Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Wisconsin farm boy, Bjorn Nasett has a career that spans 30 years. He enjoys being a writer, wardrobe stylist, vintage and resale clothing expert, hair stylist, makeup artist and photographer! In his spare time he adopts senior dogs and strongly believes in pet adoption. Check out his website www.fashionfarmboy.com!

If you have specific questions send him an email at askbjorn@goodwillsew.com.

Follow Bjorn on Facebook, Twitter, PinterestTumblr and YouTube!

Watch Bjorn in action! ... See more videos featuring Bjorn (and more) on our AmazingGoodwill YouTube channel!


Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jun 11, 2014 3:17:00 PM

Do’s and Don’ts for Summer Fashion - Part 2

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. 

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 22, 2014 11:04:00 AM

Coral Chic for Spring and Summer

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.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 15, 2014 2:08:00 PM

Black, White and Spring ALL Over!

When you’re talking classic contrasts, there’s nothing quite like the crisp juxtaposition of black and white. These opposing shades on the color spectrum couldn’t be more different, yet they live in harmony in one fashionable look after another. For spring this year designers have pulled out all the stops to refresh and renew this stalwart style combination in ways that anyone can access. My illustration this week is from Deisgual, a casual clothing brand based in Barcelona, Spain. I took these photographs at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Deisgual is known for their fun innovative prints, artistic flourishes, and colorful touches. They do a range of items for men, women and children. Let’s see where they take us for spring shall we?

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Apr 3, 2014 12:28:00 PM

Everybody Promenade!

Prom (short for promenade) that semi-formal dance for high school students will be upon us again soon. This rite of passage celebrates the end of the academic school year by gathering together in gymnasiums or other venues, dressed to impress. In recent years the fashion end of the prom business has exploded, with gowns, cocktail dresses (non-alcoholic please), tuxedos and snazzy suits sharing the spotlight on the dance floor. Today’s teenage prom goers not only want to dress up and show off, but they want to be seen in the latest and greatest fashions as well. (Not to mention the coolest hair and make-up trends.) Just like all movements in the style world there are some looks showing up on the radar for the first time and others that are proven winners year in and year out. Let’s count down what the hippest guys and gals will be wearing for prom this year shall we?

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 26, 2014 1:06:00 PM

Rev Up Your Style

As warmer weather starts to bring us all out of our winter hibernation, we as human beings start thinking about all the outdoor activities we enjoy. If you live in the Milwaukee area like I do, which is also home to the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company, you may also be longing to get out on the open road on your hog (Harley slang for their motorcycles). Even if you don’t own a motorcycle, you can’t deny the attraction that the fashion industry has had with the myth of the rebellious outlaw rider and all that it entails. Initially these coats were meant to provide protection for the rider, but their intimidating presence was soon adopted by various subcultures such as punks, Goths, and metal heads. The coats have also been associated with military aviation, and the police department. In the 1953 film “The Wild Ones,” which starred a young Marlon Brando as the leader of a motorcycle gang, the leather jacket and motorcycle cap was suddenly on the fashion radar for cool cats everywhere around the world. The look of the leather jacket, paired with a t-shirt and jeans, has endured and become a classic style that can be accessible to everyone in one way or another. 

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 19, 2014 1:21:00 PM

Let's Get Physical

Fitness is all about the pursuit of strength, mobility, and a sense of well-being for a great many people. Whether you’re part of a walking club in your neighborhood, sweat it out at home to your old Jane Fonda VHS tape, or go to your local gym, everyone can realize the need for athletic wear and sportswear in a well-appointed wardrobe. So just when did workout wear morph and merge into the world of fashion?  I thought I’d take a look into some history about these casual garments and trace their progression from the gymnasium to the runway.  Is there such a thing as “fashion conscious” sweatpants?  In general, I would venture to say that the acceptance of gym clothing as casual street wear probably coincided with the changes in what were considered societal norms of day-to-day fashion.  

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 13, 2014 11:41:00 AM

Going Green

One of the enduring symbols of spring around the world is the celebration of Irish American Culture that is known as St. Patrick’s Day. Traditionally it’s a cultural and religious holiday that is celebrated on the day that Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died. While it’s a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in the United States, and elsewhere around the world, it's celebrated for fun and frolic. The celebrations here in the U.S. include a huge parade in New York City, as well as lively parties in cities and towns across the country. But, just where did the tradition of wearing green stem from? Sorry for the pun, but I was curious to know just what that grassy color symbolizes. Who hasn’t seen folks dressed in their finest green attire on the street or at work?  While doing some research I found out that the original color that was linked to Saint Patrick and his commemorative day was blue! But, based on Irish folklore, Ireland’s patron saint used a green three-leaved shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity to non-believers, and thus, the color green won out. Nowadays this shade is representative of not only Ireland, but of growth and renewal in many ways.  Green simply can’t miss as a major color for spring attire; and it provides a wee dash of lush life to any outfit all year long.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Mar 5, 2014 1:39:00 PM

5 Easy Upgrades for Spring 2014

Do you get the impression that we are ruled by the weather sometimes?  Everything we do and how we feel about it has a direct connection to the amount of sunshine we get and the temperature we see on our thermometers! For the last few weeks I have been pulling out all of my colorful garments and wearing them with impunity non-stop. Not only for the fashionable effect, but also for the way they make me feel. As we edge towards spring for what seems like an eternity, it’s time to see if your closet and wardrobe are ready for the bright days that will surely come our way soon. Your first order of business is to take stock of what you have on hand.  Pull out spring and summer items and be realistic about how you feel about them! Weed out what doesn’t fit or flatter and set aside for donation or recycling. Now you’re ready to hunt for the 5 indispensable pieces that will help you get a step up on spring style!

1. Lightweight Jacket or Trench Coat

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Feb 5, 2014 2:38:00 PM

Red Hot Fashion!

Red, rouge, crimson, scarlet, ruby, burgundy, cherry, and strawberry are all commonly linked shades of this world-class color. Red is universally associated with many emotions like danger, passion, anger and beauty. It is also a symbol of happiness in China and many other cultures around the world. In America we relate this tone to Christmas and of course Valentine’s Day. But, no matter what it reminds you of, or what shade it is, red is always red-hot when it comes to fashion. When people talk about rolling out the red carpet they’re actually calling attention to the fact that it is traditionally used to show respect and dignity to heads of state when they attend ceremonial or formal occasions. Nowadays however, most of us think of celebrities and VIPs posing for pictures in their fancy designer clothing as they attend movie premieres, award shows, or promotional events.  

Red is a universally flattering shade. There I’ve said it. Recently actress Lupita Nyong’o was the epitome of glamour as she walked the red carpet in a fresh off the runway bright red Ralph Lauren gown. I know that not everyone is a movie star, and that some folks think they can’t wear red, but I beg to differ. It’s all about how you use this classic, and in February especially, romantic coloration.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jan 23, 2014 12:06:00 PM

Scarfing it Up!

There is nothing more fashionable than a scarf. There I’ve said it! Scarves are absolutely, hands down, one of the easiest ways to: A.) Stay warm and ward off the winter chill; and B.) Update an outfit in two seconds flat!

For winter you should have a collection of scarves in a range of colors and textures of your liking for obvious practical purposes. But do they have to be so utilitarian? Let’s do a little research on this popular accessory and get to the root of its popularity. Did you know that these pieces of cloth were originally used to absorb sweat from the neck and face in Ancient Rome? Of course women started to see their potential as an accoutrement to their daily attire before long. Next thing you know, they were being made from all kinds of luxurious fabrics like wool or silk which probably felt more comfortable to the wearer than the norm of rough cotton or linen. In many countries around the world, the silk scarf was also used to delineate the rank of officers from the cotton ones worn by the rank and file. The 20th century is when the simple scarf really came into its own. With mass production and the movie business showing people the way, soon anyone and everyone could be as chic and suave as a movie star or an elegant Park Avenue swell.

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Jan 15, 2014 10:21:00 AM

Fashion Power 101

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Dec 30, 2013 1:44:00 PM

Fashion Resolution 2014 - Animal Prints

New Year’s resolutions are a big deal this time of year. They can come in as many shapes and forms as the people who make them. Some are huge life changes that require lots of planning and willpower; while others may be about adding a little adjustment here and there to spruce up or streamline things we do every day. I always say that it’s the small things that make the most impact, especially when it comes to style and fashion. So, making a resolution to step out of your comfort zone while putting yourself together for work, a party or special occasion, should be on that carefully written list as well. Learning to see ourselves differently in the literal sense can definitely help manifest those other changes we’d like to make in our lives as well. It’s all about taking that first step toward what can be a very attainable goal. This is where your local Goodwill store comes into play for you and your family all year round! By presenting you with an array of constantly changing clothing and fashion items at a fraction of retail, our stores will help you transition into the stylish person you’ve always wanted to be. While on set shooting some photos for our Living Amazing section, we decided to show how simple it could be to add some zest to your existing wardrobe with just one or two “new” items. I chose animal prints not only because they never go out of style, but because in many cases folks are a little fearful of adding them to their wardrobe. I will illustrate the ease with which you can pull together your own “call of the wild” in a confident way.