Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Bjorn Nasett - Goodwill Fashion ExpertBe sure to read Bjorn's weekly column for great advice. If you have specific questions send him an email at askbjorn@goodwillsew.com.

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Ditch or Switch?

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jan 8, 2014 4:15:00 PM
Coco Chanel Quotes 1When January rolls around every year, the end of year lists come out. Lists like, best and worst, top trends, and all those lists that tell you how to motivate yourself to be a new person in the year ahead. Those are all fun to read and every now and then you can actually glean some tidbits of information that are useful to you personally. Putting those nuggets of wisdom into practice however is another thing entirely. Let’s face it, to quote American businessman Peter Drucker, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” When it comes to fashion advice to help you navigate your potential style makeover, I like to stick to practical ideas that work for anyone. There is something about this time of the winter, when we’re feeling housebound, that seems like a great time to play my “Ditch or Switch” game. This is a simple game that can be played alone, with a good 1 famous inspirational quotesfriend, or someone whose advice you take seriously. It starts by creating a “ditch” box or bag that you’ll take with you into your closet, bedroom, or wherever you store your clothing. Next you’ll take a notepad and write, “switch” at the top of the page.This is where you or a friend takes notes. Let’s play!

First, go through every drawer and closet really quickly and make fast decisions on what you can purge without question.  It is best to do this as fast as you can and not really think about it. Go with your gut instinct. Remove said items to the “ditch” pile.  Remember these are items that are easy to let go, such as items that don’t fit, things you don’t wear, and things that you just don’t like anymore.  It should be simple and fast, no hesitation.

henry ford quoteNow that you’ve done the once over, it’s time to navigate what’s left in your closet, and this is where a friend comes in. You MUST try on everything else, with the exception of things you wear a lot that you obviously know fit well or you wouldn’t choose them over and over again right? It’s the other stuff that I’m talking about here. For example, sale items that you always thought you’d wear but haven’t. This should go on your “switch” list.That way when you are out shopping you have an idea of what you should look for to complement those items. Makes sense doesn’t it? You may also want to take a picture of those things that you still love but haven’t worn, for reference. Once you start this entire process you cannot quit. Fashion failure is not an option! Keep moving through all the items and ask for your friend’s HONEST feedback. Or just be honest with yourself about the reason for saving a piece of clothing or “ditching” it. Shoes, coats, accessories and the like should also be looked at with a critical Famous Quotes of Famous People 1 630x404eye. No one should “save” items for that perfect moment to wear them. Unless, you have a special occasion in the near future, that would be your only exception. Having a closet that is a museum for all the things you can’t wear, but can’t get rid of is not smart thinking. It uses up too much of our creative thought process. Keep ONLY the items that excite your senses and stimulate your fashion potential! 

I just did this again, and it took an afternoon to get it done. Once I had my “ditch” items separated from my “switch” items, it was easy to see which gently used pieces could be donated to my local Goodwill Store & Donation Center. Then, with my “switch” list in hand, I felt confident going shopping for those pieces that had the potential to take my style in a new direction!  Think about it, that is exactly what Goodwill’s mission is. To help those less fortunate take that step towards “ditching” their old life by gaining skills and experience through our programs to “switch” to a new, more promising future.  

Thomas Edison Famous Quotes

Topics: Bjorn Nasett, Fashion, Fashion Accessories, Fashion Expert, bjorn, Bjorn Nasset