Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

As citizens of the United States celebrate Veterans Day each year in November, we’re asked to show our respect and thanks to the brave men and women who  keep us out of harm’s way both stateside and around the world. We honor the memories of those lost in battle and rally around those service members who continue their commitment. But did you know that the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force have also given us another gift? That would be the military-inspired fashion looks that continue to parade down runways year after year with one solid look after another. Sometimes it might be just a slight influence of detail, and other times it’s a full re-imagining of regalia suited to a high-ranking officer, but I find it quite inspiring that the garments used to protect our service men and women on their often dangerous forays into conflict also create unity in the fashion world. Is it any wonder that we would be captivated by the strength and heroism these garments represent? In daily life the way we dress is a signal of how we want others to perceive us, or even how we feel about ourselves. So why not emulate the courage, polish, and traditions of those who proudly serve us? Let’s take a look at how military influences show up in fashion again and again to fight the good fight for quality and style.

That old black magic has me in its spell, that old black magic that you weave so well,”… and so the famous song goes. There is simply nothing as chic as black when it comes to fashion so, of course, the lyrics get it exactly right. I know there are those that say “I can’t wear black,” and though it’s somewhat of a cliché, I understand where they’re coming from. Not every single person in the world looks good in head-to-toe black, however, when the right thing comes along, this no-color neutral can be the epitome of classy-and-cool style. Let’s take a look at some of the runway looks I saw at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week that really took the monochromatic dark side to new levels of high fashion.  There are elements in each of the following looks that can be translated to everyday wear for ALL of us …  

Some people plan their Halloween costumes for months, or perhaps even a year if they really want to be meticulous about it. Others are more likely to say something like, “That party is tonight?  I better find something to wear!” If you’re in the latter category, Goodwill and a couple of items from your own closet could come to your last-minute costume rescue. I brainstormed a few ideas that are easy and fun to do using clothing, and/or costume pieces you could find at one of our stores or, maybe these might be things you already have!

Rich reds. Robust burgundies. Merlot. So many wonderful wines. Though I’m not truly a connoisseur of the grape as it pertains to the alcohol, I can tell you that as a tone, color, or hue, this traditional shade is making strides on the runways of fashion week for the fall and winter ahead. I spied the deep notes of autumn wines in numerous offerings by designers at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last February. This brownish-red tone has traveled from sportswear to evening wear without even batting an eyelash … so let’s take a look at the shades and shapes that will make for an intoxicating fall-fashion season!

When the leaves start to fall it’s time to review what we have in our closets for the autumn and winter seasons to come. Yes, that means you too, men! As a guy who works in the fashion business I have a pretty good eye for what works for the average man, as well as what he might actually wear. Of course, I dress up a little more frequently than most guys do because of my job but, at the end of the day, every male needs to be in the loop about fashion and style for fall. I’m going to dispense some tips about the looks that are easy to emulate - and those that can be achieved by any man, boy, guy or dude who wants to put a little style spin on his everyday wardrobe this fall and winter.

As we look to fall we begin to take in the changes in the weather, as well as our hopefully "well-seasoned" wardrobe. Patterns and prints are mainstays of stylish looks, no secret there, but this week let’s take a look at the depth and breadth of prints when they’re paraded down the runway. Our inspiration will be the autumn and winter collections of The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City, where both unsung and well-known designers alike do their best to inspire everyone who loves new ideas. 

As a guy who covers fashion and style, I must admit that when the weather gets humid, muggy and unbearable during these “dog days of summer,” I’m more than a little bit jealous of women. Why? Because women have the option of slipping on a dress and running out the door. Depending on the dress, they’re ready to go anywhere and do anything. That’s why having a good selection of dress styles should be a priority for any gal!

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 … 

What makes people wear what they wear?  Did you ever wonder why YOU are drawn to certain pieces of clothing in your wardrobe? The obvious answer is that they make us feel good about ourselves when we wear them. It’s one of the reasons that our Goodwill stores have so many great bargains in fashion as well! What I mean by that is if you choose to wear items that make you feel and look good, you should probably donate the ones that don’t work out so well to one back to Goodwill so someone else can find their “favorite” right?  When I cover Mercedes Benz Fashion Week to score ideas and see the latest and greatest in the world of fashion, I’m also drawn to the DIY runway going on outside in the Plaza at Lincoln Center.  These people all have some kind of “it” factor that fascinated me, and great style as well. The following photos were all taken by yours truly.  

I’m sure there’s lots of us that on any given day don’t give much thought to the mechanics involved in the world around us. By this I mean the way things work - how they’re made, built or fabricated. We take for granted that the tall building where our dentist’s office is made to bear the weight of all the floors, or perhaps our favorite pair of sneakers and the way they cradle our feet perfectly. Someone indeed designs everything that we see, touch, or purchase. From architects to aviation engineers, these people have a single-minded passion, to make things better, stronger, and in some cases, more beautiful than they were before. In recent years, I have attended numerous retrospectives of fashion designers, wherein we the public are allowed into their process to help us understand just why their ideas were the cream of the crop. Famous names like Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Alexander McQueen have been celebrated for their contributions to fashion and the influence it still holds for us on what we choose to wear. Learning about fashion design and in particular the people behind the designs is a great way to increase your knowledge of style and put it to work in your own life. Recently, I went to New York City to view the Charles James: Beyond Fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Who was Charles James? Why are his designs held up as pieces of art? Those were the questions I asked myself as I entered the museum on 5th Avenue at 84th street on a gorgeous sunny afternoon a few weeks ago.