Bridal mania and great deals at Goodwill
It's been four years, but I still shudder at the memory of venturing into the David's Bridal on Kennedy Boulevard alone on a Saturday as an eager bride-to-be. You can't go into that winter wonderland of dresses without a massive bridal party contigent. Try it solo, and risk getting bowled over by bridezillas in very poofy dresses.
Not to sound like a wet noodle, but I bet there will be similar chaos this Friday and Saturday at two area Goodwills. No, not because there is suddenly a huge demand for second-hand dishes and Uncle Larry's old socks.
Brides, take a deep breath and prepare yourselves for the second annual Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Wedding Galas. Beadwork, trains, taffeta, oh my!
For two days, the discount store will be selling a selection of 250 new wedding gowns, with prices starting at just $60. Sixty dollars! That's cheaper than half of a four-tiered cake! These gowns usually range in cost from $300 to $2,000, and include brand and designer names like Alfred Angelo, Mon Cheri, Oleg Cassini and Christina Wu. They were donated by Bridal Concepts in Seminole, Jon's Bridal and Olga's Bridal & Boutique in Tampa, and Dare to Dream Bridal in Holiday.
Yes, ladies, go ahead and dream. Dream of the veils, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses, shoes, accessories and attendant gifts that will also be available at the galas. And know that you'll be spending for really good causes. (Goodwill, and your wedding.)
The dresses will be split between two stores (with different options at each, so you might want to check out both). On Friday, go to the Brandon Goodwill Superstore at 1106 E. Brandon Blvd. On Saturday, the goodies will be at the Lakeland Goodwill Superstore at 5411 S. Florida Ave. Doors open at 6 a.m. both days.
Goodwill reps say hundreds of brides lined up in the wee morning hours last June for the sales, and nearly everything sold.
So get there early. But don't go alone. Really, I implore you, bring a bridesmaid. No, bring two. And your mom.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
(Photos: St. Pete Times photos from last year's event. Think that guy at the top was having any fun?)
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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