There are few things I enjoy more than knowing that I paid less than half of what some unsavvy shopper paid for the exact same item.  It’s that kind of schadenfreude that makes bargain shopping fun.  And although I love a bargain, I also love a brand name. While the styling, color, fit, etc., are the most important factors of any item, a brand name will often sell me if I’m on the fence. Most people know about the high fashion/low price power of places like TJMaxx and Marshall’s, but few appreciate the glory of my secret shopping lover, Plato’s Closet.

Before I begin, I’d like to say what NOT to do at Plato’s Closet. Unless you’re super desperate for quick cash, don’t sell your stuff there. Their prices are incredibly, ridiculously, sometimes unbelievably low, and because of this they can’t give you much for your stuff while still maintaining a profit.

Also, don’t expect to be able to find a whole wardrobe of stuff at Plato’s Closet at one time. Some days are great, and some days aren’t.  Unlike department stores, if you like a shirt and it’s too big or small, you can’t try it on in a different size.  But if you’re just looking for a category of something – a dress to wear out this weekend, some new dark wash jeans, or a couple of cardigans for the chilly fall temperatures, you’re golden.


A great thing about PC (yeah, we’re tight like that) is that they really inspect the stuff that they take in. Nothing is supposed to be over a year old, and unlike some other resale places, there are no holes, stains, etc. (Half of the stuff even has the tags still on it, which really adds to the schaudenfreude factor (S.F.?).) And if you happen to find a damaged item, they’ll give you a discount without blinking an eye. If you’re someone who is skeeved out by used clothes, I say to you: wash them. Wash them twice, even. And if you’re still too weirded out, take a look at their great selection of bags and accessories, and I’ll buy all of the other stuff you’re too lame to try.

Now before you click out of this window, hear me out: I shop. A lot. And you WILL NOT GET A BETTER DEAL ANYWHERE ELSE ON A REGULAR BASIS than at Plato’s Closet. No, they did not pay me to write this blog (although if they’re reading this and would like to I certainly wouldn’t argue), but I thought I would share with you some of my best recent finds to reveal to you the most valuable underdog in the retail world, and how to shop there.

1. SCHMANCY BRANDS

Even if you’re really snooty and only into high-end designer names (i.e., not Forever 21, Old Navy, H&M, etc), Plato’s Closet can still provide for your stuck up self. You can find the EXACT same brands you’d find at Nordstrom, for a serious discount.

Dolce Vita (not even DV by Dolce Vita!) leather flats
Estimated Original Cost: $90-$150
  I paid: $20


Juicy Couture velour jackets
Estimated Original Cost: $100-$150/each
I paid: $22 and $20 (one pocket’s button is messed up, so -$2)


Frye (awesome boot brand) heels
Estimated Original Cost: $170-$260
I paid: $18

Read the rest of this entry over at What Would Jesus Wear!

Do you shop at Plato’s Closet? What’s the best deal you’ve found there?

Guest post submitted by What Would Jesus Wear