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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Goodwill inspires Milwaukee fashion designer

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 24, 2012 11:03:00 AM

Local designer Miranda Levy grew up in Wilton, Wisconsin and joined the military age 17. She served eight years in the Army and shortly after her tour of active duty she attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2009. Throughout her career as a designer, she has shown her wearable art fashions in shows around the Midwest including the Milwaukee Art Museum. Miranda is currently the curator of Tenth Street Gallery, as well as a freelance artist/fashion designer, and photographer for Lifetouch pre-school photography. But best of all, she is an incurable Goodwill shopper of the highest order. I caught up with her recently to get her take on our favorite store.

amazing goodwill fashion designer milwaukeeHow did you get into resale shopping?

My parents were always serious thrift store shoppers. My dad was an obsessive collector of lamps and glass decanters, while my Mom had a great eye for finding neat items and re-purposing them. When I was growing up, most of our weekends involved going to nickel and dime stores, liquidator stores, antique stores, or yard sales. As I grew older I figured out that my parent’s resale shopping was a necessity due to limited financial means, but as a little girl I was excited to hunt the isles mesmerized by the treasures that I found.

How long have you been a Goodwill shopper?

Since one opened in Tomah, Wisconsin, near my hometown of Wilton. I think it was around the time I got my driver’s license.

How often do you shop?

I shop at Goodwill on almost a daily basis. I might be a little obsessed.

Do you have a plan when you go shopping, or just wander the store?

When I’m shopping, I usually have a few things in mind that I am looking for but if I specifically set out to find something on a certain day, I never find it. I often find something that I was looking for last week or last month. Resale shopping takes patience.

It’s sort of like finding love. If you’re looking really hard you are never going to find it, but the minute you stop looking for it ... there it is, right in front of you.

How do you interpret our motto of “Reduce, reuse, and recycle” in your own life?

Reduce: For the past three years, I have vowed to purchase only resale home and clothing items. As a fashion designer, this was a challenge to reduce my personal spending while also learning through visual inspection how vintage garments were constructed.

goodwill milwaukee fashion designerReuse: I often keep my eyes open for just a certain type of fabric regardless of the garment type/style. It is less expensive to buy a Goodwill dress, coat, or blanket, which are often almost three yards of fabric by themselves, than it is to purchase one yard of brand new fabric. This is especially true when it comes to leathers, furs, and wools.

Recycle: If I purchase something and it just sits in my closet, I make sure it heads back to Goodwill. Sometimes I find the garments that I donate back in the racks. That always amuses me.

What is your favorite item you’ve ever found?

I get excited about everything I find. I recently purchased a toy gun bottle opener that I think may be the kitschiest thing that I have ever purchased at Goodwill. I adore it.

Did you know how Goodwill impacts the community? Does that have any factor in why you choose to shop there?

I know that Goodwill helps community members with job training, job placement, and other services including specialized services for military veterans and those with disabilities. Locally we have a Goodwill in Milwaukee with a huge job center filled with computers and trained staff. This service is easily accessible for anyone and is a great asset to our city. I love supporting the Goodwill mission by shopping and donating items. It’s really a no-brainer. When I shop at Goodwill, I support my community, reduce my negative impact on the environment, have fun, and look stylish.

Best Goodwill shopping tip for others?

Shop often: There is new stuff in the store every single day!
Be Patient: At first you may not find the treasures that you are looking for. Hunt the aisles with several items in mind but know that it could be awhile before you find it.

Keep an open mind: Ask yourself questions. Could it be painted? Could it serve another purpose?
Keep your eyes open: You might find something that you didn’t even know you needed, like a kitschy bottle opener.
Team up: If you keep your eyes open for things that are on your friend’s lists they will keep their eyes open for you.

Venture outside of your city: Go to several Goodwill stores in your area and outside your area. Many small towns have a better selection because there are less serious resale shoppers there.

Be NICE to the employees!!

Favorite Goodwill Store?

I really like the store on Capitol Drive. Just recently, they modified their carts to include these crazy tall poles on the left-hand side. When you walk in, it looks like people are snorkeling among the racks of clothing. It has everyone talking. People are making recommendations on how the poles could be more useful and how to decorate them. It cracks me up. On a serious note though, everyone there always seems to be in a great mood. There is always singing and dancing and the staff is super friendly and always helpful. They really deserve an award!

What inspires you about the items you find?

I love that Goodwill has given me the opportunity to build a wardrobe and domestic space that reflects my personality, which inspires my creativity every day while I design and sew in my home studio.

Topics: Bjorn Nasett, Fashion Expert, Amazing Goodwill