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

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.

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
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417

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

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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.

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
Or call the Clotheshorse hotline: 717.925.7417

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

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