Episode 26: Smorgasbords, Free Piles, and The Dark Underbelly of Major Thrift Store Chains: Vintage with Christine (part II)

This episode is only available via the Apple Premium Subscription.

Christine is back to talk about all things vintage.  We will be talking about sizing in vintage clothing and the best things she has ever found. And we will be pulling back the curtain on thrift stores and how they work.  Spoiler:  the major thrift store chains are up to some shady stuff.  Get ready to be shocked and awed!

Christine also dispels the myth that all people from the 50s/60s/70s were tiny and petite.  She recommends checking out Historical Fat People for proof that people of all sizes have always existed.   She will also explain why it’s difficult to find larger sized vintage clothes and shoes (but it’s not impossible).

Also:  Amanda gives an update on the #payup movement.  Check out this link for more information about the retailers and brands that are refusing to #payup.  You can also learn more about how these cancellations, discounts, and push-outs have affected workers financially by reading “Unpaid Billions.”

Do you have an episode suggestion?  A burning question?  Just want to say hi or share a story of your own? You can reach out via email at [email protected] OR DM via Instagram, @clotheshorsepodcast

Don’t forget to check out our sister podcast, The Department.  We talk about trends, taste, weird stuff from our lives, things we are obsessing about, and so on.  Our special guest Ty McBride of Intentionally Blank will be back for our next episode about self care.

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

Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded by designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz. Ruby just launched CLO3D for Custom Fit: a 12-week beginner-friendly online course in virtual patternmaking with CLO3D software. Instead of making sample after sample, you can now customize avatars that match your real body measurements and fit-test garments virtually—before cutting into a single piece of fabric. You can also work from your pre-existing paper or PDF patterns! 
This course is designed to get you over the initial hump to working confidently in the program. It includes 300+ bite-size video lessons spaced out over 12 weeks, weekly live Q&A calls for accountability, a custom body scan to use as a you-sized virtual dress form, and a super supportive community of like-minded designers that are all learning together in a cohort. Perfect for indie patternmakers, emerging designers, or anyone who wants to design clothes that actually fit their one-of-a-kind body.
 
Learn more about the course, as well as our in-person sewing and patternmaking workshops at www.slowfashion.academy.

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

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

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

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