The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own: Nina Garcia: 9780061664618: Amazon.com: Books

Amazon.com Review

"Simply put, these items make me feel classic. And there is no substitute for feeling this way. Ever."

In the wildly popular The Little Black Book of Style, fashion authority Nina Garcia showed women how to think about personal style in an entirely new way. Encouraging readers to creatively assert their style identities, Nina showed women of all ages how to hone and self-edit a distinct fashion voice.

With her style philosophy firmly out in the world, Nina decided to address the most popular question readers consistently ask her: Exactly what are fashion's timeless pieces?

The One Hundred answers this question and provides women with a tangible style map to follow when planning a shopping trip and stocking one's closet. With illustrations from world-renowned fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo, The One Hundred contains the 100 items that Nina believes will never go out of style, and that have become absolutely indispensible for any woman reaching for her own eternal fashion look.

About the Author

With her signature eye for style, Nina Garcia is best known for her appearance as the unerring, formidable fashion judge on the hit show Project Runway. An elite authority in the industry, she has worked in fashion houses and in fashion media, with everyone from Marc Jacobs to Elle magazine and Marie Claire. Originally from Colombia, she now makes her home in New York City.

Nina García es más conocida por su presentación como la acertada y extraordinaria jueza de la moda en el exitoso programa de Bravo Project Runway. Nacida en Colombia, es también la directora de moda de Elle, una de las principales revistas de la moda del mundo.

A Look Inside The One Hundred (Click on Images to Enlarge)

Animal Prints The Pencil Skirt The Tuxedo Jacket

Questions for Nina Garcia

Amazon.com: For someone who spends all day around beautiful clothes, it must have been hard to choose just one hundred items--how did you decide on the pieces included in your book?

Nina Garcia: Yes, editing down to one hundred was a tremendous challenge. I also made a point of keeping in mind all the different personalities and fashion moods inherent in a stylish woman. The list is based on classic items that have been around for many years and will continue to be relevant for many years to come. Knowing something about these items are key to a woman’s closet.

Amazon.com: What would you say to the many women who feel that shopping for clothes is a bit overwhelming, considering how many places there are to shop and, perhaps even more difficult, budgets to maintain. How does a woman begin to build the dream wardrobe you've laid out in your book?

Garcia: A good way to begin the process is by being self aware of just what your own style truly is. Turning inward and identifying what one really likes and dislikes, exploring one’s inner fashion voice, and ultimately feeling inspired and building on your self esteem are base blocks for cultivating personal style; all topics I touched upon in my first book, The Little Black Book of Style.

Amazon.com: Some women might feel that 100 items seems like a big number to tackle--could you name, say, five pieces that women should start off with?

Garcia: The DNA of a wardrobe and perhaps the all time best items are:

The White Shirt: Endlessly versatile, it can from the weekend to the boardroom to the red carpet. When worn correctly, the white shirt can assume so many different roles.
The Little Black Dress: Reliably chic, the LBD can go from classic to dangerously sexy.
Stiletto Heels: One of our most powerful feminine weapons of seduction are Stilettos. No need at all to go into what the potential here is.
Jeans: One of the most personal items in your closet, always practical, comfortable and carefree. Truly American.
Great Jewelry: Real or fake, big or small, jewelry adds a 'personal touch' and can instantly transform an outfit.

Amazon.com: In your book, you say it's definitely ok to purchase basic pieces from discount chains. Any tips for acquiring high end luxury items if you're a shopper on a budget? Or are luxury/designer items even necessary in a woman's wardrobe?

Garcia: The point is to shop for high value in items that will endure for many years, items that will never lose their relevance. Try not to focus on price and name brands. A truly stylish woman makes smart decision based on good taste, and the ability for an item to endure.

Amazon.com: How has your experience as a judge on Project Runway shaped your outlook on fashion?

Garcia: Being on the show has given me even more passion to support the young design talent that dots America. Also, it helps us all consider genius of the creative process. These young designers are the future of our industry, and having a forum from which they can develop their talent for all to see and appreciates is an amazing thing to be a part of.

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

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“ This book was a very quick read and really fun. ” Kelly D | 39 reviewers made a similar statement

“ This is definitely a book every stylish woman should own. ” Leonid Faybusovich | 16 reviewers made a similar statement

“ She is so classy and gives great idea to make your wardrobe the best it can be! ” fashionblondie | 5 reviewers made a similar statement

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

299 of 306 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic advice August 29, 2008

By Julie Neal TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The subhead reads "A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own." This book delivers. Author Garcia makes it clear that this list is HER list, and that every woman will have a somewhat different collection of apparel essentials. But this is a good place to start.

The list is in alphabetical order (see below). Each listing has a description and full-color illustration of the item. Many have a sidebar called Fashion 101, which is a short history of the product, often with quotes. Garcia also includes Fun Facts, her own personal favorite brands, and many fashion tips.

Especially fun are "Great Moments" segments. Great Moments in men's white shirts include Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, Elizabeth Taylor in Giant, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction.

The best thing about this book is how it elevates timeless quality over of-the-moment fads. My 14-year-old daughter looked at The One Hundred and then said she wants to save up and buy maybe one piece every other month or so, so she'll have a good collection when she gets out of high school. If a book can pass along that kind of advice to teens, I'm all for it!... Read more ›

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90 of 95 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars best style book so far September 1, 2008

By JLF

This is the best fashion/style book I have read so far (and I have several, including forty year old classics like Dariaux's). While it may be a useful exercise, it is difficult to pare a wardrobe down to 10 looks (Gunn); there's more to style than that, and Garcia knows it. Hence, the 100.... What I like about Nina's second book (I liked the first one, The Little Black Book of Style, too), is that she encourages us to develop our own style, while giving you concrete information about classic styles (e.g., the best opaque black tights--Wolford)or ones that you might be a little leery about trying; e.g., how to discreetly wear fishnet stockings, including nude ones; vintage brooches; statement necklaces. I have read the book twice...that says a lot. I enjoy Garcia's writing style, confidences about her own wardrobe and work as a fashion editor, and admonishments about how not to cheapen a look; e.g., the wrong way to wear animal prints (which I have yet to dare...)or fishnets. Garcia is very good about distinguishing between style and trends, and encourages her readers to work with what they have or to slowly acquire classics, instead of becoming a fashion victim, with the latest disposable, expensive 'it' bag or jeans. After reading about the usefulness of a black cashmere turtleneck, I bought one--love it. After the reminder about the joys of a longer camel hair coat, I picked one up on sale--hadn't had one in years. In November, while traveling in Turkey, I picked up a unique, handmade statement necklace to fill the neckline of a classic black dress or a plain white shirt. I have definitely developed my 'style' from reading this book. I also loved the illustrations by Toledo--fun and elegant!

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74 of 81 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars ooh what fun! August 30, 2008

By Kimberley Wilson

Format:Hardcover

If you're a Project Runway fan, Nina Garcia needs no introduction. Her new book, the One Hundred is on the 100 things a woman of style needs in her wardrobe. Some of her choices are surprising: faux fur?, others I disagred with: unless your backside is so small that a large butterfly can't land comfortably on it you have no business buying white jeans... but overall the book is fantastic and funny and of course, it has the fabulous illustrations by Rueben Toledo. I've read a lot of fashion books. This one is a keeper. It's going on my shelf right next to my copy of Tim Gunn's book.

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars How to spend a Million on your wardrobe and more.... November 21, 2008

By Long Island Momma

This book had some nice pictures and ideas, but I don't think it is the most helpful. It also rubbed me the wrong way telling me to buy mostly items that cost several hundreds to thousands of dollars to achieve style. We all know that style is not a matter of money, but of arranging pieces from your wardrobe in an interesting manner. I wish that Ms. Garcia would of mentioned some of her favorites some high priced to moderate priced. Ms. Garcia only mentions the high priced items. That is why I recommend the other book I read recently called: How not to look old: fast and effortless ways to look 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter, 10 times better by Charla Krupp. Since I am in my forties I found this book much more helpful in improving my style and looks, plus the author Ms. Krupp recommends low priced to high priced items.

The other books I think worth checking out if you want to improve your style are: In the dressing room with Brenda: a fun and practical guide to buying smart and looking great by Brenda Kinsel; and Brenda's wardrobe companion: a workbook for getting the look you want, with the clothes you love by Brenda Kinsel.

I enjoy reading books about style, but this one by Ms. Garcia is not the best and I do not recommend it.