Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Winter to Spring Transitions

With today’s focus on getting more bang for our fashion buck, many designers are creating collections that can easily go from one season to another without a hitch. And, with the wildly-fluctuating weather we’ve seen across the country, it’s hard to know when to wear a parka, or simply throw on a sweater or a cape. Mom, and fashion designer, Mara Hoffman, puts a lot of ideas on display in this fall and winter collection that can make the bridge toward early spring a little more foolproof. From her ethnic prints (which are seasonless FYI), to her fun accessories and on-trend hairstyles, this collection has something for everyone. What do you see when you look at the photos below?

Inside Men's Fashion Week

I asked my dear friend, and menswear-expert Kim Cihlar, about the latest looks for dudes, blokes and regular guys this week. Here’s her spin on what’s in …

KIM:  The biggest trend seen during the New York Fashion Week men's shows was the warm-and-cozy “Revenant”-style wrap coat. Not necessarily done in fur, like the movie. This trend was interpreted by designers using thick, textural, nubby wrapped scarves like those seen at the CWST presentation, big sophisticated ponchos at Garciavelez, and even capes, like the super hero Hoodie at Greg Lauren. Brett Johnson also had some amazing options. 

Layering On Style

One of the best things about getting ready to face the day is our ability to create different outfits from our wardrobe. We do this by using foundation pieces like sweaters, shirts, coats, skirts, slacks and accessories purchased separately. Then the fun begins as we combine and layer until we’re happy with the look. In a way it’s very much like cooking. We all have favorite recipes right? So, why should dressing up be any different? You put this with that, take away something that doesn’t seem right, and in the end you perfect your own fashion menu.

Rock and Roll Runway!

The design duo Mark and Estel are very unique in the fashion world. As I waited with the rest of the photographers for their show to begin at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I didn’t know what to expect from the collection they were about to show that afternoon. 

Winter Nomads

With the “snowpocalypse” that hit hard across the country in the last week or so, I thought we could take a look at the Nicholas K  Fall and Winter Collection to see what we might make of their thoughts on fashion survival. The design duo states, “we looked to the street and to the utilitarian brilliance of uniforms to invent a new platform of luxurious, everyday sportswear with an urban edge.”  The harsh winter weather we’re experiencing made me think of films like “Mad Max,” or even “Lawrence of Arabia” with the vast landscapes covered in sand, or in our case snow! Known for their high quality and quirky details, I think you’ll find their looks interesting, to say the least. We can also take away some trends which show through their apocalyptic vision of street wear.

Elegant Elements = Future Fashion

When witnessing a great runway show, there are many things to consider. Was there a theme? What are the standout pieces? Does the designer have a clear point of view? This week, we’ll take a look at the fall and winter collection presented by New York-based designer, Vivienne Hu. For more about her work, check out her bio here. This collection seems to be a few collections in one. Thematically there are some strong visuals going on, as well as more classically-inspired interpretations of wearable looks. A little bit of influence from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s make this truly a soupçon of style for sure. 

Runway to Real-way DIY

Over the years I’ve attended a lot of fashion shows. The thing that always impresses me are the ideas behind the designer garments. Sometimes the ideas are great, and sometimes they’re not so wonderful. But, my favorite thing of all is to interpret those looks and ideas into wearable fashion you can do yourself by using things you may already have, or items you can easily find at Goodwill.  A great example of that is this DIY look that I’m going to show you how to put together. What would you call something that is a scarf, a cape, and a sweater all in one?  A scape? A swarf? Even though I don’t have a name for it, I found a simple way to make my own version of it. This is such a cool look, let me tell you what to do …

Winter Wearability

When it comes to fashion trends, sometimes the more crazy the looks are, the more the writer tries to reach for ways an average person could possibly pull off the looks. But, in a refreshing contrast to the over-the-top aesthetic, we have the design trio, Orley, who showed a no fuss, vintage-inspired collection that men and women alike could embrace. Sure there’s a few outfits only a brave soul could wear, but then again, I once wore a “leisure suit” in the 1970s. So never say never! They relied heavily on knits and other pieces which could be crafted into wearable winter outfits for almost anybody. Sleek sweaters and skirts figure into this collection (I photographed them at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) quite prominently, so take a look and see what you can glean from some of their cozy ideas.

Ringing in New Year’s Style

Where does style come from? Is it studied, or is it something we’re born with? I think the answer is BOTH. Getting inspired and excited about design is within the realm of everyone whether they think they’re stylish or not. Appreciating great fashion design and ideas doesn’t necessarily mean you want to wear them. It simply means you have an interest in incorporating new thoughts on color, shape, and texture into your own wardrobe. There is no better place to find inspiration than New York Fashion Week. In the slideshow below you’ll find examples of forward thinking from one of my favorite designers, Son Jung Wan. You can find out more about this Korean-born designer in her bio. Her clothing tells a story about design. Illustrated in vibrant hues, draping, and unconventional approaches to traditional garments, her men’s and women’s looks are playful and striking.  Just take a look at the slideshow, I’m sure you’ll be moved to add some spice to your New Year’s closet!

Happy Glitzmas!

Last year around the holidays a friend of mine hosted a party which required one thing of all the guests invited - wear something that glitters, glistens, shines, shimmers, or sparkles. So, as we’re in the last weeks of the season where people wear crazy Christmas  sweaters and other attire, it seemed appropriate to find some items that represent over-the-top style from eras past. Just like the ghost of Christmas Past, embellished and bedazzled sweaters make appearances at Goodwill throughout the year, and they just seem to cry out for someone to take them home and appreciate their gaudy beauty. And that person would be me! I started collecting “trophy sweaters” from the 1970s, 80s and 90s a few years back because I couldn’t believe the designs (which went from mild-to-wild) and I wanted to create a documentation of sorts. 

The Winter Wardrobe

The best time of year for fashion choices has to be winter. When the holiday parties are in full effect we want to shine and glow in a special, out-of-the-ordinary outfit, right? But, at the same time, we want to make practical, yet fashionable choices for work that can give us some boost when the thermometer dips down. In this article you’ll find some ideas of how to build a winter wardrobe using a few key pieces, as well as how to go for the glam without spending a fortune!

Winter Formal

Some of the most magical and beautiful fashion moments are made when people dress up for formal events in the wintertime. There’s just something about an ethereal dress that makes the wearer feel like Cinderella for the night. One of the most famous designers in the world, Tadashi Shoji, is an expert at manipulating fabric and silhouette into the most exquisite gowns and formal dresses you’ll ever see. I took these photographs during the last Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in NYC when his Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection was shown. You may be able to take some cues from the trends here but, most of all, just enjoy the view as the creations float down the runway …