Evolution Revolution: Style Maven Series: Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia is a multi-tasking maven; Shes a mother, an author, Fashion Director for Marie Claire magazine, Judge of the hit reality series Project Runway and STYLE MAVEN.

Nina's career in fashion began the in 1980's. She got her start in fashion press in the PR department at Perry Ellis (when Marc Jacobs was head designer). She moved onto the Fashion publication Mirabella as a Stylist and then to ELLE magazine where she held the place as fashion director for over a decade. She has been Marie Claire's fashion director since fall of 2008 as well as one of the judges (along side Designer Michael Kors and Model Heidi Klum) of the hit reality show : Project Runway. She has been there since the inception of the show which is now filming it's 9th season set to air in summer of 2011.

When she is not in her role as fashion director or judge she is a mom to two boys and author 4 times over. She has penned the following books in an effort to help women navigate the sometimes overwhelming maze of trend and personal style:

The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart

The Little Black Book of Style

Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

She is not only a fashion and style authority in print but in practice. She is a genuine Style Maven who LOVES all things FASHION.

I had the opportunity to ask Nina my Style Maven questions.

LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

NINA: Style always comes from knowing who you are or who/what do you want to be. As I described in some of my books, there's nothing wrong on taking ideas / imitate when trying to establish your own sense of style. We all need fashion / style icons. I got inspired not only by movies, paintings or looks I've seen on the runway but also by looks seen in the streets of New York. One piece of advice that I can give you: always keep your eyes wide open... the unexpected can happen in front of your eyes.

LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

NINA: I think is key to have some classic pieces of clothing: a little black dress, a pair of well-fitted trousers, a trench coat, jackets... I also like to have fun with the accessories: vintage jewelry, handbags, etc... and the most important element of all: don't forget to always own the outfit.

LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

NINA: I LOVE (capital letters) vintage. There's nothing more rewarding than finding THE vintage dress you have always dreamt about it. When I go vintage shopping I always have a clear idea of what I'm looking for. As you can also imagine, I love shopping for accessories... Accessories make a look, they add the perfect note/mood to your outfit.

LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

NINA: Vintage jackets are a must. I have some Chanel ones and trust me, they age beautifully. This is one of the best investments you can ever do.

LISA: What are you wearing this Spring/Summer? Tell our readers the key elements for your S/S 2011 wardrobe

NINA: This spring is all about colors, prints, florals. I love a good Emilio Pucci, Cavalli, Missoni, Dries Van Noten print. Also Jill Sander & Prada presented a very fresh collection that we have seen in tons of magazines covers. I also recommend to take a look at Calypso for Target, they presented a wonderful collection for this summer.

LISA: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?

NINA: Be confident in what you wear… confidence is one of the best styles to have!

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