Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Latest Episodes:

Episode 202: Art is an essential part of the slow fashion movement, with Janelle Abbott May 27, 2024

Show notes

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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, 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 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

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.

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

Episode 201: Is it CLASSIST to talk about fast fashion? May 19, 2024

Show notes

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 May 05, 2024

Show notes

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 Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

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! Apr 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

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 u...

Episode 199: Is There REALLY No Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism? Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

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 Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

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 Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

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 Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

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 Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

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

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