BOOKOFF

Beppu
Amanek Yula-Re Beppu (hotel that Amanda has stayed in multiple times)
Taco Nargo (Dustin's favorite meal)
Showa museum in Yufuin (you can take a city bus from Beppu Station to get there and the ride is epic)
Beppu Jigoku ("Hells of Beppu")

Tokyo
Hotel Graphy Nezu (Amanda and Dustin always stay here in Tokyo)
Extinct Media Museum
Parco (Shibuya)
Masaka Vegan Izakaya
2foods (Amanda's favorite meal...vegan!)
Loft
BEAMS
T's tantan (vegan ramen and curry, locations around Tokyo)
Punk Doily (Australian hand pies with vegan options)

AND ALSO...
Kentucky Fried Chicken Christmas (1981) Japanese Commercial
KFC Christmas Japan All Commercials
Yamanote Line Music
Amanda's "potage maker" (please note that the price on this website is WAY higher than the price in Japan)
"Jeans Town" Okayama
Yamato

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vinta...

Episode 249: I'm With The Brand (in Japan), part seven

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:54:05 -0600

This episode is part seven in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, recorded in Kyoto, Japan, we'll unpack how the importance of IRL shopping in Japan impacts the ways brands build emotional connections with customers:

How nature creates the ultimate "Call To Action" for food shopping (and how the US has made most food non-seasonal),
How Trader Joe's has built an intensely loyal customer base,
Examples of the "collab madness" happening in Japan right now,
Why many big brands in Japan includes cafes and other experiences in their stores,
And how and why western brands are so popular in Japan.

ALSO: Listen to Amanda on Embodied by WUNC North Carolina Public Radio!

Additional reading:
"A Century of Produce: The First-Aisle Department," The Packer.
"We Need to Talk About Trader Joe’s," Adam Reiner, Taste.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 248: ATTN: Confidential with Maggie Greene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:55:57 -0600

This year, Clotheshorse all star, Maggie Greene (The Halloween Queen) embarked on an epic international, cross-country adventure that she called The Tragic Optimist Tour. Along the way, she recorded conversations with the people she visited, eventually turning them into a new podcast called ATTN: Confidential. And of course, she and Amanda had to record a conversation together…but with a twist: For the first half of the session, she interviewed Amanda. For the second part, Amanda interviewed Maggie. This week’s episode is part 2 of the conversation, where Amanda interviewed Maggie. You can listen to part 1 here.

This conversation follows the format of ATTN: Confidential: self-awareness, curiosity, and advocacy in a safe container. Those three themes are expressed as the Mirror, the Magnifying Glass, and the Megaphone. See if you can spot them as Amanda and Maggie talk about internet friends, cats, Keith Morrison, and so much more.

Need another dose of conversation about convenience culture and overconsumption? Check out Andi Zeisler's interview with Amanda for Salon: The true cost of convenience culture

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market. Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa ...

Episode 247: Let's build the future we want (LIVE IN PORTLAND)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 17:04:44 -0600

Live in Portland, OR at Holocene, Amanda is joined by Karen, Cassie, and Frances to talk about how sewing is an important part of a better future. We will also discuss:

Maybe instant gratification isn't really that gratifying at all?
Where and how sewing became an uncommon skill
Why our lack of knowledge about sewing makes us overconsume (and expect things to be cheap and fast)
Ways for teaching more people how to sew
How sewing and making things actually makes us happier
Thoughts on the ethics of the textile supply chain and how to minimize our textile waste when sewing
How sewing and community are inextricably linked (and very important)

And so much more! Also, Amanda's dad helps everyone on and off the stage all night long.

Cassie: Altar, @shop_altar
Frances: Sincere Studio, @sincerestudiopdx
Karen: sorry, you have to email Amanda if you want to be in touch with Karen!

MAJOR SPECIAL OMG THANKS TO:

Christine and Casey of Care Instruction, Portland's radical (and cool) vintage store and mending/sewing studio.
Ruby of Slow Fashion Academy

Need another dose of conversation about convenience culture and overconsumption? Check out Andi Zeisler's interview with Amanda for Salon: The true cost of convenience culture

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethi...

Episode 246: Doomerism is boring (LIVE IN SEATTLE!)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Live in Seattle, WA at the Here-After, Amanda is joined by Nivi, Kim, and Janelle to talk about optimism, activism, and why doomerism is just so @#$%ing boring. We will also discuss:

What it means to be a steward of your clothing
Why it's more than "just clothes"
What we sacrifice in favor of convenience culture
How to lead by example for those around you
And how to keep the conversation about difficult topics going

Nivi: Soapbox Project, @soapboxproject
Kim: @heavydutyvintage
Janelle: @janelleabbott

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market. Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa making a living wage creating things they love like hand painted candles and ceramics! We also carry a curated assortment of sustainable/natural locally made goods. Thumbprint is a great gift destination for both the special people in your life and for yourself! Browse our online store at thumbprintdetroit.com and find us on instagram @thumbprintdetroit.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand, ethically made by hand from vintage ...

REWIND: Why new sweaters are kinda garbage, with Dani of Picnicwear

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 13:20:29 -0500

Sweater season has arrived for many of us, so let's revisit a favorite episode from last 2023!

Dani of Picnicwear joins Amanda to explain why (most) new sweaters are low quality, (near) future garbage (instead of future vintage). It's a complicated tale of synthetic blends, increasing margin targets, and lower prices.

We'll explain how the fast fashion industry has kept prices low and profits high by swapping out yarns, cutting out details, and making copies of copies, while walking through the design process of most big retailers/brands.
We will unpack why it's really difficult to find sweaters made of natural fibers.
Amanda will explain how natural fibers aren't the "cure" for the impact of overconsumption.
We will give you advice about how to choose the right sweater (hint: read those content labels).
Dani will give you advice about how to care for your sweaters properly.

We were inspired by Amanda Mull's piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

And preorder your copy of the MEGA-zine, The Clotheshorse Guide to Synthetic Fibers & Fabrics.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethica...

Episode 245: I'm With The Brand (bots in the algorithm), part six

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:51:53 -0500

This episode is part six in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we'll unpack how social media has been harnessed as a tool to drive trends, spread misinformation, and create influence. Also, Corinna, Cat, Bonnie, Kevin, and Miriam share their own thoughts about brands, loyalty, and consumerism. In this episode:

What is an algorithm anyway?
Why do Amanda and Dustin have very different social media feeds, despite sharing many common interests?
How does social media distort our perception of reality?
What do Cracker Barrel, the 2024 election, and Amber Heard have in common?
Some upcoming election shoutouts from Amanda

Additional reading:
Link between excessive social media use and psychiatric disorders (study)
"Cracker Barrel had good reasons to rebrand. But after its new logo misfired, here’s what’s next," Dee-Ann Durbin, AP.
"Cracker Barrel Is Making A Major Change & Customers Are NOT Happy: 'It's Giving Soulless'," Amanda Mactas, Delish.
Why fast food restaurants look the same (video)
"Cracker Barrel Outrage Was Almost Certainly Driven by Bots, Researchers Say," AJ Dellinger, Gizmodo.
"Amber Heard vs the Internet: An Organised Smear Campaign?," BBC.
"Hot Topic Is Still Hot," Paula Mejia, The New York Times.

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some s...

Episode 244: Mending is a radical act, with Jeanna and Mary

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:22:11 -0500

This week, we are taking a break from the I'm With The Brand series to talk about mending! Jeanna and Mary are here to talk about their new book, Stitch It, Don’t Ditch It: Simple Hand-sewn Repairs to Help You Love Your Clothes For Longer.

In this episode, we will talk about the following:

How and why Jeanna and Mary ended up writing a book about mending together
Why it has become unusual to repair your clothing (and how we can change that)
Why we should make the time to mend our clothes (and p.s. It’s more than just the environmental impact of it all)
Why fast fashion clothes deserve repair, too
How to get started on your mending journey

Also in this episode: attendees from the Crafternoon in Philadelphia tell us what's keeping them optimistic right now.

Repair What You Wear
Sashiko Story

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair t...

Episode 243: I'm With The Brand (we, the customers), part five

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:49:54 -0500

This episode is part five in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we will unpack how brands use customer information to create that emotional connection:

A nostalgic trip back to the 00s: the rise and fall of Urban Outfitters’ “coolness", and what it revealed about aspirational vs. actual customers.
Why brands claim to be “obsessed with the customer,” yet often misunderstand who’s really shopping with them.
The shift from emotional branding to data-driven surveillance marketing and how companies now know us better than we know ourselves.
Very special guest Kim Christenson (aka Amanda's cohost of The Department) joins us to explain how digital marketing, social media, and algorithms shape what we buy.
A deep dive into “surveillance pricing” and how brands adjust prices just for you (and no, that's not a good thing).

And so much more!!

Additional reading:

"Hotel booking sites show higher prices to travelers from Bay Area," Keith A. Spencer, SFGate.
FTC Surveillance Pricing Study Indicates Wide Range of Personal Data Used to Set Individualized Consumer Prices
"On Orbitz, Mac Users Steered to Pricier Hotels," Dana Mattioli, Wall Street Journal.
"Businesses can use your online data to overcharge you. What can customers do?" Adrian Ma, NPR.

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 242: I'm With The Brand (Nostalgia, convenience, and hope)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:24:20 -0500

This episode is part four in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we will explore three more "emotional branding" trends of this century: convenience, nostalgia, and hope. This episode includes the following topics:

An explanation of trend forecasting and why most large brands are selling essentially the same stuff
WGSN and how "big trend forecasting" might be bad for fashion, workers, and customers
The Ouroboros of hustle culture and convenience marketing, along with all of the products and industries that have thrived in a time when people are working more than ever
Why we can't have something that is fast, cheap, and good
How and why nostalgia gets us to open our wallets
Why hope was a good marketing tool through the 2010s
Identifying the upcoming emotional branding trends.

Additional reading:
"The Future of Fashion Forecasting," Kate Hart, Not Just A Label.
"Uber fares are cheap, thanks to venture capital. But is that free riding ending?" Sam Dean, Los Angeles Times.
"Polly Pockets Are Making a Comeback and They Are Just as Good as You Remember," Kate Reggev, Architectural Digest.
Future Consumer 2027: Emotions

JOIN AMANDA FOR THE CLOTHESHORSE BIRTHDAY CRAFTERNOON ON SEPTEMBER 21!!!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 241: I'm With The Brand (cause marketing), part three

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:36:18 -0500

This episode is part three in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism.
In this episode we will be unpacking and exploring various examples of "cause marketing:"

The flaws in the "buy one, give one" model,
How brands engineer fundraiser collections to be profitable,
The effectiveness of "round up" at checkout campaigns,
Why B Corp certification doesn't mean as much as it once did,
The real reason companies do fundraisers for charity and causes,
And we will do the math to get to what a 1% giveback really means.

Additional reading:
"Melania Trump says 'don't care' jacket was a message," BBC.
"T-shirt makers riff on Melania Trump’s jacket with their own message and donate proceeds to refugee services," Lindsay Ellefson, CNN.
"The Broken 'Buy-One, Give-On" Model: 3 ways to save TOMS Shoes," Cheryl Davenport, Fast Company.
"The Impact of TOMS Shoes," Bruce Wydick.
"Shoeing the Children: The Impact of the TOMS Shoe Donation Program in Rural El Salvador."
Dr. Bronner’s Statement on Dropping B Corp Certification
"The B Corp Standard is at Risk," Fair World Project.
"Nespresso: Known for Human Rights Violations, Now B Corp Certified," Fair World Project.
"How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down," Ed Cumming, The Guardian.
Rio Tinto Corporate Rap Sheet

THANKS TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR: MLE!! Ase code CLOTHESHORSE at www.madebymle.com to get 10% off your order.

JOIN AMANDA FOR THE CLOTHESHORSE BIRTHDAY CRAFTERNOON ON SEPTEMBER 21!!!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. ...

Episode 240: I'm With The Brand (emotional branding), part two

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:57:18 -0500

This episode is part two in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism.
In this episode:

We are going to hopefully answer the question “why might someone get so caught up in a brand that they start fighting with strangers about it on social media?”
Amanda explains where "off price" stores like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack really get their inventory
We examine why it's more important than ever to support small businesses (and how we can do that)
We will explore the background and influence of Marc Gobés 2000s book Emotional Branding, considered “the bible” of contemporary marketing and branding
Why is Lululemon kind of like a cult?
We will walk through the “10 commandments of emotional branding” and examples of how they have been applied
We will realize that Supreme isn't as cool as it seems
We explore why people join brand fan groups on Facebook
How Nooworks made a major fan out of Amanda after seeing how the brand handled a crisis
Amanda explains why taste is a classist construct

And so much more!

Additional reading:
"Getting Emotional With Marc Gobé," Design Emotion.
"Why Do People Join Cults? Linguist and 'Cultish' Author Amanda Montell on the 'Invisible Power of Language,'" Dillon Dodson, Parade.
Cultish by Amanda Montell
"The Cult-Like Following Of Lululemon Is Stronger Than Ever — Despite Controversies," Cory Stieg, Refinery29.
Business Insider piece about working for Lululemon

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vi...

Episode 239: I'm With The Brand (unpacking how brands influence our brains), part one

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:20:16 -0500

This episode is part one in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism.

In this episode:

We’re going to break down what brand and branding mean, using fizzy water and boxed macaroni and cheese as examples
We will walk through the history of “brands” and “branding” leading up to this century, where it evolves from a little brand on a jug to full-on marketing teams and brand theory
Why it's so wild that food brands got obsessed with masked taste tests in the 70s and 80s
How Amanda teaches brand and branding to her small business clients and students (and why that matters for them)
And Amanda will shares some brands that aren’t really who you think they are any more (or maybe never were)

Additional reading:

"Meet the Man Who Made a Fortune Bringing Brands Back to Life," Suzanne Kapner, The Wall Street Journal.
Authentic Brands Group brand portfolio
Levi Strauss & Co. Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell Dockers to Authentic Brands Group
"JCPenney Joins SPARC to Form Catalyst Brands," David Moin, WWD.
Catalyst Brands
"Shein signs deal with Forever 21 owner as fast-fashion majors look to boost reach," Arriana McLymore, Reuters.

Learn more about the San Pedro Apparel Mart in episode 231 of Clotheshorse!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a...

Episode 238: Five Years of Clotheshorse

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0500

In honor of five years of Clotheshorse, Amanda brings back the very first episode of the show (mandatory listening for any one interested in slow fashion), "Romper Drama and Useless Safety Pins, or It's a Cents Game."

Before jumping into that episode, Amanda talks about what has changed over the last five years. She explains why and how Clotheshorse has given her hope and joy in dark times. And she also gives a little minisode on tariffs (and why they won't "fix" fast fashion).

If you've loved listening to Clotheshorse, give the podcast the ultimate gift by leaving a rating and a review on your favorite streaming platform! And recommend it to a friend. Maybe share a post on social media!

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 237: Billionaire Boycott List, with Ariel of Cobbled Goods

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:11:34 -0500

Would you be surprised to hear that your favorite shoe brand is neither family-owned nor as punk as it portrays itself to be?
Did you know that wealth inequality and shoes are directly connected?

Could your latest shoe purchase be subsidizing lobbying efforts to fight a rise in the minimum wage or reduce taxes for the wealthiest people?

Amanda is joined by Ariel, the founder of Cobbled Goods to talk about how shoes, wealth inequality, and politics are entangled. He will introduce us to his Billionaire Boycott List. In this episode, we will also cover the following topics:

The environmental and ethical impacts of shoe production
Common greenwashing tropes used by the shoe industry
Who really owns a lot of the shoe companies that we might think of "heritage" brands or "countercultural"
How you can make better decisions when shopping for a new pair of shoes
And how where, when, and how often you shop are political decisions!

And guess what? Ariel has a reading list for you:

Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises

One of my favourite books, written by Marjorie Kelly. She really has her finger on the heart of the issue. I’d recommend listeners start by checking out her podcast interviews. I also have to add my first encounter with her work, which rocked my world — The Architecture of Enterprise: Redesigning Ownership for a Great Transition.

Foot Work: What Your Shoes Tell You About Globalisation

An incredible first-person look into shoe production around the world. Tansy Hoskins also has a great newsletter.

Imagining a Decentralised Footwear Industry at the Global Fashioning Assembly

I didn’t mention this but I hosted a speculative fiction workshop last fall with Tansy and few other footwear founders where everyone shared their ideas on what the industry would look like in a world with big businesses. It ties in nicely with our conversation and the boycott list.

Dispatches: The truth about Nike and Adidas

The Channel 4 investigation into recycled ocean plastic. I actually confused Nike and Adidas on the episode. Both brands are covered but the ocean plastic bit was about Adidas. The original broadcast is not available on demand: But there is an article with part of the video here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10821693/Channel-4s-Dispatches-reveals-greenwashing-trainer-brands.html

License to Greenwash: How certification schemes and voluntary initiatives are fueling fossil fashion

A very compelling report on greenwashing through certifications and standards. I alluded to it a bit with the HIGG index, but I meant to dive deeper because it is highly prevalent.

Money Heist: COVID-19 Wage Theft in Global Garment Supply Chains

A report on how big brands dodge accountability to the workers making their products. It gives estimates on how many millions of dollars different brands owe the workers that were laid off without severance due to their cancelled orders during Covid.

Nowhere to Hide: How the Fashion Industry Is Linked to Amazon Rainforest Destruction

A thorough report mapping out leather supply chains connected to Amazon deforestation.

ALSO: get your tickets for Clotheshorse LIVE!

10/23 Seattle, WA @ Here-After
10/26 Portland, OR @ Holocene

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage s...

Episode 236: Ripped From the Headlines...

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:28:46 -0500

In this episode, Amanda explores and explains a few different topics that are “ripped from the headlines,” including some news submitted from listeners:

A recap of Amanda's day at the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network Annual Meeting
An update on the Fashion Act
How boycotts are affecting Target (and their nightmare 2025 Pride collection)
What Joann has in common with Toys R US, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Nasty Gal
Why Torrid is closing a ton of stores (and why this is a problem)

And so much more!

JOIN AMANDA FOR THE CLOTHESHORSE BIRTHDAY CRAFTERNOON ON JULY 20!

Additional Reading:
"Dear Fashion CEOs, Stop Undermining Climate Action," Maxine Bédat, Business of Fashion.
"Target sales fall sharply in 1st quarter and retailer warns they will slip for all of 2025," CBS News.
"Target Moves Pride Merchandise Aside To Spotlight Father’s Day And July 4th Holidays," Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.
"'Cowardcore:' Everyone Is Noticing The Same Thing About Target's Pride Merch," Brittany Wong, HuffPost.
"Nervous Corporate Sponsors Retreat From New York Pride," Liam Stack, The New York Times.
"Michaels acquires Joann brand: What it means for store inventories," Lori Comstock, USA Today Network.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at

Episode 235: Reading, Writing, and Hanging out at the mall, with Jane and Molly of Content Queen

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:04:15 -0500

This week you are going to meet Molly and Jane of Content Queen, a two-person Bay Area-based zine publisher. And we are going to talk about all kinds of very hot topics (including literally Hot Topic):

Why do Jane and Molly make physical zines rather than virtual/online content in 2025? The answer is important and might get you thinking…
How has the kind of “content” we consume (especially the content we READ) changed in the social media era?
Two of Content Queen’s zines that are explicitly fashion-related: Stressful, Awkward, Envied: ‘90s and ‘00s Brands From Those Who Wore the Clothes, Worked the Registers, and Modeled for the Catalogs AND Wendy’s World, “an immersion into the early-’90s downtown New York world of the ultimate cult indie fashion label, Built by Wendy.”

Along the way Molly and Jane will tell us what it’s like to vend at a zine fair in 2025 (and why it’s different than it used to be). And we’ll wrap it all up by making our trend predictions. Amanda gets things started with explaining why something as simple as reading is a radical act of resistance in 2025 (and why we need to protect books and libraries).

Go order and read Molly and Jane's zines so we can talk about them: contentqueenzine.com
Find them on IG: @contentqueenzine

JOIN AMANDA FOR THE CLOTHESHORSE BIRTHDAY CRAFTERNOON ON JULY 20!

Additional reading:
"It’s so boring’: Gen Z parents don’t like reading to their kids - and educators are worried," Alaina Demopoulos, The Guardian.
"The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books," Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic.
Banned and Challenged Books dashboard, American Library Association.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetundergrou...

Episode 234: Who killed Jo-Ann?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 13 May 2025 19:03:24 -0500

What happened to Jo-Ann (the massive fabric/craft store chain)? In many places, it was the only game in town. It had a captive audience. And sewing and mending are on the rise. So Amanda set out to find out who killed Jo-Ann. It’s a lot more complicated than you think! In this episode we take a journey full of twists and turns:

Was it just private equity? And WTF is private equity anyway?
What do Jo-Ann and Red Lobster have in common? Unfortunately it's not Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
How has society's relationship with sewing changed over the last 80 years?
Who is Faith Popcorn and why is Amanda obsessed with her?
Where are the mechanized hugging booths?
Does anyone remember Cargo Express?
Where did Jo-Ann's leadership go wrong?
How would Amanda "save" Jo-Ann?
What is the future of fabric stores? And how are we all a part of it?

So many sources and so many links for this episode.

First: some suggested fabric stores from Amanda:
Firecracker Fabrics
L'Etoffe Fabrics
Nacho Ann's Fabrics
Make & Mend

Check out Oddly Specific with Meredith Lynch

Sources and additional reading:
"How private equity rolled Red Lobster," Gretchen Morgenson, NBC News.
"How trend forecasting keeps the biggest brands on top," Peter Firth, City AM.

"Faith Popcorn’s predictions five years later," Patrick Kevin Day, Los Angeles Times.
"The Essence of Cocooning," Beth Ann Krier, Los Angeles Times.
"Cloth World stores sold to chain," Alan Goldstein, Tampa Bay Times.
"Fabri-Centers Agrees to Pay $3 Million to Settle Charges," Leslie Eaton, The New York Times.
"Staff Said The Free Mask Kits At Jo-Ann Fabrics Are Just Scraps From The Clearance Bin," Amber Jamieson, Buzzfeed.
"Did private equity kill Joann fabrics?" Sam Becker, Fast Company.
"How Joann Fabrics went from a cult-favorite retail darling to a bankruptcy disaster," Lila Maclellan, Fortune.
"Sixty-seven years of fabrics and crafts," Janet H. Cho, The Plain Dealer.
"Sixty Years of Serving Creativity," Marsha McGregor.

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products...

Episode 233: Making the secondhand economy more equitable, with Valeria of Thryft Ship

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:01:42 -0500

A better future for our planet means most people buying secondhand clothing most of the time. Right now we live in a “golden era” of shopping secondhand…if you’re the customer! But the infrastructure as it exists right now for the people doing the work of finding, repairing, cleaning, and selling secondhand clothing needs a lot of improvement. This week, Amanda is joined by Valeria Brenner of Thryft Ship to dissect how and why the current state of secondhand resale isn’t equitable for the people doing the work:

We will break down the reality of the fees that these platforms are charging (and how it makes running a financially sustainable business nearly impossible for secondhand resellers),
We will talk about how the socially ingrained expectation of free shipping makes that even more difficult,
And we will discuss how this system could be better! Maybe it will get some of you thinking about new tools and systems for the secondhand economy!
Also, Valeria will explain why the secondhand reseller community is so amazing.

Find Thryft Ship:
IG: @thryftship

Website: thryftship.com

Read Alex's Substack (1-800-Vintage) about why she no longer calls herself a reseller

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 232: Wear what you want to wear, with Marlee of Style Me Slowly

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:33:15 -0500

Understanding what your personal style and wearing what you want to wear? AMAZING! Not only does it feel great to love your clothes, it's also an essential part of a more sustainable way of life. In this week's episode, Amanda is joined by Marlee of Style Me Slowly to talk about how to find "closet contentment."

Why “flattering” is kind of a myth (and puts the focus on the wrong person’s happiness)
The challenges of breaking up with the “rules” we have been taught about what we can and cannot wear
Why understanding what you really want to wear is a very important part of the slow fashion way of life.
Marlee’s recommended process for understanding your personal style

And so much more!

Find Marlee:
IG--@stylemeslowly
Marlee's style coaching services
Style Me Slowly podcast

Amanda's letter to you:
IG
Substack
Tumblr

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical ...

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion),Part 4: The 2010s

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Amanda is currently googling "fast home remedies for nonstop cough" with a tissue jammed in her nose, so please enjoy part four of this series from The Department about the history of secondhand shopping.
This episode was originally released in April 2023.

From the original episode description:

Amanda + Kim end their journey through the history of secondhand shopping as a social, retail, and style trend in a decade so close, yet so far away: the 2010s.

Get all the details at thedepartment.world.

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), Part 3: The 2000s

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Amanda's still coughing and feeling pitiful, so here's part three in a series about the history of secondhand shopping from The Department.
This episode was released in April 2023.

From the original episode description:

Secondhand shopping is having a major moment right now and it isn't without controversy. Amanda + Kim take a deep dive into the trend cycle of secondhand clothing, because it turns out secondhand fashion isn't a first time fashion trend. This episode (part three) focuses on the 2000s.

Get all the details at thedepartment.world.

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), Part 2: The 80s and 90s

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Amanda is out with the most disgusting cold this week, so here's part two of The Department's series about secondhand shopping!
This episode was originally released in April 2023.

From the original episode description:

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), part 1

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:23:54 -0500

Hi everyone! Dustin brought one souvenir back from his recent tour with his band American Motors: a really gross cold, which I now have the pleasure of experiencing right now. I'm in the constant coughing/lost my voice stage of it this week, so there is no new episode of Clotheshorse.
Instead, I thought I would share a few of my favorite episodes of my kinda RIP/kinda on-hiatus podcast, The Department, in which Kim and I talked about the history of secondhand shopping. I am going to share all of them on the Clotheshorse feed this week, so check it out!

These episodes were recorded 2023, while I lived in Austin and Kim lived in LA.
Thanks for listening, and hopefully I'll be be back next week with a new episode of Clotheshorse!

Amanda

From the original episode description:

Episode 231: This is not a eulogy for Forever 21.

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:30:32 -0500

Last month, Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy for the second time. It is planning to close all of its stores in the coming months as it winds down its operations. This is not a eulogy for Forever 21, but it is a deep dive into how one retailer change changed our habits, along with the entire business of making and selling clothing.

We’ll be talking about the following topics:

The history of Forever 21: where it started, how it grew, and where it went wrong,
The many ways that Forever 21 changed our relationship with clothing, including how much we were willing to pay and how long we expected a garment to last,
How cultural and social trends of the 00s (including "high/low style") helped Forever 21 grow,
The ways in which Forever 21 paved the way for ultra fast fashion brands like SHEIN...only to fall behind in the end.

And so much more! We'll also feel a little bit (just a tiny bit) nostalgic for Sparks (the caffeinated malt liquor) and summer nights spent biking around Portland, OR.

Additional reading:
"One Family Built Forever 21, and Fueled Its Collapse," Sapna Maheshwari, The New York Times.
"Faster Fashion, Cheaper Chic," Ruth La Ferla, The New York Times.
"Forever 21 Bankruptcy Unmasks Major Debt Load, Positions Suppliers for ‘Instability’," Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal.
"Shein and Forever 21 Team Up in Fast-Fashion Deal," Jordyn Holman, The New York Times.
"Forever 21’s Linda Chang: Overexpansion brought company to bankruptcy," Madeline Speed, Vogue Business.
"Bankrupt and loving it: Welcome to the lucrative world of undead brands," Alina Selyukh, NPR.
"Boycott Forever 21," Liz Black, Huff Post.
Urban Counterfeiters

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Mic...

Episode 230: Everything is better with community...fridges, with Christa of Material Union

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:50:08 -0500

How can we do good things in difficult times? The seemingly small things we do as individuals are actually really radical, impactful, and important. And if we do these good things with members of our community, they become even more powerful. This week, Christa of Material Union joins us to share how her community fridge has changed her life! We will be covering the following topics:

How to get a fridge started in your community. We’re going to cover all of the nuts and bolts: electric bills, permits,the best kind of fridge to use, how it all works.
The best things to stock in a community fridge (and what to skip)
The impact–both personal and community-wide–of resources like this
And what Christa has learned along the way about humans, community, and the importance of compassion and care.

Also: Amanda talks about "main character syndrome" and how it connects to fast fashion and kinda...everything right now? And why court cases are a source of optimism right now.

Find Christa's free fridge on Instagram
ATX Free Fridge

SUPPORT OUR FRIEND AND COMMUNITY MEMBER SELINA SANDERS!!!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 229: Every community needs a Radical Sewing Club, with Scout Quiquivix

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:13:05 -0500

How can we do good things in difficult times? The seemingly small things we do as individuals are actually really radical, impactful, and important. And if we do these good things with members of our community, they become even more powerful. In this week's episode, Scout of Radical Sewing Club shows us how mending and sewing are radical political acts. They will will share how we can start our own mending club in our own community!

We will be talking about important things like venue, cost, materials, and even how a typical Radical Sewing Club evening plays out.

Along the way we are going to talk about lots of other important things, including the following questions:

Has capitalism taken away sources of joy for us (only to try to replace it all with shopping)? How do we get those back?
Why is the lack of third spaces an issue that impacts people of all ages?
Why is building community sometimes as simple as knowing your neighbors? And how has capitalism made that more difficult?
Why is it actually super radical to repair fast fashion?
And how many people do we really need to push back and make serious change in this world?

We’ll also touch on the cows that are Amanda's neighbors and why we have jeans trauma thanks to the 00s.
Also: Amanda shares how protests are making her feel optimistic.

Hang out with Scout in Pomona, CA on the Radical Sewing Club World Tour! Get tickets here.
Read about Scout and Radical Sewing Club in the LA Times: "For $5, Radical Sewing Club teaches you to mend clothes like an anticapitalist," by Lina Abascal

Many more links:
Worldwide Mending Clubs List by Danielle of Front Porch Threads
"The '3.5% rule': How a small minority can change the world," David Robson, BBC.
50501 Movement
Indivisible

SUPPORT OUR FRIEND AND COMMUNITY MEMBER SELINA SANDERS!!!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders

Episode 228: Thrifty Business with Sara and Shan of Bargain Thrift Center

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 20:34:11 -0500

Over the past few years, we have explored many different facets of the secondhand economy: resellers and the ethics of reselling secondhand items, the various secondhand platforms, the fine art of thrifting, and even where all of the unsold stuff from thrift stores ends up! In this episode we'll learn what it's like to run an independent thrift store, with Sara and Shan of Bargain Thrift Center, a thrift store in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. We will discuss

How the unrealistically low prices of ultra fast fashion impact the prices most people are willing to pay for secondhand items
Opportunities that the secondhand supply chain has to reach more people and match them with the product they are seeking
What happens to the collectibles and tchotchkes that are flooding thrift stores right now (I call it the “collection industrial complex”)
And Sara and Shan’s vision for the future of secondhand/thrifting

Along the way, we’ll talk an awful lot about Precious Moments and we’ll wonder where all of the Ed Hardy stuff ended up at the end of the 00s.
Also: Amanda shares why she is feeling optimistic right now.

Follow Bargain Thrift Center on Instagram: @bargainthriftcenter

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vint...

Episode 227: How to find accurate news in unprecedented times, with Elizabeth Segran

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:55:59 -0600

One of the challenges facing all of concerned citizens is where and how to find accurate and reliable news. This week Amanda is joined by Elizabeth Segran, Senior Staff Writer at Fast Company Magazine.

They tackle some very important questions about news, media, and how we can determine what is fact, fiction, or something in-between:

How can we tell the difference between editorial/opinion pieces and news reporting?
Is it dangerous for people to get their “news” solely from social media?
Is there a “Hippocratic oath” for journalists?
What are the processes journalists and news organizations follow for verifying that information is factual?
How have budget cuts (and a shift in the entire media industry in the digital era) impacted how fast news is reported? Has it changed what it is covered?
How can we fact check the things we see online?

Also, Amanda introduces REDUCE, REFUSE, RESIST, an economic protest (and new way of life) for all of us that begins in March.

"Inside the State Department’s Weapons Pipeline to Israel," Brett Murphy, ProPublica.

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, v...

Episode 226: How To Be Okay

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:19:01 -0600

2025 is a lot. Things are kinda overwhelming right now: there’s a lot of news to digest and it's coming fast, it’s hard to suss out reality from fiction, and we don’t know what we can do to help. And so…it’s hard to be okay right now. But it sure is easy to be overwhelmed. Frightened. Angry. Trapped in a sense of powerlessness.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

This week we are going to talk about how to be okay, whether you’re facing fascism, climate change, plastic pollution, the fast fashion crisis, or all of these at once.

Why we doomscroll, how it's impacting our brains, and what we can do to stop it,
How to manage the flow of accurate information into our lives,
How to talk to people online,
How to take care of ourselves,
And things we can actually do to help out locally and globally.

Along the way, we'll talk about why waiting for collapse isn't helping anyone and why you should never forget the mouse in your pocket.

Things mentioned in this episode:

Don't Believe Him | The Ezra Klein Show
Or read the transcript here.

5 Best Apps to Limit Social Media Time
The Brick
Input/Output (Caitlin Kunkel Substack)

Good Climate News (Alaina Wood Substack)
Robert Reich Substack
Letters From An American (Heather Cox Richardson Substack)
Indivisible.org

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dye...

Episode 225: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity Round Table

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:51:05 -0600

This is part four in a continuing series about slow fashion and inclusivity. Amanda is joined by some rad people doing great work making slow fashion more inclusive:

Itohan Asemota is the founder of HNI Collective, a Philadelphia-based fashion service agency with a focus on size inclusivity and sustainability. Find Itohan on Instagram: @itsitohanhey

Marlee Rosen is a slow fashion personal style coach and the host of Style Me Slowly Podcast, where she features size inclusive, slow fashion brands and designers. Find Marlee on Instagram: @stylemeslowly

Nico Herzetty is the founder and CEO of Phoria, " a platform to help people find what fits their bodies, their style, and their priorities—and how we can support each other in that journey." Find Phoria on Instagram: @phoriafits

Donnelle Jageman is the founder of The Plus Swap and a cofounder of Philly FatCon. Find Philly FatCon on Instagram: @phillyfatcon

Maggie Greene (aka the Halloween Queen) is the Chief Everything Officer of Self Magnitude, an ethical microbusiness on a mission to transform how you see yourself by putting the personal in brand and style. Maggie helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and individual contributors of all gender expressions show up as their radically authentic selves, at work and in life, with confidence and without compromising their core values and ethics.

In this episode we will discuss the following:

Why so many new fast fashion brands have adopted the SHEIN model specifically to target plus size American women…and why that’s not a good thing...
Why a lot of slow fashion marketing can feel a lot like regular old fast fashion marketing
What we can learn from big brands that have totally blown their foray into extended sizing
How understanding our own personal style can help us slow down our shopping
And of course, how we can support slow fashion brands that are truly trying to be as inclusive as possible.

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social ...

Episode 224: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Itohan and Marlee

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:38:18 -0600

This is part three in a continuing series about slow fashion and inclusivity. In this episode you'll meet two people working to get more people into slow fashion and highlight size inclusive ethical brands:

Itohan Asemota is the founder of HNI Collective, a Philadelphia-based fashion service agency with a focus on size inclusivity and sustainability. Find Itohan on Instagram: @itsitohanhey

In these two one-on-one conversations with Amanda, we will explore the following subjects:

What challenges do small slow fashion brands face as they add more sizes?
What advice does Itohan have for slow fashion brands who want to be more size inclusive?
How do people who are new to slow fashion get started?
How can we support the size inclusive slow fashion brands that are out there?
Are pomegranates the sexiest fruit?

Also, Amanda talks about "shock and awe" and how we can stay strong and energized. We'll dip our toe into the Target DEI situation and how it is a good reminder that the future is ethical small business.

Join us for the fundraiser virtual workshop benefitting LA fire survivors!!!
The topic is "How to talk to others about slow fashion." February 5 at 7pm eastern

♥ Tickets cost $10. In addition to access to the virtual workshop, you also get a discount code for 50% off the Clotheshorse merch shop (iron on transfers + stickers).
♥ All ticket sales will be donated to GoFundMe’s for LA fire survivors.
♥ Workshop will be conducted via Zoom.
♥ Buy your tickets via Venmo or Paypal: Venmo: @crystal_visions PAYPAL: @AmandaLeeMcCarty
♥ Send money as “friends and family” so we don’t lose a portion to fees.
♥ INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (so you can receive the calendar invite and other info)

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 223: Winning the Battle Against Doomerism

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:20:25 -0600

Despair. Apathy. Not believing that things can change and be better. Just fully discounting any possibility of progress. Have you struggled with these feelings? It's called doomerism and you're not wrong for feeling that way.

In this week's episode, Amanda talks all about doomerism (and how to fight it off):

Amanda shares what she learned on her desert road trip in search of optimism, with stops at National Parks and more than one geodesic domes.
She will share her advice (gained through experience and lots of reading about this topic) for saving yourself from doomerism, while also building up your strength and energy to keep fighting the good fight.
And she'll talk about why she is staying on social media.

LINKS LINKS LINKS
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Arcosanti
Biosphere 2
Photos from Amanda's visit to Biosphere 2
Spaceship Earth (documentary about Biosphere 2)
Hotel McCoy
Saguaro National Park
Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Spokes & Stitches is a size-inclusive patternmaking and sewing studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patternmaker Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of designing and making their own clothes! Ruby also provides professional services such as pattern digitization, size charts, patternmaking, and grading services for indie slow fashion brands that want to prioritize inclusive sizing. You can find Ruby on Instagram as @spokesandstitches, and get in touch with her for professional services at www.spokesandstitches.com.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats:

Episode 222: Capitalism, The (Board) Game

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:02:51 -0600

In the final episode of 2024, Amanda is inspired by a conversation with her friend Janelle to explore board games that teach children (and adults) the “winner takes all” aspect of late stage capitalism and/or reinforce the message that success=stuff.

We’ll take a journey through the history of board games, with a deep dive into the Game of Life.
We’ll check out the shopping focused games of the 1980s and 90s, including Mall Madness.
We will touch on some other games that just seem agonizing for adults to play, like Payday (too real).
And we’ll explore the origin story of Monopoly, along with all of the other games that (accidentally or otherwise) seem to reinforce dumb ideas like the bootstrap myth.

Amanda also talks about what a "no buy year" means to her (and somehow ties into board games, because why not).

This episode also includes an audio essay from Eleisha of SHIFT, a refillery in Narberth, PA. Find SHIFT on Instagram: @mainlineshift

Learn more about board games:

"Why the game of Life used to have poverty, suicide, and ruin," Phil Edwards, Vox.
Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History, American Experience (PBS)
"5 Wild Facts About Mall Madness," Jake Rossen, Mental Floss.

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea ...

Episode 221: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Nico and Donnelle

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:08:04 -0600

This is part two in a continuing series about slow fashion and inclusivity. In this episode you'll meet two people working to make slow fashion more accessible for more people:

Donnelle Jageman is the founder of The Plus Swap and a cofounder of Philly FatCon. Find Philly FatCon on Instagram: @phillyfatcon

In these two one-on-one conversations with Amanda, we will explore the following subjects:

What does "size inclusive" mean when we are talking about brands?
What is the positive social impact of normalizing body diversity in fashion and media?
Are there really ethically made clothes in larger sizes somewhere out there in the world?
How can we build a more inclusive, stronger community via events?
What does a more sustainable, inclusive fashion industry look like?
And are deer really just forest ponies?

Also, Amanda talks about the fashion industry's approach to just about everything (including inclusivity) feels so tired and antiquated. And why she is optimistic about the future of slow fashion in 2025.

This episode gets started with an audio essay from Sarah of Summa Salts. She will explain how her business is focused on making access to good food easier for more people. Find Summa Salts on Instagram: @summasalts

Read this: "The Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2025 size inclusivity report," Lucy Maguire and Maliha Shoaib
Check this out: selltradeplus

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 220: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Sushmita of Ethical Fat Fashion

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 18:40:23 -0600

Amanda is joined by Sushmita, the person behind Ethical Fat Fashion, the "coolest fat positive fashion newsletter amplifying ethical size diverse brands.” In this episode--recorded in a karaoke room in Tokyo--Amanda and Sushmita discuss the following:

“Sustainable fashion” has an inclusivity problem. Meaning: it still focuses on thin, white, young, wealthier cis-gendered women. Why is that still the case, years into the sustainability movement in fashion?
How can we change that? I always feel like I am part of a growing diverse community of primarily working class people, yet I still see many brands and organizations continuing to focus on the same thin/white/young/rich people. Why is it important for slow fashion to be a movement/community for everyone?
Conversations about cost are particularly difficult because we know that the prices of ultra fast fashion are only possible because the clothes are low quality and someone suffered to make them. Fast fashion has warped our sense of value and how much clothing should cost. How do we untangle that? And how is skipping fast fashion an issue of class solidarity?
The societal expectation around how much clothing we should have has changed drastically over the years, especially during the fast fashion era. And so we think we need a lot of clothes that are inexpensive, rather than a lot less clothing at a higher price. Sushimita will share her thoughts on that and how we change our perception of value and the quantity of clothing we own.
Also: Why we should shop from small brands, debunking the myth that there are no sustainable brands that make larger sizes, and so much more!

This episode gets started with a small business audio episode from Lisa of Top Stitch Mending. And Amanda wraps up the episode discussing how the recent election here in the United States has her thinking about the power of community and communication.

Give everyone a follow:
Sushmita: @ethicalfatfashion on every platform
Ethical Fat Fashion on Substack
@topstitchmending

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Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

REWIND: Episode 144: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part one), with Maggie Greene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:01:25 -0600

Amanda has a cold, so this week's episode is the return of a 2022 classic, Part 1 of the 12 Days of Slow Gifting with Maggie Greene!

Gifting is an easy place for us to begin to educate others about the impact of overconsumption, while creating new traditions and changing societal behaviors! Maggie Greene (The Halloween Queen) joins Amanda to introduce The 12 Days of Slow Gifting. This is part 1 of 2. We’ll be explaining what slow gifting is, how to have difficult conversations about gift boundaries (like “no gifts”) with the people in your life, the importance of shopping small and we will have a ton of secondhand gift ideas for the people in your life! Also in this episode: audio essays from Bea of Heke Design, Ruby of Spokes & Stitches, and Kait of Mystical Glow Candle Company.

Find everyone on IG:
Maggie: @greenstylemags
Heke design: @heke.design
Ruby: @spokesandstitches
Kait: @mysticalglowcandleco

Follow along with The 12 Days of Slow Gifting here.

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Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to prov...

Episode 219: Clotheshorse in Japan: Why is Everything So Cute?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:25:55 -0600

Clotheshorse (aka Amanda) was in Japan!
And in this week's episode--the last in the Japan series--Amanda breaks down why everything is so cute in Japan.

We'll talk about the following:

Why are the fruit bus stops of Konagai a lesson in Instagram versus reality (but also so cool and special)?
What is Don Quijote and why is the song a real earworm?
What are eki-melo (駅メロ) and why are they an important tool?
Why are signs and public information so cute in Japan?
What is the history of kawaii culture and aesthetic?
And why does Amanda believe that pink and cuteness are radical things in 2024?

Parfaiteria Bel
Hotel Graphy Nezu
T's Tan Tan
Traveler's Company
Don Quijote Theme Song
GaijinPot Tokyo Train Tunes playlist
Example of construction barriers in Japan

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 218: Clotheshorse in Japan: Fake Food (Shokuhin Sampuru), Parfaits, and Pudding

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:43:28 -0600

Clotheshorse (aka Amanda) is in Japan!
And in this week's episode, recorded in Nagasaki, Amanda shares the story of fake food (Shokuhin Sampuru, 食品サンプル) in Japan.

We'll talk about the following:

The history of food replicas in Japan (and why showing the actual food available in a restaurant was necessary for a long time),
How department stores in Japan compare to department stores in the US,
Why Takizo Iwasaki is considered the "Father of Japanese Fake Food,"
How fake food is made,
Amanda and Christine's trip to Sample Village Iwasaki in Gujo Hachiman, where they tried their hand at making fake food,
And more highlights from Amanda's journey through Japan!

Sample Village Iwasaki
Steamed pudding in Beppu
Where Amanda stayed in Beppu with the amazing breakfast
Gujo Hachiman

What Amanda is reading right now: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 217: Clotheshorse in Japan: Konbini, Egg Salad, and A Love for Denny's

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:57:05 -0600

Clotheshorse (aka Amanda) is in Japan!
And in this week's episode, recorded in Kyoto, Amanda shares the history of Japanese convenience stores and why they are loved by tourists and the Japanese alike. We'll talk about the following:

The impact of convenience stores on low income people in the United States (and the reality of living in a food desert),
The history of the convenience stores (konbini) in Japan,
Why Amanda loves Denny's in Japan,
Amanda's thoughts on the best items at each chain.

And of course, so much more!

Read Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.
Get your onigiri at Asahi Imports in Austin.
This book contains Amanda's favorite potato salad recipe.
Hotel Graphy Nezu: where Amanda always stays in Tokyo

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Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 216: Could AI Save Fashion?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:42:53 -0500

AI is being pitched as a solution for many of the world's greatest problems, including the environmental and ethical crisis that is fast fashion. Is AI a real solution for a more sustainable fashion industry? Or is it just hype?

This week's episode is a longer version of Amanda's recent talk about AI and fashion for the 2024 Fashion Changers conference in Berlin.
Amanda breaks down the following on her journey to figure out if AI really can save fashion:

What are the biggest issues that fashion faces right now?
How could these problems be solved? And how does AI play a part in that?
What causes overproduction?
Why is AI so thirsty for electricity...AND water?
How *could* AI support solutions for a more sustainable fashion industry?
How is it *actually* be using by brands right now?
And what is fashion without the creativity of humans?

Get started on the the history of fast fashion with episode 175.

Additional reading:
"Old Navy's plus size experiment failed. It didn't have to," Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company.
"Cult-favorite fashion brand Selkie used AI to design its new clothes, and fans are disappointed," Amanda Krause, Business Insider.
"An AI-designed horse purse is tearing apart this small but passionate community," Mia Sato, The Verge.
"Pixel Perfect: The Rise Of AI Fashion Models," Bernard Marr, Forbes.
"The Rise of AI Fashion Models," Sam Gruet, Marketplace.
"Artificial intelligence technology behind ChatGPT was built in Iowa — with a lot of water," Matt O'Brien + Hannah Fingerhut, Associated Press.
"Why Microsoft made a deal to help restart Three Mile Island," Casey Crownhart, MIT Technology Review.

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Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 215: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 2), with Ruby of Spokes & Stitches

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:53:43 -0500

Sewing can be an important component of the slow fashion way of life. This is part 2 in a series about all things sewing with Ruby Gertz of Spokes & Stitches. This episode is full of information and advice for anyone who is already sewing or looking to get started:

Advice for finding your own secondhand sewing machine: where to look, what to look for, how to choose a good one, and even how much you should expect to spend.
Sewing patterns: how to choose them, how to use them, and what to expect.
And Ruby will explain why she has started her own line of petite plus sewing patterns, Starling Petite Plus and all of the work that goes into creating a sewing pattern.

Amanda gets things started with a history of how home sewing has been marketed over the last 100-ish years.

Find Ruby on Instagram: @spokesandstitches
Starling Petite Plus
Spokes & Stitches

Some deadstock/closeout fabric recs for you:
L'Etoffe Fabrics
FABSCRAP
Jomar
Make + Mend

If you have more thoughts or advice to share about sewing, send it my way via email to amanda@clotheshorse.world. You can send an email or an audio message that you have recorded on your phone.

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous At...

Episode 214: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 1), with Ruby of Spokes & Stitches

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:47:31 -0500

Sewing can be an important component of the slow fashion way of life. This is part 1 in a series about all things sewing with Ruby Gertz of Spokes & Stitches. And wow, do we discuss a lot of stuff in this episode:

A brief history of the mass production of clothing,
Why people stopped sewing their own clothing as a regular part of daily life,
We will unpack the barriers that make sewing a privilege for many in 2024 (and why it’s not realistic at this point to expect everyone to start sewing their own clothes),
Why you might want to get into sewing,
How you can get started on sewing even if you’ve never done it before,
Ruby’s advice for finding less expensive fabric options,
And of course, so much more.

Find Ruby on Instagram: @spokesandstitches
Starling Petite Plus
Spokes & Stitches

Some deadstock/closeout fabric recs for you:
L'Etoffe Fabrics
FABSCRAP
Jomar
Make + Mend

If you have more thoughts or advice to share about sewing, send it my way via email to amanda@clotheshorse.world. You can send an email or an audio message that you have recorded on your phone.

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen...

REWIND: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of Picnicwear

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:58:48 -0500

Sweater season has arrived for many of us, so let's revisit a favorite episode from last year!

We'll explain how the fast fashion industry has kept prices low and profits high by swapping out yarns, cutting out details, and making copies of copies, while walking through the design process of most big retailers/brands.
We will unpack why it's really difficult to find sweaters made of natural fibers.
Amanda will explain how natural fibers aren't the "cure" for the impact of overconsumption.
We will give you advice about how to choose the right sweater (hint: read those content labels).
Dani will give you advice about how to care for your sweaters properly.

We were inspired by Amanda Mull's recent piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!
Check out Dani's incredible cotton sweaters here.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplac...

Episode 213: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 2: The internet is a secondhand mall.

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 20:53:57 -0500

Making #Secondhand First second nature is an important component of the slow fashion way of life. This is PART TWO of a two part series about how to shop secondhand. In this episode, Amanda focuses on shopping secondhand online, including the following:

Different options for finding just about anything secondhand. Some names will be super familiar, and others will probably be new.
Best practices for shopping secondhand online: from how to search, the tricks for tracking down measurements and other information, how to make offers without being a jerk, and so much more.
Dustin drops by to give us some advice about how to buy secondhand electronics online!

Lots of links:

GEM
Add Beni to your browser.
Unclaimed Baggage
Back Market
YouFromMe
Make + Mend

Also: check out Dustin's new album, "Content"

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 212: All About Clothing Swaps, with Sam of BeReworn

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:18:08 -0500

It's still Secondhand September, so we are exploring many different ways we can live a #SecondhandFirst way of life. This week we are going to be talking about all things clothing swaps with Sam, the founder and CEO of BeReworn, a platform that helps people find and host clothing swaps. Sam will be sharing great advice for how to host your own clothing swap, including

Where and when to have it,
Why volunteers are important,
The items you will need for a successful swap,
Why she recommends charging a ticket fee to participate,
How to deal with worrying about whether or not anyone will show up,
And so much more!

The episode gets started with an email from Norway and a deep dive into when and how single use plastics became a normal part of American life.

Follow BeReworn on Instagram: @bereworn

More reading about plastic (if you really know how to have a good time):

Plastic Facts + Figures, Plastic Soup Foundation
"Think that your plastic is being recycled? Think again," Douglas Main, MIT Technology Review.
"The Myth of Plastic Recycling," Laura Sullivan, Emily Kwong, Rebecca Ramirez, NPR.
Peruse the August 1955 issue of Life magazine.

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georg...

Episode 211: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 1: IRL FTW TYSM!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:47:25 -0500

It’s Secondhand September! (insert airhorn here) It's a big deal around here because a #SecondhandFirst approach to shopping is a key part of the slow fashion way of life.
This is PART ONE of a two part series about how to shop secondhand. This installment is all about shopping secondhand/thrifting in-person.

Amanda, a lifelong thrifter and major secondhand enthusiast, will discuss the following topics:

How secondhand is about way more than just clothing (and suggestions for other great stuff you can find secondhand),
The different places you can find secondhand stuff (it's more than just thrift stores),
How to be prepared for a successful secondhand experience (and what you should always carry in your bag),
Why the final "cart sort" is an important part of avoiding overconsumption,
The importance of being cool with going home empty handed,
And so much more!

Also in this episode: Amanda shares how they pulled off an almost entirely secondhand Clotheshorse Jamboree and how you can apply that to your own events.

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 210: Slow Fashion Is Art, with Corinne Loperfido

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 10:26:01 -0500

Amanda is joined by Corinne Loperfido, a social practice artist based in Texas. We are going to talk about so many things slow fashion related, including:

How denying/stifling our own humanity is fueling overconsumption and fast fashion,
Why the merch industrial complex is a problem, and what a better future for merch could look like,
Corinne's advice for starting your own journey into slow fashion,
The Slow Fashion Center for Degrowth and the intersection between art and slow fashion,
Corinne's upcoming event at Shop Slow in Austin, TX.

Also in this episode: a brief recap of the Clotheshorse Jamboree.

Follow Corrine on IG: @corinneloperfido

Join the conversation on the Clotheshorse Slack! Sign up here!

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 209: Revisiting the Ethics of Secondhand (Live from the Clotheshorse Jamboree)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:12:33 -0500

It's the first ever "recorded with a live studio audience" episode of Clotheshorse, recorded at West Art in Lancaster, PA. For this very special event, Amanda is joined by Alex of St. Evens, Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage, and Dylan (a former thrift store worker).

In 2023, Alex of St. Evens joined Amanda for a FOUR PART exploration of the ethics of secondhand resale. More than year and a half later, myths about secondhand and anti-reseller rhetoric can still be found in every corner of the internet. In this episode, we revisit the ethics of secondhand shopping, thrifting, and resellers, exploring the following questions:

✭ Who is really getting rich from the sales of secondhand clothing?
✭ Are resellers really "taking all of the good stuff" from thrift stores?
✭ What is the real purpose of thrift stores?
✭ How can we (as a community) make secondhand more accessible to more people?
✭ Why is there so much bad stuff in thrift stores right now?
✭ And so much more!

Want to catch up on what we have already discussed in the past? You can find these episode anywhere you listen to podcasts:
👂Episode 159: We debunked two major anti-resale arguments: “Thrift stores are designed to be a resource for low income people" & “Resellers are making tons of money from taking things that should be for low income people.”
👂Episode 160: We debunked two major anti-resale arguments: “Resellers are taking all of ‘the good stuff" &“Resellers are responsible for rising prices at thrift stores.”
👂Episode 161: We debunked the final anti-resale myth: “Resellers misrepresent what they’re selling, list things at wildly inflated prices, and overall behave miserably both online and in person.”

Do yourself a favor and subscribe to Alex's Substack, 1-800-Vintage

Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get r...

Episode 208: Learning The Hard Way, with Sarah of Deco Denim

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:40:10 -0500

What's it like to leave fashion? And why would someone do that? Sarah of Deco Denim shares her experiences working as a denim designer and what she is doing now. In this episode we will discuss

Sarah's experiences working for Levi's, among other companies
Her journey to escape corporate fashion
What she has learned along the way as a small business owner
Her advice for anyone else looking to make a big career/life change

If you are looking for more info about the environmental/ethical issues associated with denim production, go back and listen to the early Clotheshorse series about denim, starting with episode 11.

Go follow Sarah on Instagram: @deco.denim

Preorder your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

REWIND: Episode 187: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 1

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:41:02 -0500

In honor of Amanda's video with More Perfect Union, let's get into why new clothes are kinda garbage these days!

New clothes ARE kinda garbage these days, from low quality synthetic fabrics to zippers that are a problem from the very first wear to lack of detail and poor fit. And the low quality and short lifespan of this clothing is creating an environmental and ethical crisis for the planet and its people.
Why are these clothes just so bad? In this THREE part series, Amanda breaks down the hidden reasons that new clothing is kinda garbage. This episode covers the following:

What is planned obsolescence and how does it impact cars, phones, electronics...and clothing?
The process of clothing creation, from design to sample to finished product.
The changes buyers make to hit the profitability targets set by company leadership.
How fabric is a big part of the formula (and why so many garments are synthetic now).
How overproduction is impacting product quality.

Also in this episode, an audio essay from Elysha of Worth Mending, @worthmending on Instagram.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 207: The Future of Fashion is Small, with Angela of FABRIC

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 20:04:38 -0500

The future of fashion is small, ethical, and circular. The problem right now? Big businesses control the supply chain, making it really hard for small brands and designers to succeed. FABRIC is working to change that by building a fully circular supply chain here in the United States, powered by many, many small businesses.

In this episode, Amanda is joined by Angela Johnson, co-founder of FABRIC. This episode discusses the following:

Angela’s experiences as a designer, both at the beginning of her career, and as she started her own brand.
We’ll get a little nostalgic with some conversation about her time working at X-Girl, an iconic 90s brand founded by Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth) and Daisy von Furth. And oh yeah, we’re also going to talk about Days of Our Lives.
Angela will explain how everything she learned working in the garment industry in LA (along with her loyalty to her home state of Arizona) led her to create a fashion incubator in Tempe, Arizona.
We will also hear more about the vision for the Eco Parc, a fully circular fashion manufacturing hub and what it will take to bring that to life.
And we will round that all out by talking about how important it is to keep up this work, even on the days when it is really hard.

Find FABRIC on IG: @fabrictempe

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 206: The SHEIN-sodes, part 3: Influencers, Forced Labor, and Bad Glassdoor Reviews

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 18:58:39 -0500

This episode is part 3 in a short series about SHEIN: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how it is changing everything. If you haven’t listened to parts one and two yet, go do that before listening to this episode.

In this part of the series, we will be tackling the human impact of SHEIN:

Unpacking the meaning of "sustainability" using the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as a measuring stick for figuring out just how sustainable fast fashion is
How the early days of SHEIN might indicate something about the priorities and values of SHEIN's founder
What it’s like to work for SHEIN in the garment factories and here in the U.S.
That embarrassing SHEIN influencer trip and other bad faith marketing moves
SHEIN’s connection to forced labor and how that ties into the de minimis loophole
How SHEIN becoming the standard for making and selling clothing will impact everyone, even people who have never bought anything from the brand
How WE can change SHEIN's trajectory (yes, we really can)

Additional reading (lots of sources again this week):

UN Sustainable Development Goals
"Fast Fashion Report Cards Show What’s Really in Your Clothes," Phoebe Sedgman and Jennifer Creery, Bloomberg.
"New study links major fashion brands to Amazon deforestation," Laura Pitcher, The Guardian.
"How fashion is distancing itself from deforestation," Rachel Cernansky, Vogue Business.
This is What Minimum Wage Would Be If It Kept Pace with Productivity
Living Wage Calculator
"Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip. Here's why people are livid," Vanessa Romo, NPR.
"Shein exploited marginalized women for their influencer trip. It worked," Elizabeth de Luna, Mashable.
Toiling Away for SHEIN, Public Eye.
"Untold: Inside the Shein Machine review," Jack Seale, The Guardian.
"PR Platitudes and New Laws: Where is Shein heading?," Public Eye.
"After a UK Documentary Revealed Abuses, Shein Says it Will Spend $15 Million Improving Labor Conditions," Emma Burleigh, Observer.
"Interviews with factory employees refute Shein’s promises to make improvements," Public Eye.
"Inside North Korea's Forced Labor Program," Ian Urbina, The New Yorker.
"Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control: Inside Shein’s Sudden Rise," Vauhini Vara, Wired.
"The Search for the Next Shein," Chavie Lieber, Business of Fashion.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 205: The SHEIN-sodes, part 2: Bots, Stolen Art, and Phthala-what?!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:55:30 -0500

This episode is part 2 in a short series about SHEIN: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how it is changing everything. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go do that before listening to this episode.

In this part of the series, we will be tackling:

An update on SHEIN's IPO plans.
Why and how SHEIN's low prices are unnaturally and unethically low.
How SHEIN’s byzantine corporate structure virtually shields it from any legal accountability.
SHEIN is infamous for stealing designs from artists and smaller brands. And also big brands! How is it doing that?
How the way SHEIN runs its business could be endangering its customers (along with the people making its products).

Additional reading (lots of sources again this week):

"Experts say Shein’s U.S. IPO is all but dead," Ece Yildirim, CNBC.
"Shein sought to reassure US over China supply chain ahead of IPO," Financial Times.
"Shein’s London IPO plan in regulatory limbo as investors grow jittery, sources say," Coco Feng and Wency Chen, South China Morning Post.
"Shein UK breaches company law by failing to disclose human owner," Julia Kollewe, The Guardian.
"Shopping platform Shein poised to take major U.S. market share. UBS thinks these companies will be hurt most," Alex Harring, CNBC.
"Shein stole my design so I’m spilling all the tea and it’s PIPING HOT."
"40+ Businesses Shein Stole Designs From: The Complete List," Ethically Dressed.
"‘Details I made, they made’ – designers hit back at Shein’s imitation game," Ellie Violet Bramley, The Guardian.
"Shein’s fast fashion comes with fast-finance risks," John Foley, Reuters.

"Artists Accuse Fashion Brand Shein of Using AI to Steal Their Designs," Maya Pontone, Hyperallergic.
"China’s Fast-Fashion Giant Shein Faces Dozens of Lawsuits Alleging Design Theft," Dan Strumpf, Wall Street Journal.
"New Lawsuit Lifts the Lid on Shein's AI-Powered Ultra-Fast Fashion Model,"The Fashion Law.
"How bots are stealing artwork from artists on Twitter," Tim Gerken, BBC.
"Experts warn of high levels of chemicals in clothes by some fast-fashion retailers," CBC News.
"Taking the shine off SHEIN: Hazardous chemicals in SHEIN products break EU regulations, new report finds," Greenpeace Germany.
"Seoul finds high levels of toxic chemicals in Shein products," AFP.
"What “Millennial Gray” Is, and Why It Has TikTok in a Tizzy," Apartment Therapy.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Want to take advantage of the payment plan?

Each payment is $50, spread over 4 payments.
The first one happens when you buy your ticket. You will use promo code INSTALLMENT1 at checkout (when you enter your payment info). You will be charged $50 and you will receive your actual ticket via email immediately.
Amanda will send you a link to pay the remaining payments on 6/25, 7/25, and the week of the jamboree.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 204: The SHEIN-sodes, part 1: IPO WTF, Empty Airplanes, & Duty Free

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:03:31 -0500

SHEIN has–and is– changing what it means to buy and sell clothing on planet Earth. And it’s not a change for the better. It’s a change we should all care about, no matter where WE buy our clothing. Because SHEIN and what it means for the future of making and selling just about any category of stuff WILL impact every one of us: no matter what we wear, where we live, the kind of job we have, or how much money we have.

The SHEIN-ification is such a big deal, so impactful for every one of us, that this episode is part 1 in a short series about SHEIN: where it’s been, where it’s going, and how it is changing everything.

In this part of the series, we will be tackling:

SHEIN’s impending IPO. And WTF is an IPO?
How SHEIN grew and grew and grew (blame 2020 and sweatpants).
What in the heck is the de minimis loophole and how is this benefiting SHEIN?
And, are there really empty airplanes flying back to China every day so they can be loaded back up with SHEIN and Temu parcels?

Also, an update on the Fashion Act and how/why we are still in the early stages of the fight to end fast fashion!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Made by MLE, @madebymle on Instagram. Use code CLOTHESHORSE to receive 10% off your first order!

Additional reading (lots of sources this week):

Maxine's statement about the Fashion Act
What is an IPO?
"NEW REPORT FINDS SHEIN EMITS MORE POLLUTION THAN THE COUNTRY OF PARAGUAY," Janelle Sessoms, Fashionista.
"What’s ‘Really Scary’ About Shein’s Breakneck Growth," Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal.
"NRF rejects Shein membership as retailer pursues U.S. IPO," Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC. Financial Times.
"Fast fashion retailer Shein hikes prices ahead of IPO," Helen Reid, Reuters.
"Synthetics Anonymous 2.0: Fashion’s persistent plastic problem," Changing Markets Foundation.
"You’re Buying So Much From Temu And Shein The Air Cargo Industry Can’t Keep Up," Cyrus Farivar, Forbes.
"The Time Has Come to Address the De Minimis Loophole," Timothy Lyons, Vermont Law Review.
"Labor unions, domestic manufacturing groups launch coalition to reform de minimis import loophole," Chelsea Cox, CNBC.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Want to take advantage of the payment plan?

Each payment is $50, spread over 4 payments.
The first one happens when you buy your ticket. You will use promo code INSTALLMENT1 at checkout (when you enter your payment info). You will be charged $50 and you will receive your actual ticket via email immediately.
Amanda will send you a link to pay the remaining payments on 6/25, 7/25, and the week of the jamboree.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 203: Why clothes fit worse in the fast fashion era, with Dr. Colleen Pokorny

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:17:46 -0500

Amanda is joined by Dr. Colleen Pokorny, Assistant Professor of Apparel Design at Oregon State University. Before making the shift to education, Colleen was a technical designer in the world of fast fashion. And there is so much to cover in this episode:

What is a technical designer?
How has the speed of fast fashion made clothing fit even worse?
Why aren't clothing sizes standardized here in the US?
Why do your product reviews matter?
How do we set students up for a better transition from school to the fashion industry? And how can schools prepare designers for a more sustainable future?
What does a more sustainable future for the fashion industry look like?
Why and how did Colleen leave the fashion industry? And does she have any advice to share with us?

And somehow, we will also talk about Trader Joe’s and how it has been caught behaving like fast fashion. Also, Amanda shares her own experience escaping the fashion industry.

About Colleen:
Dr. Colleen Gelhaus Pokorny is an Assistant Professor of Apparel Design at the Oregon State University. Her research interests include sustainability trends impacting apparel product design and development; how cultural and technical innovations influence craft and design processes; and how design technologies can address gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her current research examines how designers revalue material culture through sustainable design processes when upcycling quilt materials into fashion garments. Before pursuing her Ph.D., Colleen was a Technical Designer for seven years at Thirty-one Gifts and Abercrombie & Fitch. She specialized in men's knitwear, thermal and home soft goods, and handbags. You can read more about Colleen’s research at https://hdl.handle.net/11299/258647 and https://business.oregonstate.edu/users/colleen-pokorny. Or follow along on her various quiltmaking adventures @Cpokorny

Additional reading:
"We need to talk about Trader Joe's," Adam Reiner, Taste.
"Trader Joe’s Threatened Workers Ahead Of Union Vote, Feds Allege," Dave Jamieson, HuffPost.
"‘Just lie after lie’: Inside the fight to unionize at Trader Joe’s," Gabriel Thompson, Capital + Main.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Want to take advantage of the payment plan?

Each payment is $50, spread over 4 payments.
The first one happens when you buy your ticket. You will use promo code INSTALLMENT1 at checkout (when you enter your payment info). You will be charged $50 and you will receive your actual ticket via email immediately.
Amanda will send you a link to pay the remaining payments on 6/25, 7/25, and the week of the jamboree.

Did you actually read this far into the show notes? First off, thank you. Secondly...if you're the first person to email me, I will give you a free ticket to the Clotheshorse Jamboree.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground

Episode 202: Art is an essential part of the slow fashion movement, with Janelle Abbott

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 27 May 2024 17:48:52 -0500

Amanda is joined by artist, designer, sewist, and small business owner, Janelle Abbott. We will learn about her recent performance, 14 Hours, in which Janelle spent 6 days sewing for 14 hours each day, demonstrating the lived experience of a Bangladeshi garment worker.
Other things discussed in this episode:

Art as a means of helping others understand the impact of fast fashion
Upcycling as a necessity for a better future
What is “sustainable” when you are an artist and maker within the slow fashion realm
How we can get others to be “activated” to help us dismantle the fast fashion system by better understanding the lives of garment workers

Find more of Janelle's work (and her brand JRAT) here: janellerabbott.com
Learn more about Janelle's Zero Waste Methodology: Madness Behind the Method
Check out Prairie Underground
Marina Abramović: The Artist Is Present

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful clothing and accessories from the 1940s-1990s for people of all genders. Husband-and-wife duo Wiley & Jessamy handpick each piece for quality and style, with a focus on pieces that transcend trends and will find a home in your closet for many years to come! In addition to clothing, the shop also features a large selection of vintage vinyl and old school video games. Find them on instagram @ highenergyvintage, online at highenergyvintage.com, and at markets in and around Boston.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed....

Episode 201: Is it CLASSIST to talk about fast fashion?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 19 May 2024 22:10:16 -0500

This episode is part two in a recurring series examining and debunking the most common “excuses” and justifications we see for supporting, maybe even protecting(?) fast fashion and fast everything. And this week we are going to explore a classic comeback to conversations about fast fashion: “it’s classist to talk about fast fashion.”

We will explore the following questions:

What is class? What are the differences between socioeconomic class and social class?
What is classism? And how does it play out in day to day life?
Why is income not always a simple indicator of one's financial situation?
How are fast fashion and classism *actually* linked? You might be surprised!
How does fast fashion actually exacerbate economic inequality?
Did fast fashion really democratize fast fashion?
Why is the fight against fast fashion actually a matter of class solidarity?
And what can ALL of us do to dismantle the fast fashion system?

On our journey to figuring all of this out, we'll find out if Shein customers are actually rich, and if fast fashion executives actually wear clothing made by their companies. Amanda will share her own experiences dealing with classism within the fashion industry.

And HEY! BUY YOUR TICKETS TO THE CLOTHESHORSE JAMBOREE ASAP!

Additional reading:
MIT Living Wage Calculator
"Meet Shein's typical shopper," Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins, Business Insider.
American Attitudes About Poverty and the Poor
"Retail Wages Are A Growing Problem That Will Only Get Worse," Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.
Dynamics of Economic Well-Being: Poverty 2009-2011, Ashley N. Edwards, US Census Bureau.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and Traci

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 05 May 2024 17:40:01 -0500

This episode is part one of two about laundry and clothing care. You can find the other episode as episode 153 in your feed!

It's the year of Earth Logic here at Clotheshorse, where we are planning to reduce our consumption of brand new clothing by 75%!
It's essential that we get as much wear as possible out of clothes. And how we wash, dry, and deal with those stains is a big part of making our clothing last longer. Amanda is joined by Maggie and Traci to solve your laundry quandaries. In this episode, we will be sharing our own laundry trauma, and then we will get into some of the biggest questions you had: detergent and detergent pods, line drying, shrinking, dealing with pills, and water temperature. We’ll also share our advice (some of it from Maggie’s laundry magician mom Peggy) about the essentials you should keep on hand to solve your own laundry quandaries!

"Does the film around detergent pods really biodegrade? A debate is raging," Allyson Chiu, Washington Post.

ABOUT MAGGIE

Maggie (she, her) is a cisgender, pansexual woman, a recovering marketing professional, and a trauma and abuse survivor. Maggie is also the Chief Everything Officer of Maggie Greene Style, an ethical microbusiness on a mission to transform how you see yourself by putting the personal in brand and style. Maggie helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and individual contributors of all gender expressions show up as their radically authentic selves, at work and in life, with confidence and without compromising their core values and ethics. You can learn more by visiting her 100% DIY website here: https://maggiegreenestyle.com.

ABOUT TRACI

Traci was a special education teacher for more than 20 years. Then, in 2022, she decided to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. She believes loved clothes last and that every garment deserves a chance to shine. She’s on a mission to #MakeMendingMainstream.

As the visionary behind Pryde Hantverk, she seeks to extend the life of your beloved garments so you can enjoy them for years to come. She shares many of Maggie’s philosophies about doing more with less and saving clothing from landfill. That makes her the perfect partner for a creative collaboration. Maggie regularly entrusts Traci with her own beloved garments when things need mending or adjusting, so you can rest assured yours are in good hands!

Visit Traci's website: https://prydehantverk.com

Learn more about Small Biz Big Pic here: smallbizbigpic.com

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Gentle Vibes: We are purveyors of polyester and psychedelic relics! We encourage experimentation and play not only in your wardrobe, but in your home, too. We have thousands of killer vintage pieces ready for their next adventure!

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand, ethically made by hand from vintage and deadstock materials - most notably, vintage towels! Founder, Dani, has worked in the industry as a fashion designer for over 10 years, but started Picnicwear in response to her dissatisfaction with the industry's shortcomings. Picnicwear recently moved to rural North Carolina where all their clothing and accessories are now designed and cut, but the majority of their sewing is done by skilled garment workers in NYC. Their customers take comfort in knowing that all their sewists are paid well above NYC minimum wage. Picnicwear offers minimal waste and maximum authenticity: Future Vintage over future garbage.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Blank Cass, or Blanket Coats by Cass, is focused on restoring, renewing, and reviving the history held within vintage and heirloom textiles. By embodying and transferring the love, craft, and energy that is original to each vintage textile into a new garment, I hope we can reteach ourselves to care for and mend what we have and make it last. Blank Cass lives on Instagram @blank_cass and a website will be launched soon at blankcass.com.

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 159: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 1) with Alex of St. Evens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 12:37:36 -0500

This episode is part one of a FOUR episode series examining the ethics of secondhand resale with Alex of St. Evens. You can find the other installments as episodes 160-162.

In the first installment, we will tackle two arguments often tossed around in discussions about secondhand on social media:

Thrift stores are designed to be a resource for low income people.
Resellers are making tons of money from taking things that should be for low income people.

The intro segment for this episode will focus on the reality that many people have shifted their behavior from overconsuming fast fashion to overconsuming secondhand clothing. And we will talk about how we can change that!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode: Stacie, Mags, Clare, Sarah, Katherine, and Amanda.

Some additional reading:

"Is Reselling Thrifted Clothing Sustainable or Selfish? TikTok User Sparks Ethical Debate," Emmaly Anderson, Bust.
"The Complicated Reality of Thrift Store 'Gentrification'," Hazel Cills, Jezebel.
"Rags to Riches," Anne Colamosca, The New York Times.

Listen again or for the first time:
Episode 97: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part I
Episode 98: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part II
Episode 99: Nothing is Disposable, part III (with Chloe and Sammy of the OR Foundation)
You can also find these episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetundergroun...

The 200th Episode Live Extravaganza!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 20:00:56 -0500

It's the 200th episode of Clotheshorse and we are going live (and on video) for the first time ever! Amanda is joined by special guest Gem Masland (@draugqueen) to celebrate this very special occasion.

This episode is filled with cool stuff:

★ Awesome messages from listeners about their own journeys within the slow fashion movement. Thanks to Desirée, Susan, Stacie, Frances, Maggie, Ruby, and Kate for submitting audio and video recordings!
★ Amanda's tour of Lancaster County, featuring thrift stores, the Whole Foods cemetery, horse signs, and so much more.
★ A recap of the progress the slow fashion movement has made over the last few years!
★ A puppet show about thrifting (yes, for real) starring Kirsten (the American Girl) and Karl
★ An Edible Arrangement!
★ And so much more!

There are some sections of this episode that are best enjoyed via video, so find the full episode here.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 199: Is There REALLY No Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:20:16 -0500

If you dare to dive into the comments section on just about any post about fast fashion or fast everything, you are guaranteed to see more than one person saying "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism." This episode is part one in a recurring series examining and debunking the most common “excuses” and justifications we see for supporting, maybe even protecting(?) fast fashion and fast everything. And this week we are getting started with a real banger: “there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism.”

We will explore the following questions:

What is the origin of "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism?" Who said it first?
What was intended meaning of this statement and how does it differ from how it is most frequently used now?
Why do people use this phrase so often?
How should we interact with people who use it?
How can we make more ethical choices in a system that is inherently unethical?

On our journey to answer these questions, we'll get to talk about feminist tees (again), visit an island nation in the Indian Ocean with a once-robust apparel production industry, buy some new underwear, and unpack how K-cups are a great example of individuals having an impact.

Additional reading:

"'Feminist' T-Shirt Backed By Women's Group Made In Sweatshop: Report," Eleanor Goldberg, Huff Post.
Where does "there is no such thing as ethical consumption under capitalism" come from?, Reddit thread.
"This feminist t-shirt isn't actually made in a sweatshop," Zing Tsjeng, Dazed.
"This is what development looks like," Maya Forstater.

Episode 200 is coming soon! April 18th at 8pm Eastern.

Behind the Seams

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at

Episode 198: How To Talk About Slow Fashion

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:24:33 -0500

How do we get people to join our community and work for change alongside us? By talking about slow fashion, fast fashion, and overconsumption! But starting these conversations can be intimidating. And frustrating to continue! Have YOU ever tried to change minds in the comment section of a social media post?! Fortunately Amanda has learned a lot about how to have productive conversations about slow fashion over the last four years, mostly by trial and error. In this episode she shares what she has learned.

This episode answers the following questions (and more):

Why is it important to talk about fast fashion/slow fashion with the people in your life?
Who should care about fast fashion/slow fashion?
How do I start these conversations without being a total party pooper?
How do I meet people where they are (and avoid using shaming or blaming language)?
How do I deal with common responses like "talking about fast fashion is classist" or "there's no ethical consumption under capitalism?"
What can I learn by sharing my knowledges and experience with others?

Episode 200 is coming soon! April 18th at 8pm Eastern.

Behind the Seams

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for...

Episode 197: Responsible Travel with Desirée and Ginger

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

There is no question that travel impacts both our planet and its people. Yet it's also an amazing opportunity to explore both ourselves and world, while deepening our understanding for the other humans sharing this planet. Can we travel more responsibly, finding a balance between ethics and exploration? Amanda is joined by Desirée of The Pewter Thimble and travel writer/educator Ginger to break it down.

In this episode we will explore the following questions:

What is responsible travel?
What is our impact as travelers on tourist destinations?
How can we get the most out of travel without wearing ourselves out?
Why should we skip the bucket list and the search for "hidden gems?"
How can we do better with souvenirs?
How does travel connect with overconsumption? And even the fast fashion industry?
And so much more...

Check out Desirée's guide to Porta Portese here.

Read Ginger's travel writing:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/authors/virginia-digaetano

https://italicsmag.com/author/ginger/

Be the first to hear all of the details about where, when, and how Episode 200 is happening: join the mailing list.
Have a question for Amanda to answer during episode 200? Submit it here.

Behind the Seams

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 196: All About The Fashion Act, with Maxine Bédat

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Amanda is joined by Maxine Bédat, author of Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment and the founder/director of sustainable fashion think tank New Standard Institute. In 2021, Maxine led the introduction of the New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act...aka the Fashion Act! In this episode we will answer all of your questions about this groundbreaking piece of legislation, including

Why is the fashion industry largely unregulated?
What are the policies within the legislation?
What are the penalties for brands that don’t adhere to the guidelines?
How do science based targets lead to business shifts?
How would the Fashion Act impact us (people who buy and wear clothing)?
How can you (yes, YOU) get involved in the Fashion Act?
How is working as a community good for our mental health?
What are examples of other times in history where concerned citizens have powered major social/political change?

Also: Amanda talks about the importance of hope and how community creates and spreads hope.

Learn more:
Follow @nsifashion2030 to stay in the loop.
Support the Fashion Act here.
Join us in Albany, NY for our next lobbying day on May 7! Details coming in the following weeks.

Be the first to hear all of the details about where, when, and how Episode 200 is happening: join the mailing list.
Have a question for Amanda to answer during episode 200? Submit it here.

The March webinar/hang out session is happening on Thursday, 3/28. Want to join us? Register here.

Behind the Seams

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Episode 195: Exploring The Future of Secondhand Resale with Jake & Yulia of Treet

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

What if we could use secondhand resale as a way to push brands toward making higher quality, longer last clothing? And what if resale could be more equitable for everyone involved? In this episode, Amanda is joined by Jake and Yulia of Treet. We will discuss how helping brands create their own resale platforms could benefit customers, the planet, AND the brands themselves.

Also, in this episode, most brands are at crossroads: try to compete with the ultra fast fashion brands like Shein and Cider, or sort of “rehabilitate” their approach to making clothing by selling stuff that lasts longer and is better quality. Will they try to compete with Shein (and fail) or choose the more ethical, sustainable path forward? And how can resale be a part of pushing fast fashion brands in a better direction?

Be the first to hear all of the details about where, when, and how Episode 200 is happening: join the mailing list.

The March webinar/hang out session is happening on Thursday, 3/28. Want to join us? Register here.

Behind the Seams

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 194: The Question-sode

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Amanda answers questions from members of the Clotheshorse community.
Here are just a few of the things covered in this episode:

How do we avoid overconsumption at the thrift store?
How can we simultaneously take control of our finances and reduce our consumption?
How do we find our personal style in a sea of "kinda garbage" clothes?
Why is it so difficult to find clothing in larger sizes? And why are so few brands offering extended sizing?
What changes does Amanda wish the industry had made a long time ago to be more ethical and sustainable?
What is Amanda's vision for a circular fashion industry?
How much worse could clothing get?
How can we talk to others about slow fashion without being shame-y or annoying?

And so much more!

Also in this episode: Amanda reveals some exciting news about episode 200 (happening in April)!

Read this: "This fabric recycling company was going to change fashion. Why did it suddenly go bankrupt?" Adele Peters, Fast Company.

Be the first to hear all of the details about where, when, and how Episode 200 is happening: join the mailing list.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetu...

Episode 193: Let's Talk About Generative AI with Erin Cadigan (and Dustin, too)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:59:21 -0600

In this episode, Amanda is joined by artist and print designer Erin Cadigan to talk about how AI impacts the world of print design and really, all creative jobs. Erin is the print designer for UK slow fashion brand The Hippie Shake. You will get to hear about the importance of art, design, and creative exploration in Erin's life, as well as her thoughts on the larger issues of economic justice associated with generative AI. Dustin also drops by to help Amanda explain AI, how it works, and who really makes money from it.

Here are just a few of the things we will discuss in this episode about the ethics and impact of generative AI:

How does generative AI work?
How does this relate to working artists? What are the ethical concerns about generative AI?
What are the potential impacts for commercial artists and designers? What are the larger economic and social effects?
How are we seeing AI used by retail and fashion right now? How could that expand?
If using AI saves money for companies, can we expect lower prices as customers?
The recent controversy surrounding Selkie's use of AI for its Valentine's Day collection.

Also: how we can find hope from the Octavia Butler essay, "A Few Rules For Predicting The Future."

Additional reading:
"Selkie founder defends use of AI in new dress collection amid backlash," Morgan Sung, Techcrunch.
"Leaked: the names of more than 16,000 non-consenting artists allegedly used to train Midjourney’s AI," Theo Belci, The Art Newspaper.
"eli5 what Ai generated artwork is and how does someone accomplish this," Reddit.
"This list of 4733 artists whose artwork Midjourney (and other AI image-generators) acknowledged was included in their dataset is truly mind blowing!!" Instagram post.
"Let's Chat About AI," Ensley Reign Cosmetics post.
Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture, Douglas Coupland.

Register for the February Clotheshorse Webinar/Hang Out Session: Why new clothes are kind a garbage...
February 29, 8pm EST. Free (but please support Clotheshorse via Ko-fi if you enjoy yourself)!
Limited to 100 attendees, so register now here.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 192: The Happiness Episode with Sandra Ann Miller

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:26:23 -0600

Happiness feels so...elusive right now, right? Happiness coach Sandra Ann Miller joins Amanda to talk about how we might have happiness wrong. In this episode we will explore the following questions:

Are unhappiness and consumerism linked?
What is hedonic happiness? How is that different from eudaimonic happiness?
Can money buy happiness? And are billionaires happy?
How and where can we find happiness (you might be surprised)?
What's the difference between being happy and toxic positivity?
Is happiness possible in an unjust world?
Is it okay to be happy while so much bad stuff is happening in the world around us?

Also in this episode: Amanda discusses the recent piece by Derek Thompson for The Atlantic, "Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out." How is that impacting our own personal happiness? And how do we rediscover our community?

Find Sandra here
Instagram: @thehappyistofficial and @sassylittlepod
Threads: @thehappyistofficial and @sassylittlepod
Website: The Happyist

Btw the book Amanda read as kid (like 100 times at least): A Pocket Full of Seeds, Marilyn Sachs.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in...

Episode 191: Fast Jewelry, Knockoffs, and Net 60 with Emily Li Mandri of MLE

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:29:13 -0600

Emily Li Mandri, founder and design behind MLE, joins Amanda to talk about all things accessories and jewelry, including

What is costume jewelry? And why is metal content important?
The drawbacks of "fast jewelry"
What are the challenges of running a small, ethical accessories brand?
How are knockoffs and copycats a big part of the jewelry/accessories industry?
What happens when bigger brands don't pay their invoices?

And so much more! Read more about what is happening with Neighborhood Goods and unpaid brands here: "Neighborhood Goods Has Closed--Vendors Want their Money."

Amanda gets things started with thoughts about the "Loneliness Economy," capitalism, and community. It turns out that one of the most revolutionary things we can do is...be active and supportive members of our community!

Find Emily and MLE here:
@madebyMLE on Instagram
madebyMLE.com (use code CLOTHESHORSE to get 10% off your order)

Additional reading:

"The Loneliness Economy: How Capitalism Thrives on Isolation," Piyush Patel, Medium.
"Capitalism starves us of love — we don’t have to stand by," Alexandra Kauffman, The Emory Wheel.
"Capitalism Subverts Community," Robert Neuwirth, Noema.
"Capitalism has warped our understanding of community — and it's making us vulnerable to manipulation," Valerie Vande Panne, Salon.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 190: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 3

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:23:40 -0600

Why are these clothes just so bad? In this three part series, Amanda breaks down the hidden reasons that new clothing is kinda garbage. This episode covers the following:

How the illusion of free shipping is widening economic inequality AND driving down the quality of the things we buy.
Yep, the nonstop parade of DEALZ DEALZ DEALZ is also responsible for a sharp decrease in clothing quality.
Less people working on creating more clothes=very disappointing clothes.
We just keep buying these garbage clothes (so the companies are going to make more until we stop).

We'll also hear an amazing audio message from Caroline and talk about how we can change our habits and buy less stuff!

Delias 1996 Winter Catalog
Learn more about the Fashion Act

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 189: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 2

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 22:17:52 -0600

Why are these clothes just so bad? In this three part series, Amanda breaks down the hidden reasons that new clothing is kinda garbage. This episode covers the following:

How are returns causing brands to create even lower quality clothing...resulting in even more returns? Yeah, it's a really depressing cycle.
Why are so many clothes traveling around the world in airplanes? And how does that impact both product quality and the planet?

And...we will be talking about girl boss and THE EMAIL.

Additional reading and listening:
"The Girlboss Has Left the Building," Amanda Mull, The Atlantic.
"The End of the Girlboss Is Here," Leigh Stein, Medium.
"How "Girlboss" Became A Slur," Isabel Slone, Early.
"‘Girlboss’ went from empowerment to hypocrisy. How should we talk about young women’s ambition now?," Amy Ta, Press Play.
Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino
Self Care by Leigh Stein
Listen to the Girl Boss episodes of The Department

"Zara fuels climate crisis with thousands of tons of airborne fashion," David Hachfeld and Romeo Regenass, Public Eye.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul ...

Episode 188: Small Business, Degrowth, and Nuance (aka an entire episode about one email)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:47:18 -0600

It's the first episode of Clotheshorse in 2024! And it's another CH first, too: an entire episode about ONE email!
Amanda received this email in mid December. It sparked many, many hours of reading, research, and conversations with other members of the community. In the quest to find a response to this message, a lot of other conversations began:

Is it greenwashing to say "Small Business Is The Future?"
Where is the nuance within slow fashion? How does that nuance influence the way we start conversations outside the slow fashion bubble?
Should we tell people to stop buying goods and services altogether?
How do the impacts of small businesses compare to those of big businesses?
Are all small businesses "good?" What should we do if they are "bad?"
Do small businesses get away with bad behavior because they are small?
What is degrowth economics? Can it work? Would would it look like IRL?
How do creativity and art fit into degrowth?
Should makers and sellers stop what they are doing and shift into public service jobs? Why aren't they doing that already?
Why are so many Clotheshorse guests also small business owners?
What are the challenges of trying to be as ethical as possible within late stage capitalism? How do we make the best choices?
Who really makes money from podcasting?
How do begin to value art, information, and content as much as we value "stuff?" And what happens if we don't make that change?

Yeah, NBD, just some light topics here.
Thank you to these awesome members of the community for already sharing their thoughts: Dani, Christine, Maria, Selina, Kate S., and Kate K.

After you have listened, share YOUR thoughts on the email and the other conversations we are having in this episode. Feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417
You can also join the convo on Instagram, @clotheshorsepodcast.

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Located in...

Episode 187: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 1

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 21:22:52 -0600

New clothes ARE kinda garbage these days, from low quality synthetic fabrics to zippers that are a problem from the very first wear to lack of detail and poor fit. And the low quality and short lifespan of this clothing is creating an environmental and ethical crisis for the planet and its people.
Why are these clothes just so bad? In this two part series, Amanda breaks down the hidden reasons that new clothing is kinda garbage. This episode covers the following:

What is planned obsolescence and how does it impact cars, phones, electronics...and clothing?
The process of clothing creation, from design to sample to finished product.
The changes buyers make to hit the profitability targets set by company leadership.
How fabric is a big part of the formula (and why so many garments are synthetic now).
How overproduction is impacting product quality.

Also in this episode, an audio essay from Elysha of Worth Mending, @worthmending on Instagram.
P.S. Elsyha recently did a collab with Dani of Picnicwear. Check it out here.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Made by MLE, @madebymle on Instagram. Use code CLOTHESHORSE to receive 10% off your first order!

Did you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorse

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 186: Slow Fashion Is Not A Trend, with Mikaela Friedman

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:06:51 -0600

Slow fashion is not a trend. It's a way of life. A community of passionate, creative people. A movement fighting for a better future.
In this episode, Amanda is joined by artist and slow fashion superstar, Mikaela Friedman (Mutiny Market, Shop Slow, Psychic Outlaw).

We talk about a lot of things in this episode:

Shop Slow, a new slow fashion boutique in Austin, TX that focuses on artisanal clothing made by collective of makers with a focus on recycled textiles. Check out the Shop Slow website here: shopslow.co
Why shopping small/local keeps the money within the community versus far away with a shareholder,
How we take the slow fashion movement out into the world outside of social media,
How we can make the slow fashion movement stronger and more inclusive.

Also, in this episode: Amanda talks about the state of the slow fashion movement and the challenges we face as a community. And yes, we'll talk about "that Remake thing."

Read this: Slow Factory has hit reset on its climate school plans. What happened? Bella Webb, Vogue Business.

Take the Clotheshorse Secondhand Reseller Survey here.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 185: Small Business Is The Future, with Emma of BERRIEZ

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Emma Zack of BERRIEZ is here to tell us all about the lessons she has learned over the past few years as a small business owner. She will share advice she has for all of you small business owners out there, whether you’ve been doing it for years, just getting started, or maybe just fantasizing about leaving your dumb job to work for yourself! She'll also tell us what she would like to say to the big fashion brands out there that refuse to offer plus sizes.

We'll also hear audio essays from Alyse of Curio Mrvosa, Brittany of Magdalene Clergy Dresses, and Desirée of The Pewter Thimble.

Learn more about Small Biz Big Pic.

Take the Clotheshorse Secondhand Reseller Survey here.

Find and follow everyone in this episode...

BERRIEZ: @shopberriez
Emma on the Today Show!!
shopberriez.com

CURIO MRVOSA: @curiomrvosa
curiomrvosa.com

MAGDALENE CLERGY DRESSES: @magdaleneclergydresses
magdaleneclergydresses.com

THE PEWTER THIMBLE: @thepewterthimble
thepewterthimble.com

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 184: Not-So-Free Returns with Emily Austin

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Nearly 1 out of 4 of the new garments we purchase end up being returned to the brand/retailer. While retail companies tend to keep the true data about returns under wraps, industry experts estimate that half of returned clothing is never worn by another person, ending up in the landfill instead. So yeah, returns are a pretty big deal across the entire retail industry (even outside of clothing). Amanda is joined by Emily Austin, who has a lot of experience in the world of returns, customer care, and the intersection of technology and returns. What is the true cost of returns?

In this episode we get into the following:

Why processing returns (also known as "reverse logistics") is very expensive
How finding a fix for returns has become an entire industry
Why retailers are changing their return policies
The environmental and social impact of so many returns
How the high volume of returns is both the result and cause of declining clothing quality. And yes, it is very ironic that retailers could reduce the number of returns by improving quality!
Ways we can try to reduce our own number of returns...(yes, it's difficult)

This episode also includes small business audio essays from Ren and Ruby.

Follow and connect with everyone:
Emily: @emaustin11 and @acommonrose (her vintage shop)
Ren: @renb.designs and renbdesigns.com
Ruby: @spokesandstitches Check out her workshops here.

Additional reading:
"Revolve Execs Outline Plans to Slash 60% Return Rate," Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal.
"The True Cost of Apparel Returns: Alarming Return Rates Require Loss-Minimization Solutions," Sunny Zheng, Coresight Research.
"Forget Black Friday, it’s time to plan for 'Returns Thursday,'" Alex Timlin, IMRG Blog.
Download the National Retail Federation's "2022 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry" here.
"Your Brand New Returns End Up in Landfill," Harriet Constable, BBC Earth.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 183: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of Picnicwear

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

We'll explain how the fast fashion industry has kept prices low and profits high by swapping out yarns, cutting out details, and making copies of copies, while walking through the design process of most big retailers/brands.
We will unpack why it's really difficult to find sweaters made of natural fibers.
Amanda will explain how natural fibers aren't the "cure" for the impact of overconsumption.
We will give you advice about how to choose the right sweater (hint: read those content labels).
Dani will give you advice about how to care for your sweaters properly.

We were inspired by Amanda Mull's recent piece for The Atlantic, Your Sweaters Are Garbage. Go read it!
Check out Dani's incredible cotton sweaters here.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage ...

Episode 182: The Performances We Do At Work, with Rachel Greenley

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:19:54 -0600

Writer and all-around rad person Rachel Greenley (@rachel_greenley_words) is back! You first met her in January, when she dropped by to talk about her New York Times essay, This Is the Reality of America’s Fast-Fashion Addiction. In that piece of writing, she shared her experiences working in a facility processing Amazon returns. Her essay is a must-read for anyone who has wondered what happens with the items we buy online and then return! If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, you should go do that some time soon, too. It is episode 151!

Rachel is here to discuss something completely different: the performances we are expected to put on for others in a lot of our jobs. These performances are not the actual work that is part of our job description, yet they are exhausting nonetheless. We will be talking about the personal/emotional impact of those performances, how to recognize them, and our hopes for the future of work.

Also, it's November so that means small business audio essays are back! We get things started with Alex McGinness of Arcoiris Design Studio. You can find her on Instagram as @arcoiris.design.studio. And check out her Rainbow Refresh Challenge, a 5 day audit challenge that can help you refresh your brand.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 181: Taking Collective Action, with Kristi & Chiarra of the Indie Sellers Guild (part 2)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:08:00 -0500

Meet Kristi and Chiarra, board members for the Indie Sellers Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and support to all online creative indie sellers around the world. The Indie Sellers Guild got its start in 2022 while organizing the Etsy Strike, when about 17,000 shops put their Etsy storefronts on vacation mode, effectively preventing customers from shopping. In this week's episode, Kristi and Chiarra will explain how "reserves" are having a negative impact on small businesses and they will tell us how we can support Etsy sellers and the Indie Sellers Guild. Also: an audio essay from Angela. And Amanda dissects the quandary of Meow Wolf: Can creativity be commoditized and profitable, while still ethical?

Find the Indie Sellers Guild on IG: @indiesellersguild
Join the Indie Sellers Guild
Participate in the Market Research Study: https://indiesellersguild.org/survey

Listen to the Etsy-sodes (episodes 90-93) anywhere you stream this show, or at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Additional reading about Meow Wolf:
"Can an Art Collective Become the Disney of the Experience Economy?" Rachel Monroe, The New York Times Magazine.
"As the Experience Economy Booms, Meow Wolf Raises $158 Million to Expand Its Footprint Across America," Sarah Cascone, ArtNet.
"State of the Union," Alex DeVore, Santa Fe Reporter.
"Why Meow Wolf Coming to Phoenix Is Worrisome," Erin Joyce, Hyperallergic.
"Union Busting at Meow Wolf: Workers File Unfair Labor Practice Suit," Annie Levin, Observer.
"What Happened When a Trippy Art Collective Hit It Big—Then Unionized," Adele Oliveira, The New Republic.
"Meow Wolf complaints are piling up as new name joins Denver lawsuit," John Wenzel, The Denver Post.
"Meow Wolf Is Being Sued by Former Employees for Unfair Labor Practices," Zachary Small, Hyperallergic.

It's time for an annual tradition: small business audio essays! Submit your story by 11/1 via email: Amanda@clotheshorse.world
Include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 180: Taking Collective Action, with Kristi & Chiarra of the Indie Sellers Guild (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:29:34 -0500

Meet Kristi and Chiarra, board members for the Indie Sellers Guild, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and support to all online creative indie sellers around the world. The Indie Sellers Guild got its start in 2022 while organizing the Etsy Strike, when about 17,000 shops put their Etsy storefronts on vacation mode, effectively preventing customers from shopping. In this week's episode, Kristi and Chiarra will be telling us about what led to the Etsy strike, the outcome, and what they are working on now. This is part one of two. Also: Frances tells us about her relationship with shopping secondhand!

Find the Indie Sellers Guild on IG: @indiesellersguild
Join the Indie Sellers Guild
Participate in the Market Research Study: https://indiesellersguild.org/survey

Listen to the Etsy-sodes (episodes 90-93) anywhere you stream this show, or at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.
Use promo code CLOTHESHORSE20 to get 20% off your order!

It's time for an annual tradition: small business audio essays! Submit your story by 11/1 via email: Amanda@clotheshorse.world
Include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and...

Episode 179: THE CLOTHESHORSE SAVES HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA, featuring Maggie Greene (part 2)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:33:28 -0500

It's that time again…time for Clotheshorse to SAVE Halloween! And for this very important mission, Amanda is joined by a Clotheshorse all-star, Maggie Greene, the Halloween Queen! You’ll get to meet some fabulous guests while we talk about all of the ways we can save Halloween from the ghouls of capitalism, waste and overconsumption. You’ll be haunted by all of the scary facts about Halloween waste, but hopefully you’ll also be inspired to make this Halloween better than ever, putting the "we" back into Halloween. In this episode (part 2 of 2), we’re going to talk about pumpkins, candy, makeup, haunted houses, and more more! Talisa talks with us about the impact of our costumes on those around us. And Anna tells us about Halloween in Europe and why she started a magazine dedicated to the holiday and its themes.

Learn more about Talisa:
Morale First
LinkedIn

Maggie Greene (she/her), aka The Halloween Queen and Your Fairy Godthrifter, is a cisgender, pansexual woman, a recovering marketing professional, and a trauma and abuse survivor. But most people know her as the Chief Everything Officer and Weirdo-in-Residence at Maggie Greene Style, an ethical microbusiness on a mission to transform how people see themselves by amplifying the personal in personal brand and style.

Maggie supports entrepreneurs, leaders, and individual contributors of all ages, body types, and gender expressions, on creating clarity and visibility for themselves in their career and beyond. Her superpower is zeroing in on what makes a person unique and showing them how to maximize those assets - in person and online - by supporting them on everything from their wardrobe to their LinkedIn profile. Her signature secondhand-first approach to sourcing helps counter consumption culture and reduces global fashion waste.

Book costume consultation with Maggie (limited availability through October 20th): https://maggiegreenestyle.com/halloween

Browse Maggie's personal Halloween costume portfolio on Facebook for ideas: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.878582302743&type=3

Check out her StyleOWeen series for even more costume ideas: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/blog/tag/StyleOWeen

Frequently Asked Questions about Maggie's work: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/faq

Attend one of Maggie's upcoming events: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/events

The CH Scary Vibes Playlist

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 178: THE CLOTHESHORSE SAVES HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA, featuring Maggie Greene (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:18:45 -0500

It's that time again…time for Clotheshorse to SAVE Halloween! And for this very important mission, Amanda is joined by a Clotheshorse all-star, Maggie Greene, the Halloween Queen! Over the next two episodes, you’ll get to meet some fabulous guests while we talk about all of the ways we can save Halloween from the ghouls of capitalism, waste and overconsumption. You’ll be haunted by all of the scary facts about Halloween waste, but hopefully you’ll also be inspired to make this Halloween better than ever, putting the "we" back into Halloween. In this episode, we’re going to talk a lot about costumes and decorations. And we’ll be joined by two other Clotheshorse All-Stars (and major Halloween lovers) Ruby and Meredith.

The CH Scary Vibes Playlist

Learn more about Ruby's business, Spokes and Stitches (and learn more about her workshops) here.

Book costume consultation with Maggie (limited availability through October 20th): https://maggiegreenestyle.com/halloween

Browse Maggie's personal Halloween costume portfolio on Facebook for ideas: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.878582302743&type=3

Check out her StyleOWeen series for even more costume ideas: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/blog/tag/StyleOWeen

Frequently Asked Questions about Maggie's work: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/faq

Attend one of Maggie's upcoming events: https://www.maggiegreenestyle.com/events

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor:

Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.
Use promo code CLOTHESHORSE20 to get 20% off your order!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Episode 177: #Girlboss, Feminist Tees, & Other Desperate Acts, How fast fashion changed everything (part 3)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 23:44:24 -0500

In part three of three, Amanda explores fast fashion 1.0 and 3.0 through the lens of her career:

How the industry uses things like #Girlboss, feminist tees, and cause marketing to sell you more stuff.
When fast fashion becomes desperate and starts embracing greenwashing and new revenue streams like rental and resale.
WTF is the de minimus rule and how is it benefitting fast fashion 3.0?

We'll be talking a lot about Shein and its peers.

Additional reading:
"After Months of Reported Dysfunction, Nasty Gal Lays Off 19 Employees," Anna Merlan, Jezebel.
"'Everything Really Hit Rock Bottom': How Nasty Gal's Culture Went Nasty," Anna Merlan, Jezebel.
"How ModCloth Strayed From Its Feminist Beginnings and Ended Up a Walmart Property," Anna Merlan, Jezebel.
"After reconsidering free returns, fashion brands get creative," Maliha Shoaib, Vogue Business.
"Urban Outfitters Cannot Escape Le Tote’s Trade Secret Claims Over 'Copycat' Rental Biz," The Fashion Law.
"Packages From China Are Surging Into US; Some Say $800 Duty-Free Limit Was Mistake," Associated Press.

"Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip. Here's why people are livid," Vanessa Romo, NPR.
"Shein factory employees are working 18-hour days for pennies per garment and washing their hair on lunch breaks because they have so little time off, new report finds," Sarah Jackson, Business Insider.
"Shein: Fast-fashion workers paid 3p per garment for 18-hour days, undercover filming in China reveals," Rob Hastings, i news.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 176: Fast, Cheap, & Always Something New, How fast fashion changed everything (part 2)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:46:09 -0500

In part two of now THREE, Amanda explores fast fashion 1.0 and 2.0 through the lens of her career. In this episode we will break down all of the acrobatics brands did to bring their customers more and more newness, faster and faster.

How fashion got faster with some help from social media and the normalization of shopping online.
How retailers began to commodify every holiday and occasion, creating products we didn't really need for every and any "event."
Why fast fashion retailers started to carry a lot of new things that weren't clothing.
How small online-only retailers like Modcloth, Nasty Gal, Lulu's, and Dolls Kill were able to offer even more steady newness without a huge in-house design team. Get ready to learn about the San Pedro Apparel Mart.
How fast fashion 2.0 brands like Fashion Nova and Boohoo could keep prices low while creating product faster than anyone else.

Additional reading:
"Barnardo's calls for people to think 'pre-loved' before buying new clothes"
Planet Money, Episode 765: The Holiday Industrial Complex
"Is Urban Outfitters Phasing Out Its Indie Athleisure Brand?," Adele Chapin, Racked.
"From the San Pedro Wholesale Mart, a Brand Rises," Kari Hamanaka, WWD.
"Boohoo’s business model is as cheeky as a bikini paired with chaps," The Economist.
"Inside the lavish lives of the billionaire family behind Boohoo, the fast-fashion giant called out in an investigation into workers being paid just $4 an hour at suppliers' factories," Mary Hanbury, Insider.
"Boohoo booms as Leicester garment factories are linked to lockdown," Archie Bland and Annie Kelly, The Guardian.
"Dark factories: labour exploitation in Britain’s garment industry," Sarah O’Connor, Financial Times.
"Boohoo opens first owned factory in ‘new chapter’ amid international market challenges," Emily Hawkins, City A.M.
"Three graphs revealing how Fashion Nova disrupted the fashion industry," Edited.
"Fashion Nova’s Secret: Underpaid Workers in Los Angeles Factories," Natalie Kitroeff, The New York Times.
FTC Announces Refund Claims Process for Fashion Nova Customers Affected by Deceptive Review Practices

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors:

Soft Work, intuitive garment construction for beginners. Registration open until 9/22!

Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.
Use promo code CLOTHESHORSE20 to get 20% off your order!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Episode 175: "Lucky To Be Here," How fast fashion changed everything (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 08:20:33 -0500

In part one of three, Amanda explores the rise of fast fashion 1.0 through the lens of her career as a buyer:

How economic and social factors helped it blow up in the 2000s (and why millennials are "The Fast Fashion Generation").
Its impact on workers throughout the world.
How it altered both consumer behavior and our perception of price and value.
The changes brands made in order to remain highly profitable while selling everything at a lower price.

And we'll learn who coined the term "fast fashion."

Additional reading:

"Is working in fashion going out of style?," BELLA WEBB AND MALIHA SHOAIB, Vogue Business.
"Chanel shoes, but no salary: how one woman exposed the scandal of the French fashion industry," Stefanie Marsh, The Guardian.
"Fashion; Two New Stores That Cruise Fashion's Fast Lane," Anne-Marie Schiro, The New York Times, 1989.
"Swedish Outlet Chain Gambles It Can Change Consumer Tastes : Will Cheap Chic Win Over Stylish French?," Joseph Fitchett, The New York Times (1988).
"'Cheap Chic' Draws Crowds on 5th Ave," Ruth Ferla, The New York Times (2000).

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor:
Soft Work, intuitive garment construction for beginners. Registration open until 9/22!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Learn more about this month's audio essay opportunity here.

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats...

Episode 174: Sewing As A Part of Slow Fashion with Zoe of Check Your Thread (part 2)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 21:20:55 -0500

Amanda is joined by Zoe Edwards, host of Check Your Thread. This is part two of their conversation. Zoe gives us advice on how we can sew more sustainably. And Amanda explains "fast fashion 3.0" and Cider.

Get connected with Zoe:
Check Your Thread
Introduction to Garment Fabrics (by Zoe)
Zoe's personal sewing blog

Instagram: @checkyourthread

Additional reading:
"How Cider became TikTok’s go to brand, despite ‘cultural appropriation’ and ‘stolen’ designs," Lydia Venn, The Tab.
"Don’t Bother Looking for the Next Shein," Avery Booker, Jing Daily.
"The Search for the Next Shein," Chavie Lieber, Business of Fashion.
"Knitwear is slow, the knockoffs come fast," Mansee Khurana, The Verge.
"Gen Zers are in love with Cider, an Andreessen Horowitz-backed competitor to Shein," Lakshmi Varanasi, Insider.
"a16z-backed Shein challenger Cider is growing rapidly," Rita Liao, Tech Crunch.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsors:

Soft Work, intuitive garment construction for beginners. Registration open until 9/22!

Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.
Use promo code CLOTHESHORSE20 to get 20% off your order!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com
Learn more about this month's audio essay opportunity here.

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 173: Sewing As A Part of Slow Fashion with Zoe of Check Your Thread (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:38:25 -0500

Amanda is joined by Zoe Edwards, host of Check Your Thread. This is part one of their conversation. They will be talking about how and why Zoe started a podcast about sewing and her relationship with sewing. They will also unpack the privileges that make sewing more challenging or inaccessible for many people (and how it could be better). Amanda explains the connection between Temu, "996" work culture, and forced labor.

Get connected with Zoe:
Check Your Thread
Introduction to Garment Fabrics (by Zoe)
Zoe's personal sewing blog

Instagram: @checkyourthread

Further reading:
"New employee death at Chinese tech giant Pinduoduo prompts calls for boycott," Lily Kuo and Lyric Li, The Washington Post.
"The Truth About Temu, the Most Downloaded New App in America," Andrew R. Chow, Time.
"Worker Deaths Put Big Tech in China Under Scrutiny," Vivian Wang, The New York Times.
"China’s latest tech darling is selling a treasure trove of fake goods," Echo Huang, Quartz.
"The Latest Hot E-Commerce Idea in China: The Bargain Bin," Raymond Zhong, The New York Times.
"China’s ‘996’ Work Culture Under Scrutiny After Employee’s Death," Heather Mowbray, CX Tech.
"Tired of 996? Get Ready for 715 and the Return of China’s ‘Evil Capitalists’," Han Xu, CX Tech.
"Rise at 11? China’s Single Time Zone Means Keeping Odd Hours," Javier C. Hernandez, The New York Times.
"What to know about Temu, one of the most downloaded shopping apps," Shira Ovide, The Washington Post.
"Shein and Temu’s battle for US bargain shoppers is getting nasty," Michelle Toh, CNN.
"Congress Spotlights ‘Serious’ Forced Labor Concerns With Chinese Shopping Sites," Ana Swanson and Claire Fu,The New York Times.
Congressional report on forced labor.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Lucky Sweater. Use invite code "clotheshorse" to join today!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Gabriela Antonas is a visual artist, an upcycler, and a fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a feminist micro business with radical ideals. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. If you find your self in New Orleans, LA, you may buy her ready-to-wear upcycled garments in person at the store “Slow Down” (2855 Magazine St). Slow Down Nola only sells vintage and slow fashion from local designers. Gabriela’s garments are guaranteed to be in stock in person, but they also have a website so you may support this women owned and run business from wherever you are! If you are interested in Gabriela making a one of a kind garment for you DM her on Instagram at @slowfashiongabriela to book a consultation.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some sweari...

Episode 172: Unpacking our relationship with ultra fast fashion with Danielle Vermeer (part 2)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 19:48:25 -0500

It's the second half of Amanda's conversation with Danielle Vermeer, co-founder and CEO of Teleport, “a next-gen thrifting app to discover, buy, and sell from outfit videos.” They will be talking about greenwashing, PSYOPs, and online conversations around secondhand shopping…and so much more! Amanda gets things started with an in-depth look at a brand that seems to be flourishing in the era of ultra fast fashion, Dolls Kill.

Download the Teleport app.

Additional reading:
"ULTRA-FAST FASHION IS EATING THE WORLD," Rachel Monroe, The Atlantic.
"SF fashion startup Dolls Kill accused of plagiarizing independent designs," Ariana Bindman, SFGATE.
"Why Are People Boycotting Dolls Kill? An Explainer," Julia Sachs, Grit Daily.
Two days after posting item from Dollskill using MY OWN photos they hit me with this (Reddit)
PSA/Warning Regarding Sale or Resell of any Dolls Kill merch (Reddit)
Is Dolls Kill Even Worse Than We Thought...?, Pixielocks (YouTube)

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.
Use promo code CLOTHESHORSE20 to get 20% off your order!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 171: Unpacking our relationship with ultra fast fashion with Danielle Vermeer (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:21:46 -0500

Amanda is joined by Danielle Vermeer, co-founder and CEO of Teleport, “a next-gen thrifting app to discover, buy, and sell from outfit videos.” They explore why Shein is so popular with Gen Z (and many, many millennials) despite their drive for social and environmental justice. Amanda gets things rolling with a breakdown of the evolution of fast fashion to ultra fast fashion and an explanation of the new Shein lawsuit.

Download the Teleport app.

Read more:
"TikTok Shop: The newest avenue for fast fashion," Oketa Zogi-Shala, Varsity.
"ULTRA-FAST FASHION IS EATING THE WORLD," Rachel Monroe, The Atlantic.
"Forever 21 Underestimated Young Women," Amanda Mull, The Atlantic.
"Shein Got Hit With a RICO Lawsuit. How Is That Possible?" Mike DeStefano, Complex.

Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Osei-Duro! Find them on Instagram as @oseiduro.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market. Our small business specializes in products handmade by empowered women in South Africa making a living wage creating things they love like hand painted candles and ceramics! We also carry a curated assortment of sustainable/natural locally made goods. Thumbprint is a great gift destination for both the special people in your life and for yourself! Browse our online store at thumbprintdetroit.com and find us on instagram @thumbprintdetroit.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 170: Unpacking Our Shopping Habits with Isabel Varela

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 20:57:54 -0500

Amanda is joined by keynote speaker, life coach, master tailor, and sustainability activist Isabel Varela. At 26, she found herself with more than $100,000 in credit card debt...all from clothes, cosmetics, and accessories. She’ll tell us how she got there, how she got out of it, and how she has helped others work through their addiction to shopping. Also: Mall Madness and how your shopping search results may not be what you think they are.
Learn more about Isabel here: isabelvarela.com

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 169: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick with Alden Wicker

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 19:31:40 -0500

Amanda is joined by award-winning journalist and sustainable fashion expert, Alden Wicker. She will tell us about her new book, To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick – and How we can Fight Back. We will be talking about the chemicals on brand new clothing being sold right now, what the impact of these chemicals is (and yes, it’s major nightmare fuel), and what we can do to protect ourselves. Also, Amanda explains why retailers are betting big on the Barbie movie and how collective nostalgia fuels consumerism.

Want more of Alden's expertise? Check out EcoCult!
Listen to The Department episodes about Kidulting here. (Or find them on your favorite streaming platform).

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 168: EPR & Textile Stewardship with Joanne of CPSC

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:44:42 -0500

This week, Amanda is joined by Joanne Brasch, PhD, the Special Projects Manager for the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). She is going to help us understand how EPR works and how it will impact business, planet, communities, and us as consumers. She also will tell us about all of the projects and stakeholders involved in CPSC’s projects and legislation goals. And she will tell us how we can practice our own “textile stewardship.” This episode also includes a message from Erin. Disclaimer from Amanda: I thought I did a good job of responding to Erin's message while I was writing and recording my response, but when I uploaded the transcript of her message, I realized that I did not address her questions about advertising, which I'll talk about more in the next episode!

CPSC Textile Stewardship
California Legislation
Sign on to support SB 707 (Newman) to create a textile EPR program in CA

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Lucky Sweater. Use invite code "clotheshorse" to join today!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, count...

Episode 167: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part three)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 20:25:51 -0500

Maggie Greene and Ruby Gertz are back for the final installment of our three part series about dress codes and uniforms. In this episode, we will be sharing stories about dress codes and uniforms from the Clotheshorse community. We’ll also learn more about uniforms, particularly in Japan, and the laws around uniforms here in the United States. And we’ll also do some exploration of the 1977 bestselling book, The Women's Dress for Success Book, which essentially laid down the framework for every magazine article, blog post, or book about dressing “professionally” for women that has been published since 1977. This episode includes thoughts and stories from Kimberly, Aimee, Allie, Liz, Leny, Ann, and Deb.

Additional reading:
"John T. Molloy Suits You for the Executive Suite," Henry Allen, The Washington Post (1978).
"Behind The Best Sellers," Judy Klemesrud, The New York Times (1978).
"School uniforms: What does the research tell us?," Gwen Dewar, Parenting Science.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 166: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part two)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 21:25:25 -0500

Maggie Greene and Ruby Gertz are back to continue the conversation about dress codes. This episode is part 2 of 3. This week we will be tackling the concept of "professionalism" and how that ties into dress codes. We will do a deep dive into the different categories of professional dress. And we will get to the bottom of how/why these dress codes are enforced, despite the language within these policies being very subjective and unmeasurable. This episode also includes thoughts/stories from Pat, Jenny, and Carla.

We recommend reading Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History by Richard Thompson Ford.
Also check out "You Call It Professionalism; I Call It Oppression in a Three-Piece Suit," by Carmen Rios for Everyday Feminism.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 165: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part one)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:42:32 -0500

Clotheshorse all-stars Maggie Greene and Ruby Gertz return to Clotheshorse to unpack dress codes and uniforms with Amanda. This episode is part one of a short series. In this episode, we’ll be talking about our own experiences with dress codes and uniforms. Ruby will give us a history lesson on the dress codes over the years. We’ll also unpack both implicitly stated dress codes and implied/socially prescribed rules around dressing, and some of them may surprise you!

We recommend reading Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History by Richard Thompson Ford.

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Lucky Sweater. Use invite code "clotheshorse" to join today!

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground

Episode 164: Meet Lisa of Two Big Blondes

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 19:27:32 -0500

Meet Lisa, the owner of Two Big Blondes, a plus size consignment shop in Seattle, Washington. We will be talking about the challenges of running a consignment shop, her advice for all of you looking for plus size secondhand clothing, and how the fashion industry has a long way to go in many, many ways…including the way it does and does not dress larger people. And Amanda digs in to how and why the industry is failing when it comes to sizing and size inclusivity.

Seattle Women's Assistance Fund
Find Two Big Blondes on Instagram: @twobigblondes

Additional reading:
"Old Navy’s plus-size experiment failed. It didn’t have to," Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company.
"Why hasn’t plus-sized apparel been an easy win for retail?" Tom Ryan, Retail Wire.
"What Fashion Can’t Seem to Get Right About the Plus-Size Market," Alexandra Mondalek, Business of Fashion.
"The Real Reason for the 40-Hour Work Week," David Cain, Business Insider.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: The Rental-sode

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 16:39:09 -0500

"Is clothing rental a sustainable option?" Amanda breaks down the very complicated answer in this episode.

Extra Credit Reading
"Renting clothing is worse for the planet than just throwing it away, study shows," Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company.
Rent the Runway's internal study on sustainability
"Ready to Return: Fashion Rental Is Back," Elizabeth Paton and Sapna Maheshwari, The New York Times.
"Rent the Runway CEO says it is changing how it buys apparel from brands to boost its profits," Lauren Thomas, CNBC.
"Rent The Runway Is Risking Workers' Lives To Ship Designer Dresses In A Pandemic," Jesselyn Cook, Huff Post.
"Urban Outfitters Cannot Escape Le Tote’s Trade Secret Claims Over “Copycat” Rental Venture, Nuuly," The Fashion Law.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bit of Italy in your soul? Are you an enthusiast of pre-loved decor and accessories? Bring vintage Italian style — and history — into your space with The Pewter Thimble (@thepewterthimble). We source useful and beautiful things, and mend them where needed. We also find gorgeous illustrations, and make them print-worthy. Tarot cards, tea towels and handpicked treasures, available to you from the comfort of your own home. Responsibly sourced from across Rome, lovingly renewed by fairly paid artists and artisans, with something for every budget. Discover more at thepewterthimble.com

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: The Etsy-sodes (part I): Children's Books About Fish + Crafting As A Political Expression

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 21 May 2023 19:14:36 -0500

Also: let's give a special, super grateful shout to our friend (and a previous guest), Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage for doing a bunch of research and sending us a ton of info! Thank you so much, Christine! She’s been selling on Etsy for a long time so she had a lot of experience and memories to share that really guided the process of writing this story!

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Additional Reading/Listening:

The Department talks about DIY/hipsters in the aughts
Get Crafty : Hip Home Ec by Jean Railla
"What Would Jesus Sell?" by Jean Railla
"Handmade 2.0" by Rob Walker, The New York Times
"A Decade of Portland Fashion Flashbacks," by Eden Dawn, Portland Monthly.

Check out Holly Stalder's beautiful clothing here.
Incredible accessories by Yokoo.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 97: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part I

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 14 May 2023 21:35:44 -0500

While Amanda takes a few weeks off to go to Japan, do a bunch of research and reading, work on outreach for future guests, and just generally get inspired and rested, let's revisit some of the favorite episodes of the Clotheshorse community.

Throwaway culture may not seem to affect you personally (spoiler: it actually is), but the rapid cycle of shop/wear a few times/donate is having a massive negative impact on humans, animals, and the planet...it’s just happening out of our line of sight. In part one of a three part series, Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation breaks down the repercussions of our overconsumption on Ghana, its people, and our entire planet.

About 15 million secondhand garments from the Global North arrive in Accra, Ghana each week. These bales of "dead white man's clothes" represent a massive industry with incredibly negative economic and environmental impact. Liz will describe a typical day in Kantamanto (the secondhand clothing market). She'll explain why resellers often say a prayer before opening a bale, and what happens to the 40% of these clothes that are simply not sellable.

Please follow the OR Foundation on IG @theorispresent

Extra Credit Reading
"This is not your goldmine. This is our mess," Liz Ricketts, High Snobiety.
"Dead White Man's Clothes," Liz Ricketts, Atmos.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

The Pewter Thimble Is there a little bi...

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 131, Broken Glass, Dirty Underwear, and An Inexplicable Amount of Dildos (Working In A Thrift Store) with Dylan + Ryan

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 07 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The thrift industry has a major impact on the humans working within it. Wages are low, expectations are high, and there is little room for advancement. Also: it’s gross and frequently dangerous. In 2021, Dylan and Ryan worked for one of the largest thrift store chains in the United States. They share their experiences making sense of the unwanted stuff of strangers. This episode was released in June 2022, and it ties in SO WELL to the recent ethics of secondhand resale series.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtow...

Episode 163: Gender, Sizing, & The Fashion Industry, with Ruby & Maggie

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:58:22 -0500

Why does "unisex" clothing always have a menswear aesthetic? How is clothing marketed differently toward men and women? And why is sizing so weird? In these week's episode, we'll be talking all about gender and the history of sizing in the fashion industry. Amanda is joined by Ruby Gertz and Clotheshorse all-star Maggie Greene to break down these important questions.

Get 15% off your first order with Canopy Kids with promo code CLOTHESHORSE.

Use the GEM app to find vintage and secondhand clothing from big platforms like Etsy, eBay, Poshmark and from hundreds of independent online stores as well.

Additional reading and resources from Ruby & Maggie:

Maggie recommends checking out "Next in Fashion" on Netflix

People who Maggie looks to for inspiration and learning - on LinkedIn specifically (which is a great space to learn and grow personally and professionally, it's not just for job-hunting anymore):

Dr. Elisa Glick (she, her), a Jewish trans woman and leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-glick433/
Taryn Talley (she, her), an Indigenous trans woman and marketing leader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-talley1/
Lilly Contino (she, her): a trans woman and educator on trans issues, gender, and sexuality: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillycontino
Anne Bono (they, she): a nonbinary marketing leader who speaks openly about intersectionality and how to do marketing differently: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annebono
Jack Turnwald (they, them): nonbinary DEI consultant and professional speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieturnwald
Mark Bieraugel (they, them): nonbinary infotech leader who embodies their personal style without adhering to strictly masculine or feminine "rules": https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bieraugel-6118021
K Strohl (they, them): nonbinary psychological safety and boundaries strategist who is unapologetic in their approach to gender issues in the workplace and education: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-strohl

From Ruby:

Alok Vaid-Menon: @alokvmenon on Instagram (their book report posts are especially great, and they've written several books of their own)Spaces between Us by Scott Lauria Morgenson (talks about the colonial erasure of indigenous gender concepts)
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
Aubrey Gordon, https://www.yourfatfriend.com/ (also cohost of Maintenance Phase podcast, which is great)
99% Invisible podcast episode about Adolphe Quetelet, "On Average": https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/on-average/
Helen's Closet sewing pattern company measurement data survey results: https://helensclosetpatterns.com/2019/01/25/curvy-sewing-survey-results/

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 162: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 4)…Now What?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:44:21 -0500

Now that we have debunked all of the myths that form the core of anti-reseller rhetoric, we’ve uncovered a lot of larger systemic issues that are the actual causes of the frustrating things being falsely blamed on resellers. In the final installment of this series examining the ethics of secondhand resale, Amanda explores how the secondhand system can be more equitable and less wasteful.

We will address the following questions:

What could bring thrift store prices back to a more accessible level?
How there could be “better” stuff in the thrift stores?
How can we ensure that the people who need things like clothes and home goods are getting them?
How can we forge a path toward making resale more equitable for resellers?
How we can de-escalate the ever-intensifying anti-reseller rhetoric happening on social media right now?

Along the way, Amanda will explain “perceived value” and the art of pricing, EPR, and mindful rehoming.

Thank you to Frankie, Tamara, Stacie, and Maria for sharing their thoughts for this episode.

Also, thank you to Dustin Travis White for the rad music between segments on this episode!

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 161: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 3) with Alex of St. Evens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 21:36:47 -0500

This week’s episode is part three of what is now a FOUR episode series (surprise!) examining the ethics of secondhand resale with Alex of St. Evens.
In the third installment, we will be exploring the final myth: Resellers misrepresent what they’re selling, list things at wildly inflated prices, and overall behave miserably both online and in person.
We will also explore what we think is at the root of all of this anti-reseller rhetoric that just seems to become more and more extreme with each passing day.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode: Chloe, Tamara, Jules, Haylee, Jaimie, Josselyn, Maddie, Momina, Ann, and two different people named Erin!

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Instagram DMs will be turned off for the duration of this series.

Get 25% off your order from North America Herb & Spice with the promo code clotheshorse25.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 160: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 2) with Alex of St. Evens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 11:49:36 -0500

This week’s episode is part two of a THREE episode series examining the ethics of secondhand resale with Alex of St. Evens.
In the second installment, we will tackle two arguments often tossed around in discussions about secondhand on social media:

Resellers are taking all of “the good stuff.”
Resellers are responsible for rising prices at thrift stores.

There is a lot of money to be made off of secondhand resale, and in the introduction, we'll dig into where that money is going and who's really "making bank."

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode: Tamara, Aimee, Maria, Amanda, Christine, Vilma, and Weenie.

Additional reading:
"Even Thrift Stores Aren’t Immune From Rising Prices," Jacob Gallagher, The Wall Street Journal.

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Instagram DMs will be turned off for the duration of this series.

Get 25% off your order from North America Herb & Spice with the promo code clotheshorse25.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 159: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 1) with Alex of St. Evens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 21:40:32 -0500

This week’s episode is part one of a THREE episode series examining the ethics of secondhand resale with Alex of St. Evens.
In the first installment, we will tackle two arguments often tossed around in discussions about secondhand on social media:

Thrift stores are designed to be a resource for low income people.
Resellers are making tons of money from taking things that should be for low income people.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this episode: Stacie, Mags, Clare, Sarah, Katherine, and Amanda.

Some additional reading:

If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it’s a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.world Instagram DMs will be turned off for the duration of this series.

Get 25% off your order from North America Herb & Spice with the promo code clotheshorse25.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

The Pewter Thimble Is there a litt...

Episode 158: A Love Letter To Malls & Community, with Carley Lake of Lucky Sweater

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 22:05:32 -0500

Carley Lake, the co-founder of trading community Lucky Sweater joins Amanda to talk about how her experiences with shopping and fast fashion were an integral part of the journey toward creating a space for trading clothing and building community around slow fashion. Get ready for some fond memories of the mall! And Amanda explains what's been happening with the Buy Nothing Project and the challenges of running a large anti-capitalist organization.

Learn more about Lucky Sweater here!
Follow on IG: @lucky.sweater

READ THIS:
"The Battle for the Soul of Buy Nothing," Vauhini Vara, Wired.
"There’s a War Going on in Your Local Buy Nothing Group," Clio Chang, Curbed.
"Buy Nothing exploded on Facebook — now it wants a platform of its own," Mia Sato, The Verge.
"Buy Nothing Project: free clothes, toys, food — even a wedding," Scott Greenstone, The Seattle Times.
"JP 'Buy Nothing' Facebook Group Revolts Amid Racial Bias Concerns," Jenna Fisher.
"Wait Long Enough and Almost Anything (Bananas, Pelotons) Shows Up on Facebook’s Buy Nothing Groups," Ivy Eisenberg, Curbed.
"That 'Hyper-Local' Buy Nothing Group You Love is Controlled by a Wealthy White Woman in Washington State and is Reinforcing Systemic Racism and Segregation," Kai Haskins.

Get 25% off your order from North America Herb & Spice with the promo code clotheshorse25.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and o...

Episode 157: The Legal Quandaries Facing Secondhand Platforms, featuring Julie Tamerler

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 17:36:07 -0500

Meet Julie Tamerler, a family law, business, and intellectual property attorney…and big time secondhand shopper! She is going to talk to us about the quandaries resale platforms face when it comes to knockoffs and fakes. It's VERY complicated from both a legal and operational perspective. We'll explore what *might* (or might not) happen to seller's stuff if The Real Real or ThredUp went bankrupt. And she’ll explain to us why we should read those terms and conditions before we agree to sell on these platforms!

Read Julie's writing in this area:
"If Resale Companies Go Bankrupt, Who Is Left Holding the Bag?" The Fashion Law.
"A Case Over Canal Street Fakes Raises Questions About the Potential Bounds of Landlord Liability," The Fashion Law.

Other reading:

"The RealReal Sold Me A $3,600 Fake; Here’s Why Counterfeits Slip Through Its Authentication Process," Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.
"THE REALREAL'S AUTHENTICATION PRACTICES ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM, ACCORDING TO NEW INVESTIGATION," Dhani Mau, Fashionista.
"HEY, QUICK QUESTION: WHY IS THE REALREAL SELLING UNMARKED TARGET DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS?" Alyssa Lapid, Meredith Lawrence, Lisa Peterson, Fashionista.
"The RealReal slashes workforce, store base in quest for profits," Daphne Howland, Retail Dive.
"At a Glance: See How These Six Corporations Control the Luxury Fashion Industry," Nika Mavrody, The Fashion Spot.
"Sasha Benz & The Curious Case Of The Fake Chanel Earrings," Christie Grimm, The Social Post.
"The RealReal BadBad: Fashion's next big scandal?" The Wreck List.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn a...

Episode 156: 1-900-BUY-THIS: Infomercials with Dustin (part two)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:12:13 -0500

Dustin joins Amanda for part two of their conversation about infomercials. In this episode, we'll tackle the long term impact of the Reagan administration, 1-900 numbers, and some of the most iconic infomercials of the 90s and 00s.

READ:

“Reagan’s Real Legacy,” Peter Dreier, The Nation.

“The 30 Weirdest 1-900 Numbers From The '80s,” Katie Notopoulos, Buzzfeed.

“What Psychic Friends Failed to Foresee,” James Surowiecki, Slate.

“It happened to me: I was a phone psychic for Miss Cleo,” Rebecca Barthel, XO Jane.

“WHAT THE DOG SAW, AND OTHER ADVENTURES (an essay about Ron Popiel,” Malcolm Gladwell.

“Victoria Jackson’s Money Rewards Came Late,” Jennifer Pendleton, LA Times.

“The Stepford Channel”, Rick Hartman, New York Times

WATCH:

The Reagan Show

The Reagans

Corey Hotline: https://youtu.be/sk2CKwJ3hGo

Santa Hotline: https://youtu.be/_sCg5s_jTo4

UFO Hotline: https://youtu.be/bqZ0T8jeLDc

The Crying Hotline: https://youtu.be/M-akWAWOp2Y

Jessica Hahn Tells All: https://youtu.be/mXJ7hnKTJjQ

Love Phone with Jessica Hahn: https://youtu.be/fK_o6AukoHA

Psychic Friends Network: https://youtu.be/27s8HLVDhBs

Call Me Miss Cleo

Ronco Showtime Rotisserie: https://youtu.be/GG43jyZ65R8

Victoria Jackson Cosmetics: https://youtu.be/3TzkLPSVtvk

Where There’s A Will There’s An A: https://youtu.be/mY7taMqDPqE

The Snuggie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xZp-GLMMJ0

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 155: Food Dehydrators, Psychic Hotlines, and Vacuum Hair Cuts: Infomercials with Dustin (part one)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 20:17:54 -0600

Dustin joins Amanda to discuss something near and dear (or at least super nostalgic): infomercials. How did they become a billion dollar business in the late 80s? And when/where did they begin? We discuss all of that (and more) in this episode.

Watch:
The First Infomercial (Vitamix)
Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator
The Time Life Mysteries of the Unknown Series
Pure Moods

Read:
"The Stepford Channel," Rick Marin, The New York Times.

The first audio essay series of 2023!!

We’re going to be talking about our relationship with shopping!

As we began to talk about at the end of last year, we are practically trained to be consumers from birth. From sticker collections to toys to the commercials on the Saturday morning cartoons, we have been told that new stuff = a better life. More happiness. Popularity…and even in the case of the “romance industrial complex,” it means love and appreciation. Shopping is a social activity, the subject of copious amounts of magazine articles, blogs posts, and social media content. For some families shopping is the only way they can spend time together and get along!

Here are some ideas of things you can cover in your audio essay:

How did shopping fit into your childhood? Was it a part of your relationship with a family member? Did it change over time?
Do you find yourself engaging in so-called “ retail therapy?” Does it help? Have you found something that helps more?
Are you addicted to bargains and deals? Have you found a non-shopping way to scratch that itch?
Does shopping make you happy? Sad? Angry? Why?
Are there any specific shopping memories that have shaped how you approach clothing as an adult?
Or maybe you have your own theme you would like to cover! That’s fine, too!

Write out what you want to say before you record it. Try to fit it into 5 minutes or less.

If you want your contact info (name, instagram handle, business) to be included in the episode, please tell us in the recording. If you want to be anonymous, that’s fine, too!

It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep going. Amanda will edit it.

Record in a quiet room away from fans, air conditioners, bus stops, and howling hound dogs.

Be sure to double check your recording before sending. Yes, I have received fully silent recordings.

When you email it, include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

The deadline for this project is March 15.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vin...

Episode 154: Hanging, Folding, Candy, and Plastic Bins, with Maggie Greene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 19:27:29 -0600

Maggie Greene is back to help Amanda wrap up the laundry series, but this episode is way more than just a wash/dry cycle! We’ll talk about clothing storage. And then after that, Maggie will share her expertise in “seasonal wardrobe management,” which sounds really intimidating but is actually a great way to organize your clothing and get maximum wear out of all of them! Before all of that we’ll talk about the “romantic industrial complex” and Valentine’s Day. And Amanda announces the theme for the next round of audio essays!

Read Maggie's essay "Wear, What, When: Seasonal Wardrobe Management.”

ABOUT MAGGIE

The first audio essay series of 2023!!

We’re going to be talking about our relationship with shopping!

Here are some ideas of things you can cover in your audio essay:

How did shopping fit into your childhood? Was it a part of your relationship with a family member? Did it change over time?
Do you find yourself engaging in so-called “ retail therapy?” Does it help? Have you found something that helps more?
Are you addicted to bargains and deals? Have you found a non-shopping way to scratch that itch?
Does shopping make you happy? Sad? Angry? Why?
Are there any specific shopping memories that have shaped how you approach clothing as an adult?
Or maybe you have your own theme you would like to cover! That’s fine, too!

Write out what you want to say before you record it. Try to fit it into 5 minutes or less.

If you want your contact info (name, instagram handle, business) to be included in the episode, please tell us in the recording. If you want to be anonymous, that’s fine, too!

It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep going. Amanda will edit it.

Record in a quiet room away from fans, air conditioners, bus stops, and howling hound dogs.

Be sure to double check your recording before sending. Yes, I have received fully silent recordings.

When you email it, include your name, pronouns, and IG handle.

The deadline for this project is March 15.

Check out Amanda's other podcast, The Department.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:
Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market. Our small business specialize...

Episode 153: Laundry Quandaries (part 2) with Maggie and Traci

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 19:30:59 -0600

Maggie and Traci are back to help Amanda solve your laundry quandaries! In this episode, we will try to solve your very specific stain problems. We also give advice on smelly situations, pet hair removal, ironing, denim care, and how to successfully do some hand washing! We get to the bottom of dry cleaning and we answer the question "Do you have to dry clean everything with a 'dry clean only' label?" Amanda investigates Febreze. And they share their ten biggest laundry lessons.

ABOUT MAGGIE

ABOUT TRACI

Visit Traci's website: https://prydehantverk.com

ABOUT THRIFT+FIT+FIX (MAGGIE + TRACI'S COLLABORATION)

What happens when a stylist and a seamstress team up to help save the world, one person and one garment at a time? We're working on it, and we want you to join us on the adventure!

This creative collaboration brings together Maggie's expertise in thrifting and personal style support and Tracis's expert skills in mending/repair, tailoring/alterations, and embellishment into a unique mix of packages designed to help solve all your wardrobe challenges. Think of it as Your Wardrobe Magic Wand and the key to immortalizing your style.

Get updates on this collab, delivered to your inbox twice a month: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tz6f7gwuRI2eKhE1bk8xzw4hwee

Learn more about Small Biz Big Pic here: smallbizbigpic.com. Registration ends 2/13!

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and Traci

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 18:09:42 -0600

"Does the film around detergent pods really biodegrade? A debate is raging," Allyson Chiu, Washington Post.

ABOUT MAGGIE

ABOUT TRACI

Visit Traci's website: https://prydehantverk.com

Learn more about Small Biz Big Pic here: smallbizbigpic.com

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 151: Learning Within The Grey Area, with Rachel Greenley

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 18:46:18 -0600

Writer Rachel Greenley joins us to share what she learned about fast fashion while working at a seasonal warehouse job processing returns for a big online retailer. She has the unique perspective of working in both the corporate office and warehouse of the same company. Experiencing both ends of the business only underscored the complex, grey areas within retail and our society. If you have not read her essay, This Is the Reality of America’s Fast-Fashion Addiction, go read it NOW! Also: Amanda welcomes us to the year of Earth Logic.

Go follow Rachel on Instagram: @rachel_greenley_words

And check out these books recommendations from Rachel:

Bullshit Jobs: A Theory by David Graeber
Having and Being Had, by Eula Biss
Nickel and Dimed (20th Anniversary Edition): On (Not) Getting by in America, by Barbara Ehrenreich

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

A Special Treat: Episode 69 of The Department (Amanda went to Japan and all we got were these lousy trends)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:00:00 -0600

Amanda is taking one more week off from creating new episodes of the Clotheshorse, thanks to some wicked jet lag and the inevitable post-vacation work overload! In the mean time, please check out the latest episode of The Department, where Amanda tells Kim about all of the emerging trends she saw on her recent trip to Japan, including Boomercore, 90s Skatercore, Craftcore, even more secondhand shopping, new print inspiration, and the merging of art with nostalgic toys.

Learn more at thedepartment.world.
And follow The Department on Instagram! @_the_department

Episode 150: Toys Gone Wild (part two), with Jess!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:42:07 -0600

Jess (@jesinspace) is back to continue our conversation about toys! In this episode, we’ll be talking about the environmental impact of toys (spoiler: it’s depressing), and then we’ll dissect some of the biggest toy crazes of the 80s and 90s: Cabbage Patch Kids, Teddy Ruxpin, Furby, Tamagotchi, and Tickle Me Elmo.

Also: audio essays from Courtney of Harkin and Annette of Mannerly.

Go follow everyone on IG!
Jess: @jesinspace
Courtney: @harkin.studio
Annette: @shopmannerly

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at

Episode 149: Toys Gone Wild (part one), with Jess!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 19:13:30 -0600

Our friend and fellow Delia*s fangirl, Jess Todd (@jesinspace), is back to talk about the toy crazes of the 80s and 90s. This is part one of two.

In this episode, we will specifically dig into the ways children of the 80s and 90s were set up to be perfect consumers as adults via a mixture of lots of advertising and cartoons that were really just longform commercials! Yes, it turns out that about 40 cartoons were created in the 80s solely to sell toys! Get ready for a 50/50 blend of nostalgia and fury as we explain the deregulation of advertising during children's programming in the 1980s, while also reminiscing about the shows and toys that came and went in the blink of an eye. Also: audio essays from Patricia of The World's Corner and Rachel of Cute Little Ruin.

Go follow everyone on IG!
Jess: @jesinspace
Patricia: @shoptheworldscorner
Rachel: @cutelittleruin

Read this:
"When Reagan Met Optimus Prime," Animation World Network.
"20 Amazing Cartoons Created To Simply Sell Toys," Game Spot.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 148: Resisting the Message of "Newness," with Sara of Club Sandwich

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:52:42 -0600

Amanda is joined by Sara, a creative marketing professional and founder of Club Sandwich, a vintage resale brand. We call out the “invisible” marketing techniques that fill us with a sense of need on a regular basis, and how we can be more mindful (and hopefully overcome them). Then we will shift into talking about how to build a wardrobe that embodies the slow fashion way of life. And how to avoid the trap of “novelty” items that can only be worn once or twice. We will also discuss the importance of closet organization and how to approach a closet clean out in a productive way. Also: Amanda goes down a rabbit hole of fake review scams.

Follow Sara on IG: @shopclubsandwich
Read this: Inside the Underground Market for Fake Amazon Reviews, Simon Hill, Wired.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find the transcript at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 147: Catalogapalooza (part two), with Jess!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 19:55:15 -0600

Stay calm and avoid paper cuts as Jess (@jesinspace) joins Amanda for part two of their deep dive into all things catalogs! We’ll cover the story of Lillian Vernon, before digging into the catalogs of our tween and teen years, including Delias and Alloy. And because hindsight is always 20/20, we’ll lay out where these companies went wrong, while also kinda framing out the idea of “brand” and “lifestyle” for millennials and millennial-focused brands in the 21st century. Also in this episode: audio essays from Marianna of Luneta Creations and Natalie of Yellow Clover Vintage. And a bonus segment dedicated to Susan Massey: Amanda tells the story of the Swiss Colony catalog.

Go follow everyone on IG!
Jess: @jesinspace
Marianna: @lunetacreations
Natalie: @yellowclovervintage

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 146: Catalogapalooza (part one), with Jess!

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:59:49 -0600

Sewing your own clothes is the original slow fashion. But buying clothes from a catalog comes in second! In part one of two, Jess (@jesinspace) joins Amanda to tackle the early history of catalogs, including Sears, Montgomery Ward, and JC Penney. Jess reveals something super special about her house. We’ll ask the question: why do so many catalogs begin in Chicago? And then we’ll touch on some catalogs of the 20th century, including Spiegel, Best, and Hammacher Schlemmer. Also: audio essays from Traci of Pryde Hantverk and Alyse of Curio Mrvosa.

Go follow everyone on IG!
Jess: @jesinspace
Traci: @pryde.hantverk
Alyse: @curiomrvosa

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand ...

Episode 145: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part two), with Maggie Greene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 19 Nov 2022 23:00:00 -0600

Fellow fruitcake aficionado Maggie Greene is back for part two of our conversation about The 12 Days of Slow Gifting. We will be talking about our worst gifts ever and why gift cards can be a little scammy. We’ll be sharing our suggestions for homemade gifts, gifts that aren’t stuff, and more motivation and inspiration for having conversations with your family about revisiting gifting traditions. Also: an audio essay from Jessica of Vagabond Vintage!

Find everyone on IG:
Maggie: @greenstylemags
Jessica: @vagabondvintage.dtlv

Follow along with The 12 Days of Slow Gifting here.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 144: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part one), with Maggie Greene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 19:59:41 -0600

Find everyone on IG:
Maggie: @greenstylemags
Heke design: @heke.design
Ruby: @spokesandstitches
Kait: @mysticalglowcandleco

Follow along with The 12 Days of Slow Gifting here.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 143: In Pursuit of Wardrobe Ease with Elyse

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 19:32:54 -0600

Amanda is joined by Elyse Holladay, a personal style coach and creator of The Unfolding, a personal style development program designed to help you define your authentic personal style, learn to shop strategically, and find wardrobe ease. They will talk about why it's never "just clothes" and how to break down the obstacles preventing you from finding true clothing happiness. It turns out that feeling confident in yourself and what you wear is part of a more sustainable lifestyle! Also: small business audio essays from Megan of Hard Times Collective and Lydia of Country Feedback.

Follow Elyse on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elyseholladay/
Send her a DM on Instagram anytime—she'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast episode, and your style dreams and frustrations
elysestyled.com for the blog and free style resources
https://unfolding.style to find out more about The Unfolding, submit your application, and get complementary access to the Getting Stylish on your Own Terms training

Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/CLOTHESHORSE to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a stor...

Episode 141: Breaking Down Cultural Appropriation with Alex of St. Evens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 18:39:22 -0500

Conversations about cultural appropriation can evoke some pretty defensive reactions, but we must have these conversations. After listening to this episode, you will understand why. Listener favorite Alex of St. Evens will be breaking down the different types of cultural appropriation, along with examples "ripped from the headlines." And we will break down some of the common "arguments" people bring to the table in these conversations.

Additional Reading:
Racism 101: At What Point Does Cultural Appreciation Cross Over Into Appropriation?
How Commercial Buddhism Is Hurting Buddhism
The Pendleton Problem: When Does Cultural Appreciation Tip Into Appropriation?
Congee and the Problem of Asian Food Appropriation
Three white American women redesigned mahjong tiles to sell for $425 a set, saying the game needed a 'respectful refresh,' and were accused of erasing Chinese culture
Nasty Gal's horrible collection from 2016

Small business owners! Submit your audio essay for inclusion in the November/December episodes!

It’s a recording you make--using either your phone or your computer. Email it to amanda@clotheshorse.world.
It’s not an ad...it’s your story and feelings about owning a small business, including:
What motivated you to start a small business?
Why it’s important to you, what you do, and why you do it.
What have you learned?
Include information about your business and where listeners can find you.
The deadline is November 1 and it is a first come/first served situation.
Interested in participating in IG Lives in November and December? Sign up here.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or want to share your best costume ever? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulou...

Episode 140: The Future Is A Place We Invent, with Katya of No Kill Magazine

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 20:19:31 -0500

Amanda is joined by Katya Moorman, the co-founder and editor of No Kill Magazine. They try to get to the bottom of why so many people will perform all sorts of mental acrobatics to explain why they need fast fashion (and how to counteract that). They also explain how retail and warehouse workers are the domestic evidence of how the fashion and retail industries regard all of the workers who are responsible for their profits. They will break down the CFDA partnership with Amazon and Katya will share all of the things that make her feel optimistic about the future. Also: Amanda explains what CH is doing to support small businesses for the holiday season.

Additional Reading:
Leaked Amazon memo warns the company is running out of people to hire
TômTex Co. X PETER DO Makes Strides for Closed-Loop Fashion at NYFW
Fibershed
To Edward Enninful, Fashion is ‘Borderless’

Small business owners! Submit your audio essay for inclusion in the November/December episodes!

It’s a recording you make--using either your phone or your computer. Email it to amanda@clotheshorse.world.
It’s not an ad...it’s your story and feelings about owning a small business, including:
What motivated you to start a small business?
Why it’s important to you, what you do, and why you do it.
What have you learned?
Include information about your business and where listeners can find you.
The deadline is November 1 and it is a first come/first served situation.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or want to share your best costume ever? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 136: Bodysuits and School Clothes Shopping (Unpacking Wardrobe Trauma with Maggie)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 20:20:52 -0500

The clothing we wear has a significant impact on our mental health, comfort, and general well-being. It's never "just" clothing. Maggie, the Chief Everything Officer of Maggie Greene Style, joins Amanda to talk about the difference between “style” and “Big Fashion" and how wardrobe and shopping trauma impacts our decisions.
Find Maggie on IG: @greenstylemags
Read "Wear and Tear: Wardrobe + Shopping Trauma 101" by Maggie.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or another suggestion for rehoming our stuff? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

High Energy Vintage is a fun and funky vintage shop located in Somerville, MA, just a few minutes away from downtown Boston. They offer a highly curated selection of bright and colorful cl...

Episode 135: Mugs and Evening Gowns: Secondhand Shopping In Poland with Anna

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 19:00:10 -0500

Anna (@the.witch.of.witchwood) tells us about secondhand shopping and the thrift industry in Poland, where she has lived for more than a decade. There are some lessons about best practices that could be adapted to the way secondhand and rehoming works here in the US! Amanda breaks down the H&M greenwashing lawsuit and the ethical shortcomings of the Higg Sustainability Index.

H&M is Being Sued Over “Misleading” Sustainability Marketing, Product Scorecards
Quartz investigation: H&M showed bogus environmental scores for its clothing

Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/CLOTHESHORSE to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or another suggestion for rehoming our stuff? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Episode 133: It's Better To Rise Than Fade Away

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 21:11:30 -0500

In honor of two years of Clotheshorse(!), members of the community share audio essays about their own experiences with slow fashion and sustainability. And Amanda details her own journey from fast fashion buyer to slow fashion rabble rouser.

The amazing audio essays in this episode were created by:

P.S. This episode's title comes from the Hole song "Reasons To Be Beautiful."

Want more of Amanda's back story? Go listen to Episode 78: This Is Not A Bootstrap Story.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or another suggestion for rehoming our stuff? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of April, St. Evens is supporting United Farm Worker’s Foundation. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 132: Making "Mindful Rehoming" A Thing, featuring Jeanna of Sage Woolens

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 20:34:03 -0500

In this episode, we break down the concept of "mindful rehoming," as part of an ongoing series about circularity in our own lives. Actually, "mindful rehoming" is more of a NEW, EXCITING way of life! When Jeanna and her husband decided to move overseas, they realized that they had to leave behind the majority of their stuff. Jeanna didn't want to follow the binary of "donation bin or trash bin," so she decided to rehome her possessions in a more intentional, impactful way. She shares her story and suggestion with us!

Reading suggestion from Jeanna: Fixation: How to Have Stuff Without Breaking the Planet by Sandra Goldmark

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Or another suggestion for rehoming our stuff? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 131: Broken Glass, Dirty Underwear, and An Inexplicable Amount of Dildos (Working In A Thrift Store) with Dylan + Ryan

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 15:17:01 -0500

The thrift industry has a major impact on the humans working within it. Wages are low, expectations are high, and there is little room for advancement. Also: it’s gross and frequently dangerous. In 2021, Dylan and Ryan worked for one of the largest thrift store chains in the United States. They share their experiences making sense of the unwanted stuff of strangers. Also: Amanda explains why it's not GAME OVER, but rather GAME ON in the fight for reproductive justice and civil rights.

NEW AUDIO ESSAY SERIES!!!
In honor of Clotheshorse's upcoming TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY(!), let's share our own sustainability/slow fashion journeys!

What made you start to care more about sustainability, particularly in regards to things you wear?
What changes were most difficult? What were the easiest?
How do you think slow fashion could be more accessible to others?
And how do you find yourself making changes on a regular basis? Do you have any tips for others?

Okay, but what is an audio essay?

It’s a recording you make--using either your phone or your computer.

You email it to me at amanda@clotheshorse.world, and I edit and mix it, and add it to an episode. I will not accept written essays for this.

I recommend that you write it all out, then record it. It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep talking. I’ll edit it when I put it in the episode!

Record in a quiet room, away from fans/air conditioners.

The deadline for this project is July 1, so you have a few weeks to get this done. Your recording should be anywhere from 3 minutes to 10 minutes long.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand, ethically made by hand from vintage and deadstock materials - most notably, vintage towels! Found...

Episode 129: Unpacking The "Textile Recycling" Industry with Jessica

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:45:11 -0500

Our surprise circularity miniseries continues! Jessica is many things: a designer, a pattern-maker, an educator, a consultant and a dreamer. She has so much experience in a variety of different areas of the fashion industry, but the primary focus of this episode is the "textile recycling" industry. SPOILER: it's more of a logistics industry! Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessitex_

NEW AUDIO ESSAY SERIES!!!
In honor of Clotheshorse's upcoming TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY(!), let's share our own sustainability/slow fashion journeys!

What made you start to care more about sustainability, particularly in regards to things you wear?
What changes were most difficult? What were the easiest?
How do you think slow fashion could be more accessible to others?
And how do you find yourself making changes on a regular basis? Do you have any tips for others?

Okay, but what is an audio essay?

It’s a recording you make--using either your phone or your computer.

You email it to me at amanda@clotheshorse.world, and I edit and mix it, and add it to an episode. I will not accept written essays for this.

I recommend that you write it all out, then record it. It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep talking. I’ll edit it when I put it in the episode!

Record in a quiet room, away from fans/air conditioners.

The deadline for this project is July 1, so you have a few weeks to get this done. Your recording should be anywhere from 3 minutes to 10 minutes long.

Have questions/comments/cute animal photos? Reach out via email: amanda@clotheshorse.world

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at

Episode 126: A Light Episode About Fashion + Style That's Actually Pretty Deep (featuring Elizabeth Mollo)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 08 May 2022 16:17:39 -0500

In this episode, we will ponder fashion as an art form and personal style as a personal creative expression. This episode is a whole journey!

We’ll get started with personal style as a creative expression. We’ll explore this via audio essays from three members of the Clotheshorse community: Taylor, Anna, and Gladys.

We will be also joined by Elizabeth Mollo, who will tell us about all of the work and thought that goes into producing fashion shows. Like all things related to fashion and style, fashion shows tend to be dismissed as foolish and “easy” to put together, when the reality is that they require a lot of hard work, critical thinking, and creativity. Ultimately fashion shows remind us that before fashion became synonymous with a cruel, destructive industry, it was (and remains) an art form.

Learn more about Elizabeth:
elizabethmollo.com
Fade To Light
Some of her work for the Portland Mercury
Altar

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 125: The Rental-sode

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 01 May 2022 16:50:06 -0500

"Is clothing rental a sustainable option?" Amanda breaks down the very complicated answer in this episode.

Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Want to support Amanda's work on Clotheshorse? Learn more at patreon.com/clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 120: Quilt Clothes Must Live, featuring Dani + Lesley

Amanda Lee McCarty — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 23:00:00 -0600

Do you remember that one weekend in late January when everyone was super upset (or possibly super pleased) by a video about "dumb" quilt clothing? Well, today we're going to talk allllllll about it. Dani of Picnicwear and quilter/artist/all-around rad person Lesley join Amanda to digest and dissect Mary Fons' January 2022 video decrying clothing made from upcycled quilts. Two people were riled up and one person changed their mind on the entire matter!

"What is Cultural Appropriation?" Arlin Cucnic, Verywell Mind.

Quilt preservation/repair by Ann Wasserman @ann_quilts
https://www.annquilts.com/

See more of Lesley's work:

Piecework Collective @pieceworkcollective

http://pieceworkcollective.com/

lesleygold.com

Attend Amanda's virtual workshop with the Lake Bluff Library!
When: Tuesday, March 8, 7pm CST

Where: Zoom (you will receive the link after registering)

How to register: go to bit.ly/lake-bluff

NEW AUDIO ESSAY OPPORTUNITY ALERT!
In last week's episode, we talked about the style “rules” that we have all had forced upon us as if they are actual laws. From “no mini skirts after 30 “ to “cut your hair short at some mysterious age,” we are swimming in a sea of style rules around age, gender, size, and lifestyle that are frankly, bullshit. Yet we’ve been exposed to them for so long that we don’t know that they are bullshit?

I want to hear from you: What is a style “rule” that you’re glad to break? What was your journey to realizing that your style was personal and nothing to do with anyone else’s rules and opinions? Or conversely, are you fearful of breaking the rules and why? Tell us about your relationship with how you dress!

Okay, but what is an audio essay?

It’s a recording you make--using either your phone or your computer.
You email it to me at amanda@clotheshorse.world, and I edit and mix it, and add it to an episode. I will not accept written essays for this.
I recommend that you write it all out, then record it. It’s okay if you make a mistake while recording, just say that part again and keep talking. I’ll edit it when I put it in the episode!
Record in a quiet room, away from fans/air conditioners.
The deadline for this project is April 1. Your recording should be anywhere from 3 minutes to 10 minutes long.

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

The Pewter Thimble is a curated second hand shop, based out of Rome, Italy. Owner Desiree Marie Townley has a background in costuming and makeup for Dance and Opera, and focuses on dressing for the character you want to be in the world. Curated collections are dropped in a story sale and always have a specialized theme, like the color palette of Starry Night, the film classic Casablanca, and the children's novel The Secret Garden. Desiree works with local artisans and pieces are rescued from markets and rehabilitated and resold with worldwide shipping. The Pewter Thimble is a collection of pieces that will have Eternal Style, from the Eternal City. Discover more on instagram @thepewterthimble.

Late to the Party, creating one of a kind statement clothing from vintage, salvaged and thrifted textiles. They hope to tap into the dreamy memories we all hold: floral curtains, a childhood dress, the wallpaper in your best friend’s rec room, all while creating modern sustainable garments that you'll love wearing and have for years to come. Late to the Party is passionate about celebrating and preserving textiles, the memories they hold, and the stories they have yet to tell. Check them out on Instagram!

Vino Vintage, based just outside of LA. We love the hunt of shopping secondhand because you never know what you might find! And catch us at flea markets around Southern California by following us on instagram @vino.vintage so you don’t miss our next event!

Gabriela Antonas is a visual Artist, an ethical trade fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a radical feminist m...

Episode 116: Buying New Underwear Instead of Doing Laundry: Meet Rita (part II)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 23:38:52 -0600

Please DON’T buy new underwear instead of doing laundry. Thanks!

Rita of Panty Witch is back to talk about two of the major obstacles that limit access to slow fashion: size and cost. As part of that conversation, Amanda talks about Victoria’s Secret’s links to forced labor and worker exploitation. Veronica shares her audio essay about quitting her job (get ready to be inspired). And Amanda talks about Amazon’s current and future impact on what it means to be both an employer and an employee (no matter where you work).

SO MUCH ADDITIONAL READING THIS WEEK!!!

Inside Amazon’s Employment Machine (a series from The New York Times).

Amazon’s Disposable Workers, by Irene Tung and Deborah Berkowitz, National Employment Law Project.

“Internal Amazon documents shed light on how company pressures out 6% of office workers,” by Katherine Anne Long, The Seattle Times.

“Some Amazon divisions have lost at least 35% of their staff in the past year. One reason: The company doesn't reward loyalty, insiders and former employees say,” by Katherine Long, Eugene Kim, and Ashley Stewart, Insider.

“Yes, prisoners used to sew lingerie for Victoria’s Secret — just like in ‘Orange is the New Black’ Season 3,” Emily Yahr, The Washington Post.

“Victoria's Secret, Slave Labor And So-Called ‘Free Trade,’” Jonathan Tasini, Huff Post.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Welcome Revive Athletics as a new sponsor of Clotheshorse (yay thank you)! . Use promo code “reviveit15” to get 15% off your first purchase at reviveathletics.com!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.

Caren Kinne Studio: Located in Western Massachusetts, Caren specializes in handcrafted earrings from found, upcycled, and repurposed fabrics as well as other eco-friendly curios, all with a hint of nostalgia, a dollop of whimsy, a dash of color and 100% fun. Caren is an artist/designer who believes the materials we use matter. See more on Instagram @carenkinnestudio

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of February, St. Evens is supporting the Yellowhammer Fund, a reproductive justice organization serving Alabama and the Deep South. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 115: We Say "Panty" Like 1000 Times: Meet Rita of Panty Witch (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:38:18 -0600

Rita of Panty Witch joins Amanda to share her experiences as a small business owner and member of the slow fashion community. At one point in the conversation, Rita said, "There are humans behind every screen." Get ready to meet this human (Rita) and learn more about what it means to be a maker/business owner in the social media era. And we get this round of audio essays rolling with Clotheshorse All-Star Meredith, who shares her story of becoming her own boss (and she gives you some great advice).

We will also discuss this tweet from Aja Barber.

Can't get enough slow fashion/fast fashion talk? Check out Amanda's guest spot on Garmology!

Want to find some new, Clotheshorse-approved small businesses to support? Check out the Clotheshorse Small Business Directory. New makers, sellers, and rad people will be added regularly.

Have a retail story you want to share? A weird "interview" that was really just free work? An epic job quitting fantasy that we just have to hear? Tell us about it! You can either call the Clotheshorse hotline at ‪(717) 925-7417‬ or record an audio message on your phone and send it via email. Or you can just send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world.

Welcome Revive Athletics as a new sponsor of Clotheshorse (yay thank you)! . Use promo code “reviveit15” to get 15% off your first purchase at reviveathletics.com!

And...please check out Nooworks! Nooworks is all about making clothes in a sustainable way that make you look and feel good.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Episode 112: Gift With Purchase + A Whiff of Happy: Working The Beauty Counter with Susan (part 1)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:18:35 -0600

Susan drops by to talk about her experiences managing a Clinique counter at a department store. We'll learn the three words that every beauty counter employee dreads: "Gift With Purchase." We'll also talk about the waste behind the scenes. This is part one of two.

Read Susan's legendary essay here.

We'll also hear small business audio essays from Old Flame Mending and Rabbit Person. And Amanda shares how you can integrate "progress not perfection" into your own work toward a more sustainable, ethical world.

What’s a product you’ve been on a quest to find the less wasteful version of? What’s a tip you have for using less? What’s a product we’ll pry from your cold, dead hands? Tell us about it! You can either call the Clotheshorse hotline at ‪(717) 925-7417‬ or record an audio message on your phone and send it via email. Or you can just send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world.

MPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: THE NEXT ROUND OF AUDIO ESSAYS!!!
Tell us about the time you quit a job. What finally made you do it? How did you feel? What happened next? Did you start a new project? Did it improve your mental and physical health? What is your advice for others whO might be on the verge of making the same decision for themselves?

Here are the details:

Record a 3-10 minute audio essay using your phone or computer. Email it to amanda@clotheshorse.world. NO DMs.
The deadline is January 15, 2022.

Welcome Revive Athletics as a new sponsor of Clotheshorse (yay thank you)! . Use promo code “reviveit15” to get 15% off your first purchase at reviveathletics.com!

And...please check out Nooworks! Nooworks is all about making clothes in a sustainable way that make you look and feel good.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Gabriela Antonas is a visual Artist, an ethical trade fashion designer, but Gabriela Antonas is also a radical feminist micro-business. She’s the one woman band, trying to help you understand, why slow fashion is what the earth needs. The one woman band, to help you build your brand ! She can take your fashion line from just a concept, and do your sketches, pattern making, grading, sourcing, cutting and sewing for you. Or the second option is for those who aren’t trying to start a business, and who just want ethical garments! Gabriela will create custom garments for you. Her goal is to help one person, of any size, at a time, including beyond size 40. For inquiries about this serendipitous intersectional offering of either concept DM her on Instagram to book a consultation. Please follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Clubhouse at @gabrielaantonas

Dylan Paige is an online clothing and lifestyle brand based out of St. Louis, MO. Our products are chosen with intention for the conscious community. Everything we carry is animal friendly, ethically made, sustainably sourced, and cruelty free. Dylan Paige is for those who never stop questioning where something comes from. We know that personal experience dictates what's sustainable for you, and we are here to help guide and support you to make choices that fit your needs. Check us out at dylanpaige.com and find us on instagram @dylanpaigelifeandstyle

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of January, St. Evens is supporting Remake, a community of fashion lovers, women rights advocates, and environmentalists on a mission to change the industry’s harmful practices on people and our planet. New vintage is released e...

Episode 107: Creating Is Self Care, featuring Kathleen of Republica Unicornia

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 08:56:28 -0600

Kathleen--the owner and yarn wench behind Republica Unicornia--joins us to talk about the therapeutic benefits of crafting, the fight for progress over perfection, and how we can rein in our natural desire to hoard craft supplies. Amanda shares her own experience with creating as a means of coping with grief. And we hear small business audio essays from Rachel of Frayed Threads Mending and Jill of Spoils of Wear.

Find everyone on IG:
@republica_unicornia_yarns
@frayedthreadsmending
@spoilsofwear

Read this: Resilience and the Five Essentials for a Resilient World, The Resilient Activist

And...please check out our sponsor, Nooworks! Nooworks is all about making clothes in a sustainable way that make you look and feel good.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of November, St. Evens is supporting Native Women Lead, an organization dedicated to revolutionizing systems and inspiring innovation by investing in Native women in business and leadership. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Thumbprint is Detroit's only fair trade marketplace, located in the historic Eastern Market. Our small b...

Episode 99: Nothing is Disposable, part III (with Chloe and Sammy of the OR Foundation)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In the final installment of a three part series, Chloe and Sammy of the OR Foundation continue our exploration of the repercussions of our overconsumption on Ghana, its people, and our entire planet. Both of them are fashion designers--in addition to their work with the OR Foundation in Ghana--and they will explain how experiencing fast fashion's impact on the people of Accra has changed their relationship with fashion and clothing. And Amanda explains how/why the fashion industry is creating 45 billion garments every year that will never be sold.

Follow everyone on IG:
The OR Foundation: @theorispresent
Chloe: @chloe_asaam and @bold_underlined
Sammy: @kofibrother and @_otteng

Extra Credit Reading/Viewing:

"Fast fashion in the U.S. is fueling an environmental disaster in Ghana," CBS News <---this is the segment mentioned in this episode.
"The Burden of Excess: It Falls on Her," Liz Ricketts, Fashion Revolution.
"The 2018 Apparel Industry Overproduction Report and Infographic," Sharecloth.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of September, St. Evens is supporting the Lower East Side Girl’s Club, which connects young women and gender-expansive youth of color throughout New York City to healthy and successful futures through free, innovative year-round programming and mentoring. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for d...

Episode 98: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part II

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0500

In part two of a three part series, Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation is back to continue our discussion about the repercussions of our overconsumption on Ghana, its people, and our entire planet. And Amanda gives a lesson on circularity and clothing recycling...and why these two terms are being used more and more in greenwashing campaigns.

Please follow the OR Foundation on IG @theorispresent

Watch the CBS Morning segment about fast fashion and Kantamanto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCPEwv3sZbs

Extra Credit Reading:
"What is Circular Fashion?" Madeleine Hill, Good On You.
"What Is A Circular Economy?" Teresa Domenech, The Conversation.
"Why The Circular Economy Will Not Fix Fashion's Sustainability Problem," Gulnaz Khusainova, Forbes.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Episode 97: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part I

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Throwaway culture may not seem to affect you personally (spoiler: it actually is), but the fast fashion cycle of shop/wear a few times/donate is having a massive negative impact on humans, animals, and the planet...it’s just happening out of our line of sight. In part one of a three part series, Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation breaks down the repercussions of our overconsumption on Ghana, its people, and our entire planet, bringing it into our full line of sight.

About 15 million secondhand garments from the Global North arrive in Accra, Ghana each week. These bales of "dead white man's clothes" represent a massive industry with incredibly negative economic and environmental impact. Liz will describe a typical day in Kantamanto (the secondhand clothing market). She'll explain why resellers often say a prayer before opening a bale, and what happens to the 40% of these clothes that are simply not sellable.

Please follow the OR Foundation on IG @theorispresent

Extra Credit Reading
"This is not your goldmine. This is our mess," Liz Ricketts, High Snobiety.
"Dead White Man's Clothes," Liz Ricketts, Atmos.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 93: The Etsy-sodes (part IV): When Were The Good Times?

Amanda Lee McCarty — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:21:07 -0500

When was the "golden era" of Etsy? In the final installment of the Etsy-sodes, we will be exploring many pivotal moments that changed the company's trajectory (and the lives of its sellers). When did the good times end/the less good times begin? We will try to figure that out! We'll be covering the return (and bitter departure) of Rob Kalin, the manufacturing policy change, the IPO (and the subsequent lawsuit) and all the new fees and shipping polices. And we'll break down why so many makers stay with Etsy despite all of these issues.

And again, let's give a special, super grateful shout to our friend (and a previous guest), Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage for doing a bunch of research and sending us a ton of info! Thank you so much, Christine! She’s been selling on Etsy for a long time so she had a lot of experience and memories to share that really guided the process of writing this story!

Extra Credit Reading (there's so much for this episode)!

Etsybitch
Callin' Out On Etsy
"From Etsy to Sweatsy," April Winchell, Vice.
"How Etsy Alienated Its Crafters and Lost Its Soul," Grace Dobush, Wired.
"Creating Etsy's Handmade Marketplace," Teri Evans, The Wall Street Journal.
"Was Etsy too good to be true?" Kaitlyn Tiffany, Vox.
"Can Rob Kalin Scale Etsy?" Max Chafkin, Inc.
"Why Etsy's Future Depends on Redefining 'Handmade,'" Liz Stinson, Wired.
"Etsy Wants To Crochet Its Cake, And Eat It, Too," Amy Larocca, The Cut.
"Etsy’s Success Gives Rise to Problems of Credibility and Scale," Hiroko Tobuchi, The New York Times.
"Only Death Could Silence Etsy's Loudest Critic," Kevin Morris, The Daily Dot.
"Etsy Is Bleeding Money as Amazon Prepares to Attack,' Jenni Avins, Quartz.
"After Etsy, Scratching A Itch," Penelope Green, The New York Times. <---this is great if you've been wondering what Rob Kalin has been doing since leaving Etsy.

Share your own Etsy and Ebay stories!

Call the The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417.
Send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Record a voice memo on your phone/computer and email it.
Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Caren Kinne Studio: Located in Western Massachusetts, Caren specializes in handcrafted earrings from found, upcycled, and repurposed fabrics as well as other eco-friendly curios, all with a hint of nostalgia, a dollop of whimsy, a dash of color and 100% fun. Caren is an artist/designer who believes the materials we use matter. See more on Instagram @carenkinnestudio

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of August, St. Evens is supporting the Women’s Prison Association, empowering women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Episode 92: The Etsy-sodes (part III): We Do The Math

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:21:56 -0500

Welcome back to 2008! We pick up the story of Etsy in 2008, when the start-up accepted some serious cash from some serious investors. And we'll do the math: how easy is it to "quit your day job" as Etsy promised its sellers?

Extra Credit Reading!
"Manifesto to Maria," EtsyBitch.
"Can Rob Kalin Scale Etsy?" Max Chafkin, Inc.
"The Etsy Wars," Jessica Bruder, Fortune Small Business.
"Sellers Growing Increasingly Unhappy With Lack Of Professionalism At Etsy," Meg Marco, Consumerist.
"Etsy Raises $27 Million; Accel's Jim Breyer Joins Board," Erick Schonfeld, Tech Crunch
"Start-Up Status Gone With the Skate Ramp," Jessica Dimmock, The New York Times.

Share your Etsy and Ebay stories for this series!

Call the The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417.
Send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Record a voice memo on your phone/computer and email it.
Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Episode 91: An Etsy-sode That Is Really An eBay-sode

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:35:55 -0500

You can't tell the story of Etsy without talking about eBay. eBay crawled so Etsy could run...or something like that. In this episode, we'll break down the history of eBay and how it revolutionized the idea of buying stuff from strangers on the internet. Also: a special guest drops by to listen to a wild story about eBayy involving stalking, prank pizzas, and lots of paranoia.

"Inside eBay’s Cockroach Cult: The Ghastly Story of a Stalking Scandal," by David Streitfield, The New York Times.

Share your Etsy and Ebay stories for this series!

Call the The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417.
Send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Record a voice memo on your phone/computer and email it.
Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 90: The Etsy-sodes (part I): Children's Books About Fish + Crafting As A Political Expression

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:36:00 -0500

Today we’ll dig into the early days of Etsy, with special attention on the very crafty, very political, very community-driven primordial soup that birthed Etsy. This will be a majorly nostalgic moment for some of you, especially if you’ve ever subscribed to Bust or attended a Stitch 'n Bitch night. We are going to spend most of this episode in 2005, but we'll take a brief trip back to 1998 to learn about Jean Railla and her website, Get Crafty, which brought together a new generation of crafters.

Also: let's give a special, super grateful shout to our friend (and a previous guest), Christine of Lady Hogg Vintage for doing a bunch of research and sending us a ton of info! Thank you so much, Christine! She’s been selling on Etsy for a long time so she had a lot of experience and memories to share that really guided the process of writing this story!

Additional Reading/Listening:

Share your Etsy stories for this series!

Call the The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417.
Send an email: amanda@clotheshorse.world
Record a voice memo on your phone/computer and email it.
Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Episode 88: Meet Jade of Fashion Without Trashin (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 08:57:00 -0500

Jade of Fashion Without Trashin has been selling secondhand clothing for a loooooong time. Today Jade will share her journey as a reseller: from Ebay to Poshmark to literally opening her own store. She has a ton of expertise to share! By the time you finish this episode, you will know more than ever that selling secondhand is hard work, it’s skilled work, and it's worth paying for. We are also going to talk about our feelings about big fast fashion brands getting into the resale market, much like they all tried to get into rental before the pandemic.

Find Jade on instagram as @fashionwithouttrashin She shares a lot of really useful insider secondhand seller info!

And Amanda will tell you all about what rotisserie chickens and swimsuits have in common...it's the pyramid of merchandising! Just a little installment of #buyerslife!

Also: if you haven't watched the Clotheshorse Birthday Extravaganza special about rental, go check it out!

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world.

Don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

St. Evens is an NYC-based vintage shop that is dedicated to bringing you those special pieces you’ll reach for again and again. More than just a store, St. Evens is dedicated to sharing the stories and history behind the garments. 10% of all sales are donated to a different charitable organization each month. For the month of July, St. Evens is supporting For the Gworls, a Black, trans-led collective that fundraises to help Black transgender people pay for rent, gender-affirming services, other medical expenses, and the associated travel costs. New vintage is released every Thursday at wearStEvens.com, with previews of new pieces and more brought to you on Instagram at @wear_st.evens.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Late to the Party...

Episode 87: I Promise That Shipping Is Never Free (featuring Bethany)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:13:31 -0500

One of our favorite myths to debunk around here is the idea of free shipping. Trucking industry expert (and very stylish person) Bethany is going to help us break down all the people and money involved in getting stuff to stores, to warehouses, and to us. And while trucking might seem invisible to us as we’re curled up on the couch about to check out our shopping cart...trucking is a major industry!

Amanda will also break down all the ways in which all of us are actually paying for free shipping without knowing it!

Additional reading and viewing:

Bethany's essay for Clotheshorse.world, "The Labor Behind Free Shipping"
The intro to Broken Flowers (the journey of a letter)
Stop Believing in Free Shipping by Amanda Mull

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world.

Don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us! Tell us how you feel about shipping!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Old Flame Mending helps you keep your clothes intact through clothing repair, visible mending, and tailoring. Through extending the life of textiles, Old Flame Mending makes your pieces not only wearable and functional again, but also unique and beautiful. This mending duo is based in Pittsburgh, but they take mail in mending orders from anywhere in the US. For more information, visit them at oldflamemending.com or follow them @oldflamemending on Instagram!

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Blank Cass,...

Episode 84: Mystery Shoppers, Integrity Tests, and Perfect Closes: #RetailStories

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:46:16 -0500

Working retail is almost a universal experience here in the U.S with over 60% of all workers having held a retail job at some point. Yet retail work is hard, poorly paid, and filled with abuse. According to a recent Washington Post report, 649,000 retail employees gave notice in April.
In this episode we are going to dig into the relationship between retailers and their workers. And we'll look into the psyche of the rude customer. We'll be talking about mystery shoppers, perfect closes, shrink, integrity tests, and so much more. <---If you worked retail long enough, those phrases are giving you chills right now!

This is hopefully only part one of a recurring series about retail workers, so send your retail stories!
Send them via email (amanda@clotheshorse.world), call the CH hotline (717.925.7417), or record a voice memo on your phone/computer and email it!

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time contribution via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world.

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Find us on Instagram @shop_velvetunderground or online at www.shopvelvetunderground.com

Blank Cass, or Blanket Coats by Cass, is focused on restoring, renewing, and reviving the history held within vinta...

Episode 77: The Exciting History of the ILGWU (featuring Alex of St. Evens)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 19 May 2021 07:55:19 -0500

Clotheshorse all-star Alex of St. Evens is back today to talk about the exciting history of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, also known as the ILGWU. We’ll talk about the history of garment work, how unions changed it, and how our clothes are made today. We’ll also take some detours to Sex and the City and Costco. And we’ll also talk about why you YES YOU should care about clothing!

Read Alex's Vintage Detective column about the ILGWU at Clotheshorse.world!

Alex's extra credit reading recommendations:
Liberated Threads : Black Women, Style, and the Global Politics of Soul by Tanisha C. Ford

Fighting for the Union Label : The Women's Garment Industry and the ILGWU in Pennsylvania by Nicole H. Wolensky, Kenneth C. Wolensky, Robert P. Wolensky

How to Kill a City : Gentrification, Inequality, and the Fight for the Neighborhood by P.E. Moskowitz and Peter Moskowitz

Watch some ILGWU television commercials!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lg4gGk53iY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO7VUklDlQw

Participate in the #UyghurLivesMatter challenge!
★Every day for the next week, tweet at FIVE major global brands each day...or comment on the instagrams of five major brands: "What are you doing to ensure there is no Uyghur forced labor in your supply chain?” followed by #uyghurlivesmatter.

Please take a moment to fill out the Clotheshorse IRL survey!

Don't forget about your new hot Friday night date: our weekly IG Live Q+A session at 8 pm Eastern Time. What will Amanda wear? Which cat will scratch the chair? What is Brenda doing? There's only one way to find out...find us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse.world has arrived! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Learn more here.

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world.

Don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shop Journal: Specializing in upcycled, handmade, and vintage fashion for all genders. Owner Laura Cerri makes each piece by hand with love in Pittsburgh, PA. With an emphasis on upcycled menswear, tie-dye, modern jewelry, cottage core collars and everything in-between, Shop Journal makes pieces they love and hopes you will, too. Getting dressed should always be fun! See more on instagram @shop_journal

Old Flame Mending helps you keep your clothes intact through clothing repair, visible mending, and tailoring. Through extending the life of textiles, Old Flame Mending makes your pieces not only wearable and functional again, but also unique and beautiful. This mending duo is based in Pittsburgh, but they take mail in mending orders ...

Episode 70: Button Ups, Sharp Scissors, and Catamarans: Meet Rebekah of Flux Bene

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 08:37:02 -0500

Meet Rebekah of Flux Bene, a small batch ethical clothing brand. Another amazing Pittsburgh person and brand! Is Pittsburgh an anti-brunch paradise? Perhaps! We’ll be talking about all the things, including the importance of upcycling, and disrupting the relationship between gender and clothing. Rebekah will also give you some tips/ideas for customizing your own clothes and giving them new life! Flux Bene has a new release coming soon...along with a sewing pattern!! So please follow on instagram and check out the website.

Also! Jenny of Late To The Party stops by for her first installment in a recurring series. She will be talking about the ultimate capitalist game show: The Price Is Right! Go visit her instagram to see some images she's collected during her recent TPIR binge.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse.world has arrived! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Learn more here.

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world.

Don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Wide Eyed Vintage: a curator of truly covetable vintage, from Minneapolis, MN. WEV encourages the experimental spirit of dressing up and will provide you with all the special pieces that will make your wardrobe truly unique. Dedicated to preserving the craftsmanship of clothes, WEV only selects pieces that are well made, pieces that have been proven to last beyond their lifetimes so you too can enjoy them for more lifetimes to come. See more on instagram @wide_eyed_vintage.

Old Flame Mending helps you keep your clothes intact through clothing repair, visible mending, and tailoring. Through extending the life of textiles, Old Flame Mending makes your pieces not only wearable and functional again, but also unique and beautiful. This mending duo is based in Pittsburgh, but they take mail in mending orders from anywhere in the US. For more information, visit them at oldflamemending.com or follow them @oldflamemending on Instagram!

Super Timely Bonus Episode: The Department Breaks Down the Cult of #girlboss (Part 1 The Rise)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 23:00:00 -0500

Today rather than a new episode of Clotheshorse, Amanda wanted to share one of her favorite episodes of her other podcast The Department. This is part one of two about #girlboss, the commodification of feminism as a marketing story, and the nefarious beast and capitalist rebrand that is #hustle culture. And oh yeah, there's actually a bonus third episode. Check them out!!! They are a great tie-in to both everything we’ve been talking about here during #CapitalismMonth and May’s theme of Labor. So please give it a listen. And if you like it, please listen to the second half. Maybe it will inspire you to call in with your story for #LaborMonth!

Episode 59: The Mending-sodes (part II) with Old Flame Mending

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:01:22 -0600

It’s episode 59! It's part two of Amanda's conversation with Rebecca and Tia of Old Flame Mending. We'll be getting into some nitty gritty mending and hemming talk. Also: we finally discover that those iron mending patches are NOT a good option!
Want to learn more about sachiko? Check out East West Shop's blog.
Meredith calls in to talk about how Covid is affecting dock workers, Sophia calls out the hypocrisy of Victoria's Secret's "feminist" gift boxes to influencers, and Erin shares her own experience paring down her wardrobe.

Don't forget about your new hot Friday night date: our weekly IG Live Q+A session at 8 pm Eastern Time. Will Brenda attack Amanda again? How puffy will Amanda's sleeves be? There's only one way to find out...find us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse.world has arrived! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Learn more here.

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Episode 58: The Mending-sodes (part 1) with Old Flame Mending

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:38:55 -0600

This is episode 58...our first episode of Consumption Month (which other people like to call March)! It's also the first episode in our three part conversation with Tia and Rebecca of Old Flame Mending. We will be talking about the difference between mending and tailoring, how Tia and Rebecca started a mending business, and the challenges and joys of running a business with your best friend! This is a perfect way to launch Consumption Month because one key component of reducing our consumption of new stuff is...making our stuff last by caring for it and mending it!

Also in this episode: Meredith calls into update us on how the ban on cotton from Xinjiang is affecting the garment industry. Hannah wants to talk about brand new fast fashion disguised as vintage on secondhand platforms. Kate reminds us that we need a "bill of rights" for sustainable/ethical fashion. And Meg, the content producer of Clotheshorse.world drops by to encourage you all to contribute!

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Clotheshorse.world has arrived! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Email Amanda for more information (amanda@clotheshorse.world).

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

And don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

And don't forget to check out The Department!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Episode 52: Office 5Ks, Virginia Slims, and Footie Pajamas: Kids' Clothes with Salisha (part II)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:51:00 -0600

This episode features the second half of our conversation with Clotheshorse all-star Salisha about kid’s clothing. Today we’ll discuss all of the weird safety laws for kids clothing. We’ll be talking about cigarettes an awful lot for an episode about kids clothes.

But wait...there’s more! It’s Secondhand Month, so we'll be talking to textile artist Rose Beerhorst of Brave Hand Textiles. She’ll talk to us about how she turns the world’s most unwanted t-shirts into beautiful works of art...and so much more! As these Clotheshorse conversations tend to go! Find Rose on Etsy here. And learn more about the quilts of Gee's Bend.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Just a reminder that the Clotheshorse blog launches on 2/14 aka Valentines Day. That's next week! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Email Amanda for more information (amanda@clotheshorse.world).

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

And don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

If you can’t get enough of podcasts, then check out our sister show, The Department. We talk about trends, taste, our obsessions, weird things that we think are funny, and so on. We are in the midst of an ongoing series about the 2000s (what a decade) and this week we are digging into the hipsters!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Gentle Vibes: A vintage shop for the psychedelic mind. Formerly inside Jean’s in Hamtramck, with a new Detroit location coming soon.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

And Late to the Party, creating one of a kind statement clothing from vintage, salvaged and thrifted textiles. They hope to tap into the dreamy memories we all hold: floral curtains, a childhood dress, the wallpaper in your best friend’s rec room, all while creating modern sustainable garments that you'll love wearing and have for years to come. Late to the Party is passionate about celebrating and preserving textiles, the memories they hold, and the stories they have yet to tell. Check them out on Instagram!

Episode 51: JoBros, Daddy's Lucky Charm and Baby Yoda (Again): Kids' Clothes with Salisha (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:09:57 -0600

Clotheshorse all-star Salisha is back to talk to us about kids' clothes! You might remember her from our episodes about off-price stores and that food at TJ Maxx. In this half of our conversation, we’ll be talking about the differences between making kids clothes and adult clothes (because Salisha has done both), and how the pricing just doesn’t add up. We’ll also address a letter that Elise sent me a looooooong time ago about sexist children's clothing.

Also: we'll get to know Samie of Dylan Paige. She will tell us about how her years working for several iconic retailers motivated her to start her own sustainable boutique! She'll also share some of her favorite sustainable brands and her vision for the future of her business! Check out her two favorite brands, Tonlé and Dazey LA. You can find both of these brands in her boutique.

And Rita (aka Panty Witch) calls the hotline to tell us how she started making underwear out of upcycled materials.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
You can also make a one-time donation via Venmo to @crystal_visions

Just a reminder that the Clotheshorse blog launches on 2/14 aka Valentines Day. That’s just two weeks away! But it’s not too late to get involved. we will need new content constantly so don’t worry about being late to the party! Email Amanda for more information (amanda@clotheshorse.world).

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at amanda@clotheshorse.world. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

And don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Gentle Vibes: A vintage shop for the psychedelic mind. Formerly inside Jean’s in Hamtramck, with a new Detroit location coming soon.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Episode 45: Smashed Candles, Slashed Wrapping Paper, and Huge Bags of Doughnuts: Corporate Waste with Anna (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:55:25 -0600

As you know, January is Trash Month here at Clotheshorse. Today's special guest is Anna Sacks, who you might know as @thetrashwalker on Instagram and TikTok. Anna shares videos exposing waste by large corporations...especially companies that direct employees to destroy and throw out otherwise perfectly fine products just because they didn’t sell. This can include food, hygiene products, paper goods, furniture, candles...you name it. And to be clear, this is a very common practice...but it’s kept hush hush. So you might not know about it! And we are talking some really egregious waste….Anna will give a few alarming examples in this episode. Today’s episode will be the first half of our conversation, with the second half coming on Sunday!

And please, sign Anna's petition urging Petco and Petsmart to change their policies regarding live animals. You can see Anna's videos about Petco on Instagram and TikTok!

Learn more about Ironbound's mission for environmental justice in Newark, NJ.
Read the Vice article "Overworking and Humiliation Are Rampant in China's Toxic Workplaces."

If you have something to contribute to the conversation, thoughts, questions, more info...please reach out. Your personal stories as consumers, workers, people who wear clothes, make clothes, sell clothes, like clothes...these personal stories are political at their core...and sharing these stories helps us shape what we do next. So please reach out. You can call the hotline at 717. 925.7417. There’s also the old fashioned way, via email amanda@clotheshorse.world Or on instagram, @clotheshorsepodcast.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!
If you're interested in making a one time donation, you can do that via Venmo, @crystal_visions

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

If you can’t get enough of podcasts, then check out our sister show, The Department. We talk about the trends that shape(d) our lives. This week is all about Pantone, the company that systemized color!

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable brands:

Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Gentle Vibes: A vintage shop for the psychedelic mind. Formerly inside Jean’s in Hamtramck, with a new Detroit location coming soon.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; "Future Vintage over future garbage!".

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Episode 35: Oregon's Biggest Mall, Spirographs, and A Jeans-free Lifestyle: Meet Claire (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:44:43 -0600

Claire Doody is the designer and mastermind behind super stylish plus-sized brand, Copper Union and plus-sized fashion show Knock Out. In today's episode, we'll discuss her journey (it's a long one) from artsy middle school to true fashion innovator/rule breaker. This is the first half of our conversation and we'll be talking about all kinds of important things, including Project Runway, wearing jeans, and crazy mall shoplifting stories. AND SO MUCH MORE! Claire is a magical person with a magical story. You'll be so glad that you got to meet her!

Also, Elena of Gooder Gift Guide calls in to tell us about her carnivorous plant collection. And Selina Sanders calls the Clotheshorse Hotline THREE times to talk about AOC, the price of clothing, and #iquitfastfashionbecause. Amanda talks about the honor of being downloaded more than 10,000 times and shares the origin of The Anti-Brunch Society.

Want to support Clotheshorse *and* receive exclusive episodes, a weekly newsletter, and some swag? Then become a patron!

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at clothehorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

And don’t forget The Clotheshorse Hotline! The phone number is 717.925.7417. Call us! Tell us about your own collections, your feelings about shopping, your Marie Kondo experiences, what you're doing for the holidays...really anything ! Or ask us a question! We love a research project!

If you want to meet other Clotheshorse listeners, join the Clotheshorsing Around facebook group.

If you can’t get enough of podcasts, then check out our sister show, The Department. We talk about trends, taste, our obsessions, weird things that we think are funny, and so on. The week's episode is part two of our conversation about #girlboss and it's also part of a new "Tragic Trends" series.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Gentle Vibes: A vintage shop for the psychedelic mind. Formerly inside Jean’s in Hamtramck, with a new Detroit location coming soon.

Picnicwear: a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity; Future Vintage over future garbage!

Shift Clothing, out of beautiful Astoria, Oregon, with a focus on natural fibers, simple hardworking designs, and putting fat people first. Discover more at shiftwheeler.com

No Flight Back Vintage: bringing fun, new life to old things. Always using recycled and secondhand materials to make dope ass shit for dope ass people. See more on instagram @noflightbackvintage

Vino Vintage, based just outside of LA. We love the hunt of shopping secondhand because you never know what you might find! Find our cute and sustainable fashion picks at the Silverlake Flea and on instagram @vino.vintage

Shop Journal: upcycled, handmade & vintage clothing and accessories. One woman owned & operated in Pittsburgh, PA. They love details, bright colors and everything extra. This month they’re donating to Fair Fight Action. Getting dressed should be fun! See more on instagram @shop_journal

Wide Eyed Vintage: truly covetable vintage curated in Minneapolis, MN. Giving each piece lifetimes of wear beyond the life it has already lived. See more on instagram @wide_eyed_vintage.

Episode 28: Diamond Tennis Bracelets, Toxic Glues, and The Return of the Beaded Sandals: Meet Selina (part II)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 10:58:02 -0500

It's part two (of three) of our conversation with sustainable designer Selina Sanders. She shares her stories of being embedded in Chinese factories, the pettiness/ugliness of the fashion industry, and the saga of the $5 beaded sandals continues!

Also, Amanda answers listener Elena's questions about Fair Trade. Just like everything else we discuss around here, Fair Trade is both opaque and complicated.

Please send us your questions, feedback, and episode ideas! Drop us a line at clothehorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Thank you so much to everyone who as supported Clotheshorse via Patreon! If you're interested in joining this illustrious group of rad people, check out all of the details here.

Don't forget to check out our sister podcast, The Department. Amanda co-hosts it with Kim. This week’s episode is about candy and someone may or may not have almost peed her pants from laughing.

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following incredible independent sustainable brands:

Salt Hats, purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

Picnicwear, a slow fashion brand made by hand in NYC from vintage and deadstock textiles. Picnicwear strives for minimal waste but maximum authenticity. "Future Vintage over future garbage!"

Episode 27: Beaded Sandals, Shannon Doherty, and Coming to America: Meet Selina (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 08:29:27 -0500

Sustainable fashion designer Selina Sanders was pretty much destined for a career in fashion. She comes from a long line of creative and stylish people. She joins us to talk about her family, her mom's struggles as a mother/wife/designer and her own move from the the Philippines to the U.S. as a teenager. And of course: her concerns with how the industry is operating. This is part one of three.

Also: an introduction to the official Clotheshorse Patreon. Please consider supporting Amanda and the Clotheshorse mission!

Do you have some feedback? A burning question? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop us a line at clothehorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

If you can’t get enough of podcasts, check out our sister podcast, The Department. We talk about trends, taste, our obsessions, and other weird stuff.

Episode 25: Laundry, Les Miserables, and Raghouses: Vintage with Christine (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:47:12 -0500

Vintage expert and entrepreneur Christine of Ladyhogg Vintage joins us to explain the ins and outs of running a vintage business. It's a nonstop hustle! We will talk about the overhead expenses of vintage (it's more than just thrifting), the challenges of paying herself a living wage, and how she's coping in the era of Covid. And so much more!

Do you have an episode suggestion? A burning question? Just want to say hi or share a story of your own? You can either email at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com OR DM via instagram, @clotheshorsepodcast

Don’t forget to check out our sister podcast, The Department. We talk about trends, taste, weird stuff from our lives, things we are obsessing about, and so on. This week our special guest--and first guest ever--is Ty McBride from Intentionally Blank. He tells all about his rise from aspiring shoe dog to founder of Intentionally Blank. And if you want to know what a shoe dog is, you’ll have to listen to the episode!

Episode 21: More Bad Rompers, 5-7-9, and So Much Disappointment: Sizing with Meredith (part I)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 23:28:28 -0500

You know how it goes when you’re shopping. You go into that store that you shop all the time and you grab your usual size in a few things. You go in the fitting room and….one thing is too big, one is just right, another one is falling off your shoulders but you can’t zip it, the next is flattening your boobs and you can’t lift your arms...but they are the same size. How does that happen? It makes you feel kinda terrible, right?

Technical designer and fit/sizing expert Meredith joins us untangle the mysteries of sizing. She will explain the history of sizing and how it has gone off the rails in the last few decades. And why it's still a long way from perfect!

This is part one of two. In our next episode with Meredith, we will be talking about the process of fitting a garment and how the industry is doing everything wrong when it comes to extended sizing.

Do you have some feedback? An episode idea? Do YOU want to be a guest on Clotheshorse? Drop me a line at clothehorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or DM via instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Please check out our sister podcast, The Department. Amanda co-hosts it with Kim. It's about trends and taste...but so much more! This week's episode is about single use plastics and the brands/products that are leading the march against it.

Episode 18: Copycats (how fast fashion knocks itself off every day)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 23:00:00 -0500

This is part one of a three part series with our friend Dani from Picnic. Before she started her own slow fashion brand, she designed sweaters (knitwear) for several fast fashion brands. We already know that fast fashion knocks off everyone, both designers big and small, but did you know that they also knock one another off? Dani explains how this happens and why it is so, so silly. We also discuss what the internal culture of fast fashion brands is really like and why it's hard to leave as a designer or merchant.

Amanda also reminds us of Tuesday Bassen's fight against Zara. Articles of Interest has a great interview with her about it.

We have received a lot of messages about why/how retailers can just cancel orders on vendors (in the wake of Covid) without being sued. Amanda explains vendor manuals, chargebacks, and the force majeure clause. You can track who has and has not bowed to pressure to #payup here. Let's continue to pressure brands who refuse to #payup...and stop buying stuff from them. They don't deserve our money! Let's give it to brands and designers who do good things! #buylessbuybetter

Do you have a burning question? An episode idea? Feedback? Please reach out via email at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com. And find us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.

Don't forget to check out our sister podcast, The Department!

Episode 14: Leisure Suits, Chemistry, and Hemp: Let's talk about fabric

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 20:16:57 -0500

We know that cotton is natural and polyester is synthetic, but what about all of the other names we see on the labels inside our clothing? What is rayon? How does that relate to Cupro and Tencel? It's really challenging to figure out which fabrics are the best for our world and for our lives when we don't know what these words mean! Fabric expert (and professional weaver) Janelle is here to break it all down for us. Janelle is one half of All Roads Design, but before she lived every fashion professional's dream of leaving the industry/doing something rad, she worked in fabric sourcing and development. She will shed some light on the primary fabrics being used right now, explain how fabric is sourced by major brands, and share her feelings about the future of the industry. Also: she shares her love of hemp. And no, she's not a stoner.

Amanda has a mini special report on the history of polyester (hint: there is a lot of science). And we can't talk about synthetic fabrics without getting into about MICROPLASTICS, right? Learn more about different filter options for your laundry here.

We are working on an upcoming series of episodes about retail workers, their struggles, and their fight for fair wages and better conditions. If you have worked retail, we would like to hear your stories! Basically, collecting your stories will help us frame out what we need to research and discuss. You can either send your stories via email to clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com or via instagram where you’ll find us @clotheshorsepodcast If writing isn’t your thing, you can also send us a voice memo recorded on your phone or computer! It can be as confidential and anonymous as you want it to be.

Please don't forget to check out The Department, hosted by Amanda and Kim. It's about trends, taste, and products. It gets pretty weird sometimes!

Episode 11: Blue Butts, Blue Legs, and Blue Office Chairs: Denim Part I

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 20:12:48 -0500

We dive into the HIGHLY problematic world of the denim industry, with special guest and mega denim expert Michelle.
"Am I profiting off of someone else's misery?" Michelle said this during our conversation and it has stuck with us since we recorded this weeks ago.
Denim is the All-American fabric and jeans are the quintessential uniform of Americana, yet the denim industry is one of the most environmentally devastating parts of the overall fashion industry. We will dig into the processes and treatments our jeans undergo before they get to us. It's so fascinating and sure to make you think a little bit more about your denim buying habits! Also, WTF is "coated denim?"

This episode also includes a special report about a recently published batch of studies from Princeton University about a pervasive and destructive societal bias about people living in poverty: the fundamentally untrue belief that poor people are happier with less and somehow "thick-skinned" about hardship and suffering. It wouldn't be an episode of Clotheshorse without a conversation about classism!

Also! We are debuting a new "Ask Amanda" advice segment in our next episode. Send in your greatest shopping and clothing quandaries! Or simply questions you have about the industry. We want to help you make the best decisions! Send your questions to clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 8: A Conveyor Belt Pooping Out Clothing (Even more tales of excess inventory)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0500

Brands like Burberry and H+M have come under fire (pun intended) in the past few years for incinerating millions and millions of dollars in unsold inventory. In fact, this practice of destroying product is widespread, practiced by most luxury and mass brands in one way or another. How do they get there? Why is destruction so wide spread?
In this episode, Janine joins us again to discuss the path to widespread destruction, with a few stops along the way for DEALS DEALS DEALS and the challenges of donating product. We will also be talking about the ways we can manage our own "excess inventory."

Questions, comments, corrections? Email us at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com
Find us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

And don't to forget to check out our new podcast with Kim, The Department. It's about trends and taste!

Episode 7: TEN THOUSAND STRAW FEDORAS! (tales of excess inventory)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 23:00:00 -0500

Every year 15 billion garments head to the landfill pre-consumer. These are garments that either never made it to the store or were marked down aggressively and still did not sell. H+M made headlines by burning $4.3 billion worth of unsold clothing. How does this happen? Clotheshorse all-star guest Janine is back to unpack this with us. It’s an exciting story, filled with hubris, despair, and straw hats that are really made of paper, with a bad zipper thrown in as a twist. Also: another look at the #payup movement and how you can help!

Email us with questions/corrections/episode suggestions at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com
Or find us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

Episode 3: Cheap, Fast, or Good (You can only pick two)

Amanda Lee McCarty — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:00:00 -0500

WTF is Production? That's a job? Learn all about the essential role that Production plays in the world of fashion, with our special guest, production expert Amy. We will talk about the design process, the concessions brands make to bring in product faster and faster, and how cancellations affect everyone from the people sewing your clothes to the employees in the button factory. And we will find out why t-shirts are just so crappy and sheer these days! We will also be introduced to Amy's production mantra "You can have it fast, cheap, or good...but you can only pick two." Amanda will also break down the difference between a retailer and brand...and how they are becoming almost synonyms in today's industry. Wow! This is a really informative episode! And oooh...we found a non-offensive, sustainable truly sustainable hangtag being used by Outerknown.
Questions, comments, a suggestion for another brand that walks the walk of sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing? Drop us a line at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or find us on IG @clotheshorsepodcast.

Episode 2: Tiny Satin Ribbon Bows, or Somehow We Talked About Walmart Twice

Amanda Lee McCarty — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:04:33 -0500

It's the thrilling sequel to episode 1! Janine is back to discuss margin--it's a really big deal in the world of making and buying stuff. We will also talk about why sustainable/ethical clothing *should* be more expensive...and then the less exciting reasons that it actually is. And we are going to read some listener comments about the cheap trims and embellishments that drive them crazy!
We are also going to dig in to the dollars and cents behind a pair of Nike sneakers. And to tell that story, we have to share Jim Keady's journey from soccer coach to apparel worker advocate. You can learn more about his battle against Nike here: https://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=1630&page=0 and here: https://www.villagevoice.com/2000/10/03/standing-up-to-the-swoosh/
Follow us on instagram @clotheshorsepodcast.
Drop us a line with episode suggestions, things we got wrong, or other thoughts you're having about shopping and fashion at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com

Episode 1: Romper Drama and Useless Safety Pins, or It's a Cents Game

Amanda Lee McCarty — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 13:05:39 -0500

Welcome to our very first episode! Janine joins us from San Francisco via the magic of technology. Her extensive career in merchandise planning at both large retailers and smaller startups makes her the perfect guest for discussing why we pay what we pay for what we buy. We break it all down for you: the sinister synthetic invasion, how the rise of fast fashion changed the entire fashion industry, and the real truth about factories.

Questions, comments, corrections? Contact us the semi-old fashioned way at clotheshorsepodcast@gmail.com. Or find us on Instagram @clotheshorsepodcast

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Episode 257: There IS (more) ethical consumption under capitalism (part two) with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Episode 256: There IS (more) ethical consumption under capitalism (part one) with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Episode 255: I'm With The Brand (the price is right?), part eight

Episode 254: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 2

Episode 253: How (and why) I worked in fast fashion, part 1

Episode 252: Survival is Political, with Lisa of Retro Housewife Goes Green

Episode 251: A Japan-isode, part 2

Episode 250: A Japan-isode, featuring Mr. Dustin Travis White

Episode 249: I'm With The Brand (in Japan), part seven

Episode 248: ATTN: Confidential with Maggie Greene

Episode 247: Let's build the future we want (LIVE IN PORTLAND)

Episode 246: Doomerism is boring (LIVE IN SEATTLE!)

REWIND: Why new sweaters are kinda garbage, with Dani of Picnicwear

Episode 245: I'm With The Brand (bots in the algorithm), part six

Episode 244: Mending is a radical act, with Jeanna and Mary

Episode 243: I'm With The Brand (we, the customers), part five

Episode 242: I'm With The Brand (Nostalgia, convenience, and hope)

Episode 241: I'm With The Brand (cause marketing), part three

Episode 240: I'm With The Brand (emotional branding), part two

Episode 239: I'm With The Brand (unpacking how brands influence our brains), part one

Episode 238: Five Years of Clotheshorse

Episode 237: Billionaire Boycott List, with Ariel of Cobbled Goods

Episode 236: Ripped From the Headlines...

Episode 235: Reading, Writing, and Hanging out at the mall, with Jane and Molly of Content Queen

Episode 234: Who killed Jo-Ann?

Episode 233: Making the secondhand economy more equitable, with Valeria of Thryft Ship

Episode 232: Wear what you want to wear, with Marlee of Style Me Slowly

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion),Part 4: The 2010s

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), Part 3: The 2000s

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), Part 2: The 80s and 90s

FROM THE DEPARTMENT: Secondhand News (the recurring and always controversial trend of secondhand fashion), part 1

Episode 231: This is not a eulogy for Forever 21.

Episode 230: Everything is better with community...fridges, with Christa of Material Union

Episode 229: Every community needs a Radical Sewing Club, with Scout Quiquivix

Episode 228: Thrifty Business with Sara and Shan of Bargain Thrift Center

Episode 227: How to find accurate news in unprecedented times, with Elizabeth Segran

Episode 226: How To Be Okay

Episode 225: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity Round Table

Episode 224: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Itohan and Marlee

Episode 223: Winning the Battle Against Doomerism

Episode 222: Capitalism, The (Board) Game

Episode 221: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Nico and Donnelle

Episode 220: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Sushmita of Ethical Fat Fashion

REWIND: Episode 144: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part one), with Maggie Greene

Episode 219: Clotheshorse in Japan: Why is Everything So Cute?

Episode 218: Clotheshorse in Japan: Fake Food (Shokuhin Sampuru), Parfaits, and Pudding

Episode 217: Clotheshorse in Japan: Konbini, Egg Salad, and A Love for Denny's

Episode 216: Could AI Save Fashion?

Episode 215: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 2), with Ruby of Spokes & Stitches

Episode 214: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 1), with Ruby of Spokes & Stitches

REWIND: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of Picnicwear

Episode 213: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 2: The internet is a secondhand mall.

Episode 212: All About Clothing Swaps, with Sam of BeReworn

Episode 211: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 1: IRL FTW TYSM!

Episode 210: Slow Fashion *Is* Art, with Corinne Loperfido

Episode 209: Revisiting the Ethics of Secondhand (Live from the Clotheshorse Jamboree)

Episode 208: Learning The Hard Way, with Sarah of Deco Denim

REWIND: Episode 187: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 1

Episode 207: The Future of Fashion is Small, with Angela of FABRIC

Episode 206: The SHEIN-sodes, part 3: Influencers, Forced Labor, and Bad Glassdoor Reviews

Episode 205: The SHEIN-sodes, part 2: Bots, Stolen Art, and Phthala-what?!

Episode 204: The SHEIN-sodes, part 1: IPO WTF, Empty Airplanes, & Duty Free

Episode 203: Why clothes fit worse in the fast fashion era, with Dr. Colleen Pokorny

Episode 202: Art is an essential part of the slow fashion movement, with Janelle Abbott

Episode 201: Is it CLASSIST to talk about fast fashion?

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and Traci

COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 159: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 1) with Alex of St. Evens

The 200th Episode Live Extravaganza!

Episode 199: Is There REALLY No Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism?

Episode 198: How To Talk About Slow Fashion

Episode 197: Responsible Travel with Desirée and Ginger

Episode 196: All About The Fashion Act, with Maxine Bédat

Episode 195: Exploring The Future of Secondhand Resale with Jake & Yulia of Treet

Episode 194: The Question-sode

Episode 193: Let's Talk About Generative AI with Erin Cadigan (and Dustin, too)

Episode 192: The Happiness Episode with Sandra Ann Miller

Episode 191: Fast Jewelry, Knockoffs, and Net 60 with Emily Li Mandri of MLE

Episode 190: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 3

Episode 189: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 2

Episode 210: Slow Fashion Is Art, with Corinne Loperfido