The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

With her signature eye for style, Nina Garcia is best known for her appearance as the unerring, formidable fashion judge on the hit show Project Runway. An elite authority in the industry, she has worked in fashion houses and in fashion media, with everyone from Marc Jacobs to Elle magazine and Marie Claire. Originally from Colombia, she now makes her home in New York City.

Nina García es más conocida por su presentación como la acertada y extraordinaria jueza de la moda en el exitoso programa de Bravo Project Runway. Nacida en Colombia, es también la directora de moda de Elle, una de las principales revistas de la moda del mundo.

Questions for Nina Garcia

Amazon.com: For someone who spends all day around beautiful clothes, it must have been hard to choose just one hundred items--how did you decide on the pieces included in your book?

Nina Garcia: Yes, editing down to one hundred was a tremendous challenge. I also made a point of keeping in mind all the different personalities and fashion moods inherent in a stylish woman. The list is based on classic items that have been around for many years and will continue to be relevant for many years to come. Knowing something about these items are key to a woman's closet.

Amazon.com: What would you say to the many women who feel that shopping for clothes is a bit overwhelming, considering how many places there are to shop and, perhaps even more difficult, budgets to maintain. How does a woman begin to build the dream wardrobe you've laid out in your book?

Garcia: A good way to begin the process is by being self aware of just what your own style truly is. Turning inward and identifying what one really likes and dislikes, exploring one's inner fashion voice, and ultimately feeling inspired and building on your self esteem are base blocks for cultivating personal style; all topics I touched upon in my first book, The Little Black Book of Style.

Amazon.com: Some women might feel that 100 items seems like a big number to tackle--could you name, say, five pieces that women should start off with?

Garcia: The DNA of a wardrobe and perhaps the all time best items are:

The White Shirt: Endlessly versatile, it can from the weekend to the boardroom to the red carpet. When worn correctly, the white shirt can assume so many different roles.
The Little Black Dress: Reliably chic, the LBD can go from classic to dangerously sexy.
Stiletto Heels: One of our most powerful feminine weapons of seduction are Stilettos. No need at all to go into what the potential here is.
Jeans: One of the most personal items in your closet, always practical, comfortable and carefree. Truly American.
Great Jewelry: Real or fake, big or small, jewelry adds a 'personal touch' and can instantly transform an outfit.

Amazon.com: In your book, you say it's definitely ok to purchase basic pieces from discount chains. Any tips for acquiring high end luxury items if you're a shopper on a budget? Or are luxury/designer items even necessary in a woman's wardrobe?

Garcia: The point is to shop for high value in items that will endure for many years, items that will never lose their relevance. Try not to focus on price and name brands. A truly stylish woman makes smart decision based on good taste, and the ability for an item to endure.

Amazon.com: How has your experience as a judge on Project Runway shaped your outlook on fashion?

Garcia: Being on the show has given me even more passion to support the young design talent that dots America. Also, it helps us all consider genius of the creative process. These young designers are the future of our industry, and having a forum from which they can develop their talent for all to see and appreciates is an amazing thing to be a part of.