A Glitter Sale Thank You!

The 26th Annual Glitter Sale was a huge success! Proceeds from the two-day event totaled a whopping $140,000 this year, all of which supports Goodwill's free job training and education programs in the community.

Where do I begin to thank you for your generosity?

Thank you donors for passing along beautiful clothing, shoes, belts, bags, hats, and jewelry that you no longer wear, so that they can be used and enjoyed by others.

Thank you volunteers, who spend hours upon hours racking, sizing, pricing and colorizing Glitter Sale merchandise, and then wake up early and stay late to work the sales floor throughout the weekend.

Thank you partners, PEMCO's WALLY (We're A Lot Like You) truck for free coffee and donuts and the STORM's Doppler, for amusing us all.

Thank you media, from mainstream to social networking, from the printed page to the airwaves, from blog posts to Twitter feeds, for spreading the word.

Thank you shoppers, for braving the dark, the cold and the line to stop and shop with patience, humor and generosity.

Thank you all. We are grateful for your support.

Treasure Hunt? Check!

I met Lizzie, Katie and Annie in line early on Glitter Sale morning. The previous night they'd had a slumber party, and Annie, a Glitter Sale veteran, whet everyone's appetite by showing off her finds from last year. (She also posted a wonderful account of last year's sale on her blog, the Samstag Saturday.)

Thanks to a 6 am wake-up call Saturday morning, Lizzie, Katie and Annie were in line long before the doors opened, ready to begin their day. They came, they saw, they conquered. And then they blogged some more. Here is their story:

Treasure Hunt? CHECK!

It's done.

We have conquered it.

Four bags of spoils in all.

Were there coffee & donuts at 6am? Yes, there were.
Were there spandex tights & leotards? Oh, yes.
Was there Doppler the giant red STORM mascot? Sure.
Was there Goodwill Gary on the megaphone . . . for three hours and counting? Uh, yeah, thanks Gary.
Were there lots of nice, crazy, sort of naked ladies? Of course.
Were there beautiful vintage coats & dresses & knit flapper shirts for us to take home? YES.

Glitter sale 2009. We love you so.

Radtastic! A '20s style slip dress for only $5.99!!

Check out the detail on the back of this dress. Beautiful!


Lizzie's coat. That will keep her nice and warm in the Glitter Sale line next year!

You can read more about the exploits of Annie, Katie and Lizzie at www.thesamstagblog.blogspot.com and www.reardonk.blogspot.com. If you have a Glitter Sale story you'd like to share, email us at glittersaleinsider@seattlegoodwill.org.

More Fun at the Glitter Sale!

You might not expect people to travel across the country or around the region for a Goodwill sale, but the Seattle Goodwill Glitter Sale is an exception.


Sure, people come for the great deals on vintage coats and dresses, designer clothing and brand name merchandise.

They come for the great selection of accessories--shoes, bags, belts, hats--and jewelry.

But they also come because shopping the Glitter Sale is so much fun. In fact, Stella Rose celebrated her birthday shopping at the Glitter Sale. Happy Birthday Stella Rose!


We caught these French speakers trying on dresses that echoed the colors of the French Flag! Quelle coincidence!

Kay, Sarah and Emily were so happy with their purchases, they volunteered to model them for us! All three scored some fabulous dresses, including the Mr. Blackwell that we featured a few weeks ago in the Glitter Sale Insider.

If you have some fun photos from the Glitter Sale, share them with us at glittersaleinsider@goodwill.org.

Craving Still More Glitter?

Suffering from withdrawl? Are you still craving glitter? Don't despair. Glitter Sale merchandise that went unsold over the weekend is in the process of being transferred to all 17 of our retail stores. Stop into one or all of them!

• Ballard
• Bellevue
• Bellingham
• Bremerton
• Burien
• Everett Downtown
• Everett South
• Lynnwood
• Marysville
• Mount Vernon
• Port Orchard
• Renton
• Seattle
• Shoreline
• Silverdale
• Southcenter
• University District

It Was a Wonderful Weekend! A First Look at the 2009 Glitter Sale.

The skies were clear, if dark, when the first Glitter Sale shoppers arrived at Seattle Goodwill's Dearborn St. Store at about 4 am.

Early-bird shoppers came prepared with blankets and sleeping bags. Extreme waiting!


Warm clothes were a must. It was chilly out there!


PEMCO'S WALLY (We're A Lot Like You) truck was on hand at 7 am to serve free coffee and donuts, and


the STORM'S Doppler arrived at 8 am to add some levity to that last hour of waiting before the doors opened.


Our own Gary Foy kept the crowd--some 600 strong--informed.


At last, it was 9 am and people streamed through those doors!


The room was packed, but didn't feel crowded this year, either in the racks or


at the jewelry counter, thanks to the new layout--a bigger space with wider aisles.


There were so many great finds. Lots of glitter.


Vintage glam.

And so much more! We're only beginning to sift through our photos from this wonderful weekend and will soon learn how much money we raised to benefit Goodwill's job training and education programs. Stay tuned!

We want to hear from you too. Post a comment. Or email your story along with photos to glittersaleinsider@seattlegoodwill.org. We'd love to see and hear about your purchases, and we'll post some of your stories on the blog to share with our readers.

3 Styles, 3 Looks

Classic, vintage or street, whatever your look, we've got great pieces to add to your holiday wardrobe. This satiny strapless is stunning paired with this gold sequin shrug. Just under $40.

• Satiny green strapless dress $24.99
• Gold sequin shrug $4.99
• Gold-tone chain with faux pearls $9.99

On the street, this satin and lace dress together with a fringed leather jacket, is a perfect fit. Just under $70.

• Spaghetti strap lace dress with sparkles $9.99
• Fringed leather jacket $59.99

I love the boho vibe of this look. The vintage Leslie Fay shirt dress and cool beads rock the '70s. And this fur-trimmed coat--it's so very Penny Lane (Almost Famous). Just under $75.

• Vintage Leslie Fay dress $24.99
• Suede jacket with faux fur trim $39.99
• Beaded necklace $9.99

$25 and Under: Glitter Sale on a Budget

Shopping the Glitter Sale on a budget? Check out these three super looks we created, all under $25. You can do it too!

This gorgeous rhinestone flecked dress (click on the photo to see it enlarged) is from Coldwater Creek and has its original price tag for $99. The faux fur collar adds another element of rich sophistication. Just under $18.

• Coldwater Creek dress $14.99
• Faux fur collar $$2.99

This flowing patterned dress transforms easily from day to evening when paired with this short sequined jacket. It reminds me of the one Carrie Underwood is wearing on the cover of the latest Lucky magazine, December 2009. This outfit is just under $19.

• Flowing patterned dress $12.99
• Black sequin jacket $5.99

Wear this dress to the office, then throw this rhinestone trimmed velvet vest over it and go out to dinner. Under $25.

• Black and white dress $14.99
• Rhinestone and velvet vest $5.99
• Pearl knot necklace $2.99

Outfitting Your Wardrobe for the Holidays

Looking for a great outfit for the holiday season? Or maybe just a few choice pieces. We have what you're looking for.

This elegant long gown looks both festive and luxe with this faux fur stole jacket. For just over $50.

• Red strapless gown $39.99
• Faux fur stole jacket $12.99
  

I love this vintage--and nontraditional--holiday look. The bright green in the dress and the orange of the medallion are a riff off classic Christmas red and green. With a fun, fur-trimmed wool coat, this look is about $85.

• Fun, fur-collared coat $49.99
• Bright green vintage dress $24.99
• Gold-tone chain with orange teardrop medallion $9.99
  

For festive holiday shopping with friends, here's an easy, layered look. Under $75.

• Faux fur jacket with leather trim $24.99
• Gold knit vest $4.99
• Black camisole $1.99
• Gold-toned locket $7.99
• Triple-chain necklace $7.99
• 7 For All Mankind jeans $24.99
  

Check out this hipster men's look, with a crushed velvet jacket. Just over $40.

• Crushed velvet sports jacket $24.99
• Patterned shirt 7.99
• Cotton tee $1.99
• Gap jeans $7.99

Glitter Sale Tips

The Glitter Sale comes only once a year. Make it the best day ever by following these helpful tips:

• New this year, all clothing and jewelry, including vintage and designer pieces, will be in our newly expanded space. Outfits from the Glitter Gala fashion show will be on specially marked racks.

• Take a number for assistance at the jewelry counter. Numbers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  
• Glitter Sale clothing and accessories (shoes, purses, belts, hats) are returnable. Glitter Sale jewelry is NOT returnable.
  
  
• Wear a leotard or swimsuit to try on clothes; there are no dressing rooms.
  
  
• Pick up a blue mesh shopping bag when you arrive; shopping carts are not allowed.
  
  
• Ask a friend to join you for fun and advice.
  
  
• Bring an open mind. Goodwill shopping is always a treasure hunt, and the Glitter Sale is no different. Your never know what you might find.

Remember, all proceeds from the Glitter Sale support Goodwill's free job training and education programs in the community.

Basic Black

If you're looking for just one dress this holiday season, something to wear year in and year out, then the black dress, short or long, is it. We have racks of black gowns and LBDs like this one with rhinestone trim and pleated skirt.

This black dress reminds me of Carole Hannah's lovely Palm Beach dress on Project Runway. Remember the twisted fabric detail on the back?

And this satin gown with a deep V and rhinestone pin is absolutely stunning. It will definitely turn heads.

One Trench Coat, Two Ways

The classic trench coat is a closet staple; you can go anywhere or do anything in it. So it was exciting to come across two very different designer trench coats the other day, both slated for the Glitter Sale. This short yellow Escada trench will brighten up the rainiest of your Seattle days and put a smile on the face of everyone who crosses your path.

This long, wool twill trench coat is a Christian Dior, and in it you'll cut a fine figure as you dash about town.

Wear These Shoes for the Holidays and Long After...

Looking for something that looks great for the holidays and long after? These shoes will do the trick. Black patent peep-tow wedge sandals from Jessica Simpson.

Suede rosettes pop on these classic cut-away heels from Banana Republic.

Leather and suede kitten heels, also from Banana Republic.

This Season's Must-Have Fashion Statement? We've Got It!

From the "Sunday Styles" section of the New York Times to the pages of InStyle magazine, it's clear that this season's must-have fashion statement is the faux fur vest. As luck would have it, you'll find them, and a whole lot more this coming weekend, at the Glitter Sale.

We'll also have racks and racks of faux fur jackets and coats--here's one of my favorites, a plush faux fur topper from the Coat Room at Marshal Fields. It's the perfect foil for cold weather, and a fashionable one at that!

Glitter Glamour at the Gala

It was a glamorous evening of fashion with "real" celebrities like Ashley Robinson of the Seattle Storm and

celebrity look-alikes, like Audrey Hepburn. Our "Fashion in Film" runway show, produced in conjunction with the Art Institute of Seattle, offered up a full array of Hollywood stars.

Here's Tippi Hedren from "The Birds" and

Napoleon Dynamite.

Here, local celebrity Herb Bridge plays Tony Curtis, escorting Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot." Sixty models representing 30 films came down the runway last night, some strolled, some pranced, one somersaulted and

the exquisite Billie Holiday from "Lady Sings the Blues," positively glided. The models' clothing and accessories will be available for purchase at the Glitter Sale, Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15.

View more photos of the event on Flickr!

Tonight--It's the Glitter Gala!

At last, the Glitter Gala takes place this evening in downtown Seattle at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel! In addition to great food and fabulous jazz, we have a one-of-kind fashion show, "Fashion in Film," in store for the full crowd coming to this glamorous event!

If you can't attend tonight's Gala, we'll be streaming our fashion show live at 7:30 pm, and you can watch it by clicking on the link at the right. Remember, you can purchase the fashions you see on the runway at next week's Glitter Sale, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 14 & 15. And we'll be showcasing more of the amazing clothing and accessories that will be on sale at that event right here over the next several days. Don't miss it!

Want more Glitter Gala news? Follow GlitterSale_Gal and #GlitterGala on Twitter, for up-to-the-minute happenings and sneak peeks as well.

Did you know that proceeds from the Gala as well as your Seattle Goodwill donations made online support our free job training and education programs in the community?

Special thanks goes to our Sapphire Sponsors: Nordstrom, PEMCO and Safeway for their support of Seattle Goodwill and the Glitter Gala. Much thanks also goes to Robert Leonard Salon & Spa for providing make-up and hairstyles for all 50+ models in our fashion show and to the Art Institute of Seattle for producing "Fashion in Film".

The Glitter Gala is Just Around the Corner!

The Glitter Gala is just around the corner, on Thursday, Nov. 5th. Won't you join us at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, in downtown Seattle for this festive event?

We'll begin with a champagne reception, raffle and silent auction of a few, specially selected items. Then we'll more on to a 3-course dinner with live musical entertainment and "Fashion in Film," a runway show featuring clothing and accessories from the 2009 Seattle Goodwill Glitter Sale. "Fashion in Film," produced in cooperation with the Art Institute of Seattle and Robert Leonard Salon and Spa, is full of surprises--35 films and 50 models! Can you guess our celebrity model?

Remember, all this fun supports a good cause, free job training and education programs in our community. For tickets and information, call 206-583-8055, email rsvp@seattlegoodwill.org or order online at www.seattlegoodwill.org/glitter. We hope to see you there!

Prada, Michael, Calvin. It's All About Shoes!

Designer shoes? Here they come... I love these Prada wedges.

Michael Kors heels with studs, the hottest design trend this season!

Dream of a "White Christmas" in these winter white patent heels.

Our Own "Project Runway," and the Winning Designer Is...

Ready for the Goodwill Glitter Gala Design Challenge? Art Institute of Seattle students were given a budget of $75 to shop Seattle Goodwill and then create a design based on one of three films: Austin Powers, Flashdance or Twilight. The winner would have the opportunity to walk the runway on November 5th at Seattle Goodwill's Glitter Gala.

On Tuesday evening people were milling about the Burnley Gallery at the Art Institute on Elliott Ave. Ten designs were modeled informally and then presented individually to the judges. It was inspiring to hear how one designer used a child's rabbit costume as the skirt of a dress; another used a section of comforter as a bustle. The judges conferred out of sight. When they emerged there were four winners--and here they are. Congratulations to all!