Normally I wouldn't work a book review into Fit Beauty, but this is just too perfect. I recently read Nina Garcia's The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, and just like watching an inspirational sports movie makes me want to hit the gym, this book made me want to shop. But with a purpose.

It seems like each season, I look in my closet and think, "Holy crap, I have nothing to wear." I know that's completely untrue, but I also know I'm not alone. And while that might not seem like a big deal, it really can take a toll on you emotionally when you can't find anything to wear, and you know you spent a bit of cash on clothes just a year ago.

With some help from this book, I now feel confident that I can shop in a way that will be productive and stay relevant from season to season, year after year. Let me explain.


Nina Garcia is currently the editor of Marie Claire as well as a judge for Project Runway. Girlfriend knows fashion. In her book, she goes from A to Z listing must-have, timeless items, along with some of her favorite labels and versions and tips on how to wear them. She focuses on items that have rotated in and out of style consistently for decades, so when you spend your money on them, you're going to be able to wear them for as long as they fit (yet another way to inspire yourself to hit the gym).

Think of shopping for these pieces (at least the ones that work best for you) as exercise for your closet. When you get your closet in shape, it looks better, and therefore, so do you. You need to find pieces that flatter and fit, rather than spending bits here and there on cheap, trendy, impulse buys ... not that I know anything about that. Pick up this book -- you'll be through it in just a couple of hours. And remember, when you shop smart, it's easier to dress smart.