From A to Z, New Book From Nina Garcia Names Must-Haves

Editor Nina Garcia, who takes her fashion eye to Marie Claire starting in September, is well-known as one of the judges for "Project Runway," where she dispenses thoughtful, and sometimes scathing, critiques of the designers' projects each week. In person, Garcia exudes a kind of polished professionalism that is elegant, yet welcoming, like a stylish friend who always knows the right thing to wear for any occasion and will take you shopping so that you can find the perfect outfit as well.

So it makes sense that her latest book, "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own," dishes up all the fashion tips a woman needs to know to put together a killer, timeless wardrobe. For people tired of chasing trends, the book is a perfect antidote. With charming illustrations by renowned fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo, "The One Hundred" is an A-Z guide of Garcia's picks for wardrobe essentials. At a book signing in Saks Fifth Avenue on Wednesday, Aug. 27, Garcia sat down with Fashion Wire Daily to talk about her inspiration for the book and to shed light on exactly what items no woman with style should be without - and the best up-and-coming designers to watch.

Tell me about how you came up with the idea for "The One Hundred"?

The inspiration was really moving from my apartment. We were going to be out of our apartment for about eight months and I was pregnant with my son, and I was trying to figure out, what am I going to take? I was already changing sizes, I was changing apartments, and I noticed that a lot of the things I took were the things I always relied on. No matter what had happened or what city I was in, it was always the white shirt, the jacket, the classic, timeless pieces. That's really the idea came up. What about a book that spelled out what are all those timeless, classic pieces that every woman should consider having. I'm not saying every woman has to have one hundred pieces, because I wanted to keep it general so that different tastes could appreciate it.

In other words, not everybody is going to go out and buy a crocodile bag.

No! And not everybody wants to wear a motorcycle jacket. Some women are more bohemian and some women are more classic, so I really wanted to offer just things that have been there for many years and have stood the test of time. You might want to retire things for a season or two, but when you pull them out, they're still going to be valid. It's about shopping for value and for things that will always be stylish.

If a person could only afford one luxury item for their wardrobe, what should it be?

Jewelry! That would be the splurge. Although look what's happened with costume jewelry--it's equally as important and fantastic. If you don't have the Harry Winston, you can have the Kenneth Jay Lane.

In the book, is there a background or history to each of the items you mention?

Yes, there is a little bit of background on each item and there's shopping resources and insider tips. Being an editor, we have to be resourceful, we have to comb the market and know where everything comes from and know where we can get things quickly, so there are a lot of those insights in the book.

What's a more eccentric item that women might consider, that maybe they haven't thought of as a timeless classic?

I'd have to say shoes. I think it's an easy solution if you want to experiment. If you haven't tried booties, or haven't ever bought a pair of over-the-knee boots, something like that can really change your look. It would definitely have to be something in terms of accessories, like jewelry, because it's the easiest way to incorporate something new.

What do you think is the most overlooked item in a woman's wardrobe?

Undergarments. Spanx are a lifesaver! And underwear--we overlook it, but trust me, it's very important. It can make a difference and it's good to have the right undergarments.

Do you think there is a certain kind of designer missing in American fashion?

I think we're very complete in terms of American designers. We have an incredible talent pool in America. From Rodarte, to Oscar de la Renta, to Philip Lim, to Francisco Costa, we really have it here.

Has "Project Runway" changed the perception of what the fashion industry is all about?

I hope so. I really do think so. I think it's brought an interest to fashion and to the creativity involved in being a designer. It's explained that to people who probably didn't really know what it takes to be a designer. There's a lot of components that now have to take place. You have to be business savvy, you have to be PR savvy, you have to be creative and practical. There are a lot of things that it entails.

Which collections are you looking forward to in New York this season?

All of them, but I am particularly looking forward to all the younger designers, because I think they are the ones that most need our support, and they are the future. Alexander Wang, Chris Benz, Philip Lim, Peter Som, all of this younger generation.

And, finally, how are you getting ready for fashion week?

I'm not ready! But I'm very eager and looking forward to it.

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