Express Yourself: Val's Personal Style

Val, Sales Associate

What does "fashion" mean to you?
"Fashion has two different meanings to me. As a design student it means becoming inspired by something and translating that into something both wearable and artistic. As a person fashion is choosing how to express yourself for any given day."

"I would wear this first outfit around town in the summer. I love the emerald color of the dress with the cheetah print shoes. It could be worn for going thrifting or going to a show."

Outfit Details:
Divided Dress: $10 (retail: $35)
Mossimo Shoes: $6 (retail: $20)
Headband: $2 (retail: $10)
J. Crew Purse: $12 (retail: $148)
Total Cost: $30 (compared to $213)
Total Savings of $183!

How would you describe your style?
"My style subtly changes a lot but it usually hovers around 80’s/90’s teen style and hipster dress. Right now I love chunky sweaters with jeans or leggings and Dr Martens, with some geometric earrings thrown in for good measure. I like darker, more gothic colors paired with grungy styles with a pop of ruby or emerald to keep it interesting."

Who are your style icons? What inspires your style?
"I love taking inspiration from history. I love the glitz and art deco of the twenties, but also the bright florals of the eighties. My style influence is pretty broad, and I’m inspired by a lot of different things. "

"This is definitely more of a night dress. I could wear this to a party or a night out. The floral print is so fab, and the peplum keeps it on trend."

Outfit Details:
Monteau Dress: $14 (retail: $50)
Charlotte Russe Shoes: $12 (retail: $35)
Earrings: $3 (retail: $6)
Clutch: $6 (retail: $15)

Total Cost: $35 (compared to $106)
Total Savings of $71!

How has your idea of fashion changed since working at Plato's Closet?
"I think Plato’s has allowed me to not only widen my idea of what is fashionable, but also hone in on my personal style. Working around clothes, I get to see the new trends as they’re happening but also try on something I may not have before. Also, everyone has pretty diverse styles so you get a lot of different opinions."

Where are your favorite places to shop (besides Plato's)?
"I do tend to shop mostly at Plato’s but when I’m not here, I love H&M, F21, T.J. Maxx, Cactus Flower, Charlotte Russe. As a student I have limited funds, so I like to keep shopping cheap and trendy."

"This third outfit is something I would wear to school and work. It’s casual and comfortable, but still very me with the sweater and glittery shoes. This can work in any season with a slight shift of the accessories."







Outfit Details:
H&M Sweater: $10 (retail: $18)
Vintage Tank: $5 (retail: $12)
Mavi Jeans: $18 (retail: $98)
Earrings: $3 (retail: $6)
Vans Shoes: $14 (retail: $55)
Total Cost $50 (compared to $189)
Total Savings of $139!

Express Yourself: Britni's Personal Style

Britni, Key Holder

What does "fashion" mean to you?
"As a student in the industry, fashion encompasses a lot of different elements. Personal style, current trends, and timeless designs are all “fashion.” It’s a mix of these that you have to find to suit you."

"This is an everyday outfit that can take me from day to night. I love the pop of color in the tights, and the girly polka dots mixed with the structured blazer and spiked flats."

Outfit Details:
Merona Dress: $6 (retail: $28)
Tights: $2 (retail: $10)
Blazer: $14 (retail: $30)
Wanted Shoes (from TJ Maxx)

Total Cost: $22 (compared to $68)
Total Savings of $46!

How would you describe your style?
"My style is classic with a twist. I love girly shapes and vintage inspiration, but I also love crazy colors and metal studs. I’m a “try anything once,” type of girl."

Who are your style icons? What inspires your style? "My style is influenced by the seasons, my moods, and history. On a summer day, I might be wearing a flowing top and a pile of necklaces, a la Janis Joplin. Or if I’m feeling like a rebel who could take on the world, I’ll be sporting my Doc Martens and plenty of studded accessories. But my favorite style, although I don’t own much to show it, is the playfulness of 50s silhouettes."

"This is a super girly, vintage inspired look that I would wear on a pretty day out shopping with friends or to lunch with my boyfriend. I obviously have a thing for pink and purple!"

Outfit Details:
Vintage Sweatshirt: $10 (retail: $20)
Gap Skirt: $10 (retail: $50)
Silence & Noise Shoes: $7 (retail: $25)
J. Crew Purse: $12 (retail: $148)

Total Cost: $39 (compared to $243)
Total Savings of $204!

How has your idea of fashion changed since working at Plato's Closet?
"Since working here, I have opened myself up to so many options for my wardrobe. We get such an eclectic mix of styles in our store! It’s hard not to want to try on everything. Being able to see such a variety of styles and mix and match them with the things I’m used to has really made shopping and getting dressed more of an adventure."

Where are your favorite places to shop (besides Plato's)?
"I like to shop at Target, Urban Outfitters, and more recently TJ Maxx. I also get great vintage dresses at AZ Vintage."

"Every girl has an outfit like this! The leggings-plus-oversized-top uniform is made unique with the floral print and metallic scarf. I love how the ankle boots make the whole outfit very 80s!"

Outfit Details:
HIP Top: $8 (retail: $35)
Simply Vera Leggings: $6 (retail: $24)
Wet Seal Boots: $14 (retail: $30)
Scarf: $5 (retail: $15)

Total Cost: $33 (compared to $104)
Total Savings of $71!

Superbowl XLVII

Superbowl XLVII has finally arrived! Support your team in style this year with trendy looks for less. Bria and Sarah put together outfits that will make you the best dressed at your superbowl party. After seeing these outfits, your friends might be able to still keep their eyes on the game!

Bria, Sales Associate

49ers Outfit Details:
Forever21 Tank: $6 (retail: $18)
Ya Leather Tank: $25 (retail: $50)
Annabelle Skirt: $12 (retail: $20)
Dr. Martens: $40 (retail: $130)

Total Cost: $83 (compared to $218)
Total Savings of $135!

Sarah, Sales Associate

Ravens Outfit Details:
Old Navy Tank: $5 (retail: $13)
American Eagle Blazer: $12 (retail: $70)
Fire Dress: $14 (retail: $50)
Forever21 Boots: $10 (retail: $35)

Total Cost: $41 (compared to $168)
Total Savings of $127!