The Little Black Book of Style Hardcover – Illustrated, September 4, 2007

As Nina points out "confidence is captivating, powerful and it doesn't fade, and that is endlessly more interesting than beauty."Her book is all about developing that confidence with clothing, which is part of a person's overall impression, the package they present to the world, and upon which they are judged.You never do get a second chance to make a first impression. It is a faster paced society, people move in and out of contact with each other in brief seconds, and this means the impression you leave says more and more about you, as we talk less.I've read my way thru decades of fashion magazines, rarely finding much of value. They are all about finding this season's "it" bag while Nina explains why you might not want to look for this season's "it" bag, why finding your own style might work better (and be cheaper and more satisfying too).I am not a Project Runway viewer, never saw it, not interested in the life of a fashion model in the slightest but I love dressing well.This guide transcends current fashions, and gives timeless advice.Yes, some of it we've all heard before, but then again, not everyone who buys this book will be fluent with Vogue, Elle, Lucky, Harper's Bazaar and the like.Some things bear repeating.The most useful sections I found to be the first part on finding your confidence and projecting style. She has a list of basic concepts in there that are worth the price of the book in my opinion.Things like; How to edit (your wardrobe, your buying habits), How not to be a fashion victim, Buying Drama, How to mix it up, How to be imperfect. That last one is a bit tricky. On first glance most women groan that they've got that nailed!But here she is talking about the kind of relaxed imperfection that comes across as simply stunning. And she gives guidelines!Her list of the classics is fun. She includes the ubiquitous little black dress, the classic man tailored white shirt, cashmere (turtle neck or cardigan, trench coat, jeans, a man classic styled watch, diamonds, ballet flats, high heel pumps and a great handbag.This is a great current guide on the lines of the classic book A Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Dariaux. Buy both.And those illustrations are wonderful. I've so enjoyed that artist's work in Vogue. Great book all round.

I really enjoyed this book, but then again I am into fashion, admire Nina Garcia, and am always seeking ways to improve and enhance my appearance. The illustration is well done and the tips provided are helpful.My true recommendation - "Number one - if you want to look as if you have a personal stylist coaching and assisting you with your appearance and fashion purchases, this book is for you. Number two - if you are looking for a quick read with a hint of fashion history, recommendations on high quality designer shoes, how to avoid fashion faux pas, clothing and accessory purchases you will also enjoy this book".

I bought this along with Nina's other book, the one hundred, and while this one is good, I would recommend the one hundred way over this one. It's a nice read, and again filled with gorgeous illustrations, but I find that the other book is more useful for advice and a solid fashion foundation. The other one is also much longer.

Nina García has written a perfectly "stylish" book on style. True to her very chic upbringing in an old South American city, Ms. García gives us a perfect exposé of what style is, what it takes to achieve it, and how being true to oneself is at the very heart of it all."If there is something absolute about style, it is that it holds you accountable to yourself at every moment" (page 11). This is a rule that everyone should always keep mind, for even when someone may hold that appearances may be superficial, it is also true that it is how we are first judged. And a person has only a few seconds to make that first, indelible impression. I could go on and on about how the book gives us empowering perspectives on acquiring style. In fact, after reading just the first chapter, every woman will feel empowered into her own sense of individuality. Special mention deserve the wonderful illustrations by artist Ruben Toledo (yes, designer Isabel's husband), which give ideas themselves, even while not being actual photographs.In Chapter 2, García gives us the key elements everyone should have in her closet in order to be considered a "stylish" woman, having taught us first how to edit our closets, including my favorite recommendation regarding shoes: "You can never have enough high heels. Never." (Page 34). This chapter is followed by another with recommendations on what to wear in certain occasions, such us when travelling, to a wedding, a white tie or black tie affair - and defining such social labels as well - et al.Chapter 5 includes tips, tricks and suggestions from designers, models, photographers, stylists and everyone who's anyone in the world of fashion. These people not only give their own definitions of style, but also provide their own, very specific suggestions on how to achieve it, and sometimes give us a bit of poetry and flair to go with it.García closes the book with a timeline of the fashion industry, from the 1920's until the millennium, providing key designers and fashion styles of each era. She also gives suggestions of movies to watch and musicians to listen to who set the tone for the time they were released and what they represented ( who could forget Brigitte Bardot in "And God created Woman", or Lauren Hutton in "American Gigolo"?).It is impossible not to feel inspired after reading a book like this. It will lift any woman's spirit and will give a new perspective on what being a classy, feminine, stylish woman is about. It just needs to be read - and re-read.

Perfect for anyone who wants to learn about style and fashion. Easy to read and very enjoyable. Very recommended. V

Love this book. Easy quick read.

Great style book very inspiring and made me want to shop and create my own signature style looks !!!

It was nice to read, but not remarkable. Fashion history in a capsule (which is good). I expected to find more tips.

Tenia miedo por ser de segunda mano, ya que no sabia lo que recibiria, pero lo recomiendo 100%. Me llego en perfecto estado, casi como nuevo. Su interior impoluto, la portado tenia algun arañazo casi invisible, por lo demas perfecto.