By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

Exactly one year ago Todd Bozes’ wife brought him a gift. It was a brand new scale – one that registers higher weights than the standard bathroom model. Without thinking too much, Todd stepped up.

401pounds.

“I’m never eating again,” he said.

It’s the start of a new year and this week hundreds of thousands of Americans are making commitments to lose weight. According to a University of Scranton study, weight loss is the number one New Year’s resolution. But unfortunately, only 8% will achieve their desired goal.

Last year, Todd Bozes, a Goodwill store manager, was one of those people and made the resolution to lose weight. He is also a member of that 8% group.

To date, Todd has lost 142 lb’s. He has dropped from a 58” waist to a 44” waist and went down three shirt sizes. He even lost weight in his feet! Todd’s shoe size went from 12 ½ to 10 ½. His wedding band had to be adjusted. It went from fitting his ring finger to fitting his thumb.

Goodwill stores don’t resize jewelry, but Todd could find everything else he needed on the racks at Goodwill. “I bought new pants every four inches and donated clothes that I no longer could wear,” he said. Todd has met other people who do the same.

“I hope to get into a size ‘large’ shirt and 34” jeans when all is said and done,” he said.

The question he is asked the most is: “How did you do it?”

His reply, “No pills, no surgery, no restrictions. I count calories and use portion control.” He stopped drinking soda and instead drinks four bottles of water each day. He doesn’t snack at night, cutting off his food intake at 7pm. Instead of eating a heavy lunch, he walks two miles.

The simple gift of the scale was the encouragement Todd needed to protect the well-being of his family, his wife Beth, 4-year old son and brand new baby boy born January 3, 2014.

“You have to do whatever needs to be done to ensure that you are around to support and love those close to you for a long, long time. Losing this weight now is putting me in a better position to do just that,” explained Todd.

By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

We all know the look. They’re not really skinny-cut, boot-cut or straight-cut. They’re in-between. They’re thick and made from heavy, well-washed denim, usually originating from a sky-blue color. They sit a little (embarrassingly) high on the waist, and gently taper down the leg ending precisely at the tip of the shoe lace. They’re always worn with an all-purpose shiny belt, and once-in a while you’ll find them with a set of keys hanging from one of the loops.

Dad Jeans.

The all-American, all-purpose, wear-anywhere, wash-and-go comfy pant found in the dresser drawers of our beloved men.

Make no mistake. I happen to love the concept of dad-jeans. They represent solid values and priorities–families, kids, budgets, hard work. They represent that friendly guy you see in the early morning filling his car with gas. The nice guy who is all showered, shaven, hair slicked, fresh smelling, ready for his day and ready to lend a hand while making pleasant “good morning” conversation. They represent the guy who has better things to do than be concerned about making a fashion statement.

But nice guys deserve nice looks—with some pizzazz. And a visit to the local Goodwill store is just the place to get it. At Goodwill, men can try out new colors, cuts and styles and pay just a fraction of the cost of major retail stores.

With endless selections of jeans, coats, shirts and blazers, Goodwill offers great selections at thrifty prices that any budget-conscience “dad-jean-kind-of-guy” can appreciate.

Thanks to Travis Smith who manages the Goodwill store and donation center in Lemoyne, PA for modeling. His clothes came from the Goodwill store located in Palmyra, PA

By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

Sarah Evans received a tattoo for her 18th birthday as a gift from her mother. She chose a skull with tiger lilies and had it placed behind her left shoulder.

Today, Sarah is a tattoo artist at Sacred Art in Pen Argyl, PA and wears her personality and passion on her sleeve. With a half tattoo sleeve on one arm and a full sleeve on the other, Sarah’s original skull and tiger lilies continue to grow.

However, un-like the old “guns-and-roses, tough guy” image of the past, Sarah represents a new trend in tattooing. Using your sleeve-art to create harmony with personal style.

The result? A softer, more balanced and feminine look.

Most of Sarah’s wardrobe comes from the Goodwill Store in Bethlehem, PA where she and her mom are “regulars”.

“I come here all the time-I can always find something new and different,” said Sarah. “It’s funny because I don’t know what I like more…hunting for cool pieces or the actual piece itself.”

Visit your local Goodwill Thrift Store to create harmony and discover the softer side of tattoos. Endless styles, colors and fabrics await.

Follow these three tips to create your harmony….

1. Choose colors that complement your tattoo. Wear the color right next to your tattoo.
2. Choose designs the same scale as the tattoo. If your tattoo is intricate, choose intricate prints. If your tattoo is bold, choose bold prints.
3. Create balance. Wear print designs opposite your tattoo and solid colors next to your tattoo.

All clothing is from the racks of the Goodwill Store in Bethlehem, PA.

By stylist and blogger, Annette K.

Alternative dressing is the new chic. With eclectic patterns and designs layered on top of ink and piercings, this style is brave and courageous and is no longer reserved for just the young, but also for the young at heart.

Meet Nikki January—a brave and courageous “40 some-year-old” single mother, full time college student and cancer survivor. Nikki is a “regular” at Goodwill Keystone Area stores where she shops for pieces that express her unique look and personality. Nikki said, “At Goodwill, you don’t have to take a $50.00 chance on style, just a $3.00 chance.”

Whereas most 40-somethings are wearing slacks and sweaters, Nikki takes fashion chances and mixes textures and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look.

“You have to own your style, have confidence and just keep your head up,” she said.

Because of the low prices at Goodwill, Nikki stretches her dollars to have many fun looks and she has said, “I have clothes on my back because of Goodwill.”

Check out your new look at Goodwill. Endless possibilities await.

Next week get some tips on how to accentuate your tattoos. Nikki’s daughter, Sarah Evans, who is a tattoo artist, shares her secrets.

Special thanks to Phil Koch, manager at the Goodwill store in Bethlehem, PA, and Nikki and Sarah for sharing their story.

By stylist and blog writer, Annette K.

Kate Middleton’s classic style and beauty made her pregnancy seem effortless and natural. And now, her elegance and grace are synonymous with maternal fashion.

Gone are the baggy shirts, cover-all pants and over-sized sweatshirts. Today’s mom-to-be is polished, fit and confident. She wears streamlined cuts of traditional fabrics, like plaids and herringbone and completes the sleek look with leggings, camis and scarves.

Are you expecting? Don’t settle for drab colors and tired looks. Let your local Goodwill store deliver all the layers and accessories for your classic style. Endless possibilities await at Goodwill ….and you won’t need a royal budget.

Special thanks to model Jessica Klein-Goodwill Keystone Area employee, Fogelsville, PA. On October 15th Jessica gave birth to son Jase Steven. Both mother and baby are healthy and well. Congratulations!

For comments and blog suggestions, please contact Annette Kaiser at akaiser@yourgoodwill.org

Accessories and clothing are from the racks of Goodwill Keystone Area’s Fogelsville,PA store.

Photos taken from People Magazine:   Link to People Magazine article.