Nina Garcia's Style Guide

Nina Garcia, former Elle fashion director, author of Little Black Book of Style and Project Runway judge has just released another style guide.

The One Hundred, features the chic pieces that no woman should be without.

Garcia told The Daily at Saks Fifth Avenue, "It was just one of those inspirations that happened at a moment where I was moving, I was pregnant, I was packing."

She went on to say that she was inspired while trying to pack for a move as her house was being renovated and she wondered how she was going to do it all.

"What am I going to do? I'm changing seasons, I'm changing sizes, I'm changing apartments. What am I going to pack? And all of a sudden, it hit me. There are some things that I always wear, will always wear, that are never going to change, no matter what size I am or what season it is. So that's where the idea of The One Hundred came about."

On top of publishing her new book, Garcia has recently taken a new position as the fashion director of Marie Claire. She is excited to begin her new gig because she believes the magazine is passionate about women's issues.

Image courtesy of StylePhile.com

Elle UK Picks the Top Five Trends For Autumn/Winter '08

In Elle UK’s August issue they choose the hot new season trends for autumn/winter 2008.

The first big trend of the season is the grunge look. Designers were showcasing the goth look with black eyeliner on the models, black beanies, studded necklaces, ankle boots, and back lace tights.

Gone are the frilly and flowery themes of summer and get your closet ready for the second biggest trend of the season; power dressing. The runway showcased new shapes and sharp tailoring on a variety of different suits. From pantsuits to skirt suits they were all flattering and functional. The colors showcased were mainly black, navy and grey.

The third trend is a flash back to the 70’s. The catwalk was ablaze with flared denims and calf-length skirts with thick tights, silk scarves, floppy hats and print dresses. The clothing had a vintage feel and if you enjoy layering the autumn/winter ’08 season will be the perfect time to bundle up and get ready for the snow!

Another huge trend for the upcoming season will be black, black, and more black. The runway featured clothes with lace, sheer chiffon and tulle paired with skinny leather or PVC trousers. Make sure to get yourself a pair of knee-high boots as they rocked the runway along with crucifix chains and sultry eyes.

The final trend of the season will get you ready for cocktail hour. With high necklines and low hemlines expect the stores to be stocking a lot of classy and elegant dresses for the new season. Restrained and refined was the theme this year that included beautifully constructed cocktail dresses and evening coats in jewel colors. Bright tights gave the conservative dresses a bit of edge and make-up was kept simple and clean.

My New Favourite Designer - Sonia Rykiel

Born in France, Sonia Rykiel is known as the "Queen of Knits". For never studying fashion her designs are purely works of art.

The only experience she had was at at the age of 17, she window dressed displays in a Parisisan textile store.


Her fashion story began In 1962 when she couldn't find any soft sweaters to wear while she was pregnant.

So like any ingenue she decided to design her own. She used a supplier to her husband from Venice and according to Wikipedia she sent the sweater back seven times for alterations before she was satisfied with it.

Since then, she has experimented with seams inside out, taken away the hem and lining, and has created a line of fragrances.

She later became the first designer to put seams on the outside of a garment, and to print words on her sweaters.


Sonia Rykiel has become a family business as her daughter, Nathalie is the Creative Director and they work together to create the gorgeous clothing you see here.

The way Sonia's clothes move down the runway and the different textures she uses is thrilling to watch!

If you would like to see what I mean check out her Spring/Summer 2008 show from Parish Fashion Week via Elle's Online Video .

Photos courtesy of Fashion & Fashion, a group on Facebook.