Book Review: The Little Black Book of Style : Nina Garcia

In 2007 Nina Garcia's The Little Black Book of Style hit the stores. Since then women across the country have edited down theirr wardrobe,bought with drama and are always properly dressed for the occasion. At least that is, those women who have read her book!

In this easy to read book on style Garcia speaks to you like a Girlfriend would over coffee. Only this girlfriend is the fashion director at Elle magazine and serves on the judging panel of Lifetime's Thursday night show Project Runway.

Nina sets the mood when each chapter opens with quotes such as:

Fashion fades,style is eternal--Coco Chanel

Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.--Bette Midler

or my favorite:

The more you know, the less you need.--Aboriginal saying

With simple step by step chapters and darling illustrations by Ruben Toledo you are shown how to Be your own muse, The Basics, Inspirations, What to wear when, Insider tips and tricks, Fashion cliff's notes Decade by Decade and closing remarks where Garcia speaks to you on a personal level and encourages the reader to most importantly:

"Find out who you are and who you want to be in the world. I hope you choose to be fabulous, daring, fun, inspired, and yourself."

I keep this book on my vanity stand so that it is always with in reach when getting dressed to go out. The Little Black Book of Style is more than just a bedside handbook though, it is a book that encourages and inspires the reader to become the best version of themselves and to embrace who they are on the inside.

Once you read this book you'll want to add the others to your collection: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion, The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart

On Trend Fall 2010

This Fall the looks that are trending are a mix of a few different eras and enough textures to over stimulate your senses. From 50's retro to 80's studded rocker you can find loud prints, harsh plaids and smooth, cool leather and someone better call PETA because designers are clearing out Granny's attic of its FUR!
Before you throw up your hands and retort back to your reliable safe basics take a moment and brush up on a few simple style rules that will at best keep you just enough "in the know" for this Season and you'll be just fine.

Clean Lines!  No matter which concept you choose to follow when shopping one thing that you will find in each collection is clean lines. Just because you will be adding layers onto your wardrobe doesn't mean you have to be frumpy. Think sleek, think greys and think fitted. What I love about that look is that it only makes you look your best. When you buy clothes that are fitted and tailored (if you don't have a tailor yet, STOP. open the yellow pages) then you appear thinner and taller. Not to mention more professional and pulled together.

Browse with through a few key pieces that you can work into your closet now and if you shop smart and choose the right colors you can mix and match these looks until Spring!

This Lauren Conrad skirt can be found at Kohls for 17.60 (as of Sept.1st) I love this vintage inspired piece. You can take a look like this from day into evening with just a simple shoe change. *BOLD ALERT* taint your lips with classic red lip stick to complete this look.

While we are on the subject of shoes imagine your ladies slipping into these Mossimo Ballet Flats at Target for only 9.80! Shoes are the one area you can take a risk in. They are not always the first thing people notice so its safe. Or! If you work behind a desk it can be your own guilty pleasure. Perhaps you are a bit timid about wrapping yourself in cheetah skin? Pair a fun zebra flat with a sleek modern look for the office and you are bound to get compliments.

Here is another piece from Kohls. This pleated ruffle shirt is from the Elle collection and its a bit of a gem for $28.00 Once again you will see the clean lines and the waist minimizer belt.This shirt has many options pair it with a pencil skirt, to a tapered trouser or even dark denim Capri's for the weekend. The cut neckline also allows you to showcase a simple necklace.

A simple trench coat is a a must staple for cooler weather. You can work in a Seasonal trend to this piece by choosing this Plaid Merona water repellent trench coat from Target for $50.00

Fellas! I didn't leave you out of this equation, I found these wool suit pants by Chaps for only $16.00 at Kohls

I couldn't get the picture to load, but I found lots of great deals for this Fall at Macy's including these Plus Size JM Collection Capri pants for $19.99 the sizes for these pants go up to  a size 18. And my favorite part about them is the fabulous buckle belt.

And last by not least:

A military inspired sleeveless black dress from Charlotte Russe for $26.00 Wear this under your trench or slip a bolero jacket over this dress to knock off the chill. Your shoe choices are also pretty endless with this dress as well.

That should get you started. Great fashion is out there and it doesn't have to be expensive!