Monday, August 3, 2015

Book Review: Living in Style by Rachel Zoe


I bought Rachel Zoe's book "Living in Style" a year ago and skimmed through it, but never had a chance to read it. I've been making an effort to sit down and read more this summer, and so I finally had the opportunity to read it. I was not disappointed!


I have always admired Rachel Zoe's personal style, celeb styling work and success in building a fashion empire. This book is as well organized as Rachel's office and home! Chapters are as follows: Fashion is my Everything, Define your Style, Detail Oriented, Getting Gorgeous, The White House, The Good Life, Let's Have a Party and Going Places

Image via The Zoe Report

My favorite chapters:

Define your Style
"I'm not staring at your shoes. Really. People who don't know me assume that I judge everyone's outfits, from head to toe - not true. In fact, I'm never critical. I appreciate your individual style and that has little to do with who can collect the most expensive designer bags or ankle boots... In fashion, anyone can put together an amazing look - even on a dime." And I love that sense of democracy. All you need is a go-to signature style."

This chapter inspired me to think about my complete style and I wholeheartedly agree that it is not about who has the most expensive pieces. The looks I often receive the most compliments on are the looks that came from Value Village or My Sister's Closet in Vancouver

"Once you have found your fashion comfort zone, take a risk." 

I definitely have a fashion comfort zone and it's possible I've been stuck there! In the last few years, I have minimized my style to silver jewelry, minimal accessories and clean lines. I often feel that this doesn't represent my fun and energetic personality. Rachel's love of gold jewelry and bold accessories inspired me to break out of my fashion comfort zone and buy this gold necklace (featured in the last image of the post) from Tribal Rhythm Vintage on Queen Street.

Detail Oriented
This chapter inspired me to think about my wardrobe in ways I hadn't in the past few years. I always have emphasized the importance of accessories, but don't think I had been truly thinking about accessories for myself. Rachel details her love of accessories and how she accessories different outfits for different seasons and occasions. Some of the things I'll be thinking about, in more depth over the next little while, will be gloves for the fall, new ways to wear hats, and more importantly, belts. When talking about belts, Rachel described one of her favorite looks to be "a fitted, ribbed black turtleneck with white pants and a gold chain belt." This is not something I would typically gravitate to wearing, but made me stop and think... "could I?"

The Good Life
I enjoyed reading this chapter on how Rachel prioritizes work and family. Lives are busy these days and whether you have a family or not, it's important to think about how to prioritize the people and commitments in your life.. At the same time, she reminded me that despite all the busyness, "Sometimes, you have to put aside the to-do list and raise a glass to all the good things in life."

Going Places
I love all things travel. Period. I enoyed how Rachel featured designers, describing their favorite travel destinations for relaxation and inspiration. Favorites were Brian Atwood on Mykonos, Prabal Gurung on Nepal, Peter Dundas on Venice and Kate and Laura Mulleavy on Florence. 

If you're looking for a visually appealing and inspiring read, check this out! 




As per Rachel's request, I took the need to push my fashion comfort
zone, by buying this necklace!

 Wearing a new necklace inspired from reading Rachel Zoe's book 

Necklace from Tribal Rhythm Vintage

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