Goodwill Little Black Dress Fashion Show Merrillville, IN – November 1st

Do you have your tickets yet for the  Little Black Dress Fashion Show and Boutique in Merrillville, IN?


When:
Wednesday –  November 1, 2017

Where:
Avalon Manor Banquet Center
3550 East Lincoln Highway
Merrillville, IN 46410

Boutique Hours:
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
6:30 pm – close

Fashion Show:
5:30 pm

Hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar – Before and After the Show


See YOU there!

text 2017 all rights reserved

Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique Warsaw…behind the scenes

Hi Everyone! 

Maxin and I have been busy pulling outfits and styling looks for the 20 models you’ll see on the runway at the Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique in Warsaw on Thursday, September 22.

We thought we’d give you a sneak peek into the behind the scenes of the show. We like to call this our ‘managed chaos’!  We’ve pulled together 60 looks for this year’s event. On the runway, be sure to look for that 70’s-80’s influence in the trends. Also take note of the “pumpkin spice” and “bodacious” colors in the outfits.


This is going to be an amazing event that not only supports Goodwill Industries of Michiana, but also the arts through Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.  Can’t wait to see YOU at the show, and show you how all this chaos becomes an amazingly styled event!

See you soon!

Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique – Warsaw, IN

Join us on September 22 in Warsaw, IN
for the  
Little Black Dress
Fashion Show & Boutique
 
 

 

Goodwill Industries of Michiana has once again partnered with the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts to bring the Warsaw community a one-of-a-kind event.

Enjoy sips, snacks and a fashion show featuring some of your favorite community leaders. And, of course, don’t miss the amazing finds in the LBD Boutique!

Purchase Tickets HERE

Can’t wait to see YOU at the Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique in Warsaw!

It’s almost FASHION SHOW time! LBD Merrillville, October 16th

The Goodwill Fashion Show Team is hard at work again to bring you an amazing runway show on October 16, 2014 in Merrillville, IN

For months we’ve been hunting down perfect looks at local Goodwill Stores, casting models of all ages and sizes, and finishing outfits for the runway. I can promise that those who attend this season’s show will not be disappointed! 

The pop-up Boutique that will be at the luncheon will be the best yet. Dozens of racks of great on-trend clothes, gobs of shoes, tons of designer handbags, barrels full of great jewelry… it will all be at the store!


We know that you all love coming to our luncheon fashion show events for several reasons: an amazing Runway Show, 50% Off Shopping at the pop-up Boutique and a nice luncheon with your friends.  BUT, there is so much more to this event. 

All proceeds from fashion show events will benefit Goodwill’s Mission to provide jobs, training and placement services for people with barriers to employment. Giving back into our communities can help people with barriers find a new sense of dignity, meaning and purpose.  The intent of this event is to raise awareness of the many job programs that our Workforce Development Services Division has to offer as well as educating individuals about the affordable name-brand fashions that can be purchased at our Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Stores.

There is still a little time for you to get in on the fun, get some great deals and support a great cause. Tickets can be purchased HERE.   $45 per Ticket – act fast!  Seats are selling out! 

Major Debit and Credit Cards Accepted




Hope to see YOU at the Luncheon and Fashion Show…or maybe in the pop-up Boutique!


Ode To The LBD…a fashion show poem

Twas the week before the LBD Show,
Excitement was building with those ‘in the know‘.
The fitting area a buzz with models in clothes,
“This will be great on the runway,” as anticipation continually rose.

The committee was working, intent on the details,
Me thinks it’s time to find the Black Tie and Tails!
Me with my laptop, others with an IPad,
Our brains on overload with stripes, polka dots and plaid.

When out in the plant there rose such a clatter,
“A model with no handbag”, that’s what was the matter!
 Away from the racks I flew like a bird
“A runway look, no purse?” well, that is absurd!

Florescent lights fell on a barrel of totes,
And what is that over there? A rack of new coats?
When what to my wandering eyes should appear,
But Radiant Orchid clutch! Away goes my fear!

“Now Mara, and Maxin, Mandy and Fran,
let’s put this show together! Time to finalize the plan!”
Scampering, running and steaming the clothes,
Models perfecting their runway pose.

Designer looks, styled to perfection,
The shoppers will have a super selection!
Sequins, satin and even a little lace,
“Attention to details girls, let’s pick up the pace!”

Then in a moment, I heard the rev on a motor,
The Goodwill truck was waiting, the event is getting closer.
I fretted over the finishing touch,
I believe this will be the best show yet, I believe it very much!

I packed up my car, with shoes, pants and racks,
The show will be amazing, sharing some Goodwill facts.
Tickets are going fast, call now to reserve your spot,
The best fashion show in town, miss it you should not!

Yes, seating is now limited, only a few chairs to go,
Get your ticket now if you want to see the show!
The luncheon will be grand, shopping the highlight,
See you on Thursday, get your ticket on the website. 

The Little White Dress – DIY Wedding Dress

Have you ever considered creating your own wedding dress?

I read somewhere that a $10,000 wedding is a good budget to keep in mind for a conservative wedding. WHAT?  Who has THAT kind of money in today’s economy. Most of us can afford closer to $100…and that is a few zeros away from the $10K mark.

This grand number got me to thinking…how can brides save some money planning their wedding?

We all can agree one of the most important aspects of the wedding (along with the bride and groom) is the wedding dress. This is also one element that consumes a lot of the overall wedding budget. What if I told you that you can make your own wedding dress and save THOUSANDS of dollars?

 Love the ideas on this blog for DIY wedding dresses…YES, you read that right…Do It Yourself Wedding Dress!  I especially love the advice on this blog that says:

2. Give Life to a New Dress

Have you come across a dress you absolutely love, but there is something about it that you don’t like? Well, instead of passing this by, get it! You can easily breathe new life into a dress and turn it into something all your own. For example, you could add tulle to the bottom of a dress to make it more like a ball gown. Or you could even shorten a dress so it’s more casual.
If you aren’t able to do these things on your own, then you better find a good seamstress in your area. This professional can make just about anything happen as long as you give them enough time to do so. Your ideas with a dress can come to life, but you have to make sure you use a pro who can actually help you get to the end result that you want.
A lot of brides are choosing to give dresses new lives because it can save them so much money. For example, some brides use their mother’s wedding dress and simply have it changed to be the way they would like. A lot of alterations can be made to create a dress that really fits your every desire.
– See more at: http://www.weddinggownpreservationkit.com/wedding-dress-options-create-pm-22.html#sthash.6Bbiqpi6.dpuf

“Give Life to a New Dress”
Have you come across a dress you absolutely love, but there is something about it that you don’t like? Well, instead of passing it by, get it! You can easily breathe new life into a dress and turn it into something all your own. For example, you could add tulle to the bottom of a dress to make it more like a ball gown. Or you could even shorten a dress so it’s more casual.

If you aren’t able to do these things on your own, then find a good seamstress in your area. This professional can make just about anything happen as long as you give them enough time to do so. Your ideas with a dress can come to life, but you have to make sure you use a pro who can actually help you get to the end result that you want.
A lot of brides are choosing to give dresses new lives because it can save them so much money. For example, some brides use their mother’s wedding dress and simply have it changed to be the way they would like. A lot of alterations can be made to create a dress that really fits your every desire.

I found a few other blogs with great ideas, pictures and step-by-step guides for creating the wedding dress of your dreams…ON A BUDGET!

OTHER DIY WEDDING DRESS BLOGS:
http://www.care2.com
http://www.abeautifulmess.com
http://makezine.com


Have you heard?  You can have your dream wedding or host a dream event on a budget!  See you at this amazing event sponsored by who else?  Goodwill!

Presenting… The Little White Dress – Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget!

Event 
The Little White Dress Fashion Show / Boutique / Vendor Presentations

Date / Time 
Saturday, March 1 / 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Location 
Windsor Park Conference Center
4020 Edison Lakes Parkway
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Contact
Katie Paceley / Public Relations
Phone – (574) 472-7379
Email – [email protected]

Goodwill Industries of Michiana presents The Little White Dress – Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget. It will be held on Saturday, March 1st at Windsor Park Conference Center in Mishawaka. Admission is free and doors open at 10:30 am with presentations by select vendors, a fashion show and shopping in the on-site Goodwill Boutique. Stylist and Image Consultant, Kathy Friend, will offer style tips for the big day while models present Goodwill fashions for weddings, vacations and special occasions. The afternoon will include light refreshments and helpful hints from photographers, caterers, florists and others. “Those who are

planning a wedding, or just looking for something beautiful to wear for a special event, will enjoy this opportunity to see the latest looks and shop for them in our Goodwill Boutique. And, they’ll be supporting our mission to provide jobs, training and placement services for people with barriers to employment,” shares Debie Coble, President and CEO. The boutique will include: wedding attire, honeymoon / vacation wear, prom dresses, special occasion pieces and accessories. “Is it really possible to plan a dream wedding without spending a fortune? Yes – with the help of Goodwill and our vendors. Even a destination wedding can be affordable; and we’ll show you how to do it in style,” comments Kathy Friend. Join The Little White Dress on Facebook so you don’t miss out on the vendor selection for this special event!

The Little White Dress

https://goodwill-ni.org/goodforcommunity/details.cfm?ContentDetails_id=4176

We’ve all heard of the LITTLE BLACK DRESS or the LBD.  But what is the LWD?  A Wedding Dress!  Let’s be honest ladies, what we will wear on our wedding day is something we’ve all thought about since we were little girls. This is one element of your Big Day that can quickly consume your wedding celebration budget.  What if I told you I have a solution?

Drum Roll Please…..  You are cordially invited to attend:

The Little White Dress – Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget!

This one-of-a-kind event will feature vendors, speakers, and fashion shows.  Basically everything you need to create your dream wedding or event on a budget!

Stay tuned to this blog for more details and information as the date gets closer.  I can’t wait to share with you some of the WOW details of this event.  For now…get out your calendar and mark out March 1, 2014!  You will be busy planning your dream wedding or event!

Fun Ways to Save at Goodwill

Little Shopper

In last month’s blog entry, I shared three surprising things you might not know about your Goodwill donations. I really wanted to shed some light on what possibilities your donations hold for Goodwill and how much of an impact even one bag of donations means for the company.

Of course, I am also a frugal girl at my very core and while donating is very important to me, saving money when I shop is just as important. You would be correct in thinking that Goodwill is a fabulously frugal place to shop, but what you might not realize is that there are big ways to save, that can maximize your shopping dollars further. Even in places like Goodwill, I would rarely shop without a coupon because I want to get the absolute best bang for my buck.

Here are a few easy ways to save on your next Goodwill trip. After all, who wouldn’t want to get a little more in their shopping cart for a little less?

Fit & Function: Go Go Shopper

Take Advantage of Store Sale Days– Goodwill offers lots of great savings to their customers with discount shopping days for senior citizens and the general public. Discount days can be anything from a set price for a bag of items to a designated fifty percent off day in the store. Before you plan your next shopping trip, visit the Sales Calendar on the Goodwill website to discover which days to hit your local store and save big.

Sales days are the busiest days at Goodwill so I have learned over the years that it is good to still have a shopping strategy in place. I begin by jotting down a list of things that I am specifically looking for when I shop. Next, I arrive as soon as the store opens so that the selection is at its premium and to avoid the crowds that may develop later. Third, I take a reuseable shopping bag with me when I go. With sales days being the busiest days at the store, shopping carts can be at a premium. Bringing my own shopping bag not only saves me from taking home one more plastic bag, but it also helps me carry what I need up to the register without having to maneuver around the people with my cart, or holding all of the items in my hands. Keep one of these tucked in your car and you will be very glad you did for these occasions!

Additional event promotions are featured on Goodwill’s Homepage and feature Goodwill’s own fashion blogger, Kathy Friend, who assists the Goodwill store with fashion events for the entire family. When you make donations on the days that Kathy arrives, you can receive her services and consultation at a discounted price, just for cleaning out your closet!

IMG_7599

Join Michiana Goodwill BoostersMichiana Goodwill Boosters is truly a Michiana hidden treasure that you will be happy to discover if you are a regular Goodwill shopper. For a mere $5, you are entitled to coupons for $5 off of a $10 purchase for every single month of the year. Basically, after you pay your $5, you will recoup your investment with just one coupon of the twelve you receive for your shopping throughout the year at Goodwill. Not only do you save $5 each month, but Michiana Goodwill Boosters also enjoy special discount shopping days. Instead of battling the crowds on 50% off days, you would be entitled to exclusive sale days just for members.

To join Michiana Goodwill Boosters, simply inquire at the checkout counter to register your membership. It is a $5 investment worth making to save your family money all year long.

Goodwill Doug

Make a Donation- One of the easiest ways to score savings at the store is to stop by and make a donation. An employee will happily hand you a tax receipt when you drop your items off at the Goodwill Drive-Thru Donation Center. The bonus, that makes the trip and decluttering your life entirely worth it, is that our Michiana Goodwill Stores attach a coupon to your tax deduction form that will save you a percentage on your next shopping trip.

Many times when I make a donation, I park the car and head right on in with my coupon to take advantage of my savings. Anything that gets me organized and helps me save on my shopping is a very good thing, in my book!

Check the White Board- Each day shopping at Goodwill is like a brand new adventure. Not only is the merchandise fresh daily, but the savings are fresh daily too. I always check the white board at the front of the store that will tell me the specials that day. Specials can be anything from pink tagged items, to toys, to books, to housewares. When you see the sales happening that day at the store, try to focus your shopping efforts on the deals highlighted, and you will come away with a lot of great stuff for very little money.

There is no excuse to not save money at Goodwill! For more great shopping tips visit the website for additional ideas on how to save and navigate the store.

Photo credits- Please click on the photos to access the photographer’s Flickr pages.

What are your favorite ways to save at Goodwill? Any tips for new shoppers from our regulars?

ROAD TRIP JUNE 18th!

Join me at the NEW St. John Goodwill store.  St. John is in north/western Indiana-ish (kinda close to Merrillville).  Honestly, you will NOT be sorry you made the trip!  Lots of goodies at this store…can’t wait to see you!