Sooo....why did I start this blog? Well, I'm in the middle of searching for jobs in my post-collegiate life, and since I have extensive experience in retail, I figured I would start there again (note, I am working within my degrees. I teach dance and theatre, and I'm a professional dancer myself. Dance just doesn't pay much. Whomp.). But, I didn't (don't) want experiences like any others I've had- I want to work in a fashion-accessible store, especially in this economy. I don't want to work for a big department store or massive chain. So, where did I turn? Plato's Closet- a high end resale store that buys clothing from you and sells them to others for cheap! That's right, you SELL your clothes to them. Not donate. Sell. And others buy. It's delightful and inexpensive.
Two days ago, I was in there just looking around, and I decided to try this awesome satin, appliqued, 60's-esque, mustard yellow (my FAVE!) dress on. Sadly it didn't fit, and I'm SO not in the place to add to my "I'll buy this and get it tailored" pile. BUT! Whilst in the dressing room, I noticed a "hiring" sign. I took note of it, hung the dress back on the rack, picked up two pairs of shoes for $14 total, and left.
Yesterday, I thought more and more about the sign. I need a job in the mornings, givin most nights are booked with rehearsals and teaching. So I went back. But before I went back, I thought to myself "Self" (as Nana used to say) "You're applying to Plato's Closet. You need to look FIERCE!". I think yesterday was the first day I've actually put effort into my ensemble.
This is what I cam
e up with:
The outfit consists of a nude colored tank top from Target (Mossimo Brand-$10), a JCrew Trapeze tent top with ruching at the top (JCrew Outlet $14), Grey Leggings (they just appeared in my room one day), thigh high reddish/brown, heeled boots from Ross ($25) and a beret with a flower and pearl embellishment ($20-Rice's Flea Market *Note, I call this hat my Kate Middleton hat because I want to be her). Total outfit= $69, accumulated over approximately 12 months. Average spent per month on this outfit= $5.75. Not bad at all!
You may have noticed that I didn't purchase any of these items from a high end store. That's because, like many people, I can't afford high end stores. I'm all about looking goooooooood and put together for LESS. I firmly believe there is no reason to pay full price for ANYTHING (with very limited exception-mascara being one). Here is a list of favorite places I get things for cheap!
1. Your own closet- It's your own personal store! You'd be amazed at what you can dig out of the back of your drawers!
2.Goodwill/Salvation Army- more hit or miss than Plato's Closet, but still totally worth the trip, especially for accessories. Pick up some jewelry there to accessorize. There's also usually a pretty good purse collection there.
3.Plato's Closet- Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie/Victoria's Secret/ Forever21/ Free People for a fraction of their actua retail value. That Anthro dress I mentioned earlier? $20, whereas instore it was easily $85-120.
4, Ross/TJMaxx/Marshalls- Brand names that are new for less. Pretty standard, always delightful.
5. Yard Sales/Estate Sales- people want to start selling lots of stuff for cheap because of the economy. Definitely hit or miss, but worth a shot. At the very least, you can grab a coffee table for $10. PS: Totally having a Yard/Estate/Home From College Sale on October 17. Email me for details!
Well, that's basically it for now. Cute outfit and my first personal venture into the world of thigh-high boots (do.it. Instantly feel confident and sexy. And the nice security guard at the library complimented them as well!). PS: Had my interview today at Plato's Closet- I'll let you know what happens! And I'll post pics of my interview outfit :)
Xo,
Rachel
Song I'm Listening To: Roxette- She's Got the Look
