Episode 191: Fast Jewelry, Knockoffs, and Net 60 with Emily Li Mandri of MLE

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Emily Li Mandri, founder and design behind MLE, joins Amanda to talk about all things accessories and jewelry, including

• What is costume jewelry? And why is metal content important?
• The drawbacks of "fast jewelry"
• What are the challenges of running a small, ethical accessories brand?
• How are knockoffs and copycats a big part of the jewelry/accessories industry?
• What happens when bigger brands don't pay their invoices?

And so much more! Read more about what is happening with Neighborhood Goods and unpaid brands here: "Neighborhood Goods Has Closed--Vendors Want their Money."

Amanda gets things started with thoughts about the "Loneliness Economy," capitalism, and community. It turns out that one of the most revolutionary things we can do is...be active and supportive members of our community!

Find Emily and MLE here:
@madebyMLE on Instagram
madebyMLE.com (use code CLOTHESHORSE to get 10% off your order)

Additional reading:

"The Loneliness Economy: How Capitalism Thrives on Isolation," Piyush Patel, Medium.
"Capitalism starves us of love — we don’t have to stand by," Alexandra Kauffman, The Emory Wheel.
"Capitalism Subverts Community," Robert Neuwirth, Noema.
"Capitalism has warped our understanding of community — and it's making us vulnerable to manipulation," Valerie Vande Panne, Salon.

Register for the February Clotheshorse Webinar/Hang Out Session: Why new clothes are kind a garbage...
February 29, 8pm EST. Free (but please support Clotheshorse via Ko-fi if you enjoy yourself)!
Limited to 100 attendees, so register now here.

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Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: [phone]

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

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

​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.

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.

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....