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!

Vintage Finds from the Roaring '20s to the Fabulous '50s

Collectors and shoppers will be amazed at this year's selection of vintage and retro clothing. This pastel flapper dress, embroidered and beaded, is full of history.

And here is another pastel dress, but what a difference a few decades make! This 1950's-era prom dress, with frilly tulle detailing, is a remarkable example of its time.

It's Vintage Hattie Carnegie!

Hattie Carnegie was the toast of the town in 1930s New York. A fashion designer (though she never actually learned to sew!) and the owner of Manhattan's most sought-out boutique, Carnegie expanded her empire, from couture to ready-to-wear, then to jewelry and accessories, perfume and cosmetics, and handkerchiefs and hosiery. Her jewelry is still coveted for its sedate glamour, and this necklace and earring set is an exquisite example.

Mr. Blackwell's BEST Dressed List

This incrdible three-piece evening ensemble is a Mr. Blackwell original. (Yes, that Mr. Blackwell, of Blackwell's Worst Dressed List.) It's made of white satin and maribou! You can even see the incredible finishing work here, note the pink velvet trim on the inside lining of the maribou coat.

Remove the coat, and you've got his gorgeous maribou top. But, surprise! You can remove the maribou top as well and...

you've got this sexy spaghetti strap dress in white satin with 5 rows of maribou trim at the hemline. Stunning!

Designer Lovelies

Shoes? We've got them! Racks of shoes in all colors and sizes. The other day I stumbled over a few designer lovelies...

Tod's orange suede pumps. I love the double-stitching, the rickrack edging and the metal chain detail.

Orange suede Prada slip-ons. Utterly decadent!

Black buckle heels from Coach. Look at those grommets! What's your favorite shoe designer? I'll do some digging and see what I come up with!

Amazing Vintage Hats

This funky knitted ball bobs up and down as you walk,

and this little bird looks like it might just fly away.

Vintage shoppers and collectors will find some remarkable hats at this year's Glitter Sale. These vintage hats, made of soft velvet and with a ball and bird topper respectively are from the 1940's. You'll find more vintage and retro hats in amazing colors and styles as well.

Whatever Your Style, Length, Color or Size, We've Got the Dress!

This sleeveless V-neck, in siren red, is short and flirty.

This peach chiffon with big bell sleeves is long and flowing

And va-va-va-voom! This stunning white gown with gold bead detail on the bodice is a head-turner!

First time Glitter Sale shoppers tell us they never could have imagined the sheer quantity of dresses available at the sale. Or the variety. But, it's true. We have racks and racks short dresses and long gowns, hundreds of pieces in every size and style imaginable, grouped together by color, for shoppers to look through and linger over.

Was last year your first Glitter Sale? Share your experience with us!

Dressing Up with Adele Simpson

Slip into this vintage Adele Simpson shirt-dress circa 1979, and you're set for a flirty evening out circa 2009. The clingy, iridescent fabric of this dress is all the rage today!

Be First to Shop Glitter!

Wish you could have first crack at Glitter Sale merchandise without waiting in line? Well, you can! Simply enter our Preview Party Drawing—it’s free—to win an opportunity to shop for select Glitter Sale items a day before the sale actually begins.

Our Glitter Sale Preview Party takes place on Friday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 7 pm and 26 lucky shoppers (13 winners and 1 guest each) will be there! Enter to win at any one of Seattle Goodwill’s 18 stores or fill out an entry form online. All entries must be received by Oct. 23, 2009. Winners will be notified by email Nov. 4, 2009. Some restrictions apply. View drawing rules and regulations or call 860-5732 for more information.

An LBD for D8 Nite

The Glitter Sale offers hundreds of holiday dresses in all shapes, colors and sizes. You'll find chiffon evening gowns, body-hugging knits, and velvet strapless numbers. My favorite, all-purpose outfit is the Little Black Dress. With a jeweled neck, a shapely bodice and a flowing skirt, this LBD does date night proud!

Mark Your Calendar for Glitter 2009!

The Seattle Goodwill Glitter Gala (November 5) and Sale (November 14 & 15) are now on the horizon. Join us online for behind-the-scene happenings and a sneak peek of all things glitter!



First up, our Glitter Gala, a sparkling evening with an Oscar-worthy runway show. Right now, we're pulling merchandise, choosing accessories and bringing in models for "Fashion in Film", this year's exciting complement to that festive evening.

We can't share much more from this year's show with you--at least, not yet. But we can offer up last year's event, "Past, Present & Future," a look at fashion through the ages, in the video above.

You may find it hard to believe that all those marvelous fashions on the runway were available for purchase--at Goodwill's fabulously low prices--at the last year's Glitter Sale. And the same will hold true this year as well!

Don't miss "Fashion in Film" at this year's Glitter Gala. Gala tickets are $125 and can be reserved by phone at 206-583-8055 or online at www.seattlegoodwill.org/glitter. And remember, proceeds benefit Seattle Goodwill's job training and education programs in our community.