Garcia

**FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES** **FILE** This Feb. 5, 2008 file photo shows the fall 2008 collection of Badgley Mischka is modeled during Fashion Week in New York. In Garcia's new book "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own", she advises on what to buy and what to keep. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, FILE)

Diva picks fall's Top 10 style items

Nina Garcia helps make the call on "Project Runway" about who's in and who's out.

In her new book "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" (Collins), she advises on what to buy and what to keep.

So, what will Garcia — with her new day job as fashion director at Marie Claire — be wearing this fall? Here's her top 10 looks:

n The little black dress. "It's always reliably chic. It can take you from classic to dangerously sexy this season."

n Statement jewelry. Garcia predicts a big comeback in Art Deco cuffs, chunky necklaces, gothic rosaries — which can all be layered.

n Lace. With it's heirloom quality, the look of lace ranges from demure to Goth. She'll be mixing lace with a white poplin shirt, mimicking the new Prada look, or with leather, a pairing she spotted on the Givenchy runway.

n Well-tailored jacket. It could be masculine or formfitting, the key is the fit.

n Clutch handbag. "If you still have not invested in a clutch, this is the season to do so. There are so many styles to choose from, from romantic to punk."

n Sexy high heels. High heels don't have to be power pumps. Garcia's recommendations include loafer styles and shoe booties.

n Wide-leg trousers. These pants are for day or evening since the look will drastically change if they're made of pinstripes or satin — or even sequins.

n A blouse, preferable with ruffles, lace or a bow. "The perfect feminine piece to complement the fall wardrobe. Perfect to frame the face and add some femininity to your tailored looks."

n A great coat. It's a key investment, she says, because it allows you to make an entrance with style.

n Floral prints. "Don't retire your florals just because summer is over. Winter blooms are still strong and feminine for fall."

Ding-dong, guess who? It's Avon

Avon's been around for 122 years. And the first Avon lady — Mrs. P.F.E. Albee — sold perfume traveling by train or wagon ... long before women voted or had careers.

By the 1960s, everyone knew those ads: "Ding dong, Avon calling." Today, Avon has 42,000 reps selling door-to-door and online. Popular items include Anew skin care and Pro-To-Go lipstick ($9) that pops open with only one hand. "It saves lives," jokes Levittown, N.Y., rep Rosemarie Kahn, thinking of all those women applying makeup while driving down the highways. "Or, if you have kids hanging on you — you just pull it from your pocket. Women like anything that makes life easier."

— From wire reports