Plato's Closet's F@#ked Up Business Model Reforms A Shopaholic

Ok, I realize that I am starting this entry off at a ten and that I need to bring it down to about a four. Please excuse, as the angst is merely withdrawls from my addiction talking already. Off top let me emphasize I have nothing against Plato or the good people working at his establishments. Whoever Plato is, God bless him because he is getting over major. Buying people's designer duds for pennies and selling them back at an inflated, discounted rate=a genius hustle.

After hours and weeks spent purging my closet, I finally found the time to drag three-count them-three huge, black Hefty garbage bags in heels, in the rain on a bum knee with my handbag in tow to the nearest Plato's closet. Praise Yahweh it was only a few minutes away.

Upon arrival, I am told to come back in an 30 minutes when my clothes are done being rummaged through. And so I did, after briefly taking a gander at Plato's merchandise of course. I return with my pockets itching for the dough, not that I was expecting to get rich or anything. The sales girl immediately hands me my same three big bags and a whopping $9.56 for only 3 items, all cute brand names I might add.

With that, I haul all my bags, now riddled with holes, back home feeling a bit dejected and disappointed, can't even lie. Mostly disappointed in myself that I had invested so much of my time and resources on my wardrobe. While I wouldn't classify myself as a label whore, I am an absolute slave to fashion, really anything creative and beautiful. For me the clothes, hair, makeup, or whatever that I wear are just another extension of self-expression. I wake up exhilarated at the thought of having a new opportunity to be creative and express myself differently each and every day; hell I fall asleep surrounded with my UK edition fashion mags, head swirling with ideas. Yeah, I have it baaad. So I guess I am really just a slave to being creatively inspired. See, the moment I see an item that strikes me, I instantaneously think of all the innovative ways I can rock it out and make it seem new. Fashion for me is an artful challenge that has very little to do with impressing other human beings.

But now the kid has decided to be creative, inspired AND resourceful as I stare at a closet still bursting loose with clothes, handbags, hats, shoes and dozens of price tags from neglected,unworn clothes. All of it translates into time and money I could have used toward buying my first piece of property, a piece of art or buying something for someone I love-things that actually appreciate in value vs. buying the next piece of trendy threads, especially since it apparently is going to just end up discarded, thrown in a garbage bag then sold off for 9 bucks anyway.

Saying buh-bye...for now.

So with that in mind I am working with my financial planner to allocate a specific amount to spend on "expressing myself fashionably" each month and the next thing I buy I vow will be for someone I care about for the holidays this year. Please believe, it will not be easy for a girl who can happily turn a quick trip to Walgreen's into a full out shopping spree. So I guess I have Plato to thank for inspiring me to invest in something that is retail priced higher than even the most luxuriant piece of designer wear -my future.

Wish me luck.