Don't Be Played By Plato

I am always a sucker for a deal, so after I understood Plato's Closet's concept (buying and selling gently used brand name clothing), I had to check it out.

Noticing the inventory tends to skew more teen, I wasn't sure if a selling venture with my more sophisticated clothes would be successful. But I figured it was worth a try. I visited the Roger's location (there is one in Fayetteville too) with my laundry basket of neatly folded clothing branded BCBG, Max Rave, To The Max and H&M.

While waiting for the teen sales associate to judge if my fashion sense is Plato worthy, I perused the exisitng merchandise. From my bargain shopping expertise, Plato's is anything but a bargain with high prices and low quality. Used F21 and Old Navy shirts start at $10. Used designer jeans are priced at $55+ (HINT: Rock and Republic, Joes, etc. sell for $55 new at TJ Maxx). I even found the pair of F21 jeans that I bought new for $12.50 (everyday price) priced at $12 used. Don't think so.

A true bargain is the iconic Diane von Furstenberg printed wrap dress I discovered at Helping Hands thrift store for $18, which typically retails for close to $400.

I did sell $38.00 worth of clothes. So Plato's is a yes for selling and a no for buying. But I am not sure if my bargain shopping ethics can support them in the future.

My Uggs and Me

I did it! I bought a pair of Uggs. After carefully reviewing all of my Ugg options (yes, there are hundreds of styles), I decided to stick with the classic, tall style that allows for the alternative fold-down look. For color selection, I teetered between chocolate and gray but the gray's versatility won me over.

Once I made my decision, the eBay hunt began. Pair after pair went above my $130 limit until finally I found a pair coming from Sweden (?!) and nabbed them for the lovely price of $100. After lifetimes (the downfall of ordering internationally), I received my 100% authentic Uggs one week ago. Since then, I slip into them as soon as I get home, utilizing them as house shoes and my comfy, weekend/evening shoes. While I still look down at my feet and note how HUGE they look, I am definitely sold on the comfort. I am pleased I took the Ugg plunge.

On an interesting note, during my agonizing Ugg decision process, The Cut, New York Magazine's fashion blog, agonized over the nation's fascination with shoes debating that Uggs are "not attractive, fashionable, or waterproof."

Well guys, you convinced me to buy them. Now you just need to convince the New York fashion elite!

Read more on The Cut's Ugg POV:

The Mystery of the Uggs Line

Ten Alternatives to Slouchy Uggs

Affronts to Nature: Jimmy Choo and Ugg Pursue Godless Collaboration

Fanciful Footwear Is So Last Season

Uggs Defy the Economy Despite How Bad They Are for Foot Health

My First Blog Award!!!!

I am so excited to have won my first blog award (thanks to MS ARSCOTT). To fully accept this award I have to reveal 10 things that make me happy to my fellow readers, so here goes:

• An organized closet
• Clean, white, soft sheets
• A full tank of gas
• My running shoes
• Mexican food
• Simple cups of coffee (nothing fancy or sweet)
• A long bath with Lush bath bombs
• Thrift store finds
• Fancy desserts
• The one thing that makes me the happiest...waking up in heaven, in between my sweet husband and my fluffy, cuddly kitty

Now I have to pass on the award to other blogs who make my day when I discover they have a new post:

Abby Jiu Photography

The Costner's Kitchen

Just the Three of Us

Cheap JAP

The Catorialist

Kickin' It Cowgirl Style

I am totally infatuated with these boots that my husband picked out all by himself as a Christmas gift for me (ladies ... give the man some props!). The unmistakable cowboy shape makes them iconic but the cropped, bootie style makes them modern. I am wearing them with EVERYTHING.

Wanna kick it like me? Hubby got them at Warren Shoes in the NWA Mall in Fayetteville, AR.

Cozy Loving

Source: Who What Wear

After the constant snow and spending my holidays out west, I am totally obsessing about this "Northern Exposure" influence. The Indian inspired to lumber jack prints conjure up visions of cozy cabin escapes with pipping hot cups of tea. Then accessorized with faux fur, heeled hiking-esque boots, and turquoise jewelry potential gives me the stamina to make it through this already dreadful winter.

Looking where to find pieces to create this look? F21 is loaded with options under $30 bucks!