Get Ready to Glitter! Tips for Shopping

The Glitter Sale is only days away. Make the most of this fabulous event by following these useful tips:

• Take a number for assistance at the jewelry counter. Numbers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Outfits from the Glitter Gala fashion show will be on specially marked racks.
• 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 exception. 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.

Roger Vivier: "The Faberge of Footwear"

These exquisite silver pumps with rhinestone buckles are the creation of "the Faberge of Footwear," Roger Vivier and were made for Saks Fifth Avenue, probably in the early '50s. A Parisian shoe designer of the highest order, Vivier worked with both Christian Dior and Yves St. Laurent, and his fabulous footwear was worn by Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich--even Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953. You may never have a coronation, but these shoes could be yours...

"The Sounds of Style": Musical Icons at the Glitter Gala

Last night's Glitter Gala featured "The Sounds of Style," a runway romp of the fashion trends of musical icons and their eras. No doubt you'll be able to name these icons and their tunes in under six notes!

We all love Tina Turner! But what's love got to do with it? She knows how to rock 'n roll!


Seattle's own Jimi Hendrix made an appearance in a purple (haze) shirt,


and the tantalizing Sade stopped by too. She is one smooth operator.


Then out strutted the Pointer Sisters. I was so excited!

David Bowie came as Iggy Stardust.

Peggy Lee sure was hot in that bejeweled ivory coat. She gives me fever!

Good golly, Miss Molly, check out Little Richard!

And look at Lena Horne, in that sexy, sunny vintage dress. There's never stormy weather when Lena's in town.

Did you know that the clothing from this runway show came from Seattle Goodwill donations and will be available for purchase at our Glitter Sale on Sat. and Sun., Nov. 13 & 14, from 9 am to 6 pm at our Dearborn Street store. All proceeds from the Glitter Sale support free job training and education in the community. You can't beat that!

The Night We've Been Waiting For: Glitter Gala Tonight!

The excitement is palpable in our offices and around our stores: the Glitter Gala is tonight!

I'll be tweeting from Robert Leonard Salon & Day Spa later this afternoon as our models have their hair and make-up done. The staff at Robert Leonard has volunteered to turn more than 50 models into a whole host of musical entertainers--from jazz crooners to rock and rollers and everything in between.

Then I'll head over to the Sheraton Seattle Hotel to watch as this glamorous evening comes together. The event begins with a champagne reception and passed hors d'oeuvres, a raffle and a silent auction. Then we'll move on to a sit-down dinner and "The Sounds of Style," a runway romp through the intertwining worlds of fashion and music featuring Glitter Sale clothing and merchandise. Radio personalities Jackie and Bender of 106.1 KISS FM will be our Masters of Ceremonies, and Sir Mix-a-Lot is the evening's special guest.

If you can't attend tonight's Gala, follow me online--I'll be tweeting at #glittergala. And if you miss tonight's incredible fashion show, remember, you can still purchase the designs from the runway at next week's Glitter Sale, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 13 & 14. Don't miss it!

Want more Glitter news? Follow GlitterSale_Gal, #glittergala and #glittersale on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news as well as fun photos and behind-the-scene snapshots of the Glitter Sale.

Did you know that proceeds from the Glitter Gala and the Glitter Sale support our free job training and education programs in the community?

Special thanks goes to our Diamond Sponsors: Nordstrom and Safeway for their support of Seattle Goodwill and this evening's Glitter Gala. Much thanks also goes to Robert Leonard Salon & Spa for providing make-up and hairstyles for our models and to the Art Institute of Seattle for producing "The Sound of Style".

Whiting & Davis Evening Bags

Whiting & Davis is famous for its gold-tone mesh evening bags, a staple since the company's beginning in 1876. This year, the Glitter Sale has three of them!
Perfect for the party circuit, I would even take this sweet vintage mesh bag with me holiday shopping.

This elongated evening bag has an extra-long gold chain strap as well. Take it with you to your next Gala.
Look at the lovely clasp on this vintage mesh bag. Lovely!

Top Glitter Picks From Wardrobe Stylist Gretchen Bell

Gretchen Bell is a veteran wardrobe stylist who's worked on photo shoots for American Express, Target and Microsoft. She also does personal styling for real people and believes great style is about how you wear your clothes--not how much you spend on them. We agree.

That's why we invited her behind the scenes, onto the Glitter Sale floor, where she walked through racks and racks and racks of clothing. Below are a few of the pieces that caught her eye, and what she has to say about them:

"This vintage faux fur jacket is amazing. It has a darling empire waist with big pockets on the sides. It's very Mad Men. What I especially love about this coat is that it has the look of a leopard print without being traditional leopard. In fact, it's ocelot! The lining is impeccable, the details are spectacular, and the coat is only $24.99."

"This full-length sequin skirt is a total showstopper piece. I love the different gradations of gray and black and silver--it almost has a Missoni pattern to it. It would be amazing with just a white tee-shirt, a white tank, a white blouse. You don't need anything flashy on top because it's such a stand-alone piece. For a holiday party, it would be absolutely incredible. And it's only $14.99!"

"I love this Pendleton suit. It's great as separates. The skirt is just the perfect length. It would be terrific with a pair of boots and a short sleeve sweater for the holidays--navy blue, red or even a little fisherman's sweater. The jacket would be great with a pair of pants or a pair of jeans and a white blouse. You could wear it with a skirt and a turtleneck sweater or even a sequin top. It would be darling for Christmas. Plaid is so popular now. This is a classic plaid suit and it goes with everything. It's $19.99 for the two pieces, and it will never go out of style."

"This incredible men's cape from Edinburgh, Scotland is in impeccable condition. The quality and the workmanship is amazing. It's a beautiful plaid with gorgeous greens and chocolate browns. Look at the horn buttons. It's very Sherlock Holmes. This is gentleman's coat for a man who likes to be well-dressed. It's only $49.97, but it was probably hundreds of dollars originally."

"Look at this amazing blue brocade cocktail dress. It's the most stunning color. Imagine yourself in a sea of black, wearing a fabulous blue dress like this. It's really a standout. The styling is darling, so simple and classic, and the color is just unbelievable. Plus, it's only $29.99."

LBDs: Little Black (and Blue) Dresses

The 3rd Annual Glitter Gala is practically here--Thursday evening, Nov. 4th! What are you wearing?

While you won't be able to shop the Glitter Sale before this year's Gala, you can always get started on next year's outfit! And the little black (or blue) dress is perfect for the occasion. We've got an amazing selection of LBDs this year, like this St. John knit dress. The marvelous beading around the neck, reminiscent of an Egyptian collar, turns simple into stunning.

You'll sparkle on the dance floor in this slinky blue spaghetti strap dress made entirely of sequins.
This sweet LBD has an eye-catching black and gold bodice and an adorable bow.


Almost black, but not quite, I'm crazy for this beaded midnight blue dress.

For something a little different, check out this head-turning halter dress. Now, what's your pick?