Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

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. 

Fur-real DIY Infinity Scarf!

Last week I showed you how to make a cloche-style fur hat made from a faux lamb coat I got at one of our stores. There was so much fabric there once I took it apart that I decided to make a scarf, too! There was so much, in fact, I will have more projects to make using the leftovers. Talk about a great buy! Often I peruse the clothing racks at Goodwill not only for fashion, but for pieces that have a good amount of yardage, like dresses and robes. The lining for my scarf was a stretch velvet dress that I also purchased at Goodwill.  

Minimalist Tendencies

What does minimalist actually mean? To me it suggests a lack of bells and whistles, or it could also mean a lack of embellishment and flourishes. We have explored this idea in fashion over the last 100 years or so in different periods. The Art Deco period, Mid-Century Modern, 60s Modern, and then later in the 1990s a resurgence of many combinations of the above stated style periods. Simple chic designs never go out of style really.It is, therefore, a movement marrying form with function AND fashion. For example, for winter we have Korean Fashion Designer, Leyu, who showed her stripped- down styles last February at what would be the last Mercedes Benz sponsored Fashion Week in New York City. When you scroll through our slideshow of her garments below, some elements will become apparent to the viewer. Let’s go trend spotting!

Men’s Fall Fashion Rocks!

Concept Korea showcases Korean fashion designers and their best ideas at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week twice a year. I always try to attend simply because they tend to be a little more over-the-top in a good way! For Fall and Winter 2015, one of the two featured runway shows had a whimsical and out-of-the-ordinary menswear looks created by a designer named Tae Yong. His take on what men should, and could, wear for fall and winter was definitely not your basic khaki-and-button-down combo. But, like I always say, there’s an element in every outfit and garment that leads us to other trends or, it could be worn on its own instead of employing the over-the-top styling most runway shows require to make them more “showy.” Take a look at the slideshow below and you’ll find yourself smiling at some of these wacky menswear pieces! But, without a doubt you’ll develop an understanding that Tae Yong’s garments are beautifully made, and with a little modification they could become wearable to the bro’s here in the Midwest.

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 …

Costume or Couture?

Not everyone wants to be ghoulish and ghastly on Halloween. Some ladies prefer a classy and glamorous costume, and you can’t do better than a dress portraying the flapper era of the 1920s. I would avoid the fringed-type dresses and garish colors, but instead go for a sophisticated take on that look using pieces you could actually wear again! The Great Gatsby was my inspiration when I went Goodwill to find an entire outfit from the plethora of items our stores have in their Halloween section!  

Here’s what I bought and why:

“Pick 5” for Fall Fashion

We all have our methods of choosing items of interest at Goodwill each time we shop. This week I asked my stylish friend Jordan to come shopping with me and pick five items that should make every gal’s fall wardrobe must-have list. I thought she was the perfect choice to take on my “Pick 5” challenge. Here’s what she got ...

Michael Kors red patent leather coat - $39.99 at Goodwill

Is Orange the New Black?

Now I must admit, I’ve never watched the show which brought the color orange back into the public eye. But, I was at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last September when some of the top fashion designers strutted their sartorial stuff  for the world to see. This twice a year presentation is always full of fashion ideas to talk about and take note of. Prevalent on a lot of runways was the fascinating color, orange. Now I know what you’re thinking, orange is not for everyone, and maybe it shouldn’t be. But, orange can be wearable if the shade is right and the garment or accessory is on trend. Sometimes you may be hesitant to experiment a little bit with colors or styles you’ve never tried. So before you say, “I can’t wear that color,” just try on a few things featuring this shade. Orange isn’t just a marriage of the primary colors red and yellow, but it can be a compliment, and sometimes a contrast to other tones. Whether you choose a full-throttle look or just an accent, orange can really make an outfit stand out from the crowd!  Let’s take a look at a few styles inspired by this citrus sensation!

Real People, Real Fashion