S9 Ep40 DETHROSE VINTAGE: Karyn Dethrow - on rescuing vintage furs, why the 1930s became her fashion specialty, and serendipitous buys with strangers.

S9 Ep40 DETHROSE VINTAGE: Karyn Dethrow - on rescuing vintage furs, why the 1930s became her fashion specialty, and serendipitous buys with strangers.

Author: Emily Stochl December 8, 2025 Duration: 57:30

On today's show, we're chatting with Karyn Dethrow, owner of Dethrose Vintage in Chicago. Dethrose Vintage specializes in ultra-rare pieces, and Karyn takes pride in restoring every find – from the 1910s through the 1990s – to as close to its original state as possible, so it's ready to be worn and loved again as soon as it arrives at your door.

In this episode, Karyn shares her journey into vintage, which started with her vintage dealer sister introducing her to the Bins in Southern Illinois, where she found some of her first 1940s pieces. She shares why vintage from the 1930s became her specialty – from bias cuts to the era's unexpected boldness – and why she feels it's a standout era that influenced fashion for decades to come.

We talk about the serendipitous vintage buys she's had with former-strangers, her philosophy on rescuing vintage fur coats for sustainability, plus, her tips for cleaning and caring for delicate vintage textiles, and why Chicago's vintage community finally got the show it deserved with Pickwick.

It's a warm, inspiring conversation about building a vintage business with integrity – from someone who has been at this a while and knows her stuff, so let's dive right in!

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [2:45] Karyn's sister was a vintage dealer, and she would take her to the Bins and the thrift stores as a teenager. 
  • [4:19] She had always loved 1930s-40s style from old movies.
  • [7:22] When she started her Etsy shop, it sold out in two days
  • [12:09] Her very first market was the Rosebowl.
  • [14:43] Pickwick Vintage's first time in Chicago. 
  • [16:11] How Karyn found her brand voice and vintage specialties.
  • [17:45] Why the 1930s is such an influential era in fashion history
  • [23:33] Vintage coats are the hot item of the year! 
  • [26:32] Tips for caring, storing, and mending vintage pieces
  • [32:43] The story of her first major professional vintage buy
  • [38:32] Pieces she's saved for over a year for the perfect moment
  • [43:04] How the vintage space has changed and advice for newcomers
  • [48:19] Long haul pieces she'll never part with & other favorite finds

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

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SPECIAL THANKS: 

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Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 313

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