10 Responses for "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own"

1. Julie Neal June 10th, 2010 at 1:33 pm 1

   Review by Julie Neal for The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
   Rating:
   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!

   Here are the chapters:

   A: A-line Dress, Animal Print, Ankle Bootie, Aviators

   B: Ballet Flat, Bangles, Belts, Bikini, BlackBerry, Black Opaque Tights, Blazer, Boyfriend Cardigan, Brooch

   C: Cable-Knit Sweater, Caftan, Camel Coat, Cape, Cashmere Sweater, Charm Bracelet, Clutch, Cocktail Ring, Converse, Cosmetics Bag, Cowboy Boots, Cuff

   D, E, F: Denim Jacket, Diamond Studs, Driving Shoe, Espadrilles, Evening Gown, Exotic Skin Bag, Fishnets, Frye Harness Boot, Fur

   G, H, I: Gentlemen’s Hat, Gloves, Havaianas, Hobo Bag, Hoop Earrings, Investment Bag, iPod

   J, K, L: Jeans, Jewelry Pouches, Khakis, Knee Boots, Leather Pants, Lingerie, Little Black Dress, Little White Dress, L.L. Bean Tote, Luggage

   M, N, O: Mad Money, Man’s White Shirt, Mary Janes, Minnetonka Moccasin, Missoni Knit, Monogrammed Stationery, Motorcycle Jacket, Nail Polish, Old Concert T-Shirt, One-Piece Swimsuit

   P, Q, R: Pajamas, Peacoat, Pearl Necklace, Pencil Skirt, Perfume, Plain White Tee, Polo Shirt, Pucci, Push-Up Bra, Quality Champagne, Red Lipstick, Robe

   S: Safari Jacket, Sandals, Sarong, Signet Ring, Silk Scarf, Slippers, Spanx, Statement Necklace, Stilettos, Striped Sailor Shirt, Suit, Sunhat

   T, U, V: Trench, Turquoise and Coral Jewelry, Tuxedo Jacket, Umbrella, Underwear, Valid Passport, Vans, Vintage

   W, Y, Z: Watch, Wayfarers, Wellington Boot, Wide-Leg Trousers, Wrap Dress, Yoga Gear, Zippered Hoodie

2. JLF June 10th, 2010 at 1:36 pm 2

   Review by JLF for The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
   Rating:
   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!

3. Kimberley Wilson June 10th, 2010 at 2:30 pm 3

   Review by Kimberley Wilson for The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
   Rating:
   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.

4. Long Island Momma June 10th, 2010 at 2:35 pm 4

   Review by Long Island Momma for The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
   Rating:
   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.
   

5. MaryMaryQC June 10th, 2010 at 3:30 pm 5

   Review by MaryMaryQC for The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own
   Rating:
   I got this book because I really am having to redo my wardrobe from scratch. This book is entertaining to a certain extent, and the drawings are cute but at the very least I would have liked actual pictures of the items the author is talking about. The items are mostly beyond my non-Prada pocketbook, but that’s my problem, not the book’s. I think using the alphabet to organize the book was limiting in this instance, as some items looked as if they were fitted in because of it. It was fun to read about items that the glitterati love. But it’s depressing to think that you have to be rich to be stylish…

6. Anna Simmons June 10th, 2010 at 4:16 pm 6

   Review by Anna Simmons for Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
   Rating:
   This is the most beautifully illustrated book available on the history of fashion. I have looked at many, but none are so thorough and definitive for the 18th to the 20th centuries. The publisher lists the book at $49.99 (unbelievable for what you get!). It has been reprinted several times since I first became aware of it. Each time I have missed my chance to get a copy — It seems to sell out quite regularly. After almost losing hope, I was finally able to get a copy of this latest edition!
   
   The current edition is a set which consists of two large volumes. The first covers the 18th and 19th centuries, and the second is devoted to the 20th century. These two tomes are in a sturdy outer case. The illustrations are clear and detailed, making it easy to examine the construction used for the garments, and also are displayed so that one can see the overall beauty of the craftsmanship. They are truly works of art! Text is at a minimum; the books consist first and foremost of these beautiful illustrations.

7. Merrie Fuller June 10th, 2010 at 5:12 pm 7

   Review by Merrie Fuller for Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
   Rating:
   I work in a library where volume 1 of this book had been requested numerous times, so I got to see it close-up several times before eventually deciding that I needed to own it. When I ordered it, it wasn’t yet clear in the listing that it was 2 volumes, and I thought that I was getting volume 1 only–in paperback–and I still thought the price was great considering how many wonderful photographs the book contains. Imagine my surprise when I got two hefty hardback tomes!

   I ordered these books to assist in writing historical novels, wanting to inject a bit of verisimilitude in regards to the clothing involved, and it’s been a great resource. The brief essays at the beginning of each book are rich with detail about things like what corsets and dresses were called, how the clothes were worn, changing fashion trends, etc.

   I liked this so well that I’ve given copies to several friends.

8. kooky Kid June 10th, 2010 at 5:56 pm 8

   Review by kooky Kid for Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
   Rating:
   These two hc volumes are a dream!!! I found my set in Paris and dragged them around all day because I have never seen so many pounds of color photos of real archival costumes- I paid 39.00 euros- about 50 bucks- and even then it was a steal! You will love these books.

9. M. Lucas June 10th, 2010 at 6:38 pm 9

   Review by M. Lucas for Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
   Rating:
   I bought what I think is a compiled version of these two books from a local bookstore. It is similar length and has the same title. I have long been searching for a good fashion history book and this one is fabulous. Nearly every page is a large photo of a real antique costume. There is a nice balance of close-up detail photos and full photos, as well as undergarments and accessories. You can really watch the progression of fashion through nearly 300 years. I also like the amount of text that is written; just enough to explain the style progression and the political environment of the time. A picture is worth a thousand words and trying to explain a garment in text is pointless when you can just look at the picture. The only thing I wish was different is that the modern section (from about the 70’s on)features primarily avant garde experimental clothing, not the stuff we actually see on red carpets and runways.

10. Anayansi June 10th, 2010 at 7:32 pm 10

    Review by Anayansi for Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
    Rating:
    I am in the process of building my own Fashion Design Library with books that covers differents aspects of this fascinating world (drawing, patternmaking, draping, sociological, business and so forth) including Fashion History. I knew about fashion books published by Taschen during a Fashion Design Course I took last Summer in Italy. Previously I got Fashion Now (Icons) from Taschen and this one has an even better price-quality relationship: fancy presentation, high quality of the pictures and brief explanations about each century covered by the 2 volumes and most of the pieces presented. You can really spend hours!!! enjoying all the finishing details of the clothes.