Today is Three Kid Circus Auditions' stop on the Parent Bloggers Network tour for The Little Black Book of Style, written by Nina Garcia of Project Runway and Elle Magazine fame. This slim volume is a quick, entertaining look at how the stylish half live - and once I decided to stop sputtering indignantly over some of Garcia's anecdotes, I actually came away with some great ideas for developing and enhancing my own personal style.

I've never been one to hold a narrow view of beauty - and Garcia is right on the money when she says:

"Style comes from knowing who you are and who you want to be in the world; it does not come from wanting to be somebody else, or wanting to be thinner, shorter, taller, prettier....When a woman embraces her "imperfections," they can become her greatest strengths, definers of her character and spirit."

So, yeah. I've got my flaws, but I've always thought I was pretty hot stuff. Glad to know that confidence, however unfounded, is stylish.

With colorful, vibrant illustrations and a chatty style, Garcia comes off as privileged and perhaps a bit out of touch with the average woman's fashion realities, but ultimately gives great guidelines for selecting quality pieces, creating your own signature look, and finding inspiration all around you.

I really enjoyed the section on movies and musicians - Garcia points readers to some classic looks captured on film and breaks the looks down, explaining what worked, and why. I also loved the Q&A with some of the fashion industries top players - some of their answers were really surprising. The fantastic, loving, woman-appreciating quotes scattered throughout the book subtly reinforced the message that style isn't for the tall, thin and elite. Style isn't one-size-fits-all. Style isn't unattainable, and can't be purchased. It has to come from within.

As a stay-at-home mom, I'm guilty of pulling on the same pair of jeans day after day, lacing up sneakers and stealing oversized sweatshirts from my husband's side of the closet. I always promise myself that I'll dress up when it matters. Reading The Little Black Book of Style was a great nudge - comfortable clothing doesn't have to be frumpy - and taking those extra few minutes in the morning to put together a cute outfit can often have a fantastic effect on my entire day.

As Garcia says in her closing thoughts:

"Style is a matter of finding out who you are and who you want to be in the world. I hope you choose to be fabulous, daring, fun, inspired and yourself."

It is time to attack my closet and "ruthlessly edit" down to the best of the best. With the great guidelines in The Little Black Book of Style, I'm already feeling inspired.

For more reviews from Parent Bloggers Network bloggers - check out the roundup.