Nina Garcia is a woman of style.  I own all of her books and appreciate her witty and unique way of looking at style but I must confess her book The One Hundred:  A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own is my favorite. Here’s my take on it…

Overview: The One Hundred is the second book from Nina Garcia, the same author of The Little Black Book of Style and best known for her turn as a judge on Bravo’s Project Runway. In her first book Nina encourages readers to identify their personal style, and think of their style identity in new and creative ways. In this book she tackles the question of which one hundred wardrobe items could she not live without.

It seems that EVERYONE has their list of wardrobe “essentials”. I’ll include myself in that statement!! And often it’s limited to 10 or 12…

…Nina Garcia gives you 100!! Obviously a much larger and easier target to hit.

One of the many things I like about this book is that she makes it clear from the beginning that this is her personal list, and that every woman’s must-have list will be a slightly different collection.

To make the reading more interesting, she has included for each item a description and fabulous colorful illustration by Ruben Toledo (you’ve seen his whimsical work in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar). Plus, the book is peppered throughout with “Fashion 101″ tips and historical facts, her favorite brands and humorous quotes.

It’s easy to follow and absorb small bits at a time if you don’t want a long, torturous read!

Arranged in alphabetical order, The One Hundred contains such classics as the Wrap dress, Blazer and Aviators and more frivolous items like Faux Fur, Leather Pants and Old Concert T-Shirt’s.

Don’t be scared!!

Her encouragement that it’s all about building your own personal style make you believe that you REALLY need to have everything on the list!

In a Nutshell: The best thing about this book is how Nina Garcia illustrates time and again the benefits of quality over quantity and distinguishes between style and trends. She strongly encourages that you develop your own style, all the while giving you solid information and advice about classic items and those items you’ve never thought about trying before.

She effortlessly moves from advice on the best black opaque tights (Wolford)…
…to why you need a statement necklace (to make any LBD your own, of course!)…
…to how to discreetly wear fishnet stockings (try them in nude or only let a few inches show at the knee)
…and even animal prints (only wear one at a time)…

As in the case of the fishnets and animal prints, Nina’s writing style helps to instill confidence that perhaps you really could wear these looks, while admonishing you about not cheapening the look. She also encourages you to work with what you have or acquire classics slowly instead of becoming a victim of the latest trends.

My Favorite Quote: “When you change your look so many times, it seems like you are confused. You also deny yourself any chance of developing a trademark style. Yet, when you invest deeply in pieces that you love and will love season after season, these items become yours. And when you wear these items over and over again – your mother’s heirloom necklace, your old Chanel jacket, your favorite black dress – they become a part of you. They show the world that you know who you are. You are no fashion victim. You are an original. Start dressing like one.”

Reason I Liked It: I love the ideas she presents for wearing many of the items and that she promotes style instead of fashion trends. After watching her on Project Runway and admiring her seemingly “effortless” style I realize that this is a woman who has cultivated her own style over time and is now dedicated to helping others achieve the same thing.

Could’ve Been Better: Nina has a tendency to suggest more expensive options. While I appreciate the idea of quality and that she is encouraging you to think of these 100 items as investments, it may be a little discouraging for those with a smaller budget or who are just starting their “collection”.

Who Should NOT Read it: Women who can’t think outside their box or those who don’t like lists.

Final Verdict: It’s a smart guide for women who like the idea of curating their wardrobe over time, and a great addition to the style guide you already have on fit and proportion. You DO have a book on fit and proportion, don’t you?

Buy The One Hundred if you are someone who works well with a wish list and not just concepts.

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