Of course, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own was destined to be one my guilty pleasures.  Nina Garcia, of Project Runway and Elle magazine fame, advises us on how to put together an essential wardrobe to feel fabulous.  Now, I love lists and fancy myself above-average on the style scale, so I happily settled in one sunny afternoon on our back patio with a gimlet to peruse her list.  The book is designed for a nice dip here and there, but I devoured the whole volume in one setting.

Organized alphabetically, each entry is charmingly illustrated by Ruben Toledo.  Garcia’s tone is friendly and chatty.  She sprinkles in a little fashion history but never feels pedantic.  I also felt that she did a nice job letting those of us on limited budgets feel part of the party.  I certainly want to check out some of the vintage stores she mentions on future trips to Chicago, L.A., and New York.  In addition, I appreciate her advice on selectivity and quality.  She hones in on timeless pieces that can be adapted to your own tastes so that you won’t ever feel like a walking fashion cliche.

By the end of the afternoon, I had decided that I certainly needed many of the pieces on her list.  Rather that run out for a big shopping spree, I put the book aside for a few days to see what stuck in my brain.  The result:

• #10 — Black Opaque Tights.  I am very excited to try Wolford tights.  My own poor pair from Target looked quite shabby by the end of winter!  I plan to invest in Wolford Matte Opaque 80.
• #28 — Driving Shoe.  After surveying the line up of New Balance tennies on all the soccer moms this weekend, I’ve decided I want something a little different.  I think these will fit the bill.  Not sure if I’ll go for Tod’s or resort to a knock-off, but I like her suggestion to try bright colors.
• #56 — Missoni Knit.  This will have to be a splurge somewhere down the line.  Ever since a friend of mine tired on a darling Missoni halter top, I’ve been coveting one.  I think the quality is worth the investment!

Have you had a chance to read Garcia’s list?  Anything you’re dying to have?