It's been billed as the ultimate guide to fashion chic - a new book charting the top 100 items a woman must have in her wardrobe. Written by Elle magazine's fashion director Nina Garcia, she gives her expert opinion on the pieces a woman must own to get her through every fashion trend and emergency. From the perfect-fitting pair of jeans to your signature perfume.
A is for...
A nod to leopard print shows daring. Shoes.
ANIMAL PRINT: True fashionistas are daring - show your wild side with animal prints in muted colours, either as accessories or a full outfit.
ANKLE BOOTS: These look great worn with skirts and shorts, or with skinny jeans tucked into them.
AVIATORS: The universally fashionable shades give instant cool factor.
B is for...
BALLET FLATS: Chic, timeless, elegant and comfortable. Try Chanel for high-end, or Gap for inexpensive.
BANGLES: For a bold look, wear big bands beneath your elbow. For glamour, wear an armload of thin, 18-carat gold ones.
BELTS: An under-appreciated accessory that makes you look slimmer and accentuates curves.
BIKINI: The key to wearing them is confidence. Keep them small and in one, solid colour to best flatter.
BLACKBERRY: The modern girl's weapon which lets her BBM all day while keeping herself in the know.
BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: These bring an edge to every outfit while making legs look slimmer and sleeker. The higher the denier the better.
BLAZER: Beat the boys by wearing them better than they ever can - either oversized or tight and shrunken.
BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN: Anything that looks as if it's been stolen out of your man's closet won't go out of style. Wear over a T-shirt and belt it.
BROOCHES: Be creative with strange designs and sizes pinned on in unexpected places - such as hats.
C is for...
CABLE-KNIT SWEATER:
Cosy, casual, yet unbelievably stylish. A white version will go with everything you own.
Cosy, casual, yet unbelievably stylish. A white version will go with everything you own.
CAMEL COAT: A classic that looks elegant and expensive. The rich colour works well combined with black and white.
CAPE: Adds drama and hides flaws. Keep everything else in the outfit tight and tailored.
CASHMERE SWEATERS: Have as many as possible in as many styles and colours as possible, and invest in quality.
CHAMPAGNE: The drink of celebration, so always have a bottle ready and waiting - preferably Moet.
CHARM BRACELET: Build your own by collecting both new and vintage charms which remind you of your life experiences.
CLUTCH BAG: Add excitement with metallics, bright colours and jewels.
COCKTAIL RING: Make a statement - make them bold, adventurous and very large.
CONVERSE TRAINERS: The ultimate casual footwear. Team with jeans and a white T-shirt for downtown style.
COSMETICS BAG: A good-looking satin or velvet style can double up as a clutch bag.
COWBOY BOOTS: Acceptable with a cocktail dress but safer with Levis. Invest in a good pair, then beat them up a bit.
CUFF JEWELLERY: Forever on the runway, try wood for the bohemian look or platinum for uptown glitz.
Fashion classics: The cable-knit sweater, and right, a denim jacket
D is for...
DENIM JACKET: Be extreme - wear it a size too small, in either really dark or really worn fabric. But never team with more denim.
DIAMOND STUDS: Best when large and real - they work with most outfits.DRIVING SHOES: Like a fashionable loafer, but with rubber gussets on the sole. Perfect for weekends.
E is for...
An evening gown like this sequinned Roberto Cavalli number will never let you down
ESPADRILLES: Either flat or heeled, these rope and cloth creations are the ultimate summer shoe.
EVENING GOWN: Buy whenever you see one you like - it's wise to have one waiting in the wings.
EXOTIC SKIN BAG: For instant luxe. The three skins which will never lose appeal are crocodile, ostrich and snakeskin.
F is for...
FISHNETS: Super-sexy, but only when done right: i.e. fine mesh worn with sophisticated clothes.
FRYE 'HARNESS' BOOTS: These big clunky boots assert strength and power. Tuck jeans into an old, beaten-up pair.
FUR: Whether fake or real, fur adds the glam factor. There is nothing it doesn't play well with.
......Its a must read....
xoxo
xoxo
