Shoe blog

Shoe Shopping for the Recessionita

Fellow fashionistas recessionistas! With the world economy in shambles, I figure we should focus more of our shoe blogging efforts to bringing you footastic value on a shoe string budget.

Buying shoes from the Sigerson Morrison for Target collection is one way to enjoy the thrills of shopping without putting a huge dent in the wallet, but what if you’re looking for something a little more couture?

I was recently invited to take a sneak peak at the Seattle Goodwill’s Annual Glitter Gala Sale. For locals, it is this Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 6pm. Just click on the Glitter lick to find the directions and further details. I’m the first to admit that I’ve never bought from thrift stores before. It’s not because I’m a snob. I’m a bit OCD about cleanliness and paranoia from hearing too many urban legends about poisoned clothing got the better of me. But since the sale was for a great cause (benefiting the Goodwill’s job and education training) and I love the idea of reuse/recycling, I decided to keep an open mind. I am certainly glad I did.

I was delighted to see many highly collectable pieces, all at bargain basement prices. Some of my favorite shoes which will be on sale this weekend include these funky Dolce & Gabbana vintage wedges,

pointy with bow detailed Jimmy Choos pumps and slides,

and vintage Gucci pumps with clear heel detail similar to what we saw on the runways during Stella McCartney’s Spring 2009 show.

Even more impressive, while all items were generously donated and secondhand, there were many which appeared hardly worn at all, like these Michael by Michael Kor flats, for a ridiculously low price of $12.99!

For shoe history buffs, these Vivier-like jeweled buckle flats are a must buy. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you’ll recall that the Nordies we all love actually had humble origins as a shoe store and these “Nordstrom Best” labeled shoes took me back to the store’s beginnings.

The Glitter Gala sale will have rows and rows of shoes sorted by color. Who knows, you might discover a hidden gem amongst all the shoes. I know I saw a few Stuart Weitzman’s and Coach shoes priced at $9.99 and below.

And lest you start thinking this is just a shoe sale, I’m happy to report that the event will have more than just shoes. For more of the fabulous delights,

I almost squealed at this fabulous vintage Chloe dress. The photo does not do the dress justice.

Need something for the flower girl?

Or how about something sparkly, pink, and only $9.99?

If you are interested in wearing the clothes off my back, this is one of the items I donated to Goodwill. I can attest that it comes from a smoke free, pet free home. The beaded dress has been stored carefully in a dress bag all these years and I finally decided to part with it. Let’s hope it goes to a loving home.

The lovely ladies at Goodwill shared some tips for the event with me. First, the stock will be replenished throughout the weekend so even if you aren’t the early bird, you can rest assured knowing that you haven’t missed all the great finds at this event. Also, there won’t be any dressing rooms, so come prepared in form fitting attire to wear underneath and finally, go enter the drawing for special, early access to the sale before it opens to the general public.

There now, have I altered your opinion about shopping at Goodwill? Isn’t it a wonderful way to thrive on being thrifty?