Podcast Title: Throwing Fits
Host: Throwing Fits
Episode: Friday Fiasco with Emma Rogue
Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this lively episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Mario and Lawrence welcome Emma Rogue, a formidable figure in the vintage fashion and social media arenas. Filmed live at Thriftcon in Brooklyn's Navy Yard, the conversation dives deep into Emma's experiences, fashion insights, and the synergy between retail and media in today's digital age.

Fit Check and Fashion Insights

Showcasing Personal Style

The episode kicks off with a playful "fit check" where Emma Rogue showcases her unique style:

• Adidas x AVAV Collaboration:
  Emma Rogue (00:46): "Love this silhouette."

• Accessories and Vintage Finds:
  Emma Rogue (00:56): "Vintage Metallica bootleg tee from my shop. Also this belt, five bucks from a Paris flea market and cuffs from a flea market."

• Unique Details:
  Emma Rogue (01:17): "All these spinners on the nails were inspired by our queen, Dochi."

This segment highlights Emma's knack for blending high-end collaborations with affordable, distinctive vintage pieces, demonstrating her deep understanding of current fashion trends.

Experience at Thriftcon

First Impressions and Comparisons

Emma shares her experiences from previous Thriftcons and contrasts them with the inaugural New York City event:

• Curated Selection:
  Emma Rogue (02:24): "I feel like this one is way more curated. I see a lot of upcycled pieces and collections created by independent designers."

• Vibrant Atmosphere:
  Mario (02:38): "People watching all day here."
  Emma Rogue (02:42): "The fits are incredible."

Emma praises the NYC Thriftcon for its curated and high-quality offerings, distinguishing it from past events in Colorado and Atlanta.

Vendor Insights and Sales

Discussing her role as both a vendor and a podcaster:

• Sales Performance:
  Emma Rogue (02:05): "My staff has been holding it down. I've got four of my team members there, but they're going crazy. It's super busy, so hopefully, good."

• Vendor Highlights:
  Emma Rogue (04:22): "I saw this hoodie at KPC that was yellow with a distressed look. It looked super worn in."

Emma emphasizes the importance of a dedicated team in managing sales and the appeal of unique, upcycled items that attract customers.

Current Fashion Trends

Hot and Not-So-Hot Trends

Emma offers her take on what's trending in vintage fashion:

• Polka Dots and Jorts:
  Emma Rogue (08:19): "Polka dots. It's a summer 100%."
  Lawrence (08:25): "People are shaking their head."
  Emma Rogue (08:28): "Baggy jorts are here to stay. Anything baggy."

• Sneaker Trends:
  Mario (10:13): "What sneaker is going to dominate this summer?"
  Emma Rogue (10:25): "I like the Gazelle."

• Retro Revival:
  Emma Rogue (12:17): "I'm going to Paris on Monday, so I think I'm gonna wear it there."

Emma discusses the resurgence of polka dots, the enduring popularity of baggy jeans (jorts), and the preference for classic sneakers like the Gazelle. She also touches on the nostalgic return of styles from the 2010s.

Social Media and Retail Synergy

Impact of Social Media on Sales

The conversation delves into how Emma leverages social media to boost her retail business:

• Viral Influence:
  Emma Rogue (14:11): "We'll have people coming in asking for that silhouette or that style. So we see a correlation."

• Content Strategy:
  Emma Rogue (16:00): "Consistency and volume are key. If you're not doing as much as you could be, that's corny to me."

Emma highlights the importance of consistent and high-volume social media activity to drive interest and sales in her store. She believes that while established retailers might not need social media, newcomers can significantly benefit from it.

Business Insights and Challenges

Balancing Work and Delegation

Emma shares the challenges of managing a growing business:

• Delegating Tasks:
  Emma Rogue (07:38): "I've put some of the work on my team, so they help me out with sourcing."

• Handling Overwhelm:
  Emma Rogue (23:37): "Differentiate the three piles...Eventually it's going to merge into one uber pile."

Emma discusses the importance of delegating tasks to manage the increasing volume of inventory and the ongoing struggle to keep her workspace organized.

Mistakes in Social Media Marketing

Emma offers advice on common pitfalls brands face on social media:

• Inconsistency:
  Emma Rogue (15:43): "If you're not doing as much as you could be, that's corny to me."

• Content Volume:
  Emma Rogue (16:00): "Consistency and volume are key."

She stresses that brands should avoid being too rare or cautious with their postings. Instead, maintaining a high volume of consistent content is crucial for staying relevant and engaging with the audience.

Future Plans and Expansion

Rogue Empire's Growth

Emma reveals her ambitious plans for expanding her business:

• International Expansion:
  Emma Rogue (21:15): "We really want to open in Japan before LA or Miami. It’s so cool out there."

• New Collections:
  Emma Rogue (21:16): "We're working on our full cut and sew collection and traveling overseas to visit factories."

Emma outlines her vision to take her brand international, particularly targeting the Japanese market, and her ongoing efforts to develop new collections.

Personal Life and Relaxation

Managing Work-Life Balance

Despite her busy schedule, Emma finds ways to relax:

• Hobbies:
  Emma Rogue (23:50): "I got an E scooter and have so much fun riding it around the city."

• Relaxation Through Work:
  Emma Rogue (24:36): "I love what I do, so it's not really a job."

Emma candidly admits to being a workaholic but enjoys her work so much that it feels less like a job and more like a passion.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Emma offering foundational advice for aspiring vintage retailers:

• Consistency and Patience:
  Emma Rogue (20:02): "Consistency is key. Every day work towards your goals. Don't push it off."

• Niche Identification:
  Emma Rogue (20:52): "Figure out what you love and what sets you apart from other people."

Emma emphasizes the importance of consistent effort, patience, and carving out a unique niche to succeed in the vintage retail space.

Notable Quotes:

• Emma Rogue (00:46): "Love this silhouette."
• Emma Rogue (10:25): "I like the Gazelle."
• Emma Rogue (15:43): "If you're not doing as much as you could be, that's corny to me."
• Emma Rogue (20:02): "Consistency is key. Every day work towards your goals."

Final Remarks

Emma Rogue's insights provide a compelling look into the intersection of vintage retail and social media prowess. Her passion for fashion, coupled with strategic business acumen, underscores the dynamic nature of today's retail landscape. Hosts Mario and Lawrence commend Emma's relentless drive and infectious enthusiasm, making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the modern fashion zeitgeist.

For more content from Throwing Fits, visit www.throwingfits.com.

Note: All timestamps refer to the podcast episode's timeline.