Nina Garcia's Rule 3 - How to Buy with Drama

In previous blogs I have been talking about Nina Garcia's book   The Little Black Book of Style.  

In The Little Black Book of Style she shares the  the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows: 

1.  How to edit

2.  Invest in the bones


3. How to buy with drama

Drama?  I know what you are saying, "I have spent a lifetime avoiding drama - now you want me to bring drama into my wardrobe?"  Okay, maybe a little poetic license is required here.  There is a difference between "drama" and "dramatic".  What Ms. Garcia means is to buy pieces dramatically gorgeous, one of a kind, "OMG where did you get that?" kind of pieces.  

Ms. Garcia says, you will know it when you see it, and when you see it don't be afraid to splurge.  But a few words of caution before you set out to splurge, make sure that dramatic pieces matches your personal style.  If you are going to splurge, make sure it is a timeless piece, and not something too trendy.  Something that you will wear for years to come.  That amazing signature piece that everybody talks about. 

And where, you ask, can I possible find this amazing piece?  Boutiques, thrift stores, one-of-a-kind shops, be adventurous.  Who doesn't browse local boutiques when they travel?  Forget the tacky t-shirts and look for something amazing.  I have to admit, some of my favorite pieces I found while travelling.  

What kind of pieces you ask?  

Jewelry - cocktail rings, bracelets

Purses, Evening Bags

Little Black Dress

and my personal favorite:
SHOES!

We have 3 more stylist tips to go!  Please check back, or click a link to follow this blog, so you will not miss a thing!

Nina Garcia's Rule 2 - What every Style Icon has in her Closet.

In The Basics Rules of Style - from Nina Garcia - Rule 1 I introduced Nina Garcia's book The Little Black Book of Style.  

In The Little Black Book of Style she shares the  the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows: 

1.  How to edit

2.  Invest in the bones

Bones?   The bones are the essential staples that go with almost everything, never go out of style, and are "enduringly chic".  These are the basics, and with the right accessories, an outfit can be built around. These items can go from day to night, and are the basics for your travel wardrobe.  

The "bones"are the items you splurge on. You want the quality of and the garment to be evident. When you build your wardrobe around the bones, it makes the getting dressed so much simpler. With the right bones, you never have to be concerned if your outfit is in style, because you have built your wardrobe around timeless styles.  

1.  The Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel is credited with bringing the LBD into the forefront of fashion.  I posted Chanel and Brief History of the LBD early in 2014.  The right LBD is the perfect way to look effortlessly sophisticated.  The LBD does not detract from all of your best features, it enhances them.  Sandra Bullock, wearing minimal accessories is simply amazing in a LBD.

2.  A Classic Men's White Shirt. 

A simple white men's dress shirt is versatile and can be paired with jeans, pants of any color, or a skirt.   Fashion designer icon Carolina Herrara embodies the "crisp simplicity" of the classic white men's shirt.   The classic men's white shirt is a blank canvas, and all that you need to add is the right accessories.

3.  Cashmere Cardigan.

Simple let classic. It can be worn over anything, perfect for office or a chilly restaurant.  Don't be afraid of color when choosing one.  

This is not the complete list of the essential items that every style icon needs to have.  The list will continue...



Photo Credits:
Nina Garcia:  www.washingtonpost.com
Little Black Dress:  www.uniqlo.com/ukstylebistro.com
Classic White Men's Shirt:  classiq.me
Cashmere Cardigan:  us.purecollection.com/

The Basics Rules of Style - from Nina Garcia - Rule 1

Nina Garcia is the Fashion Director of Elle Magazine and appears on Project Runway.  She also published The Little Black Book of Style.  This book is all about having the confidence to be your own stylist.  I highly recommend this reading this book from cover to cover.

Nina Garcia outlines the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows.  

1.  How to edit

Editing is all about cleaning out your closet, if you don't wear it, if it does not fit, or if it does not look good on you, or if it was a  past trend that is clearly over, donate it to charity, give it away, sell it on eBay, or just throw it out. 

Editing is difficult an maybe somewhat painful, but it needs to be done.  You may have that prom dress that has sentimental value.  It is only taking up valuable space in your closet.  Consider cleaning out your closet like weeding a garden to make the beautiful flowers more visible.  

I am going to go overall 6 basic style rules, but like a  decadent dessert on cheat day, these tips are made to be savored not gulped down in 1 bite.  More tips to follow.

As Yves Saint Laurent said "Fashions fade style is eternal"

Photo credits:
Nina Garcia - purist.com
80's Prom Dress - promfashionguide.com