I met Erica Schmaelzle Zdroik, when she volunteered as a backstage dresser at a charity fashion 
show I produce and host. Unbeknown to me, she bid on a silent auction item I donated, which stated, “Spend an afternoon with Bjorn Nasett, Fashion Writer/Blogger and style consultant. Set a date to shop and get input on fashion and trends.” After the show was over, she let me know that she had placed the winning bid. Frankly, I was relieved that she was the one who I would be working with on this fashion lesson. She exemplifies the young professional woman who wants to move away from a style that simply doesn’t represent who she wants to be now and into the future. We exchanged quite a few e-mails to set up our shopping trip, and here is what she let me know about her look.
“My goal is to have you give me input on how to step-up my work wardrobe. I aspire to look more polished and professional. I am 31-
years-old and have a management-level position. I really want to start looking and feeling like it! I am a fan of anything earth-friendly and locally purchased. Although, I know that would limit us a lot…I am completely open to what you think!! I would love to feel professional and yet feminine…outfits that can go from office to happy hour. I also happen to have a good handful of bridal/baby showers coming up!
Right now, I am a bit too “earthy”…Birkenstocks and skirts from R.E.I. I wear a lot of tee shirts, which I am not even sure is appropriate for a work environment.
My budget is pretty open…I am someone who can spend $7 on a tee shirt at a Goodwill and $150 on jeans or a pair of shoes at a boutique. I am into value and investing in classics.
Sadly enough, most of the items in my closet could use replacing…so taking an inventory will not help.”
Such an outpouring of honesty and willingness to change is what good fashion and style is all about. Knowing that you’re in a rut, and that what you’re wearing isn’t speaking to who you are or the position you hold, is the first step in a style upgrade!
We met on a hot and humid day at the Alterra on Humboldt and discussed our plans further. I concluded we should look for some dresses because they’re the easiest way for a woman to look pulled together as well as numerous tops, some accessories and the holy
grail, a well-fitted pair of jeans. Our first stop was at ReThreads next door because what is more “green” than gently used or repurposed clothing that is given another life at this funky boutique? There I immediately started a dressing room for her filled with dresses and tops. No luck there in the jean department. When we left, she had four dresses, two tops and two statement necklaces. Every item we purchased had her confident seal of approval. We spent around $150.
Next, off we went Downtown to the T.J. Maxx in the Grand Avenue Mall. Into the dressing room Erica stepped, and once again, we scored big – one jacket, two tops, a belt, and four fashion scarves. None of the jeans
worked, so we were ready to go. Our total here was $115.
Now for the tough part, finding a pair of jeans that fit and flatter her figure. We went into Anthropologie in the Third Ward, and I piled up the dressing room with everything from trouser jeans to skinny jeans, and we had a trying on marathon. Lucky for us, the best bet was a pair of slightly distressed skinny jeans that just happened to be on sale for $50.
I felt as though Erica really had a good start on a workable wardrobe with lots of separates and dresses that made complete outfits. So, with our afternoon spent we made plans to do a hair change the following Monday. By simply adding more layers and creating some interior 
support for her lovely blondish hair, it sprang to life! I showed her some simple ways to style it, and gave her a few makeup strategies as well. Now Erica looked as lovely on the outside as she is on the inside, so we documented it with a photo shoot done by my best friend Tom Miller.
A few days later, Erica e-mailed me a list of what she learned from our time together.
Bjorn-Again: 13 Lessons I learned
1. Stand up straight, shoulders back and tummy in…good posture can change a decent outfit into FAB!
2. An excellent hair stylist will explain how to recreate your look, using real language and easy-to-follow steps.
3. If you are feeling in any way ambivalent about your hair/makeup/fashion…do something to change it. It feels so great to have a lovely haircut that frames your face and does not tempt you to pull it back every day!
4. Blue eyes + brown cake eyeliner on top lid = a very complimentary 
duo.
5. Do not be afraid to accessorize, it can make even a plain tee shirt look office-ready.
6. Do not get overwhelmed with all of the clothing options available. Look at pictures in magazines, pick out a few looks and have a great shopping experience that stays focused on one look at a time.
7. When choosing a scarf, do not try to match everything you have to every scarf you pick. Go into the selection process thinking about what colors really interest you. Sooner or later, you will have started a collection and can figure the pairings as you go.
8. Dress the body you have today…not the one you once had or the one you anticipate…feel great NOW!
9. Ditch your earrings all together and wear a bold necklace or viceversa.
10. Think complementary colors, not always match-y, match-y. Color pairings that look great are gray/mustard yellow, purple/gray, brown/turquoise blue, etc.
11. Frame your face even when you pull your hair back; create interest with clipping a middle chunk of hair back first or twirl a few clumps of strands, weave a small braid, etc.
12. When you find a perfect staple-piece for your wardrobe, buy TWO! (i.e. the perfect black tee).
13. Always pick through the clearance bins, looking for good deals on the basics: scarves, belts and tights.
I was humbled that she would take the time to write it all out yet pleased that this kind and compassionate gal had really walked away with some solid advice and confidence in her fashion goals. Style upgrade accomplished!
*
Watch Bjorn Nasett play Emmy Award fashion police on TMJ4’s “The Morning Blend” (Aug. 30, 9 a.m.).
