Rachel Zoe’s Style A to Zoe
Tuesday, 03 August 2010 12:01
When celeb uber-stylist Rachel Zoe (pronounced like “faux,” not “Chloe”) first entered our consciousness a couple years ago, we weren’t sure what to think of her over-the-top accessorizing (those sunglasses!), rail-thin frame (horse pills rumors?) and recognizable ’70s aesthetic (Lindsay! Nicole!).
By Maghan McDowell, Photo by Billy Farrell/Patrick McMullan.com
Well, we’re sorry. Consider us converts. If it was the Rachel Zoe Project (just starting its third season on Bravo tonight) that started it, it was her style tome, Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour that sealed our fate.
As we read the book, we felt like we got to know a driven woman with an excellent sense of looking good, who refuses to succumb to the sweats-and-sneakers routine that has become pervasive across America—and we don’t mean in the gym.
In her book, written with Rose Apodaca, she weaves personal details of her fabulous life with tips for the everywoman on living glamorously, with help from her A-list friends. What we loved was her down-to-earth acceptance of living on a budget, being our own stylist and her commitment to making a freakin’ effort!
So, to celebrate the kick-off of the new season (and because, let’s face it, sometimes a one-hour show just isn’t enough), here are our top 15 tips from her truly entertaining (and beautiful) book on making like Rachel and living elegantly, inside and out:
DRESSING
On bags… “You’re better off with a quality classic than a logo-splattered imitation.”
On accessories… “There is nothing fun, interesting or glamorous in playing it subtle.”
On red carpet moments… “Any reason to dress up is absolutely reasonable … there’s no reason to be the host looking like you’re going to clean out the garage.”
On being a guest… “If someone goes through all the effort of throwing a party and you show up looking utterly casual, you’re basically declaring to the host and the world that you don’t really care so much about the occasion or them.”
On over-dressing… “What’s the worst-case scenario? You look the best in the room?”
On sneakers… “Sneakers go against everything glamour… They should be limited to exercise.”
On tanning… “I soak the rays directly from the source. And I don’t make any apologies for it.”
AT HOME
On the TV placement… “A room with the focus centered on a TV is a conversation flow killer.”
On good lighting… “Artificial light can’t be avoided, but it can be upgraded into something less harsh.”
On decorating with books… “Nothing is more pretentious than stacks of books that are … just there for looks.”
On beauty products… “Keep the exhibition of personal care products to a minimum … Put it away.”
SOCIAL GRACE
On RSVPs… “If you’re on the receiving end of the invite, an RSVP is not optional.”
On serving food… “Dessert is essential.”
On Costume parties… “If an invite lists a theme or dress code, then honor your host and fellow guests by turning it out.”
On being catty… “You can be a nice person and be successful.”
Bottom line? Although we won’t be saying “OOC” or B-A-N-A-N-A-S any time soon, we won’t apologize for everyday glamour—or wearing faux fur, even if it is Florida.
The Rachel Zoe Project returns to Bravo tonight at 10pm. Expect more drama, awards shows and glamour than ever.
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INsite is Gainesville's premier entertainment magazine. Check INsite for celebrity interviews, movie star profiles, local band interviews and concert reviews. You'll find features on Gainesville fashion and style, beauty tips, and health and fitness advice. Check out Swamp Rentals for info on Gainesville Apartments and My Gainesville Restaurants for the latest restaurant reviews.