Friday, August 21, 2009

Exclusive! Rachel Zoe Answers YOUR Style Questions

Some of y'all might remember that awhile back I asked you to send in your fall style Qs for Rachel Zoe--a.k.a. our beloved patron saint of Shutting It Down here at STF--to answer. Find out how we got her to give us the exclusive 411 on fall fashion, after the jump.

To help celebrate the launch of Piperlime's brand-spanking-new clothing section, we asked their guest editor (that's right, Ms. Zoe) for smart solutions to a few of fall's toughest fashion puzzlers.

That's a short, sweet and very professional way of saying that Yours Truly somehow won the workplace megabucks and got to go to L.A. and spend the day watching (while sweating profusely with OMG-induced nerves) Rachel Zoe work her styling magic. And I met Taylor. And I got to sit down with Rachel and ask her all your Qs. And it's all on film. And the answer to your question is Yes: In person Rachel is just as fabulous, insanely chic and funny as she is on her show. And the answer to your second question is that after much debate, I wound up wearing a Phillip Lim sequin skirt, white Hanes tank top and a Banana Republic blazer on the day of our interview--but it should go without saying that I changed my outfit approximately 63 times before deciding on that one.

But enough about me.

You can find the full Rachel Zoe Q&A in our September issue, but here are a few of the fashion highlights:

Your Q: What’s a fall date outfit that’s cozy but still fun and sexy?

Rachel's Answer: Start with your cutest summer dress. Put a T-shirt under or a cardigan over it, then drape on a huge, fantastic scarf. The idea is that you can wrap the scarf a million different ways or leave it hanging down like a shawl. I love ones in a print or some sort of color. Finally, add high wedge boots and a cute hat.

Check out our dos and don'ts of sundresses before choosing your favorite one.

Your Q: I am forever aboard the “slouch lover” train. I love slouchy bags, sweaters, sweatpants and jeans. How do I wear that stuff and not look schlumpy?

Rachel's answer: You want to keep some element that shows your body and still looks sexy. If you’re wearing slouchy trousers or jeans, keep whatever is on top more fitted: a tee, button-down top or sweater. Likewise, if your top is slouchy, keep the bottom slim. You can’t wear an oversize sweater, oversize jeans and an oversize bag—that’s too much.

Your Q: I love ruffles. How can I wear them without looking like a little girl?
Rachel's answer: If you follow the right rules, ruffles can be classic French chic—and not at all “little girl” (or pirate!). Avoid an explosion of them and keep them to your collar, cuff or lapel. I’d pair a ruffled shirt with jeans and a fitted jacket. See—cute!

See what else we have to say about wearing ruffles at Glamour.com!


Your Q: I need to make my work wardrobe look new but am not doing a lot of shopping. What are a few things that I should buy to freshen up my look?
Rachel's answer: In this economy, you are not alone. What me and my team like to say is, just like you recycle things for the environment, recycle your wardrobe as well. It’s about adding key pieces that you really need and will covet for a long time in your closet: A black fitted menswear inspired blazer, it must fit really well and be tailored properly. You can throw it over any dress, any jeans and a top. I love a great fitted androgynous blazer. The high waisted pencil skirt from the '40s and in the '80s, mixed with very tailored jackets. In addition, some flouncy skirts with a fitted t-shirts and tank tops. It's the mixture that's key.

To see more looks from our shoot (and get more Zoe-approved fall outfit ideas) go here!

Now, I hate to break it to you, but you've got a few more days before The Rachel Zoe Project is back on Bravo. (It premieres on 10/9c, on Monday August 24th so your TiVo, Sharpie it in your calendar and pre-order pizza delivery, like a good STF.) But here's the good news: We've got a whole lotta Zoe to tide you over 'til then:

* Rachel Zoe's Fall DOs & DON'Ts, in video form.

*6 Fashion Dilemmas, Solved by Rachel Zoe.

*Take a sneak peak of The Rachel Zoe Project, Season Two.

* Prepare to drool over all of Rachel's Piperlime picks.

Which of Rachel Zoe's fall looks is your favorite? Would you wear any of 'em on a date? (FYI, Rachel said that she'd wear that sparkly silver look on a date with her husband Roger!) Are you counting down the hours til the RZP is back on the air waves too?

No comments:

Post a Comment