It’s not just fast fashion...
it’s "fast everything.”

From “fast cosmetics” to “fast home goods,” to fast…everything else, we are being sold new reasons to buy as much stuff as possible, as often as possible.

We are promised that shopping will make us happier, more successful, and more loved. Buying something new will cure what ails us, whether it’s a stressful job, a bad relationship, or our insecurities and fears.

Here’s the thing about all of this other “fast” stuff…it relies on the same exploitation, planned obsolescence, waste, and over consumption as the fast fashion model.

Each purchase is political. Your money is a vote for your values. When you give your money to brands and businesses that are doing good things, you allow them to grow and do even greater things. Conversely, when you withhold your money from bad companies (and tell them why), you force change. Clotheshorse dissects our roles as consumers, citizens, and integral members of a growing movement. 

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Don't give your money to assholes!

Amanda Lee McCarty (she/they) wanted to be an art teacher, but somehow ended up with a career in fashion that began as a seasonal part-time sales associate in the fitting rooms at a fast fashion retailer.  They have worked in the buying departments of some of the most iconic (fast fashion) brands, where they saw the “fast fashion-ification” of the entire industry play out.  Her employers bought stuff faster and faster. The product was cheaper and cheaper. And the quality/fit was worse and worse, year after year.

Two weeks into the pandemic, Amanda lost their job working for a rental brand owned by a large fast fashion company.  After crying and playing The Sims for a month, they realized their mission: to decode and demystify the fashion industry.

Amanda is currently working as a consultant, small business coach, content creator, and rabble rouser. They are also the co-host of The Department, a podcast about trends and taste. Their super power is speed reading and their weakness is artificial fruit.

Shoutouts

Press & Writing

Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company

Amanda explains why clothes from sustainable/ethical brands are a better deal than fast fashion, despite the higher price.

Elizabeth Segran, Fast Company

You–yes, YOU–are an important part of the slow fashion movement. Learn how you can participate.

Amanda O’Donnell, Texas Monthly

Read about the origins of Clotheshorse and Amanda’s tips for slow gifting.

No Kill Magazine.

An essay written by Amanda about social media and its connection to fast fashion.

Katya Moorman, No Kill Magazine

An interview with Amanda!

Loretta Graceffo, Waging Nonviolence.

An early interview about the origins of Clotheshorse and the #PayUp movement.

Fashion Takes Action

Guest blog post by Amanda dismantling the myth of “free shipping.

Katja Vujić, The Cut.

Amanda shares her advice on a slow fashion wardrobe.

Katherine Moulton, Austin Creative Reuse.

An interview with Amanda about how to spot fast fashion.

Sophie Caldecott, Remake

Amanda discusses “retail therapy” and her own experiences with it.

Courier

All about the rental industry.

Amanda talks about the future of fashion, greenwashing, and so much more.