Shoe Lovers Rejoice

Shoppers tell us that the sheer number of Glitter Sale items - dresses, skirts, tops, jewelry, purses and shoes - is extraordinary. Walking the shoe rack again today I marveled at the many, many styles, from glamorous and sparkly to simple and chic. But even if you're not in the market for holiday footwear, you'll find great deals on shoes for every occasion.

I love these Pucci-esque pumps

and these block print flats a la Mondrian.


This pair with brass studs gives a whole new meaning to blue suede shoes!

Jeweled ballerina flats are the shoes for the season and this silver pair will go with everything.


These gold beaded shoes with a graceful Louis heel are positively regal.


I've been seeing shoes with straps or webbing like this in all the fashion magazines.


Very vintage, these black Mary Jane platforms are a blast from the past.


These shiny red patent leather heels are an easy way to dress up an outfit for the holidays.

Vintage Jewelry with Rhinestone Rosie

Rosie Sayyah, a.k.a. Rhinestone Rosie and the owner of the Queen Anne vintage jewelry boutique of the same name, is a longtime Goodwill supporter and our go-to person for questions regarding the Glitter Sale's vintage jewelry. Rosie recently sorted through boxes of jewelry and picked some of her favorite pieces to share with you here.

This bracelet is a good example of Art Deco era styling from the 1920s or '30s. It has clean lines, diamond-like stones and a white metal setting. Art deco jewelry is becoming very popular again.

This chunky necklace is attributed to the very collectible Juliana brand because of its large gems, special effect stones and strong shapes. Juliana pieces were produced by the costume jewelry firm DeLizza and Elster from the late 1940's to the '80s. Pieces from the Juliana line are highly collectible, but because they were never signed, identifying a true Juliana piece is an art.



This is an excellent example of an Aurora Borealis crystal bead necklace from the 1950s or '60s.



This is a sweet '60s-era pin, and it would look great on a suit.



From the 1970s or '80s comes this faux gold link bracelet by Christian Dior. Chunky bracelets are also very popular this season.

Prada, Ferragamo and More Michael Kors

I am always surprised and amazed at what I come across as I walk past the racks and bins filled with Glitter Sale shoes. Here are some of the designer finds I discovered:


This pair of Calvin Klein mules is elegantly sophisticated.





These gold Ferragamo loafers will dress up jeans for the holidays.

For a casual chic, turn to these black patent Prada sandals.



Another pair of Michael Kors flats!



Change into these classic Natori slippers at the end of the day.

Focus on Fashion with Gary Foy

If the producers of Sex in the City decided to create a new show about 20-somethings, instead of fashion stylist Patricia Field, they would no doubt hire Seattle Goodwill's own Gary Foy. With a background that includes six years as a clothing designer and another two as the buyer and owner of a vintage clothing store, Gary oversees our fashion forward, Fashion Focus departments--in fact he was their originator. Over the last few weeks Gary has been doubly busy, readying our new University District store for its Grand Opening, today, November 5, 2008 at 4 pm. Please come by, meet Gary, and see all the wonderful vintage and contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories we're offering up everyday on the Ave!

I asked Gary to take a moment out of his hectic schedule to wander behind-the-scenes through the racks of the Glitter Sale and put together a few festive outfits for us. Here are the wonderful looks he came up with:

Gary paired this ruffle chiffon tunic from BCBG Max Azria with a gray sequin shrug and jeans embellished with black beads. It's a polished, flirty look.


For out-on-the-town shopping, he matched this rhinestone sweatshirt with a black leather skirt and a black belt tipped with silver, then topped it all off with a red leather jacket. He said it would also look great with skinny jeans and pumps or flats.


Gary was drawn to this white faux fur jacket and black sequin skirt. He styled it with a beaded wool cowl neck and a silver and black Western-style belt.


And for a dressy night out, Gary chose this Jessica McClintock spaghetti strap asymmetrical dress with a fabulous balloon skirt and finished the look with a taupe wrap secured by a black rhinestone brooch.

Wedding on a Budget

Whether you're the bride, the mother-of-the-bride or a member of the bridal party, the Glitter Sale offers a number of ways to cut your costs. While our bridal gowns are just a small part of our entire sale, I couldn't help noticing some beautiful pieces, both contemporary and vintage.


In fact, we have a number of gorgeous vintage wedding dresses and this satin gown is one of my favorites.


This sweet lace, wedding gown is likely from the '60s.


I love the look of this gown, the ruffles at the neck and the flower at the hip.


This contemporaty strapless wedding gown with a long train still has its original tags.


This tiered lace dress would be lovely for a less formal wedding.


For the mother of the bride, this ecru lace dress is stunning.


This elegant strapless by Vera Wang would be beautiful on a Maid of Honor.


For the flower girl, this pink dress is just adorable.

Join Us for the Glitter Gala

It's a Glitter Sale first, an evening of fine dining, live music and fashion—including a runway show spotlighting more than 50 years of Goodwill styles—all to celebrate the Glitter Sale's 25th Anniversary. Join me on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 at 6 pm for the Glitter Gala!

Jaime Mendez, KUNS-TV News Anchor, is our host at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Ave., (get directions) for this fabulous evening, sponsored by Nordstrom and PEMCO Insurance. We’ll be treated to a champagne reception with a silent auction and raffle, followed by a classic Northwest dinner and “ Past, Present & Future,” a fashion show featuring Goodwill fashions through the ages.

You won’t want to miss this fashion extravaganza showcasing pieces from Seattle Goodwill’s Vintage Fashion Collection (past), Glitter Sale 2008 merchandise (present), and the winning designs from the Seattle Art Institute’s “Fashion for the Future” design competition (future) that uses merchandise from Goodwill stores. This runway show is a collaboration between Seattle Goodwill, the Seattle Art Institute and Robert Leonard Salon and Day Spa.

Please help us celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Glitter Sale. Tickets for the event are $125 and proceeds support Seattle Goodwill’s free job training and education programs in the community. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 206-583-8055, email development@seattlegoodwill.org or visit www.seattlegoodwill.org/glitter.

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.