216 episodes

Host Amanda Lee McCarty (she/they) decodes and demystifies the fashion and retail industries, and takes on topics like consumerism, workers rights, personal style, and why fashion is a case study in capitalism gone awry.
Your money is as powerful as your vote!
"If you wear clothes, you need to listen to Clotheshorse." --Elise
"If you are human and live in the world, you need to listen to Clotheshorse." --Individually Wrapped

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty Support Clotheshorse!

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 234 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Host Amanda Lee McCarty (she/they) decodes and demystifies the fashion and retail industries, and takes on topics like consumerism, workers rights, personal style, and why fashion is a case study in capitalism gone awry.
Your money is as powerful as your vote!
"If you wear clothes, you need to listen to Clotheshorse." --Elise
"If you are human and live in the world, you need to listen to Clotheshorse." --Individually Wrapped

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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

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

    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.
    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

    • 1 hr 36 min
    COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 152: Laundry Quandaries (part 1) with Maggie and Traci

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

    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.
    Sign up for Maggie's weekly newsletter: https://maggiegreenestyle.hubspotpagebuilder.com/welcome 

    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
    Sign up for Traci's newsletter: https://preview.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h0i9p1
    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 fi

    • 1 hr 39 min
    COMMUNITY FAVORITES: Episode 159: Examining The Ethics of Secondhand Resale (part 1) with Alex of St. Evens

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

    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 IEpisode 98: Nothing is Disposable (with Liz Ricketts of the OR Foundation), part IIEpisode 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!
    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? Wa

    • 2 hr 6 min
    The 200th Episode Live Extravaganza!

    The 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 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.
    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

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

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

    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
    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 incl

    • 1 hr 23 min
    Episode 198: How To Talk About Slow Fashion

    Episode 198: How To Talk About Slow Fashion

    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
    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 o

    • 1 hr 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
234 Ratings

234 Ratings

ahnajennine ,

Fantastic Podcast

I worked in fast fashion retail for 12 years and saw a lot of horrible things. I have since left and started knitting/sewing my own clothes as well as trying to buy secondhand to the best of my ability. Amanda’s podcast reinforces why I do it and has opened my eyes to so much more than I could even imagine within the fast fashion industry. Amanda, I do hope you continue the podcast, you are doing so much good in the world with it!

AwesomePossum3 ,

You are amazing

Amanda, you are amazing. You are a truth teller and speak with an authority that I haven’t found in any similar podcast.

For every 99 of us who love you, 1 person might have a different opinion. And you know what? You can’t control how they feel - full stop. We can only control ourselves. Lean into the love of the 99 of us and don’t let that 1 person tell you how it is, lest you change yourself for them, to the chagrin of the other 99 of us 🙂

FashionistaBetch ,

I am here for the change

I listen intently to everything you have to say, it means so much. But you’re most recent podcast. Hit hard in a good way. The quote you made” nothing changes without people” and how we need to bring more people in to this community is so important. The one thing I really see on social media is the lack of connection. The way brands want to achieve fame, but not invite people in,that really want to help make that change. We should all be following each other, talking., connecting, even outside of social media. That is the one thing that’s been very hard for me on social media.; is trying so hard to speak up and have a voice and connect, and it being met with silence. I would love to see how we could change that!

I thank you for your podcast. It has really made a difference to me in a very impactful and positive way.

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