Diva Dress Sale - A Mainstream Woman's Perspective

I really do believe in all that Goodwill Industries does and stands for - otherwise I wouldn't work for them. But the upcoming Diva Dress Sale (our 1st ever!) really hits that special place in my heart! I realize Goodwill shopping isn't for everyone. I know there are the people that love shopping at Saks on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Or the ever-true Old Navy fans. Or any other popular retail store. But ladies ... if you have ANY event this spring or summer that you'll want to look your best at, you really should consider stopping by the Goodwill Diva Dress Sale and at least seeing what we have to offer.

If you're anything like me (and I think I can speak for a pretty big majority of the woman out there ... at least my friends have all agreed), I wait until a few weeks before the "big event" and decide to head out to the local mall to try and find something stunning to wear. IT NEVER WORKS OUT! I always leave either 1) crying because I didn't find one single dress, or 2) lucky to find one dress that is just "alright". Well, some of you that know me know that I recently had the opportunity to work with Georgette Braun from the Rockford Register Star and do the cover photo and a photo on the inside (and a GREAT article from Georgette) in the GO Section. Well, through that process I tried on alot of dresses from our Diva Collection. 100% honestly, I found AT LEAST 8 dresses that I loved and would have worn at any time to a special event! I couldn't believe it!

Also, most women who buy a special occasion dress only wear it once. Even dresses for occasions such as wedding receptions or cocktail parties. If I buy a dress for a wedding reception, I most definitely can't wear it to the next wedding reception and have the other ladies say, "Didn't Shannon wear that to the last wedding reception we saw her at"? So unfortunately, no matter how cute the dress, it usually only gets worn once. What a shame to spend over $100 on a dress that you only wear once. Well at this Diva Sale, the most you'll spend on a dress is $30 (and that's for our selection of wedding dresses) - reception or cocktail dresses will sell for a mere $10. Now having gone through the selection for the GO article, I honestly can say that these dresses are in PERFECT shape. They're like brand new. They've all been hand-picked by a few of our staff members from all of our stores in N. IL and S. WI and will be brought to one location - the Holiday Inn in Rockford. How convenient, right?

So now you know why I personally feel so passionate about this particular event. I truly believe in it. I believe it's the obviously smart thing to do. And I believe that any amount of money spent at the sale will go to a great cause - to help fund Goodwill's many programs that help the local community with training, education and job placement...something in this economy that is very much needed.

With all that said, if you are interested in attending here are the details: Sunday, May 16th at the Holiday Inn in Rockford (7550 East State St) from 10am to 4pm. Wear a leotard or other tight fitting clothing as fitting rooms are unavailable - you can just try on the dress right there! The Holiday Inn will be offering refreshing cocktails & other refreshments to all Divas to make for a super fun experience. Dress prices will range from $10 to $30, Shoes will be $5, Handbags will be $5, and all jewelry will be $2.

I truly hope to see you there! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

PRETTY AS A PRESENT!

Pretty as a present in this GORGEOUS dress! Get it at the DIVA Sale, coming up SOON!!!

Calling All Stateline Divas! Mark Your Calendars & Spread the Word!

Rockford Register Star (04/03/10)-by Georgette Braun
Goodwill Shows Off it's Fashionable Side

You know that peas and pods go together. And that cookies and milk are stupendous pairing. Now you can add another combo to your line of thinking: fancy fashion and Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois will host its first Goodwill Diva Dress Sale Fundraiser from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, May 16th at the Holiday Inn, 7550 E. State Street, Rockford.

The inaugural Diva Dress Sale is a doozie. Goodwill staff have gethered more than 1,000 cocktail, little-black, prom, wedding, and bridesmaid dresses in perfect condition and teh latest styles from six of its stores in Rockford, Machesney Park, Sterling, DeKalb, Beloit, WI, and Freeport.

The dresses will be priced from $10 to $30. Shoes and handbags will cost $5. And a piece of jewelry will sell for $2. The proceeds will fund Goodwill's programs that provide jobs, training and placement services for people with barriers to gaining employment in the Rock River Valley.

Special-occasion dresses for the dress sale may be dropped off before May 16th at teh Goodwill headquarters at 315 N Main Street, Rockford, from 8am to 4pm or at the six store locations, where donations of all kinds are always accepted from 9am to 8pm Mondays through Fridays, 9am to 5pm Saturdays, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.

Detailed Beautiful Purse, exclusively at Goodwill!

This gorgeous purse, like all the treasures on here, was found in a local Goodwill store. It is beautiful and in perfect condition and the beading detail is exquisite.

The photo does not even come close to doing this bag justice, as it is rich in color and the beading is precise and pretty and the handle has such pretty detailing, as well as the clasp.

This bag, selling for just $5, is an incredible bargain and will make everyone talk about your great taste! And you will be the only one with this lovely bag too -- which is a great thing!

Not your average LBD

This black dress is anything but average! We found this incredible black dress with pretty rhinestone detail on one shoulder and this gorgeous purse that matches perfectly!

Our model, Shannon, could go anywhere in this outfit and be the belle of the ball. You can get the dress and purse, along with TONS of other great finds, at the Goodwill DIVA DRESS SALE!

MAY 16, 2010 FROM 10AM -- 4PM AT THE HOLIDAY INN IN ROCKFORD!

Sparkle and Shine!!

Need a pretty accessory for your wedding, a great party, or just a night out? Check out this pretty silver bag, a great accessory for any dress or outfit. This silver purse is in PERFECT shape and very stylish!Like all the items in our DIVA Sale, this purse will make you and your outfit the talk of your event. And no one will know that you paid a Goodwill price for it! That makes you very smart and very socially conscious, as all your purchases from Goodwill fund education, training, and job placement services for people with barriers to employment.

Kiddie Couture

At the DIVA Dress Sale on May 16, we will have

beautiful dresses for ALL divas, big and small.
Here are some of our children's selections, and they

are so cute!

Every girl can be a DIVA, regardless of age, size, or style.

The floral dress is a size 3-6 months and comes with a darling beret, the pretty green dress is a children's size 8, and the beaded white dress is a children's size 6! All in impeccable condition and ready for your little Divas!

All sizes, all styles, all for you at Goodwill's DIVA Dress Sale! You can't miss this!