Rachel Zoe Series

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel shares her must-have pieces for holiday travel.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it is safe to assume most of us will be traveling at least once — or half a dozen times — between now and New Year's. The stress brought on by packing, airports, and in-laws can be overwhelming, so I put together a list of a few mandatory going-out-of-town items — each carefully chosen to calm jet-set anxiety and keep you stylish on the go. Check off as many items from my list as you can and embrace your time away from the office — safe and stylish travels! xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel shares her favorite fur pieces.

One of my favorite past-times is clicking through Style.com's comprehensive database of runway collections — both old and new. Obviously, Chanel is always prominently on my radar, and this season, the Parisian fashion house really set the bar. With a glacial-inspired theme, Karl Lagerfeld delivered a show-stopping presentation of head-to-toe faux fur ensembles, ice block purses, and frosty jewelry. I D.I.E.

Thankfully, for most of us who are fashion-hungry yet on a budget, Chanel's arctic influence has filtered down throughout reasonably priced collections — making it a must to incorporate the look into our own wardrobes. With faux fur everywhere to be found, I selected a few of my ultimate favorite styles — shaggy jackets, cozy boots, and earmuffs! — for channeling Chanel this season and beyond. Read on and get ready to freeze over your closet! xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel shows us her favorite leather picks.

As we transition deeper into Fall, the demand for leather is on the rise! One of the most stylish and versatile textiles, this season designers have gone above and beyond the leather jacket to give us leather dresses, shirts, handbags, and everything. Intrigued? Let's talk about how to work the tough fabric into your wardrobe . . .

The easiest and most accessible leather goodies come in the form of footwear and arm candy, so my first instinct is to reach for a pair of sky-high leather wedges or a leather envelope clutch to add depth to any look. Ba-na-nas. Next, I love a leather shirt or shorts — paired with opaque tights — for an unexpected day-to-night ensemble. Wear leather shorts with a sheer blouse, blazer and open-toe booties . . . or a leather shirt with skinny jeans and platform pumps — both wardrobe choices are flawless. Finally, I could never forget a classic leather jacket. Whether you rock an older worn-in piece that is already in your closet or one of this season's coveted shearling leather jackets, the outerwear option is the perfect substitute to a blazer — an irreplaceable in your closet from Fall to Winter and beyond. Loves it. No matter how you choose to wear leather this season, just dive headfirst into the trend and don't look back. xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel discusses chunky heels.

Now that the Fall season is well under way, take a look around and you'll notice that everything in the fashion world appears to be bigger. Pant legs are wider, sweaters are oversized, and heels are chunkier than ever! Major. This larger-than-life phenomenon can be embraced throughout your entire wardrobe, but since footwear plays such a key role in one's day-to-day look, I suggest starting there.

With my eyes set on a sturdy heel, I have sought out the best of this season's statement shoes for your viewing — and wearing — pleasure. Whether you prefer leather motorcycle boots, a glam metallic pair of heels, or open-toed platforms, I promise there is at least one sole mate here for you today. Intrigued? Browse the bananas selection now and remember to go big or go home this Fall! xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel shares her military style picks.

Spotted on the runways, on the streets, and all over fashion blogs, the military-inspired style is undeniably a major trend this Fall. With so many service-ready pieces to choose from — chunky green jackets, cargo pants, and even khaki nail polish — it is beyond easy to work the look into your wardrobe. However, keep in mind to only rock one to two pieces of militia gear at a time, because suiting up head to toe isn't so chic. Now, there are a few different ways to take on the trend, but I'd start with an army jacket or vest. Choose a style with a cinched or belted waist and think of it as a substitute for your black blazer to be worn with a feminine dress or jeans and a tee. Next, pick out a flattering pair of skinny cargo pants. A new twist on the skinny jean, the extra detailing makes the style a go-to look for Fall. Concerning footwear, I love the look of tough girl booties to transition you into Fall. Find a pair that lace up or with buckles and wear them with your favorite skirt and thick socks. Last but not least, it all comes down to the details with a khaki mani — as mentioned in The Zoe Report — and a glam sequin handbag to keep your overall aesthetic very fashion forward. xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel tackles the trouser trend.

While finding the perfect pant can be a time-consuming and sometimes exhausting process, one style that never seems to disappoint is the trouser. As a staple in my own wardrobe, I cannot imagine a better silhouette for any occasion. Just think, maybe you have a day full of errands ahead and you want to look polished, not sloppy — or maybe you are attending a work function that calls for something understated and dressy . . . simply reach for a streamlined pair of trousers and you will shut it down in either scenario!

There are so many fab options at your fingertips, but I recommend starting with something versatile like 7 For All Mankind's new Featherweight Trouser Jeans. Not only is the waistband just right, but the dark wash can easily go from day to night; plus, they are a personal fave. Play up the flared leg with a chic pair of flats or chunky heels, and balance out your look from top to bottom by opting for a button down blouse. Per-fec-tion. Denim is totally appropriate in many workplaces, but if you are looking for something a little more professional, a tuxedo or black trouser is the ticket. Rock them with a structured jacket, bright scarf, and wedges, and you will take office chic to the next level. xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel talks all things maxi!

If there is one silhouette I am coveting for Fall, it is a totally versatile and fashionable maxi dress or skirt. The floor-length style is very sophisticated yet easygoing and comfortable . . . who doesn't love that? So welcome the new season by lengthening your hemlines and introducing a maxi into your wardrobe asap!

The trick to owning the look is to aim for something in a lightweight fabric — cotton jersey or silk — and accessorizing accordingly. Rock a maxi casually during the day with flat distressed motorcycle boots and a colorful fringe scarf, then take it to night with high wedges and glam jewels — think dazzling earrings or a chunky necklace. So beyond. If your maxi of choice happens to be a skirt, be mindful to pair it with a body-hugging top (anything that is too flowy or loose all around is not flattering). Lastly, never forget to add your own personal spin on the look — maybe a cross-body bag or a multichain belt — and you will without a doubt look OOC this Fall season. xoRZ

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. Sign up at RachelZoe.com. This week Rachel shares her 10 essentials for NYFW!

Do you hear that? It is the sound of platforms strutting down the runway while cameras flash incessantly and a style-hungry audience offers up a roaring applause . . . must be New York Fashion Week! As a seasoned veteran, I have compiled a very special guide of my essentials to glamorize the week . . .
XoRZ

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post written by Rachel Zoe, stylist, fashion designer, and creator of The Zoe Report. This week Rachel suggests Fall footwear . . . you ready for this?

Marching forward into Fall, there are countless types of shoes I envision on my feet . . . where to begin? It is a no brainer that boots are center stage this season so naturally, I have my eye on countless styles. First up are over-the-knee boots — OTK for short — as they are more coveted than ever before and come in many gorgeous variations for you to lust over . . . heeled, flat, suede, leather . . . DIE for all of them. If you have yet to delve into this trend, now is the time!

Other standout members of the boot family are riding boots and, of course, booties. Aim for ankle-height interpretations with lace-up detailing, a wedge structure and sturdy heel, and you will flawlessly finish any look.

In general, I have noticed many Spring/Summer shoe trends carry right on into Fall/Winter — meaning clogs and chunky wedges are still a go! — along with new cold-weather appropriate characteristics: love faux fur and shearling. Keep all of this in mind as you shoe shop and take further inspiration from the group you see here — carefully selected by moi. Lastly, please don't be afraid to wear your open-toe heels throughout the season . . . just throw on some tights or socks to stay cozy and strut your stuff. xoRZ