Nina Garcia

In The One Hundred, fashion expert, Nina Garcia outlines 100 accessories that she deems timeless and classic assets to any woman's wardrobe. The pieces are listed and described in alphabetical order; beginning with A for the A-line dress and ending with Z for the zippered hoodie. Along with explanations as to why the pieces are included in her 100 list, Garcia gives fun trivia and historical facts regarding some of the items. Did you know, for example, that Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses were show more first designed in 1936 or that the cardigan was named after the seventh Earl of Cardigan in 1874? Garcia also gives helpful advice on selecting items, where to find them, and how to wear them (not all 100 include this information). Another enjoyable addition to the book are quotes, interspersed throughout, such as this one by Helena Rubinstein: There are no ugly women, just lazy ones (for some reason, I find that comforting). For those who fancy "seeing" what the author is describing, The One Hundred includes illustrations of the various fashions mentioned. Personally, I would have preferred photographs. While I did not agree with all of the choices on Garcia's top 100 list, I did find useful information regarding classic pieces as well as practical fashion tips. Recommended for anyone interested in fashion and/or fashion trivia. show less

Am I the only one surprised that a book on what to wear for every occasion doesn't actually contain any photographs of ideas on what to wear? Or that what to wear to get my hair cut or to meet my potential surrogate are events that so many women need help with that they make the book? The drawings are cute and charming, and worth a quick look through the book.

Okay, I admit that I am not a Fashionista. I live in a rural area and wear a uniform to work, so the chic part of my wardrobe is slim. But I would love to improve in that area (I keep watching What Not to Wear, hoping something will sink in) and this book is a great guide.

There are quite a few items on this list of 100 that I actually own, surprisingly. Little Black Dress, Wayfarer sunglasses (so glad to learn that those are classic, I've been wearing them since college), Ballet Flats, show more Cable-Knit sweater, iPod (!), Jeans (of course). L.L. Bean Tote Bag...I have several! Nice to know that I am not as far out of the fashion loop as I thought!

Some entries I will never have, I don't need an evening dress and will never spend the amount of money that will buy a car on an "investment bag." And some don't seem fashionable to me at all. White jeans, do people really wear those? And a Caftan. Really? Didn't think those were ever actually an accepted style. Outside of your own home, that is. But what do I know?

Those examples aside, this is a fun book. There are little boxes throughout with the history of different pieces and "fun facts," too. The brilliant illustrations by Ruben Toledo really make the book. No matter what your level of style, you are sure to find something that you already own listed and it will help you add the essential pieces you might be missing. show less

An excellent little fashion-style manual. It's not wordy nor very flashy. It is a slim, quick, and helpful style book. The guide on using cult fashion movies (i.e.: Breakfast at Tiffany's; American Gigalo; Belle du Jour) and music stars was very helpful, especially if you're too young (chronologically or fashionista-ly) to know the connections & influences. The movies and rock stars listed were obvious. Like most fashion/style guidebooks, I did find this one to aslo be a bit snobby. Not show more everyone can afford a 100% (and long lasting) cashmere sweater to be worn casually to supermarket. A nice arclyic and cotton blend sweater can look just as nice in both professional and personal settings. show less