This book was just okay, not as good as I had hoped it to be. There was a lot brand name/label dropping. Do all women really need to own a pair of Jimmy Choos? I was expecting a more generic list, like every woman needs to own a pair of eff-me pumps. I'm disappointed. ( )

Schreckliches Buch. wenn ich schon mit "meine Damen" angesprochen werde. Und ich brauche auch keinen Hinweis, dass ich unbedingt ein kleines Schwarzes oder Ballerinas haben muss. So ein Quatsch. Der Stil des Buches gefällt mir absolut nicht. Auch die Zeichungen finde ich blöd. Alles ultradünne Bohnenstangen in High Heels. Naja, ich bin erst halb durch. Die Stelle, an der es Tipps zur Schärfung des eigenen Stils geben soll, kommt vielleicht noch. Bisher will Frau Garcia mir nur Ihren Stil aufdrängen.
Bis zum Schluss war das Buch nicht besser. Auch die eingestreuten Produktplatzierungen haben mir nicht gefallen. Was sollen die eingestreuten Geschichten von Frauen im zweiten Weltkrieg, die Mehlsäcke zu Kleidung umfunktionierten etc., mir sagen? Vor allem, wenn anschließend das Hohe Lied auf Firmen wie H & M gesungen wird. Fazit, wenn ich auf der Suche nach Stil bin, ist dieses Buch nicht hilfreich. ( )

A handy guide to the 100 pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe (or handbag). This list not only includes apparel, but also accessories, shoes, the Crackberry, the iPod, sunglasses, various kinds of hats, makeup, skincare, lingerie, and prints, patterns and colors to include in planning your style. Ms. Garcia provides resources where one can find the items she mentions, at both designer and budget price points. She recommends spending the money for a really good quality item that's going to last you a long time and remain current, and saving on trendier items or items that are not meant to last that long.

The book is divided up by letters of the alphabet, generally three at a time. Once again, as is the case with all Ms. Garcia's books, the lavish illustrations were done by Ruben Toledo, and they are fabulous. ( )

In The One Hundred, fashion expert, Nina Garcia outlines 100 accessories that she deems timeless and classic assets to any woman's wardrobe. The pieces are listed and described in alphabetical order; beginning with A for the A-line dress and ending with Z for the zippered hoodie. Along with explanations as to why the pieces are included in her 100 list, Garcia gives fun trivia and historical facts regarding some of the items. Did you know, for example, that Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses were first designed in 1936 or that the cardigan was named after the seventh Earl of Cardigan in 1874? Garcia also gives helpful advice on selecting items, where to find them, and how to wear them (not all 100 include this information). Another enjoyable addition to the book are quotes, interspersed throughout, such as this one by Helena Rubinstein: There are no ugly women, just lazy ones (for some reason, I find that comforting). For those who fancy "seeing" what the author is describing, The One Hundred includes illustrations of the various fashions mentioned. Personally, I would have preferred photographs. While I did not agree with all of the choices on Garcia's top 100 list, I did find useful information regarding classic pieces as well as practical fashion tips. Recommended for anyone interested in fashion and/or fashion trivia. ( )

Adorable illustrations. A straightforward guide to a contemporary, but not too trendy, wardrobe. ( )