Fashion can sometimes be difficult for college students to afford. An alternative to high cost shopping is searching the racks at local thrift and consignment stores for the latest fashions.
Winter displays line the aisles of Plato’s Closet; belts, boots, jeans, jackets, sweaters and scarves. Em- ployees who are trained to be friendly, know the labels and make great outfits are helping customers at the counter. “Layering is very big this year,’” said Kristi Schmidt, a Co-Manager at Plato’s Closet. “Layer Spring, Fall and Winter colors and blend them throughout the entire outfit.
“Key pieces for this winter are blazers, high-lows and leggings or tights.”
 An average outfit at Plato’s Closet is priced accordingly: shirt $6; jacket $10-$12; bottoms $18, shoes $8. Altogether,the cost of an outfit totaling an average of $45 or below. To further assist a shopper with prices, Plato’s Closet takes in donations of all brands and after they sort through your items, will pay you 30-40 percent of what they will sell your products for in the store. Plato’s Closet asks that clothes are brought in laundered and folded in bags or boxes, that you present a photo ID and that clothing is gently used.
Centrally located near Northwest Blvd. and Ash, Teen Challenge Thrift Store prices average lower than Plato’s Closet.The price of an average outfit (in this case: shirt,pants,shoes) would range between $10-$20, with negotiable prices.
“Don’t take a price tag at face value,” said Gary Rainwater, the man- ager of Teen Challenge Thrift Store. “If you walk in and see a price tag, you don’t like the price and you think it is too high, find the manager and ask about it.” Teen Challenge Thrift accepts any donation, but does not offer monetary values to those who donate. Teen Challenge does offer tax benefits to those who donate. Teen Challenge also employs those who are recovering drug and alcohol addicts; customers support their mission with each purchase.
“I get to see real people come here from the Teen Challenge Program to work and I get to see them change into a better person,”said Rainwater.
Value Village also sells used and new clothing for discounted pricing. Located on Boone, Value Village also accepts all donations in exchange for a tax benefit. Due to accepting a large amount of donations, there is a large variety of old and new items.
“I get to see different products; I see rare new things through the store,” said Heidi Williams, Value Village’ Manager. “For people who are trying to find clothes on a budget all you really need to do is look.
“You will find designer clothes and accessories with average and affordable designer clothing because it’s used and decently priced.”

 Kimberlie Barton