Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Rapid Transformation

Seasonal transition pieces are the linchpin of a well-curated wardrobe. Goodwill is a great place to search out unique items that can pair-up and layer with lighter items that work well when the thermometer fluctuates. One of my personal favorites from my own wardrobe is a denim trench coat I’ve worn for years—both in the springtime and again in the fall. Denim is perfect for straddling all four seasons. Below you’ll see photos of similar items I’ve picked up at Goodwill that represent types of clothing that’ll take you from the throws of late summer to the chills of fall. 

Fall Florals

Just because fall is on the way doesn’t mean you need to put away the florals just yet. Depending on their colors, floral patterns can and should be worn year-round. I’ve collected a few examples here of how to wear floral patterns right on into the fall.

Mad for Plaid

For many people fall and winter is all about being cozy and warm. But, to me it also evokes certain patterns that just “feel” more seasonal. Take the traditional red plaid pattern, for example. According to Wikipedia, “Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal-and-vertical bands in multiple colors. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they’re made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns.” 

Falling for Fashion

The autumn and winter fashion shows I attend in New York City are held in February, but they do reflect the season(s) ahead. One particular collection by Joanna Mastroianni from the A/W show of 2013 really stood out for a variety of reasons. It illustrates what makes us excited and interested in fashion. Mastroianni combines luxurious fabrics with stunning styling to create contemporary glamour that stands the test of time. As you’ll see in this slideshow of her work, it’s hard to place a time period on her work. It’s both classic and new all at the same time. 

Best Fall Trends!

Early last Saturday morning I joined a few hundred folks at the Boston Store in Mayfair Mall for an exclusive in-store runway show of the latest fall fashions from some of the biggest names in retail.

Fall Colors?

Some people hew to the tried and true while others walk a path few would dare to take. That’s precisely the way I feel whenever I see bold designer fashions that stray from traditional ideals. Last February at the Autumn/Winter 2016 fashion presentations in New York City, I took in a show that really proves this point in so many ways. 

Fall Loves Leather!

Hands down, one of the best buys of all at any Goodwill Store & Donation Center is jackets and coats. With prices that go from $5.99 to (at most) $19.99, (or slightly more for our high-end designer items in showcase) there is no greater fashion standout for fall and winter. Within that category I wouldn’t hesitate to add leather and/or faux leather. 

Fall’s Clean Lines

When we think of early fall and the coming winter we start to cozy up to the idea of changes in our wardrobe. Sweaters, boots and scarves start to come out of drawers, closets and storage to replace our t-shirts, sandals and shorts. But, is there anything new when it comes to autumnal fashion?

Coat Tales

As we transition from summer to autumn, do you find it difficult to know what to wear?  If you have these three types of coats you’ll have some options to up your style game as the temperature fluctuates!  You MUST have: a trench coat, moto-style jacket, and a denim jacket.

Kooky Can Be Cool ...

When looking at fashion images, it’s sometimes distracting the way models are styled for runways or presentations. I challenge you to look at the photos I took last February at the Saunder presentation. Emily Saunder was born in New York to British parents, and “her pieces encapsulate the essence of femininity, but with a quirky-eclectic twist, providing beautifully unique clothes for every occasion.” If you can see past the ghostly makeup and frizzy coiffures, you’ll notice some very wearable, and yes, edgy fashion on display. Here’s the ideas I think are cool …

Pick 5 for Fall Fashion - Part 2

Michelle Gill (shown in the photo on the left with Danette, the store manager of the Goodwill Store and Donation Center on Palmer Street in Milwaukee) is part of the team at Fashionable Demand, a fashion consulting and editorial styling enterprise. As part of my on-going series of spotlighting fashion voices and their choices, I asked her to pick five items that would make her fall fashion must-have list. Here’s what she picked and why …

Cozy Up to Fall Fashion

Now that fall has arrived, a lot of people I know can’t wait to reach for their cozy sweaters and coats for comfort from the chill. For many, fall is a favorite time of year simply because of the fashion choices we can make!  Last February in New York, I attended the BCBG MaxAzria Fall 2015 runway show, where almost every look was relaxed and cozy looking. Rich with details such as leather, woven textures, fur trim and oversized sweaters. The pieces the designer presented were wearable and fun for women of almost any age. In the Midwest, dressing for cold weather is part of our DNA, and the ideas shown in the photographs I took provide great food for thought as we inevitably head down winter’s path.