Designer Treasures

Glitter Sale shoppers tell us over and over how many "gems" they find as they make their way, rack by rack, across the Glitter Sale floor. For many, in fact, it's much more than a sale; it's a treasure hunt. If, for you, discovering designer dresses, tops, jackets and coats at fabulously low prices is more fun even than buried treasure, save the date! And check out the treasures I've found:

This gorgeous Chloe dress was designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The detailing is exquisite, including the hand-sewn zipper.

What a find, this Victor Costa strapless with rhinestone buttons and pin in black velvet.



You can wear this little Ferre sequin top over trousers or even jeans.



This blousy white shirt is from one of today's most popular designers, Stella McCartney.



This St. John knit suit jacket actually comes with both pants and a pencil skirt.



Escada clothing is all beautifully made, and this jacket is no exception.




Trina Turk grew up in Bellevue and studied fashion at the University of Washington. You can find her stylish clothing at Barney's and Goodwill! This dress is adorable.

Gorgeous Gowns

There's nothing like stepping into a gorgeous evening gown. These caught my eye, both because of their remarkable hues and because they move so exquisitely. They're perfect gowns for dancing into the night...

This seafoam green gown with accordion pleats

and this salmon chiffon gown with butterfly sleeves are both vintage Miss Elliette.


This robin's egg blue gown has an embellished bodice and an attached chiffon cape.


This lovely coral gown has an attached cape as well.


This mint green gown looks light as light as air.

This cobalt blue dress is is another example of pleated skirting with an attached cape. What a great color!

Nordstrom's and Neiman's and Saks, Oh My!

This 25th Anniversary Glitter Sale is thrilled to offer exquisite merchandise with labels from six venerable department stores:
This green linen sheath with a white leather belt is '60s mod from Neiman Marcus.
From Nordstrom, comes this '40s style silk robe with matching nightgown. It's simply divine!

This Asian-influenced jacket with silk knot buttons comes to us from San Francisco’s Gumps.

This rich brocade dress from Saks Fifth Avenue has exquisite passementerie.

Here it is up close.

Look at this '60s era, "Easter Sunday" lace dress from I. Magnin.

And from the late Frederick & Nelson comes this vintage suit in gold damask.

Designer, Vintage & Brand Name Shoes

Shoes, in all sizes, styles and colors, line the racks at the Glitter Sale. High heels and ballarina flats. Platforms and wedges. Sandals and stillettos. Mules, slingbacks, slippers and boots. As you comb throught the racks, there's no telling whay you'll find, but here are a few of the standouts that I came across:


These classic suede flats with a bit of lace are thoroughly Ralph Lauren.


Check out these disco-era Gucci mules.


These decorated wedges are by Betsy Johnson


and these peep-toe, moc croc wedge heels are Jessica Simpson.


Pair these Bruno Magli sling-back heels, decorated with sequins, with your little black dress.

The Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel is credited with originating the little black dress in the 1920s. And some 80 years later it’s still a key piece in any wardrobe. (Ask Tim Gunn if you don't believe me!) We have every variation and permutation you might imagine. Here are some of my favorites:

The Sheath

The classic LBD, with just a touch of beading at the neck, is affordable and versatile. It easily moves from day to evening.

The Sequin Dress

Short and sassy, this sequin number is a sheath with benefits.

The Halter

This sexy halter dress boasts a rhumba-style, ruffle skirt.

The Ballerina

Sweetly sophisticated, the ballerina dress, here with a traditional tulle overskirt, is for the princess in all of us.

The Knit Dress

The body hugging knit dress is a popular choice this season. Black and gold also happen to be this holiday’s hottest color combination.

The Strapless

This shapely strapless is fashioned of rich velvet and may be the ultimate holiday LBD.

Enter Our Preview Party Drawing - It's Free!

Would you like first dibs on Glitter Sale merchandise? In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we're hosting a very special preview party and sale for a handful of lucky shoppers. And you can be one of them!

Enter our Preview Party Drawing—it's free—to win an opportunity to shop the Glitter Sale early, on Fri., Nov. 14th, from 6 to 7 pm. It's a Glitter Sale first, the chance to browse and buy from a large selection of Glitter Sale items before the sale officially begins.

All entries must be received by Nov. 10th at noon. Some restrictions apply. Items featured on this blog will not be available at the Preview Party. To enter, call 206-860-5732 or email complete contact information (full name, phone number and both mailing and email addresses) to raffle@seattlegoodwill.org. For additional information, visit www.seattlegoodwill.org/glitter.

Ruffles, Feathers & Lace

They say there's nothing new under the sun. And that couldn't be more true in fashion, where tomorrow's biggest trends are often found in yesteryear's closets. If you're shopping this season's hottest styles, then you won't want to miss the Glitter Sale, where you'll find everything on your wishlist.

Ruffles

Ruffles are back - in a big way - this season. This long dress, in purple, the color of the moment, has marvelous ruffles at the throat and sleeve.

And take a look at this black sheath, from Saks Fifth Avenue, with ruffles at the neck.

Feathers

Feathers are showing up everywhere. You can have them at your neck

or on your hem.

Lace

Prada made headlines this past season with a runway show featuring stunning handmade lace designs, and the entire fashion world hasn't stopped talking about it. We have some remarkable lace pieces of our own, including this lace dress


and this vintage lace jacket. They're much less expensive than Prada too!

Glitter Sale History with Lorraine Weeks

Twenty-five years ago, Lorraine Weeks was a member of Seattle Goodwill’s Public Relations Department when she hit upon the idea of the Glitter Sale. She has since worked in our Vintage Fashion Department and now handles the pricing of collectibles, antiques and jewelry. Here she takes us back 25 years...



What were you doing 25 years ago?

In 1982 I was in Seattle Goodwill’s PR Department. We had no money for advertising. Instead, we would create events to attract media attention.

What were some of these events?

There was “Hooray for Hollywood” where we sold all kinds of Hollywood paraphernalia. Another was called “An Officer and A Gentleman,” and we had hundreds of uniforms for sale. One year, an entire high school band came over from Bremerton and bought uniforms.

How did the Glitter Sale come about?

The Glitter Sale began as “Sequins, Satin, Feathers and Beads”, Everyone had a hard time remembering the name, so a few years later we changed it to “All That Glitters.” It was eventually shortened again, to today’s “Glitter Sale.”

How has the Glitter Sale changed?

It's ten times bigger today. We’ve always carried glittery ball gowns and tuxedos. In the early days, we didn’t include jewelry, but now jewelry is a big part of the sale. And back then we had many pieces from the 1920s, which is unusual today.

Why do you think the Glitter Sale has remained so popular over the years?

At first, people come for our merchandise. We have our fabulous donors to thank for the wonderful things they continue to pass along to Goodwill. But people return to the Gitter Sale because they have so much fun. They make it an annual event. They bring friends and make friends at the sale.

Can you give us an example?

Maybe five or six years ago, there were two women, total strangers, who both liked a particular gown. In the end, they bought it together.

You've been pricing Glitter Sale jewelry over the last few weeks. What is your favorite piece?




I love bracelets, so I would have to say this cuff with these marvelous acqua gems has to be one of my favorites.

Beaded Tops

Our beaded tops are extraordinary and come in a variety of sherbet colors as well as basic black. I can’t think of an easier or cheaper way of dressing for an evening out than to pair one of these spectactular beaded numbers with black or white trousers, ballerina flats and a simple evening bag. You don’t need lots of extras, because the top does it all.
Look at the detail on this beaded top in dazzling acquamarine.


Here is a more unusual V-neck version in pink.

This top looks like liquid gold.



Here it is a similar version in black.


And look at this fabulous beaded halter-style top with a high neck and cutaway sleeves.

Jimmy Choo & Shoes Galore

I have a thing for beautiful shoes (what woman doesn’t?), and fortunately, the Glitter Sale is a great place to outfit your shoe wardrobe on the cheap. You’ll find hundreds of pairs of shoes. Hot designers. Name brands. Vintage styles. Check out this second pair of Jimmy Choos we just came across.


Look at these strappy, psychedelic wedges from Dolce and Gabbana.


I'm digging these blue velvet wedge peeptoes,



and these pink suede kitten heels with fabulous gem-encrusted buckles.

These black heels from Nina, with just a bit of bling, are simple and classy. Whatever shoe style you're looking for, there's a good chance you'll find it at the Glitter Sale.

Get Your Bling On!

Brightly colored gems are hot this season, and we have an amazing collection of rhinestones and faux jewels at this year's Glitter Sale.

This earring and brooch set with those dazzling rhinestones and emerald-colored gems is exquisite.

Feathers are in this season, and I think this feathery pin in orange and yellow is a great find.



These festive, ruby-red earrings will take a simple black suit or dress from day to evening.



Take a good look at this gem-studded bracelet. I love the way it catches the light.


And finally, at least for now, check out this Hobe rhinestone cocktail ring. It will add bling to whatever you're wearing.