Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Unlike women’s fashions, men’s attire has changed little from the time when pants were invented. Men and boys have been sporting some type of pants, shirts and jackets for centuries. Their clothes were based less on attractiveness and more on practicality. As time went on subtle variations of these basic pieces were introduced and adapted to fit the modern male. As I approach my 14th season at Fashion Week in New York City, I thought I’d share with you some of the menswear fashion photographs I’ve taken there. These images help illustrate my point of the more things change, the more they stay the same; especially in the realm of male style. These photos are from different years, but they all share the autumn/winter themes which are still relevant today!

Reflection is what it’s all about for the holiday season isn’t it? We think about the year that was and make plans for the one to come. But, that’s not the only kind of reflection we should talk about … what about all the glittering fashions that are so prevalent this time of year? Sparkle, glow, and shine was on display at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall and Winter Collections for all to see! While not all of us can wear these styles, they can definitely serve as an inspiration for ways to incorporate that reflective quality we’re ALL seeking at this time of year. I actually attended a party recently that asked guests (men and women) to wear something shiny to reflect the joy of the season! I found a knit sweater at Goodwill that was easly lightly altered to fit me. Here I’m pictured with my friend Andrea, who opted for an embellished tank. Others wore metallic bow ties, sequined dresses, metallic knits and much more. It was a great time and the atmosphere was all aglow with the twinkling lights of the clothing, as well as the sparkle of friendship. Now is the time to take a gander at some of the looks that shone brightly on the runways of New York City!

There’s one thing for certain in the world of fashion and that is its ability to change with the times, as well as the tastes of the people who wear it. Whenever I’m asked, "What’s in style?" I most often answer with, “Whatever looks best on you!” I realize people want me to tell them what’s trending, but in reality we should all wear what’s best for our lifestyle and body type. That being said, the age old question of skirt length is open to discussion, primarily because it’s gone up and down like a flagpole over the last 100 years or so. This reflects changes in society as well as the whims of fashion design. So, let’s take a look at the greatest hits of "the skirt" shall we?

As I write this post, I’m preparing clothing for a back-to-school segment for the Chicago ABC affiliate station’s morning show, “Windy City Live.” The more I peruse pictures of back-to-school fashion, the more I gain insight into what kids want to wear this year. But, I’ve also discovered that these same rules can apply for putting together great looks for anyone transcending chronological age. For the show I have four models that needed outfitting: two girls and two boys, ranging in age from five-to-nine years old. What struck me when I received the mini-models’ information from our marketing department here at Goodwill, was the very personal opinions expressed by the children about their clothing. It was their particular taste(s) coming through loud and clear! One girl professed that she doesn’t like the color pink, but she likes all kinds of pants. Practical girl, I would say. Another boy enjoys wearing shorts and the color blue. And, our smallest girl is akin to lots of colors, princess-type clothing and dance. My dilemma soon became, what can I do to please them all, as well as the producer for the show? Well, just like I do for all photo shoots and fashion shows, I went to Goodwill and found something for everyone. Here are some of my rules for finding great clothing for kids at Goodwill stores in your neighborhood … 

Here’s some tips and tricks about the way to dress as the days get lighter and brighter. The summer season lets us shed all the layers of the drab and cold, winter to show off some of our true style colors. Summer is also the time to take a long, hard look at just what makes any outfit into envy-worthy fashion. Utilizing some photographs that I’ve taken during my twice yearly stints at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, I point out the elements that anyone can use to put some punch into every outfit they wear. 

The minute the mercury rises above freezing, some people automatically reach for the athletic shorts, t-shirts and flip flops right? We’ve seen them out on the street, in the grocery store, and all around town. But, I beg to ask you, do they look fashionable? Sporting your summer fashion looks prematurely isn’t always a good thing. The importance of putting a little more thought and consideration into what you wear is what I have dedicated many years of my life to helping people understand. I know we all want to collectively strut our stuff when the sunshine makes an appearance again, but be aware that somewhere someone (like me) is watching and taking note. Herewith, the first installment of my do’s and don’ts for summertime fashion success! All photos were taken by me at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC.

Yellow keeps company on the color spectrum by residing between green and orange. Yellow has been associated with the beauty of nature like these lemons in the market of Valencia Spain, as well as golden sunshine, marigolds, buttercups, and the common dandelion. The color has been universally recognized for its association with happiness, prosperity, and pleasure wherever it’s used. It’s also one of fashion’s easiest colors to wear, yet seemingly the most frightening for people to commit to! Once again this week I’ll show you some of my photographic work from my coverage of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, and point out the way we can utilize the ideas they convey.

The word commonly used to describe a marriage between the colors of pink and orange is coral. This word is taken from marine invertebrates that inhabit tropical oceans and create a hard skeleton with sharp edges. The beauty of the branch-like coral reef itself has been used as a basis for design concepts for years, but in the fashion world, the color “coral” has been embraced over and over again during the past couple spring and summer seasons.

Layering isn’t just for the cold weather months, in case you didn’t know. Layering is a key component to any stylish outfit. Pulling together just the right elements can literally transform simple pieces of clothing into fashion. For spring and summer this year, try doing what some of the designers at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City have illustrated for us. Twice each year I pull out my Canon camera and snap some of the looks that convey ideas that we can all relate to when it comes to looking our best.

There is a serious business going on far beyond what was once the simple act of saying “I do!” With shows on television like “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Four Weddings,” “Bridezilla’s,” and many others, it seems that we ALL know a little something about the planning and stress that goes into action long before the actual march down the aisle. There are countless bridal magazines, bridal salons and specialty bridal websites along with trends that cover all facets of wedding hair and makeup. But, the wedding fashion trends are what I find to be the most interesting. With June being the most popular month for weddings (and it’s just around the corner) now seems like a good time to talk weddings! This week I want to share with you some of the latest and greatest for the DIY bride and groom, as well as those spending a small fortune just to get hitched. As I often say, good taste and good ideas are worth far more than money when it comes to having the wedding and party of your dreams!