Nina Garcia

This is a terrific little book. It's very short, so you can read it in a couple of days, and it's entertaining and packed with information. Granted, you may have seen this information in other places, like Philip Bloch's "The Shopping Diet" or Kathryn Finney's "How to Be a Budget Fashionista," but Nina Garcia puts her own spin on how to stay fashionable and trendy during the Great Recession. She recommends shopping in your own closet, editing your wardrobe, keeping your clothes in good show more condition by having them tailored or repaired, and washing them enough, but not too much. She has a list of basics for every woman's wardrobe. Unlike Bloch or Finney, she doesn't come up with a list of exact activities or things you can do (like freezing your credit cards); she leaves that up to you. But she does talk about repurposing and reusing the items that you have in your wardrobe and she gives resources where you can shop for good fashion on a budget. She lists brick-and-mortar stores in different cities, as well as on-line retailers and fashion resources. Ms. Garcia also shows you where to splurge and where to save.

This is a well-written book. I like Ms. Garcia's lucid, breezy and engaging style of writing, and I enjoy Ruben Toledo's illustrations, which I think really add to her books. It's a great partnership. Ms. Garcia also references the other "Project Runway" alumni, Tim Gunn, Christian Siriano and Heidi Klum and Michael Kors. Clearly she enjoys what she does, and that comes across in her writing. She keeps her perspective fresh and new and vibrant, which makes her books worthwhile reading.

Good job, Nina Garcia! show less

A swift review of style, or rather of stylists and frankly, I’m being a word-stylist if I point out the platitudes. For a review of famous names, it’s great. But there is a kind of style which women have everywhere and when it’s lacking, it seems to be a symptom that the environment is sick in some way. I was hoping for a different 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