In 2004 the world was introduced to a cutting edge new show called Project Runway. This show gave a one-of-a-kind behind the scenes view of what it took to produce a runway worthy fashion design. Each episode a group of aspiring designers is given a challenge and have to create a look based on this challenge. Some of my personal favorites include times when they have had to work with non-fabric materials such as plastics, plant life or paper.
This show also introduced the world to Nina Garcia. This Colombian born fashionista has been a judge on Project Runway since the show air on BravoTv in 2004. She has also held posts as a Fashion Director at both Elle and Marie Claire Magazines. The title "published author" can now be added to her list of achievements. She is the author of my favorite Go-To style books: The Little Black Book of Style (2007), The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own (2008), The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart (2009), and her newest best-seller The Look Book (2010). Each of her books is a collection of Garcia's best advice on how to remain chic and stylish while remaining on a budget. She is actually a huge part of the inspiration for my blog.
In this post I will be discussing what I think are the Top 10 pieces "every stylish woman must own" that are featured in Nina Garcia's The One Hundred.
Top 10 Pieces "Every Stylish Woman MUST Own"
10.) Ballet Flat: This should be a go-to shoe in every woman's closet. Though it may not give off the va-va-voom feeling of a stiletto heel, it is a staple of everyone. According to Nina, "it is simple and elegant, and remains on of the few flat shoes that the fashion world has adopted and adored". Everybody's favorite celebrities and style icons have worn stylish ballet flats, from Audrey Hepburn to Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson to Beyonce. Ballet flats will never go out of style and best of all THEY'RE COMFORTABLE!!! You can also pair your cute flats with just about everything, a pants suit for the office, a pencil skirt of happy hour, skinny jeans and cute top for a casual date night, the choice is yours. And don't be afraid of color. Ballet flats can be done in all colors, prints, and animal skins.
9.) Animal Print: This is one of my absolute FAVORITE fashion trends!!! I adore animal print and I think it should be a staple for every stylish woman because when worn it gives everyone that extra bit of sass. "The truly fashionable are always daring and never dull" says Garcia and as a stylish woman you should always keep animal print in your closet. I tend to wear animal print on days when I have presentations due for classes, on date nights, and to job interviews (though very minimally). For a small yet stylish statement wear an animal print accessory like a belt or a shoe. For a much bigger and bolder statement throw on an animal print skirt, or if you're really daring try an animal print trench coat or dress. Just make sure your dress is chic and stylish. When it comes to animal print there is a fine line between chic and cheap.
8.) Pencil Skirt: "A Pencil Skirt immediately conjures up images of femmes fatales-the best film noir has to offer. There is a power about the pencil skirt, a certain sophistication" say Nina Garcia, and I couldn't agree more. Whether to the office or a dinner party the pencil skirt can be worn just about anywhere. The draw of the pencil skirt often speaks for itself, every woman knows why she wants one even if she can't put it into words. For me, my pencil skirts are a great way for me to show off my legs while leaving plenty left to the imagination. Pair it with heels for a sexier look or dress it down with a sweet pair of ballet flats.
7.) Suit: The Suit is the ultimate expression of professional sophistication. There was once a time when it was inappropriate for women to don a suit now you can't visit an office building without one. Suits come in two main options: Pants suits and Skirt Suits. Either is appropriate for work as long as your skirt is the right length, anything above the knee is too short. Dressing up or down a suit is easy, for a casual look a plain white tee with bold accessories is Garcia's suggestion. For a more formal or professional approach a lace camisole is a great option. Make sure to keep your suit chic by wearing bold accessories and of course the perfect stilettos.
6.) Stilettos: According to Nina Garcia "You can never have too many stilettos". A stiletto can be sassy, alluring, and appealing to every woman. This shoe offers height, confidence and is a great way to accentuate your legs. Just make sure when wearing your sassy stilettos you're able to walk in them. Like I've said before it is NEVER fashionable to stumble and fall.
"A woman wear the right stiletto is a true force to be reckoned with"~Nina Garcia
5.) An A-line Dress: A-line dresses seem like they have been around since the dawn of fashion history. This is what should make them an obvious staple for your stylish closet. The A-line dress is a dress that is narrow in the top then flares out GENTLY towards the bottom. If the flare is too dramatic that is considered a bell-shape NOT an A-line. The A-line is the best style of dress for every body type, it hides any flaws or imperfections and can be worn at any length. Nina Garcia says "No matter the day, the season, or the year, the A-line dress will always make you look and feel fashionable [and] fabulous".
4.) A Trench Coat: The khaki trench coat has been a fashion staple for both men and women for years. When wearing trench what is underneath becomes somehow less important. Garcia suggests wearing this classic piece if you "feel like being a bit obscure, a bit inscrutable, a bit enigmatic, a trench coat is a must". Trenches come in many colors and designs so pick one that fits your sense of style. Pair your trench with a chic pair of sunglasses for added effect, just avoid wear a fedora. You want to look stylish not like you're a detective in an old black and white film.
3.) The Plain White Tee and Jeans: For me the top three became a tie. As the two items go so well together it also seems fitting. Giorgio Armani once said "I've always thought of the T-shirt as the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet" and Ms. Garcia certainly agrees. Plain White Tees are cheap and easy to find and can be worn with anything. Nina recommends Hanes (my personal favorite), James Perse, and Adam+Eve. You can wear your t-shirt any way and anywhere as long as its styled right. Rock your tee with a pair of skinny jeans and a cute pair of flat or boots for fall. Or wear it to the office on casual Friday with a suit and bold statement necklace. Jeans are just as versatile. Jeans are made for every stylish woman no matter, her age, taste, or body type. When shopping for jeans the rules are simple: Pick a jean that perfectly fits you. Nina cautions not to get caught up in style trends like distressing or embellishments or even the brand name. As long as the jeans fit right and look good on your your sense of style will be the focus not the designer.
2.) Underwear: "The game begins in the lingerie drawer" Says Nina. What goes under your clothes is just as important as the clothes themselves. We've all seen evidence of this, bra straps showing under tank tops, brightly colored panites under white pants, or the most dreaded fashion error a Visible Panty Line (VPL). So how do you avoid making any of these mistakes. Buy underwear that fit and make sure you wear the right undies with the right clothes. Your Plain White Tee should never be worn with your sexy red bra, and your suit should never fit too tightly so that your panty line shows. If you haven't got a clue as to your bra size I suggest you run down to the nearest Victoria's Secret and ask them for one of their complimentary fittings. Way too many woman walking around wearing the wrong sized bra. After you've found your perfect size pick out three basic bras if nothing else, one in white, black and nude. I always like to go with some fashion colors too and VS is known of course for the use of lacy and sexy animal print. Many stores lingerie, and some others, offer lines of seamless panties. At any price point I feel that these will be a very strong investment. It is a guarantee that you will never have to worry about VPL.
1.) The Little Black Dress:
If you stock your closet with none of my other suggestions please please please make sure you stock your closet with this iconic fashion staple. I feel that it should be required for every woman to own a little black dress (LBD). No matter the size or price point every woman will be able to find her perfect LBD. Nina Garcia's rules for The Little Black Dress are simple:
- Choose the best material you can find (not all are created equal) and nothing too tight or too shiny.
- Consider your LBD a blank canvas instead of a fallback. It demands to be accessorized and adorned.
- To avoid being accused of playing it safe, make sure you have a dash of daring (a dangerous stiletto, bold jewelry, etc.) and make sure it shows off your best assests.
- Remember, the reason the simple garment is so enduring is because it understands the essence of style: to step back and let the woman shine. So shine.
- It is said that you need only one, but a minimum of two is a better guideline
- Make sure you can dance in it.
Armed with your LBD you can be the life of the office or the life of a party. Make sure that you keep Nina's rules in mind when looking for your LBD and you are sure to find the perfect one for you.
Well that's it ladies: my top 10 pieces "Every Stylish Woman MUST Own". Now that you have your list go out and getting shopping. While your out be sure to pick up Nina Garcia's books, they are a must-have for every stylish woman.
Until next time stay stylish,
Lena B
For More Information on Nina Garcia:
Follow her on twitter: twitter.com/ninagarcia
Check out her website: www.ninagarcia.com
And be sure to tune into Project Runway, Thursday nights at 9pm ET on Lifetime
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