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!

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!