Look Pea-utiful for Halloween

Here at Plato's Closet in Bloomington, we love dressing up! So it comes as no surprise that Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. And there are lots of reasons to shop Plato's this Halloween...

Betcha didn't know we had costumes for sale! With full costumes ranging from $10 to $16, that's more than half off of retail prices. On top of those great savings, we also have lots of Halloween accessories like cat ears, masks, and tutus for even less!

Sales associates Amanda and Crystal were asked to put together a couple of cute costumes for this blog post, and they did not disappoint! Here is their version of the classic fairy tale, the "Princess and the Pea."

What a hilarious duo! We have plenty of choices so you can make your own creative best friend or couple's costume!

Amanda (aka the Princess) is also wearing a headband, necklace, faux fur wrap, and heels that she could wear all year long. Talk about bang for your buck!

So what are you waiting for? Halloween will be here before you know it, and Plato's in Bloomington has you covered when it comes to costumes! See ya soon!

A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock 'n Roll

Music and style go hand in hand, there's no denying it. When you're feeling a certain way, there's probably a song for your mood, and an outfit to share it with the world. And with all the genres and artists to choose from these days, your musical tastes are probably pretty broad!

We feel the same way at Plato's in Bloomington, and our outfits definitely show it. Today, sales associates Jamie and Raven show us their favorite music-inspired looks, but who knows what they'll wear tomorrow!

Jamie is a country girl at heart. Lace, denim, and cowboy boots are the cutest way to get this look. T. Swift anyone?

 

Raven shows of a glamorous side of rock with metallic details and a furry vest. Stompy boots add an element of toughness to any outfit. Now where is her air guitar?

We hope you've gained some rockin' outfit inspiration today! Whether you're tuned in to classic hip-hop, modern rock, or something slow and smooth, Plato's Closet in Bloomington has got the clothes to make you feel like a star. We hope to see you soon!

Trend Alert: Lady-like Looks

Hello again! This time around on Bargainista, we're playing trend meteorology. What's in our forecast? Well, besides the rain that poured over Bloomington this morning, we're seeing lots and lots of lady-like styles!

Prints like polka-dots, animal print, houndstooth, and more are back in a big way. The same can be said of fit-and-flare or A-line silhouettes, sweet cardigans, and girly details like pleats and princess seams.

Here are three amazing classic looks for under $40 each that feature this up and coming trend!

Pretty pleats and polka-dots are toughened up with a faux leather fabric, but then girlified again with a classic Chanel-style jacket.

Jinkies! Loving this bespectacled cardigan. The fit-and-flare dress in lace is just too cute!

A classic going-out outfit is bumped up with gold details and a bright belt. Animal prints don't seem to be going anywhere soon!

So, do you like this lady-like style, or do you prefer something else? Let us know your favorite fall trends in the comments below, and check us out on Facebook and Instagram too!

Falling for Fashion

Sorry we've been away! It's been a busy Bloomington summer here at Plato's Closet, but we've worked really hard to stock up tons of amazing fall clothes for our loyal customers! We love to recycle our wardrobes as much as you do, and fall is the perfect time to mix in some transitional pieces. Sales associate Hannah shows off some of our favorite ways to ease into fall weather while still looking crazy cute.

In the photo above, Hannah wears a fall staple: leggings! Whether you like them plain and simple, brightly colored, or in a bold pattern, you can deny that leggings are here to stay. She pairs them with lace-up combat boots and a soft pink tunic for a mix-and-match style. Her studded scarf adds a very on-trend feel.

Hannah wears a simple shift dress with a cardigan, another of our favorite ways to transition to fall. Amp up the old cardigan-and-dress combo by making it extra chunky and finishing the look with tall riding boots. As for accessories, the more the better! A big cocktail ring or a feather necklace adds a touch of fall boho.

Another girly-meets-edgy look! Layer an oversized sweater over a frilly frock for a look reminiscent of our fave 80's movies. Hannah adds a modern twist with an overload of studs, a punky trend that seems to pop up everywhere.

Thanks for taking a look at our blog! Don't forget to "LIKE" us on FaceBook (Plato's Closet Bloomington IN) and follow us on Instagram (@platosbloomington)! We love to post updates on merchandise and news around the store, and interact with our awesome customers!

Express Yourself: Sarah's Personal Style

Sarah, Sales Associate



What does "fashion" mean to you?
"Fashion means expressing yourself in a way that people can understand you better. It means being able to put on a loose top and a pair of leggings if you’re feeling lazy or dressing to the nines for a girls night out. It’s an expression of yourself and your mood in my opinion."

Outfit Details:
Xhilaration Tank: $5 (retail: $9)
Vintage Skirt: $8 (retail: $20)
Forever21 Shoes: $8 (retail: $15)
Hair Bow: $4

Total Cost: $25 (compared to $48)
Total Savings of $23!

















How would you describe your style?
"I would describe my style as comfy-chic. I like to be able to put an outfit together in five minutes or less. I am a college student with a part-time job and trying to have a social life. I don’t have time to spend 45 minutes every day deciding what I am going to wear. If I can take an outfit and change it with different pieces to make it a completely new outfit, it’s a good day."

Who are your style icons? What inspires your style?
"My style icons would be Amanda Seyfried and Anne Hathaway. They’re timeless beauties with a great personality and a classic/couture style. They can dress comfortable and classy while still maintaining that celebrity appearance.They are two role models that have also maintained themselves throughout their career which I have been inspired by."

Outfit Details:
Xhilaration Tank: $5 (retail: $15)
Anabelle Skirt: $12 (retail: $35)
Steve Madden Shoes: $16 (retail: $100)

Total Cost: $33 (compared to $150)
Total Savings of $117!!


How has your idea of fashion changed since working at Plato's Closet?
"Well, I have Plato’s to thank for my wardrobe. Everything in my closet has come from PC, or has been inspired by something I have seen at PC. It’s amazing how much I have changed my style from working at Plato’s. It’s great to be able to see what comes in here and make it your own. Being able to have coworkers that are knowledgeable on fashion trends and also inspire your wardrobe is also rewarding."

Where are your favorite places to shop (besides Plato's)?
" As many of you know, my favorite place to shop would be Goodwill.  I have been named the “Goodwill Master”.  I can’t go into a Goodwill and not find a one-of-a-kind find. I get such a thrill from finding a vintage skirt or even a classic blazer for such a bargain.  It’s amazing to see one man’s trash is another man’s treasure."

Outfit Details:
Mossimo Top: $5 (retail: $20)
Old Navy Sweater: $8 (retail: $30)
Allen B Leggings: $4 (retail: $10)
Charlotte Russe Shoes: $12 (retail: $35)

Total Cost: $29 (compared to $95!)
Total Savings of $66!

Spring 2013 Looks for Less

Spring is finally here. It's time to put away those bulky sweatshirts and sweatpants and Spring-ify your wardrobe! This Spring, we'll be seeing everything from classic black and white to bright colors and clashing patterns. If buying brand new, designer looks doesn't fit in with your budget, we created runway-inspired looks for less, all with merchandise from Plato's Closet Bloomington.

Designers:

Our Looks:

• Dress: $12
• Charlotte Russe Sweater: $8
• Necklace: $7

• H&M top: $5
• Esley Skirt: $6
• Necklace: $7

Black and white is the biggest color combinations seen on the runways for Spring '13. You can do a simple look by wearing feminine cuts or go for a bolder look by mixing prints!

Designers:

      




























Our Looks:

• Blue Loop Top: $10
• Dress: $12

• Cami: $2
• Tramp Top: $10
• Vintage Skirt: $8

Sheer fabrics have been on trend for a while, but this Spring, try amping it up with some bright, vibrant colors!

Designers:

Our Looks:

• Charlotte Russe Blazer: $12
• Cami: $2
• Arizona Jeans: $10

• Silence & Noise Blazer: $14
• Free Bird Bandeau: $4
• Cotton Candy Leggings: $10

The menswear look can be bold and edgy. It's easy to feminize with a simple scarf or bandaeu top!

Designers:

Our Looks:

• Charlotte Russe Top: $7
• American Apparel Jacket: $14
• City Streets Pants: $12
• Necklace: 7

• Petticoat Ally Top: $8
• Forever21 Skirt: $8
• Necklace: $7

The peplum is the perfect addition to any Spring outfit! You can make it look bold by pairing it with emerald (the color of the year) or go for a classic neutral look.


Designers:

Our Looks:

• Solemio Top: $8
• Basic Cami: $2
• Monteau Skirt: $8
• Necklace: $6

• Miss Me Couture Dress: $20
• Wet Seal Long Sleeve: $8
• Necklace: $9

Not sure how to wear the statement pieces that have been in your closet forever? Then this Spring trend is for you! If mixing and matching prints is a little too much, you can always mix patterns with textures.


Designers:

Our Looks:

• Jones New York Dress: $14
• Necklace: $5

• Lux Top: $8
• Vanity Pants: $10
• Necklace: $6

Modernizing traditional Asian dress is easy. Try a wrap dress with an Asian-inspired print or a sleek printed top and pants.



*All photos taken from Style.com

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!