Shows
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 250: A Japan-isode, featuring Mr. Dustin Travis WhiteHey! 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 lifeWhat is Kentucky Christmas?Physical media and "extinct" media are still more relevant than ever in Japan: magazines, books, cassettes, cds, and moreSecondhand shopping in JapanFinding vegetarian and gluten free food in J...
2025-12-251h 57
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 248: ATTN: Confidential with Maggie GreeneThis 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.
2025-11-111h 53
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 247: Let's build the future we want (LIVE IN PORTLAND)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 skillWhy our lack of knowledge about sewing makes us overconsume (and expect things to be cheap and fast)Ways for teaching more people how to sewHow sewing and making things actually makes us happierThoughts on the ethics of the textile supply chain and how to minimize our textile waste when sewingHow...
2025-11-032h 10
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyREWIND: Why new sweaters are kinda garbage, with Dani of PicnicwearSweater 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 swe...
2025-10-192h 25
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 245: I'm With The Brand (bots in the algorithm), part sixThis 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 A...
2025-10-132h 28
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 240: I'm With The Brand (emotional branding), part twoThis 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 inventoryWe 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...
2025-07-242h 04
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 239: I'm With The Brand (unpacking how brands influence our brains), part oneThis 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 examplesWe 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 theoryWhy it's so wild that food brands got obsessed with masked taste tests in the 70s and 80sHow Amanda teaches brand and branding t...
2025-07-151h 42
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 238: Five Years of ClotheshorseIn 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 gi...
2025-07-062h 08
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 236: Ripped From the Headlines...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 MeetingAn update on the Fashion ActHow 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 GalWhy 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!Ad...
2025-06-111h 56
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 235: Reading, Writing, and Hanging out at the mall, with Jane and Molly of Content QueenThis 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 Wh...
2025-06-042h 42
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 234: Who killed Jo-Ann?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 las...
2025-05-141h 56
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 232: Wear what you want to wear, with Marlee of Style Me SlowlyUnderstanding 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 wearWhy understanding what you really want to wear is a v...
2025-04-291h 50
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 229: Every community needs a Radical Sewing Club, with Scout QuiquivixHow 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...
2025-03-242h 30
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 227: How to find accurate news in unprecedented times, with Elizabeth SegranOne 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 fo...
2025-02-242h 27
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 225: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity Round TableThis 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: @itsitohanheyMarlee 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: @stylemeslowlyNico Herzetty is the founder and CEO...
2025-02-051h 44
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 224: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Itohan and MarleeThis 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: @itsitohanheyMarlee 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: @stylemeslowlyIn...
2025-01-282h 04
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 223: Winning the Battle Against DoomerismDespair. 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 al...
2025-01-201h 31
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 222: Capitalism, The (Board) GameIn 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...
2024-12-311h 33
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 221: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Nico and DonnelleThis 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: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: @phoriafitsDonnelle Jageman is the founder of The Plus Swap and a cofounder of Philly FatCon. Find Philly FatCon on Instagram: @phillyfatconIn these two one...
2024-12-242h 17
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 220: Slow Fashion & Inclusivity with Sushmita of Ethical Fat FashionAmanda 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 o...
2024-12-182h 09
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyREWIND: Episode 144: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part one), with Maggie GreeneAmanda 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 w...
2024-12-092h 18
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 219: Clotheshorse in Japan: Why is Everything So Cute?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...
2024-12-021h 23
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 218: Clotheshorse in Japan: Fake Food (Shokuhin Sampuru), Parfaits, and PuddingClotheshorse (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 a...
2024-11-191h 15
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 217: Clotheshorse in Japan: Konbini, Egg Salad, and A Love for Denny'sClotheshorse (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...
2024-11-121h 05
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 216: Could AI Save Fashion?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? A...
2024-10-281h 37Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 215: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 2), with Ruby of Spokes & StitchesSewing 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...
2024-10-212h 07Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 214: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 1), with Ruby of Spokes & StitchesSewing 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 wa...
2024-10-142h 08Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyREWIND: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of PicnicwearSweater season has arrived for many of us, so let's revisit a favorite episode from last year!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 fin...
2024-10-072h 25Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 213: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 2: The internet is a secondhand mall.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...
2024-09-301h 41Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 211: The Clotheshorse Guide to Secondhand Shopping, part 1: IRL FTW TYSM!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 tha...
2024-09-161h 46Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 210: Slow Fashion *Is* Art, with Corinne LoperfidoAmanda 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 th...
2024-09-021h 54Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 209: Revisiting the Ethics of Secondhand (Live from the Clotheshorse Jamboree)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, an...
2024-08-262h 02Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyREWIND: Episode 187: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 1In 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 ki...
2024-07-231h 46Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 207: The Future of Fashion is Small, with Angela of FABRICThe 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 nost...
2024-07-152h 16Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 203: Why clothes fit worse in the fast fashion era, with Dr. Colleen PokornyAmanda 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...
2024-06-102h 25
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyCOMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and TraciThis 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 sh...
2024-05-061h 39Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyThe 200th Episode Live Extravaganza!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 progres...
2024-04-222h 00Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 197: Responsible Travel with Desirée and GingerThere 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 t...
2024-04-012h 32Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 196: All About The Fashion Act, with Maxine BédatAmanda 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, includingWhy 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 b...
2024-03-172h 04Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 194: The Question-sodeAmanda 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...
2024-03-042h 11Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 193: Let's Talk About Generative AI with Erin Cadigan (and Dustin, too)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...
2024-02-262h 38Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 192: The Happiness Episode with Sandra Ann MillerHappiness 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 w...
2024-02-192h 04Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 191: Fast Jewelry, Knockoffs, and Net 60 with Emily Li Mandri of MLEEmily Li Mandri, founder and design behind MLE, joins Amanda to talk about all things accessories and jewelry, includingWhat 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...
2024-02-122h 19Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 189: Why New Clothes Are Kinda Garbage, part 2New 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:How are returns causing brands to create even lower quality clothing...resulting in even mo...
2024-01-291h 48Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 186: Slow Fashion Is Not A Trend, with Mikaela FriedmanSlow 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.coWhy shopping small/local keeps the money wi...
2023-12-112h 29Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 183: Why (Most) New Sweaters Are (Near) Future Garbage, featuring Dani of PicnicwearDani 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 over...
2023-11-132h 25Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 181: Taking Collective Action, with Kristi & Chiarra of the Indie Sellers Guild (part 2)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 diss...
2023-10-232h 23Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 175: "Lucky To Be Here," How fast fashion changed everything (part 1)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...
2023-09-112h 17Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 174: Sewing As A Part of Slow Fashion with Zoe of Check Your Thread (part 2)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 ThreadIntroduction to Garment Fabrics (by Zoe)Zoe's personal sewing blogInstagram: @checkyourthreadAdditional 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...
2023-09-052h 02Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 173: Sewing As A Part of Slow Fashion with Zoe of Check Your Thread (part 1)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 ThreadIntroduction to Garment Fabrics (by Zoe)Zoe's personal sewing blogInstagram: @checkyourthreadFurther re...
2023-08-282h 10Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 172: Unpacking our relationship with ultra fast fashion with Danielle Vermeer (part 2)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 indepen...
2023-08-211h 38Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 171: Unpacking our relationship with ultra fast fashion with Danielle Vermeer (part 1)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...
2023-08-072h 14Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 170: Unpacking Our Shopping Habits with Isabel VarelaAmanda 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.comFind this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.comWant to...
2023-07-311h 39Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 169: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick with Alden WickerAmanda 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 E...
2023-07-241h 46Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 168: EPR & Textile Stewardship with Joanne of CPSCThis 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 wri...
2023-07-171h 57Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 167: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part three)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...
2023-07-031h 58Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 166: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part two)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 Hi...
2023-06-262h 23Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 165: Unpacking Dress Codes with Ruby and Maggie (part one)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.Th...
2023-06-192h 25Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 164: Meet Lisa of Two Big BlondesMeet 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 FundFind Two Big Blondes on Instagram: @twobi...
2023-06-122h 14Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyCOMMUNITY FAVORITES: The Rental-sode"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 I...
2023-06-041h 30Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyCOMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 131, Broken Glass, Dirty Underwear, and An Inexplicable Amount of Dildos (Working In A Thrift Store) with Dylan + RyanWhile 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.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...
2023-05-071h 32Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 162: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 4)…Now What?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...
2023-04-242h 17Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 161: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 3) with Alex of St. EvensThis 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 contri...
2023-04-172h 07Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 160: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 2) with Alex of St. EvensThis 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 contri...
2023-04-092h 11Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 159: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 1) with Alex of St. EvensThis 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.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...
2023-04-032h 09Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 158: A Love Letter To Malls & Community, with Carley Lake of Lucky SweaterCarley 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.sweaterREAD THIS:"The Battle for the Soul of Buy Nothing," Vauhini V...
2023-03-271h 48
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 157: The Legal Quandaries Facing Secondhand Platforms, featuring Julie TamerlerMeet 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 Ban...
2023-03-192h 11
Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 156: 1-900-BUY-THIS: Infomercials with Dustin (part two)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...
2023-03-132h 07Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 155: Food Dehydrators, Psychic Hotlines, and Vacuum Hair Cuts: Infomercials with Dustin (part one)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 DehydratorThe Time Life Mysteries of the Unknown SeriesPure MoodsRead:"The Stepford Channel," Rick Marin, The New York Times.The first audio essay series of 2023!!We’re going to be talking about our...
2023-02-271h 39Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 154: Hanging, Folding, Candy, and Plastic Bins, with Maggie GreeneMaggie 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...
2023-02-132h 20Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 153: Laundry Quandaries (part 2) with Maggie and TraciMaggie 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 MAGGIEMaggie (she, her) is a cisgender, pansexual woman, a recovering ma...
2023-02-062h 09Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and TraciIt'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, dea...
2023-01-301h 39Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 151: Learning Within The Grey Area, with Rachel GreenleyWriter 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: @rac...
2023-01-231h 45Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyA Special Treat: Episode 69 of The Department (Amanda went to Japan and all we got were these lousy trends)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
2023-01-161h 33Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 148: Resisting the Message of "Newness," with Sara of Club SandwichAmanda 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 cl...
2022-12-122h 07Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 147: Catalogapalooza (part two), with Jess!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 dedica...
2022-12-052h 26Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 146: Catalogapalooza (part one), with Jess!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!
2022-11-281h 48Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 144: The 12 Days of Slow Gifting (part one), with Maggie GreeneGifting 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, R...
2022-11-142h 19Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 143: In Pursuit of Wardrobe Ease with ElyseAmanda 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 In...
2022-11-072h 15Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 142: Good Business Is a Choice, featuring Selina, Benita, & JenniferThis episode features two different conversations with small businesses that are trying to scale their business (meaning: grow it) without sacrificing their values. First, we’ll chat with Jennifer and Benita, two of the founders of Style Crush, an online secondhand/resale platform that is trying to do things in a better way. Then Selina Sanders returns (yay) to tell us about what she has been doing to scale her namesake brand, how she keeps herself motivated and healthy, and all about her new Domestika class! Also: a mini lesson on "runway" and how it applies to both large an...
2022-10-242h 34Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 141: Breaking Down Cultural Appropriation with Alex of St. EvensConversations 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 BuddhismThe Pendleton Problem: When Does Cultural Appreciation Tip Into Ap...
2022-10-172h 08Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 140: The Future Is A Place We Invent, with Katya of No Kill MagazineAmanda 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...
2022-10-102h 12Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 137: Carbon Offsets & Other Scams, with Jenise of ThujaJenise, co-founder of Thuja, joins Amanda to talk about why she is passionate about educating others about the scourge of greenwashing and ideas for ways we can make better decisions in our own day-to-day lives. We’ll also talk about some of our least favorite greenwashers and greenwashing techniques, like carbon offset and tree planting campaigns. Also: Amanda breaks down the role fashion media plays in not only promoting and perpetuating greenwashing claims, but also legitimizing them and turning them into “facts” by repeating them over and over again. Learn about Thuja's crowdfunding campaign here.Share this a...
2022-08-291h 41Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 136: Bodysuits and School Clothes Shopping (Unpacking Wardrobe Trauma with Maggie)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: @greenstylemagsRead "Wear and Tear: Wardrobe + Shopping Trauma 101" by Maggie.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/CLO...
2022-08-221h 50Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 135: Mugs and Evening Gowns: Secondhand Shopping In Poland with AnnaAnna (@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 ScorecardsQuartz investigation: H&M showed bogus environmental scores for its clothingAthletic Greens is going to give you a FREE...
2022-08-081h 36Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 134: Ethics Are Not Part Of The Equation, with Isabel of Isabel SKIsabel of LA-based slow fashion brand Isabel SK drops by to talk about how copying designs and ideas is just part of how the fashion industry runs these days. She will share what it’s like to work as a designer for a fast fashion brand and be required to copy others…and then she’ll tell us what happened when HER line was copied by fast fashion brand Princess Polly. Also: Amanda shares what you can do to support the FABRIC Act.Learn more about the FABRIC Act: https://thefabricact.org/Sign the petition: https://thefab...
2022-07-241h 42Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 133: It's Better To Rise Than Fade AwayIn 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:Dani (@worriedaboutyou.online)Kimberly (@blue.nebraska)Erin the Librarian (@erindesdag)Flavia (@flavimakes)Paola (@sustainabilitating)Lavanya (@ lav_288)Maggie (@greenstylemags)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...
2022-07-111h 41Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 131: Broken Glass, Dirty Underwear, and An Inexplicable Amount of Dildos (Working In A Thrift Store) with Dylan + RyanThe 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...
2022-06-261h 47Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 130: Meet Nicole of Swap SocietyThis episode is super sized because Amanda is taking next week off!Nicole Robertson had a career in beauty (and she’s got some wisdom to share), before starting Swap Society in 2017. Swap Society is an online clothing swap that is really redefining how the clothing swap –usually an IRL event–can exist virtually via technology and an alt-currency called SwapCoin. So you’re kinda getting two episodes in one today! First, we’ll hear about her experiences in the beauty industry, and then we’ll shift into the hows and whys of Swap Society. And Amanda explains why...
2022-06-132h 15Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 129: Unpacking The "Textile Recycling" Industry with JessicaOur 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...
2022-06-062h 12Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 120: Quilt Clothes Must Live, featuring Dani + LesleyDo 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_quiltshttps://www.annquilts.co...
2022-03-042h 23Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 119: Understanding Your Own Personal Style, with Audrey (part II)Audrey of Flourish Style Collective is back to talk about capsule wardrobes, secondhand shopping, and why you should wear your skinny jeans. Yvette shares her short but sweet story of quitting a job. And Maggie calls in to talk about TerraCycle (and Amanda gets riled up).Check out these links from Audrey:• Services, including Virtual Style Archetypeing: https://flourishstyling.co/services• Sustainable Shopping Guide (blog post): https://flourishstyling.co/2022/02/19/our-sustainable-shopping-guide-by-style-archetype/• Found, order a Style Box, etc: https://flourishstyling.co/foundAnd read more about TerraCycle:"This company claims to help th...
2022-02-271h 40Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 115: We Say "Panty" Like 1000 Times: Meet Rita of Panty Witch (part I)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 Aj...
2022-01-301h 56Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 112: Gift With Purchase + A Whiff of Happy: Working The Beauty Counter with Susan (part 1)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 t...
2022-01-092h 03Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 87: I Promise That Shipping Is Never Free (featuring Bethany)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!A...
2021-07-071h 40Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 78: This Is Not A Bootstrap Story (Karrie Interviews Amanda!)Karrie Witkin--the Executive Editor and Resident Virgo of Clotheshorse.world--interviews Amanda about the experiences that motivate her crusade for a better and more equitable world. This episode does have a trigger warning: Amanda is a survivor of some serious trauma, including child abuse, childhood cancer, and the sudden death of her partner. It's okay to skip this episode! If you want to get to know Amanda more without hearing all of this, check out her essays at Clotheshorse.world! Don't forget about your new hot Friday night date: our weekly IG Live Q+A sess...
2021-05-232h 45Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 59: The Mending-sodes (part II) with Old Flame MendingIt’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...
2021-03-071h 56Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 58: The Mending-sodes (part 1) with Old Flame MendingThis 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!...
2021-03-032h 02Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 52: Office 5Ks, Virginia Slims, and Footie Pajamas: Kids' Clothes with Salisha (part II)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...
2021-02-111h 59Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCartyEpisode 51: JoBros, Daddy's Lucky Charm and Baby Yoda (Again): Kids' Clothes with Salisha (part I)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...
2021-02-031h 51