The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia (of Project Runway and Elle fame) in a nutshell: Confidence is key, but a tailor is a must. Exude confidence, but not while wearing a sweatsuit!
I find this book more inspirational than “practical.” It is a pep-talk. And WOW, what a talk it was. I read the book in full twice, and skipped around to favorite sections a number of other times. The quotes are fabulous, and give me motivation to dress carefully and confidently. The little pieces of history educate me, and encourage me to believe that I know more about fashion than I do.
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm meant that I purchased more “trendy” items than the good-quality basics that Nina would have insisted I buy first. Yes, I was tempted by a sale, a big no-no (I got a designer skirt for less than $30!) but I am thrilled with what I received. One pair of pants is currently out being altered, because I wanted to do it “right” this time instead of slogging around in too-long jeans. The other pieces are more “special occasion” than everyday staples, but I am excited for those events to arrive, and have plans to put them in a more casual rotation after their big debuts.
Or perhaps I have mistaken “fashionable statements” for “trendy” and Nina wouldn’t chew me out after all: I’ve usually been of the “better just get it in a neutral color” mentality, so getting a bright red and white bold print skirt and a crazy-wild geometrical dress seem outrageous. I am excited to enable myself that “freedom.”
But those basics? Hmmmm. I know Nina says that it is better to spend good money on a fabulous foundation piece than on tons of trendy items, but my closet is filled with drab, so my method of change is to try out the bolder pieces.
My initial intent was to get all the basic pieces, perhaps even to photograph for this review. But my list is not yet complete: For example, can you believe I don’t have a little black dress? I got rid of the ones that didn’t look good on me, and was left with… nothing And I’ve shied away from trench coats. I still recall a nightmare of a trench-dress that made me look like I was going to lead a safari. Perhaps it is time for me to bury the memory and get a properly-fitting one.
Nina says “style comes from within,” but how can those of us who envision marvelous things bring our dreams to fruition? There has to be a shot of reality in there: I am a short, large-chested, wide-footed gal. I know I shouldn’t wear capris and horizontal stripes. I can’t fit into some of the cute shoe-fashions out there. And yet, that J. Crew nautical look appeals to me… on a six foot model.
My favorite look? A deep-V button-down cardigan. Try that with a large chest. Sigh. And blousy-flirty tank tops? Sorry, no spaghetti-straps allowed here.
“If it doesn’t look good on you, it should not be in your closet.” True, true. But how do I figure out what will look good on me?
I really want someone to tell me: with your body, thus-and-such would be a flattering cut. I am sure that if in my mind I have a certain “look” in mind that there is a figure-flattering alternative for me; I just can’t figure it out on my own. Intent and execution are two separate things. This book definitely dares the reader to dream, and to have that intent; but it doesn’t necessarily give the advice on execution other than to be confident, which is no simple thing.
It is tricky to bridge the line between “you’ll know it when you see it; fashion has no rules,” versus “except for when your taste is so ghastly that your confidence cannot overcome your cluelessness.” There has to be some common sense. I wish I had a little more of that, and a little more of the money to spend, to truly embrace the ideas contained within The Little Black Book of Style
I recognize it is a matter of priority: if I want to do it, I can do it.
After I spend money on soccer lessons, I promise the next round of paychecks will go towards that cashmere turtleneck. (Or my mortgage. whatever.)
I received The Little Black Book of Style
If you are interested, pick up a copy of The Little Black Book of Style at Amazon.com
Posted by Karianna on September 26, 2007 12:19 AM
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