Check out the newest issue of Seventeen magazine (yes, April 2006 is already out) for a WOW collection of vintage dresses, including several from Goodwill. The piece is titled Unique and Affordable Prom Dresses, and editors went hunting for vintage gowns that would "match" new, high-priced gowns worn by celebrities and shown in adjacent photos. It's fun!
And, speaking of Goodwill, if your spring or summer travels take you anywhere near Seattle, and you have time to dig through a store full of goodies, put Goodwill on your calendar. When Melissa was in Seattle last month to do an Alligators reading at the Bellevue Library, several locals told her she had to go to the main Goodwill store. They even gave her directions.
So, just as soon as she signed her last book, she hopped into the rental car and drove straight to the Dearborn Street exit on Interstate 5, just south of downtown Seattle. It's in an industrial neighborhood, and the huge store is just a few blocks east of the highway. What a place! Melissa killed two hours and left with an armload of goodies, even though she never made it to most of the racks.
If you do make it, say hi to employees Mary Lewis and Courtney; they both love and know their vintage. In fact, one of their dresses, a gorgeous pink strapless, made it into the Seventeen story.
Alligators, Old Mink & New Money, One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing was written by sisters Alison and Melissa Houtte and is available in the U.S. and Canada in both hardback (top; William Morrow/Harper Collins) and paperback (Avon Trade).
You can also buy the UK edition (Orion Publishing) in hardback in England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Orion's paperback edition (below) is also now on sale.
