Special savings for Veterans Day

There's something for everyone, but here's a way to get designer jewelry for less, plus all kinds of freebies for Veterans Day, including wedding gowns.

We've got the 4-1-1 on where to go and when to go starting Friday.

"There's a lot here, color, diamond, two-tone, gold and silver, and also silver pieces," says Deb Linderman, "and it's 50% off retail."

All the pieces at the Lagos sample sale are half off! The sale is Friday and Saturday, and the following Friday and Saturday.

"You can come and take a number. It's a public event," said Linderman.

If the deep discount isn't enough of a reason to spend money guilt-free, how about this, 100% of the proceeds from certain pieces will go to the non-profit, Autism Speaks.

"We think it could raise over $100,000 across the country and hopefully $10,000 here in Philadelphia," says Christina Carty.

But there is one warning, if you head to the sample sale at a peak time; you may have to wait as long as two hours.

So here's a secret, Saturdays are less crowded than Fridays, and the later in the day you get there, the better.

And instead of looking for the typical swanky Lagos logo, keep your eye out for the nondescript building, 441 North 5th Street. It's on 5th Street between Callowhill and Spring Garden.

"This is a Justin Alexander; a beautiful tulle ball gown, beautifully embellished," Madison West from "Yes to the Dress" explained. And for one lucky bride-to-be, the $1,500 gown will be absolutely free!

Madison West of "Yes to the Dress" in Huntingdon Valley is participating in a campaign called Brides Across America.

"I have 29 dresses for Veterans Day that we're going to donate to military brides-to-be to help make their wedding wishes come true," said Madison.

To get a free dress, you must be active duty or your fiancé must be an active military member serving overseas. You will have to provide official deployment documentation and photo ID.

"The event starts on Friday, Veteran's Day. It's from 10:00am to 7:00pm. It's a first-come, first-serve. So they're going to have to show up and wait in line," said Madison.

If you don't get a free dress, "Yes to the Dress" is offering a 10% discount to military brides-to-be.

Bridal chain Alfred Angelo also offers free dresses to military brides, and its special service discount is 15% off year around.

Military Mom and savings guru, Tiffany Taff, better known as Thrifty Tiff, has rounded up all kinds of Veteran's Day freebies. They are available to veterans, active duty military families and more:
• Get one free entrée at Chili's and AppleBee's.
• Free burger at Champps America
• Free Grand Slam Breakfast at participating Denny's restaurants.
• Free donut at Krispy Kreme
• Free Slurpee at 7-11
• Free six-inch at Subway
• Free lunch or dinner at McCormick and Schmick's

Web links:
http://www.lagossamplesale.com/

Lagos Sample Sale 2011
First Weekend:
Friday, November 11 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, November 12 10:00am to 5:00pm
Second Weekend:
Friday, November 18 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, November 19 10:00am to 5:00pm