Review: The One Hundred

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia ($15.36) is one of the best fashion books I've ever read. This book is the perfect gift for anyone who is a fashion lover or looking for ways to improve their wardrobe. Don't leave home without this book whenever you go on your next shopping trip.

Most people might know Nina Garcia from Project Runway, the fierce judge who reportedly got canned from Elle Magazine. She has since then moved on to greener pastures with her second fashion book that tells you the 100 timeless essentials that will last in your closet decade after decade. Each essential is categorized alphabetically and includes a little fashion history about essential. For an example... I did'nt know that "cocktail rings" emerged during Prohibition, when women would wear large, bold rings to illegal cocktail parties. A woman would flit her hand around and draw attention to her bauble, to let you know that she was not only drinking illegally, she was doing it with class.

Even though this book is a true fashion gem, I don't agree with everything written in it. Not to try to sound snobby or anything... I'm not going to run out anytime soon to buy moccasins, Converse, or a boyfriend cardigan since I'm not into casual. Right now, this book is sitting pretty next to my Practically Posh.