All That Glitters: How Goodwill's Glitter Sale can be your Goldmine

Atten-hut! Soldiers of the style army, unite this weekend at the Seattle Goodwill GLITTER SALE, the amazing formalwear and vintage apparel, accessories, and jewelry sale - where pieces are rare and prices are astoundingly low.

For 26 years, the Seattle Goodwill has been showcasing the 'best of the best' from their donation bins in a no-holds-barred, all-out style bonanza: the famous Glitter Sale. This isn't just a goldmine of vintage and barely-worn designer and formal wear, it's also a goldmine for the community.

Goodwill Industries is best known for their free job training and education programs in the community. Last year, they helped more than 2,200 people get the skills they need to prepare for work. Your donations and purchases at the network of Goodwill thrift stores and the Glitter Sale will support their continued efforts in our community.

Last week, the Glitter Sale 'buzz' kicked off in style at the 2nd Annual Glitter Gala at the downtown Sheraton hotel. This event is a favorite around town, as it is the first chance to see some of the merchandise that will be for sale this weekend. We caught up with Darnell Sue, co-founder of Girl Power Hour and this year's Glitter Gala MC. She raved about the fashion show put on by local Art Institute students and said, "There were several pieces I had my eye on...I was delighted to see so many guests dressed in their best and everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time."

Last night, we had the opportunity to gain our own sneak peek at items set for this weekend's sale. Check out the next post to see some specific eye-catchers!

WHERE: Seattle Goodwill's Dearborn Street Store 1400 South Lane St.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday Nove 14 and 15, 9:00am to 6pm

ADMISSION: FREE *all sale proceeds benefit Goodwill's programs

ENJOY Insider access at the official Glitter Sale Blog

FOLLOW the action live via Twitter @GlitterSale_Gal

REVIEW our coverage of 2008's Glitter Sale HERE and the Glitter Gala HERE

More Blog Action...Check out Fashion, Evolved.

I read a PR blog about how fashionistas are turning into "recessionistas" and hitting up H&M, Forever 21, Target, and the ilk to get their fix without spending a ton of money. At the same time I'm reading tons of Blog Action Day posts about fighting poverty. Hmmm...

So I sincerely hope my fellow fashionistas won't start sacrificing quality just to have MORE of something. Especially when it's not only the quality of your clothing, but quite probably the quality of life of the person who makes that clothing.

Check out any "best dressed" list and you will find women who have developed a personal style based on quality wardrobe staples and not fly-by-night trendiness that falls apart. And the Fashionably Responsible best-dressed woman knows to look for clothing that is ethically produced while she's at it.

There's a lot of inspiration to be found today, but we were especially inspired by the Blog Action Day post by our friend Amanda Q over at Fashion, Evolved. She shares some startling facts about the disparity between fashion CEOs and garment worker salaries from the Sweat Shop Watch website and has some strong feelings about flash/trash fashion vs. sustainable fashion.

TAKE a moment and read Fashion, Evolved's Blog Action Post HERE