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!
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Around this time of year, I like to try to bring a bit of color into my wardrobe just to spread a little cheer. I always feel a bit happier when I see bright colors toward the end of winter. As the days get longer and the sun gets brighter—so should we.
The Persians were the first people to make coats. “Coat” is also one of the first clothing category words in the English language. Later, coats were divided into over coats and under coats. Today an over coat would be considered a winter coat, and worn as the outermost layer. An under coat might now be considered a jacket or blazer, or it may even be referred to as a sport coat in men’s clothing terminology. But, no matter what you call it, a coat is the easiest way to look pulled together in a flash!
With the end of winter still a few months away, our fashion thoughts start to turn towards shifting gears a little bit. In the midst of our cabin fever we start to dream of color, texture and other ways to help ease us through until springtime. Designer Ran Fan founded her label in London in 2009, and she definitely has her own ideas on what fashion should (and can be) if you just use your imagination.
The best thing about winter dressing is that we can layer on our favorite cozy items of apparel. Consider the turtleneck sweater if you will. It is a wonderful winter basic. I’ll show you how you might wear it three different ways, depending on whom you are and where you’re going!
New Year’s fashion is always a little over the top isn’t it? Sparkly, shiny, and sometimes sheer! All these elements come into play in this fashion flashback to designer Ann Bowen’s collection for Autumn and Winter of 2012. Since starting her eponymous collection in 1999, Bowen has kept busy honing her aesthetic of ultra-feminine, yet not-too-girly couture. Expanding into the bridal world with a collection in 2009, she has definitely made her name in the New York fashion world. Her designs are currently sold at only the highest of the high-end retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, to name just a few.
Fashion designer Carolina Herrera is known for her classy, ladylike designs. While going through my archive of photos from New York Fashion Week, I came across her sumptuous winter collection from 2014. I couldn’t help but think of Jackie Kennedy during her years in the White House. The looks are reminiscent of the simple and classic lines created for that famous first lady by Oleg Cassini, and her hats by Halston. Ms.Herrara’s runway show covered the gamut from day suits and dresses, to outerwear and glamorous evening attire–all in one collection! There is quite a bit of inspiration to be taken from the dramatic, yet wearable pieces that came down the catwalk. They could easily be open to interpretation for the average person by pinpointing key elements of the designs. Take a look at my slideshow below and then get your winter chic ready by finding similar items with a similar look and feel.
Home for the holidays conjures up happy meetings and greetings of family and friends in casual settings of all kinds. Visiting homes, seeing the holiday lights, Christmas shopping and all the rest helps bring the season of giving into focus for many of us at this time of year. Dressing the part has never been easier with the wealth of resources available to you at Goodwill! There are elements that make an outfit cozy, comfy, as well as winter wonderful, so let’s take a look.
With today’s focus on getting more bang for our fashion buck, many designers are creating collections that can easily go from one season to another without a hitch. And, with the wildly-fluctuating weather we’ve seen across the country, it’s hard to know when to wear a parka, or simply throw on a sweater or a cape. Mom, and fashion designer, Mara Hoffman, puts a lot of ideas on display in this fall and winter collection that can make the bridge toward early spring a little more foolproof. From her ethnic prints (which are seasonless FYI), to her fun accessories and on-trend hairstyles, this collection has something for everyone. What do you see when you look at the photos below?
With the “snowpocalypse” that hit hard across the country in the last week or so, I thought we could take a look at the Nicholas K Fall and Winter Collection to see what we might make of their thoughts on fashion survival. The design duo states, “we looked to the street and to the utilitarian brilliance of uniforms to invent a new platform of luxurious, everyday sportswear with an urban edge.” The harsh winter weather we’re experiencing made me think of films like “Mad Max,” or even “Lawrence of Arabia” with the vast landscapes covered in sand, or in our case snow! Known for their high quality and quirky details, I think you’ll find their looks interesting, to say the least. We can also take away some trends which show through their apocalyptic vision of street wear.
When it comes to fashion trends, sometimes the more crazy the looks are, the more the writer tries to reach for ways an average person could possibly pull off the looks. But, in a refreshing contrast to the over-the-top aesthetic, we have the design trio, Orley, who showed a no fuss, vintage-inspired collection that men and women alike could embrace. Sure there’s a few outfits only a brave soul could wear, but then again, I once wore a “leisure suit” in the 1970s. So never say never! They relied heavily on knits and other pieces which could be crafted into wearable winter outfits for almost anybody. Sleek sweaters and skirts figure into this collection (I photographed them at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) quite prominently, so take a look and see what you can glean from some of their cozy ideas.
Where does style come from? Is it studied, or is it something we’re born with? I think the answer is BOTH. Getting inspired and excited about design is within the realm of everyone whether they think they’re stylish or not. Appreciating great fashion design and ideas doesn’t necessarily mean you want to wear them. It simply means you have an interest in incorporating new thoughts on color, shape, and texture into your own wardrobe. There is no better place to find inspiration than New York Fashion Week. In the slideshow below you’ll find examples of forward thinking from one of my favorite designers, Son Jung Wan. You can find out more about this Korean-born designer in her bio. Her clothing tells a story about design. Illustrated in vibrant hues, draping, and unconventional approaches to traditional garments, her men’s and women’s looks are playful and striking. Just take a look at the slideshow, I’m sure you’ll be moved to add some spice to your New Year’s closet!
The best time of year for fashion choices has to be winter. When the holiday parties are in full effect we want to shine and glow in a special, out-of-the-ordinary outfit, right? But, at the same time, we want to make practical, yet fashionable choices for work that can give us some boost when the thermometer dips down. In this article you’ll find some ideas of how to build a winter wardrobe using a few key pieces, as well as how to go for the glam without spending a fortune!
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