Raiding Plato’s Closet

Let me be clear – I would not be caught dead in the prom dress that Molly Ringwald whipped up in Pretty in Pink.  I am not happy to dig through racks of someone else’s castoffs to find that “treasure” that others have supposedly missed.  And I am fine paying full retail price for an outfit that my next-door neighbor might also show up in at the next PTA meeting.

Plato's Closet has racks and racks of cute and colorful clothes

So I’m a little surprised at how much I like shopping at Plato’s Closet.   Actually, I’m a lot surprised.  But when you’ve got a chance to fight the recession, be environmentally thoughtful, and buy something that’s on-fashion, shopping resale doesn’t seem half-bad.

With five locations in the Houston area, Plato’s Closet is probably right around your corner.  Mine is in the Memorial Area (10516 Old Katy Road)and I’ve been very happy with my experience there.  I sold some clothes that were never, EVER going to be worn again – and was handed $30.75 cash which I thought was fabulous.  I turned around and used it to buy a black Arden B cocktail dress with pailette sequins on the bodice that looks way hot, especially considering it only cost me $15.

Okay, so Plato’s Closet is definitely aimed at teens and twenty-somethings.  You can see that from the labels – Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister, 7 for all Mankind.  But if you’re not wearing these labels, maybe your kids are. And the great thing is, because of the incentive of instant cash paid to sellers at Plato’s Closet, there are always lots of sellers with very current stuff that hits Plato’s racks quickly.

Now, if the idea of wearing anything your kid might wear frightens you, you’ll still be interested in the accessories.  On my last visit I found two like-new Vera Bradley bags and a Coach wallet, all priced way below retail.  Here’s my favorite thing I saw today – a pair of Frederick’s of Hollywood silver glitter pumps, never worn, for just $8:

I'm thinking Marilyn Monroe . . .

Now, while these aren’t something I might wear everyday, wouldn’t they be great at Halloween?

Check out the Plato’s Closet website to find your neighborhood store and drop by.  Hey, with prom season still several months away, you’ve got time to find a few dresses to deconstruct and use for your own Pretty in Pink creation!