When most of us think of shoulder pads, we think of '80s power suits or '80s icons like Janet Jackson, Prince, and Madonna -- a somewhat goofy style trend to our modern eyes. Where did they come from, what do they tell us about gender, creating silhouettes, and what does it mean if they're "in" again today? In this episode, Connie and Jean ponder these questions and more.

<description>&lt;p&gt;When most of us think of shoulder pads, we think of '80s power suits or '80s icons like Janet Jackson, Prince, and Madonna -- a somewhat goofy style trend to our modern eyes. Where did they come from, what do they tell us about gender, creating silhouettes, and what does it mean if they're "in" again today? In this episode, Connie and Jean ponder these questions and more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Unstitched: What's the Story Behind Shoulder Pads?

The rise of fast-fashion and demand for constantly updating social-media looks means tons of fashion becomes trash -- landfills full of it. How much clothing do we cycle through these days? How did we get here? Why should we care? On this episode, Connie and Jean will examine these questions and more.

<description>&lt;p&gt;The rise of fast-fashion and demand for constantly updating social-media looks means tons of fashion becomes trash -- landfills full of it. How much clothing do we cycle through these days? How did we get here? Why should we care? On this episode, Connie and Jean will examine these questions and more. &lt;/p&gt;</description>

Unstitched: How Do We Deal With Textile Waste?

Why do we still hear the old reprimand "no white after Labor Day!" every fall? Where does this style "rule" come from? What's so bad about white clothes when the air gets crisp? Does Labor Day itself have anything to do with it? On this episode, Connie and Jean explore the turn-of-the-20th-century elitist roots of this adage.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Why do we still hear the old reprimand "no white after Labor Day!" every fall? Where does this style "rule" come from? What's so bad about white clothes when the air gets crisp? Does Labor Day itself have anything to do with it? On this episode, Connie and Jean explore the turn-of-the-20th-century elitist roots of this adage.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Unstitched: Why Can't I Wear White After Labor Day?

Are we still wearing ties? Are they a remnant of a past era? This week, Connie and Jean examine the history behind the necktie, thoughts on masculinity and "professional" attire, and whether ties still have a place in dress today.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif;"&gt;Are we still wearing ties? Are they a remnant of a past era? This week, Connie and Jean examine the history behind the necktie, thoughts on masculinity and "professional" attire, and whether ties still have a place in dress today. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Unstitched: Are Ties Undone?

We express gender, class, race, power and identity through what we wear and how we dress. Each article of clothing, accessory, and stylistic choice communicates how we wish to be seen, and whether we know or not, how we are seen. In Unstitched, hosts Jean and Connie will examine questions including: what is the history behind what we wear? What are the political implications? What stories do we tell?

Unstitched: The Stories of What We Wear and Why We Wear It

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