Before you flip through another fashion magazine, step inside another designer boutique or order another pair of shoes online, pick up a copy of Nina Garcia's latest style book: "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" (HarperCollins, 21.95). Illustrated by famous artist Ruben Toledo, Garcia's fashion book should be at the top of every woman's shopping list this fall.

The fashion expert and judge on Bravo's hit show, "Project Runway," has put together a collection of stylish "must-haves" that have stood the test of time, surviving fads and fashion-cycles. Garcia takes us into her closet and pulls out all the items "I simply cannot imagine living without," she says. "Simply put, these items make me feel classic."

Even though Garcia has seen fashion trends come and go in her years as a fashion director, she has also noticed that certain items seem to always "be a part of the rotation."

She explains: "Some may sit out for a year or two (perhaps even more), but they always come back. The color may change, the fabric may change, the designer or brand may change, but in essence the items in this book have always been the backbone of fashion, and, with a bit of self-editing, each has been one of my style touchstones."

Garcia's 284-page guide is packed with information about each of the one hundred items she considers "style pillars," all arranged in alphabetical order from the A-line dress (the dress that should be in every girl's closet today "because it is so damn flattering") to the Zippered Hoodie ("that has become the denim or leather jacket of the modern day").

Garcia's list contains essential articles for stylish women to own: a Blackberry, iPod, Ray Ban Wayfarers, a gentleman's hat, an Eres swimsuit and the right red lipstick. When it comes to shoes: think ballet flats, Converse sneakers, Frye cowboy boots, driving shoes, knee boots, Minnetonka moccasins, K. Jacques sandals, and many stilettos by Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin.

"The One Hundred" gives insightful glimpses into sartorial history. Grace Kelly used a Hermes scarf as a sling when she broke her arm; the original Havaianas (Brazilian flip-flops) were inspired by the Zori, a Japanese straw sandal originally worn with kimonos. And the name JP Tod's (the Italian company known for their luxury driving shoes) was taken out of the 1978 Boston telephone directory because it sounded good in all languages.

Garcia also shares her sources for the inside track on her favorite fashion items: Black opaque tights? Look for Wolfords. Push-up bra? Try Agent Provocateur. If you want a really skinny belt, LAI (Luxury Accessories International) is the place. And her favorite yoga gear? Nuala and Mahanuala, two lines of yoga clothes by Christy Turlington in collaboration with Puma.

Garcia encourages women to develop their own "one hundred" must-haves.

"You should be the woman who has personal style and who is not afraid to wear your favorite one-hundred pieces repeatedly, while mixing in a few fads here and there for fun," says Garcia. "When you invest deeply in pieces that you love and will love season after season, these items become yours. They show the world that you know who you are. You are no fashion victim. You are an original. Start dressing like one."

Some other essential fashion must-haves from Nina Garcia include: animal prints, bangles, cable-knit sweaters, denim jackets, espadrilles, hobo bags, jeans, khakis, little black dress, man's white shirt, pencil skirt, safari jacket, trench and wide-leg trousers.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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