From its chic cover color scheme to its luscious illustrations by artist Ruben Toledo, The Little Black Book of Style (Collins, 2007; $17.95) looks like it’d be right at home cradled in the arms of any jet-setting fashionista. So we weren’t surprised to learn that it was written by Nina Garcia, fashion director at Elle and revered judge on Bravo’s Project Runway. In the book, Garcia focuses on the concept of an “individual style” that transcends trends, and suggests embellishing it with great-fitting pieces, a few dramatic purchases, and, of course, a sense of confidence. (Trust us: she’s easier on readers than she is on Runway contestants.) Garcia anchors fashion in a social and historical context, then caps it all off with “Insider Tips and Tricks” — Q&As with the likes of Oscar de la Renta (“on glamour and good taste”) and John Galliano (“on not giving a damn”) — and an index of “Fashion Cliff’s Notes” worth referencing. Pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble (660 Beacon Street, Boston, 617.267.8484) when the book lands in stores on September 4.
