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The Little Black Book of Style

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I am not the kind of woman who is always on the cutting edge of fashion. People don’t often ask me where I got a certain pair of shoes or outfit. I have not watched Project Runway, so I was unfamiliar with Nina Garcia, who is a judge, and also the author of Little Black Book of Style. However, it didn’t take me more than a page or two to figure out that I liked her and her style. In the preface she says

I grew up in an unbearably hot city on the northwest tip of Columbia. I was constantly surrounded by incredibly vibrant, confident, feminine women, women who knew who they were and what image they wanted to convey to the world. They knew how to buy the right clothes for their bodies, how to edit out what did not suit them, and how to stay away from fads and maintain an aura of eternal style. It is my purpose with this book to inspire you the way these women inspired me.

Isn’t that what we all want to be? Confident? Feminine? Admired? I have always felt somewhat confident, but not because of what I wore or how I looked. Over the last few years, I keep trying to convince myself to buy quality and not quantity, and that comfort is not the chief factor in what I wear, but these are hard changes to actually implement. If I were looking at two pairs of pants and one cost $60 and one cost $24, there would be no question which one I bought. However, thanks to Nina Garcia’s assessment of “The Basics,” I now know where to start in my process of upgrading my wardrobe.

little-black-book.jpgFor those of you who are already fashion-conscious, you will find much to love in this book as well. The pen and ink drawings by Ruben Toledo are elegant and whimsical at the same time. The chapter called “Insider Tips and Tricks” where Nina Garcia interviews people with whom I’m unfamiliar, but those of you in the know probably are, gave me an added boost about what I “should” be doing. Those who really enjoy fashion will devour the “Fashion Cliff’s Notes, Decade by Decade.”

In a word, this book is inspiring (to see exactly how I was inspired to edit my closet, check out Tackle It Tuesday this week). I am encouraged that perhaps by making more of an effort in this small superficial area, I might uncover some undiscovered benefit as well. Reading this book did not make me feel hopelessly out of date, but rather encouraged me to change my thinking and gave me the knowledge I would need to focus on a few small areas to change. Nina Garcia promises that this book will change your life, or at least your closet, which will change your attitude, which can in fact change your life.

Are you looking for a change?

The publisher is giving away 3 books (5 books if we get at least 50 comments). If you have a Canadian or U.S. shipping address, leave a comment here. If you’d like, tell me if you are already crazy for fashion, or if you are like me–a little fashion-challenged.

Reader Interactions


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117 Comments

  1. I didn’t see a winner yet…so if I am still able I would love to get in on the action….i am definately challenged in the fashion department!

    Reply

  3. I need help.
    I’m not making my way back to my slimmer, more fashionable clothes very quickly…so I need “right now!” help!

    Reply

  4. I don’t know if the contest is still open, either, but I would love this book. I used to be quite fashionable, but three kids later has pushed it to the back of my mind. I hope I am not deemed hopeless, yet!!!

    Thanks,
    Jenn

    Reply

  5. Is this contest still open? I checked around, but I am not sure.

    I am crazy about fashion, but I can’t say I am a fashionable person.

    Reply

  7. My daughter would definetly say I need that book! I am afraid she is a fashion maven. I am better but could still use the help!

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  12. I am definitely fashion challenged. The only reason my wardrobe is decent is because my much more hip sister gives me all of her cast-offs. But I’m not complaining one bit!

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  17. I am a bit challenged. I had a job for years that they wanted you to dress basic. No longer in that job and definitely out of the loop.

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  19. I could SO use this book. In the last 3.5 years of parenting, I feel like every item I own has been stained or stretched or no longer fits or is in some other way just barely wearable (not to mention unstylish). A book to show me where to invest in some good clothes would be so helpful.

    Reply

  38. I’m fashion-challenged, with an 8 year old “fashionistic” daughter. I think this book would be very useful in the coming years.

    Hugs,
    Melinda

    Reply

  41. I’m definitely fashion challenged – if it doesn’t go with blue jeans, I don’t wear it. I’d love to find out a bit more about how to choose clothes well.

    Reply

  46. I’m definitely fashion-challenged. Although I will admit to being drawn into Project Runway recently. I got a chance to watch all of the old seasons about a month ago and couldn’t tear myself away.

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  49. I lost my fashion style after getting married & having a baby. It’s all about comfort now and watching how I spend the money. HELP!

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  50. i have twins leaving for college in the fall and i would love to have a gook like this for next year! become prepared is what i need!

    Reply

  51. I am incredibly fashion challenged and need all the help I can get! I’ve heard this book is great and would love a chance to find out.

    Reply

  54. I have to admit that I’m a little fashion challenged right now. Lately I’ve been sticking with sweats. I could really use this book.

    Reply

  55. I could really use some help. I grew up with 4 brothers and I live in a house with 3 boys. I usually just gauf at fashion magazines because they just don’t look like real ideas I can use. I would love some style inspiration/advise.

    Reply

  63. I told my friends that my closet screams “MOM OF 3 BOYS.” and at what point did I lose my sense of style. Please help me out by at least putting me in the drawing.

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  65. Nurse=Scrubs. Mommy to two preschoolers=frumpy. Go anywhere=I don’t have a thing to wear. This sounds like the ideal book for me. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply

  66. I could definitely use some fashion help. My sister threatens to sign me up for “What Not to Wear,” although I don’t think I’m THAT bad. 🙂 I could use this book for sure!

    Reply

  68. As a mom of 2 toddlers I feel like I’m completely unaware of the current fashion. It’s not like when I worked outside the home and saw real people every day. In fact, unless Sesame Street starts offering tips on how to dress, I’m going to have to read this book for some hints.

    Reply

  72. I love Nina Garcia and Project Runway and have heard about this book! I would LOVE to win a copy!

    I am crazy for fashion! I try to keep up within budget limits, but I try to at least have a couple fashion-forward pieces in my closet 🙂

    Reply

  85. Count me in. I am an addict of shows like “Project Runway” and “What not to Wear” but working out of your home tends to make one a little lazy. It would be great to get some inspiration or just a good kick 🙂

    Reply

  86. I love fashion; however, my closet does need tackling! I would love to have a copy of this book to help me get motivated!

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  88. Sounds like a good book, and I’m totally a fashion challenged Mom, count me in please this little book might do me some good!

    Reply

  89. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where “fashion” is function. My style is lacking now that I’m living in the South, where it counts! Sounds like a good book.

    Reply

  91. I’m (hoping) I’m coming out of being fashion challenged… as in shopping at Macy’s now instead of buying old t-shirts from summer camp!

    Reply

  93. I need help. I feel like I’ve lost my sense of style since getting married and having a baby. I want it back, but don’t know where to start. I hope I win!

    Reply

  97. I’d like some fashion advice. I’m a little challenged considering my clothes range from jean shorts to jeans to tshirts only.

    Reply

  99. I’m a little fashion challenged. Partly because I live so far away from town and don’t watch to much TV and can only really shop through the internet.

    Reply

  100. Sign me up! After four kids in four years, I could use some advice before I FINALLY get to go shopping! Thanks!

    Reply

  102. Count me in too! I could really use help finding clothing that don’t convey “little girl” (I wear a size 16 in children’s)

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  103. I’m not terribly stylish but I do want to find out how to “edit out” the worst parts. 🙂 Count me in!

    Reply

  104. I would have to say I’m in between. I’m more for comfort then anything 🙂 I’d love this book though, I heard about it & have been wanting to read!

    Reply

  113. I am definitely fashioned challenged…would love to win this book…I need all the hints and tips I can get.
    THANKS

    Reply