Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour

by Rachel Zoe, Rose Apodaca

Have you ever dreamed of having your own red carpet moment? Or wondered how to emulate the effortlessly chic style of the most photographed trendsetters? Or wished you could master the art of all things glamorous?

In STYLE A TO ZOE, Hollywood's hottest celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe, shares her insider tips in this essential guide to the art of a fashionable, behind-the velvet-rope lifestyle. With an eye toward living the luxe life, even if it's on a dime, Zoe zeroes in on the must-have accessories and wardrobe staples for all occasions, when to splurge and save on handbags and heels, how to decorate, entertain, and travel in style.

From award shows to advertising campaigns, Zoe is the go-to force among A-list actresses, fashion houses, beauty firms, and magazine editors. Now she offers full access to the style secrets that skyrocketed her famous clients to the top of best-dressed lists worldwide. With the help of some of fashion's biggest names-including Michael Kors, Donatella Versace, and Diane von Furstenberg-Zoe shares her invaluable insights on:

*Mastering red carpet moments in your own life
*Developing a style for work or play that's unstudied and glamorous
*Personalizing your own modern look by referencing your favorite style icons and vintage clothes
*The importance of the "wow" piece-and how to choose one right for you
*Throwing a chic dinner party and creating a luxuriously cozy living space
*Packing and traveling like a jet-setter
*Enjoying every day, living it up in style.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Biography, Self Help, Design, Art, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2007

About the author

Rachel Zoe, born Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig, is an American professional fashion stylist notable for having worked with numerous high-profile female celebrities. She is most noted for working with Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Keira Knightley and Jessica Simpson. She is married to investment banker Rodger Berman. In 2007, she released her first style guide book with Rose Apodaca entitled Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, and Everything Glamour which was published by Grand Central Publishing.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was talking with my neighbor who is in her sixties and her regret was that she didn't dress up or look nice when she was younger. This got me thinking about how I present myself, how much time I spend on myself and would I regret that I didn't try to make myself look better. I live in jeans and a tee shirt, flip flops, usually no makeup and hair pulled back in a pony. I got this book thinking it was going to tell me what brand names are the most fashonable, and how to show off my boobs. What I got was something different. That style is not about how much your clothes cost but how they make you feel. Do my clothes make me feel like I am stylish? No not in the least. I also got that you can jazz up most plain outfits with accessories. With a little planning and making time for yourself the difference can feel like a million bucks. I found it helpful that she went into detail about classic style that you can always wear and look great in. I am not about to go drop a lot of money on a new wardrobe but I can start slowly building up a closet my girl would be happy to borrow from when she is older.

[Juliette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another fine example of why public libraries rule: if you, like me, enjoy reading about fashion and pop culture, yet can't or won't pay for coffee table books like this, you can check them out for free!
That said, this book sort of stinks. Rachel Zoe has an awesome career as a fashion stylist, but her own strange personal style of being pin-thin, overly tan, and posing with her mouth hanging open makes no sense to me.

[Conejo Literario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un libro super, super,super palomero para leerte un día en la alberca pero cumple con su objetivo. Lo único malo es que las referencias envejecieron muy mal, muchas de las cosas/estilos/referencias que propone se quedaron atrás hace muchos años. Te tiene que gustar mucho el trabajo de Rachel Zoe y la moda para que lo disfrutes.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Rachel Zoe's words, "It takes a village to make a star" and she gives us her tricks of the trade. I am not so much a fan of her style--kaftans, heavy jewelry, and long blonde hair abound--but it was an amusing read. I especially enjoyed her section on traveling well. I'm not sure neosporin dabbed around your nose to keep the germs out during a flight will actually work, but it's not a bad idea for us dry skinned girls. Now all I need is my Evian atomizer! It's fun to take a vacation into high maintenanceland.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how the stars dress so well, then read this book. It's written by Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist who styles Jennifer Gardne, rLiv Tyler, Kiera Knightley, Ann Hathaway, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, etc.

It's fun read with lots of practical tips on what to wear or buy. Tons of photos of her celebrity clients. Also, advice articles by various designers and celebrities.

Wish I was a celebrity stylist. Sounds like she makes lot so money and gets to meet lots of designers and other fashionable people.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This 'chick' drives me crazy. I was gifted this because I too am a stylist. But this crazy nut job feeds her clients hourse tranqs to keep them skinny. Remember when Nicole richie was a skeleton on us weekly, well you have Zoe here to thank. The book is all about how fab she thinks she is and has not really usefull information. Even the Victoria Beckham style book was better! Dont support this horse pill freak.

[Yasjencon · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked the book. i like that she talked about all areas of style from home and fashion. i learned storage ideas. i wish she had included more pics because her style is cute and comfortable, something that works for people like me that would like to be organized and have a closet where you can throw stuff on without a lot of fuss.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Rachel Zoe's, "Style A to Zoe." I saw her new book out at Barnes & Nobles, and wanted to read this first. I wish there were more photos of her closet, and "execessories." I would also have loved to see photos of her studio.

[Sugarrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually like this book, it's more about herself then tips for the reader , but I was just reading it for entertainment not looking for tips, Molly Sims life/style book is my go to book for that !

But back to this one, lots of pictures and very colorful. A fun book .

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, although filled with lovely etchings and drawings, seemed to be too simple. There was a lot of "telling" me not "showing" me how to style.

I would love to see how exactly Zoe styled a red carpet style. Why that dress, why that bracelet, and that shoe.

But, I was not asked.

[Coralee Romett skebeck gionta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should have read this book before her new one but it's great to see her growth as an entrepreneur, a fashion diva and a person.

[Anka · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte excelenta daca esti pasionat/ interesat de subiect. Mi-a placut enorm faptul ca autoarea explica motivatia care sta la baza unei aparitii wow oriunde, nu conteaza daca esti vedeta sau nu, ai momentele tale de glorie anyway: o aniversare, o celebrare a unui succes, o absolvire, o casatorie, o intalnire cu prietenii, o iesire in oras, o vacanta etc. Am invatat si multe lucruri, am citit si despre viziunea unor mari designeri, am aflat si cate ceva de despre design interior, am terminat aceasta lectura very happy. Mi-a placut fragmentul despre Roberto Cavalli si descrierea caselor lui in corelatie cu semnificatiile sufletesti ale acestor locuri.
Pe tot parcursul lecturii, am simtit onestitatea si asumarea autoarei. Mi s-a parut ca nu vorbeste de pe o pozitie atotstiutoare si inaccesibila muritorilor de rand ci din contra a explicat minunat cum motivatia vine din interior indiferent de cine suntem si cum avem ocazia sa celebram frumusetea in nenumarate moduri, vestimentatia fiind doar unul din ele.
Am simtit ca autoarea indeamna nu numai la frumos vizual ci si la frumos interior, ne ajuta sa tindem catre o tinuta interioara si exterioara impecabile. Recomand cu caldura aceasta carte!

[Willow Rankin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really, really didn't enjoy this book.
I remember being enamoured by Rachel Zoe's styling back in the mid 2000s, that boho chic was so popular with the 70s flair, I loved the look - but not on me.
As I've grown older I have found a style which suits, and am slowly building a wardrobe based on that look; so picking up her book seemed like a good idea.
However, the only style tips contained are for those who like that 70s boho chic look that she so effortlessly created, but if you are looking for practical and differing style tips, you won't find it here. My look is understated, and not big hair, big Jewellery or fake tans, so this book full of its styling tips is just not useful for me.
Also the name dropping of clients that she has styled - all who had the same cookie cutter look, just feels samey and dated.
Everything in this book feels like a trend she helped shape back in the 2000s.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Zoe got most of her inspiration from her mother, whose shopping habit was understood and supported by her dad

- Always strive for one element of dramatic flair, the "wow factor"

- Never replicate others: interpret others

- Never follow trends: pick a style

- Outfit is a complete package, not just the dress

- Accessories can make or break a look

- Classic usually is simple but endure seasons to seasons

- Harmonize your look, stick with similar colors

- Photo can tell a look better and in a unbiased way: take a photo of your outfit or your home, and you can quickly realize what's wrong with it

- Buy something because you love it, you need it, and you will use it

- What you wear should be something that makes you feel comfortable inside and out

- Never show too much skin

- LBD: avoid wool cashmere and tweed (only works in winter and adds bulk), best fabric for LBDs are chiffon, georgette, silk charmeuse, and tropical weight wool jersey

[Book Grocer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchase Style A to Zoe here for just $10!

If you're a fan of Rachel Zoe this book will not disappoint. Filled with lots of tips on styling, wardrobe, how to buy vintage and also covering home decor. Also touches on her life and it all started for her in the fashion and styling world. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in fashion.

Alicia - The Book Grocer

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book in getting an idea of how to make your life a bit more glamourous in terms of fashion but also in all other areas. Has some good advice, although most examples are from celebrities' lifestyles. In general it is a good book as a starting point for improving style.

[DeBora Rachelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a sleeper.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this book 2.5 stars.This book mostly talk about her famous clients.

[Angus Pattinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dated now, but nobody's fault. Fun to look back at the styles and how they are making a comeback now. Timeless advice on galmour too because galmour never goes out of style really does it?

[Bruna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outdated

[Devon Sligh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a rich and quasi famous person writing about herself. Although she does sometimes throw out some advice that's been repeated the world over.

[Nicole Mastriforte · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fashion fan of Rachel Zoe (which I totally am!) then you will love this book. I would love for her to put together my wardrobe.

[Tomasina Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fashion, Beauty, and Glamour manual.

[Ana ★ Tesserell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nu recomand.

[Alex Reborn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm really angry with this book! I'm still not sure if it was written for Hollywood diva wannabes or for the actual celebrities (?). There are so many aspects that felt so revolting that I wanted to just throw this away and delete it from my brain. However, once I started reading it, I just had to finish it...

First of all, so many, many pictures of the author/stylist with her many good friends (celebrities, of course), stories about her, talking so much about herself... Was this suppose to be an autobiography? Next, all I read was gold, gold and then, some more gold. Whether the colour or material, one should remember that the Gods of the ancient Greeks are long gone and so is their fetish for gold. The author implies that wearing gold accessories all the time is really glamorous. Moving on.

The author's idea of a glamorous style is not exactly appropriate for regular, mortal people, because being comfortable by wearing sneakers or having a day when a baseball cap seems like the perfect fit for an outdoor outfit is actually awesome, if you ask me. Wearing high heels literally everyday is really damaging, same as wearing make-up no matter what. Also, being overdressed for an event is just as bad as being underdressed (something we should all remember... yeah, myself included!). However, when attending important events, I'll keep my mouth shut and keep reading. (How many of those kind of events do YOU have in your life?)

I've had many arguments with this book, but I did learn something: you can't learn your own personal style from a book, you can only become accustomed with society's tastes for the time being. Moreover, it is really important to wear only clothing that you love, because that's when you'll feel the most comfortable and your behaviour will be natural and relaxed. My wardrobe certainly needs a makeover, but instead of being all about fashion, this is all about style!

[I really need to say this, before completely moving on: This is my own personal opinion. I do not like what was presented in the book, the advice given here seems shallow and the looks appear to be everything about a woman. Perhaps I don't understand the concept, but showing some skin in order to be attractive is just lame. Women, especially, should just know themselves and dress appropriate for the ocasion. That's not so hard, really. Whenever I see on the street girls clothed similar with the book's style, I probably judge silently and move on, but not before I remeber that everyone has their right to express themselves freely.]

[Butterfly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glamour! St. Barth's! Champagne! Living it UP! Jet-setting! Louis Vuitton! Chanel! French words! Mink coat!

Does reading these words make you feel glamorous?! Then you'll probably enjoy this book!

I enjoy a nice light read and fashion tips but this was just bad. The style advice was more a description of Rachel Zoe's own personal style rather than general advice or tips. The few general tips that were included are unhelpful and have been printed in millions of fashion magazines already (Mix new items with vintage! Find out what your personal style is and then buy and wear items that reflect that style! A good pair of shoes or a nice handbag really makes an outfit! Red lipstick! Don't be afraid to take fashion risks!)

I did enjoy many of the photos of Rachel's celebrity clients, all turned out and lovely.

The book already seems quite dated with its many photos and references to Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton.

Random mistakes: reference to the classic "Kelly Birkin" bag. Reference to something being "in tack" (= intact).

One little bit did make me stand up and cheer: where Rachel tells people to knock it off with the sunglasses at formal occasions. I don't know what it is about dudes at proms and weddings who can't wear a suit without putting on sunglasses and pretending they're in the Secret Service, but it has always been a huge pet peeve of mine.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

ME, ME, ME. This book was written by Rachel Zoe as an ode to herself. I'd hoped to learn something, but I didn't discover anything not featured online in blogs and magazine articles. Luckily, this was borrowed from the library and not paid for.

She talked about "daring" jewellery choices (not actually at all daring - bling earrings with an arm band? Rightttt) and how important glamour was. I found 3 of the lists in the book handy to have, but her constant name-dropping was irksome and I stopped reading eventually.

It was also INCREDIBLY patronising - she tells you how to execute an air-kiss. She really does. She instructs you on meeting British people: "an informal nod and wave will do". No it bloody won't. Shake their hand at least, whether they're male or female. A nod is just plain rude.

[Wild · Rating 3 out of 5]

Style A to Zoe was a great help when I wanted to get a handle on how to develop a consistent style based on quality pieces and enduring design - despite the celebrity of its author and the alienating tone of classism, I find myself picking up this book a bit more often than Nina Garcia's myriad of style books (which are way more inclusive and do not focus exclusively on the red carpet and yacht culture).

The reason? Zoe has a keen and thorough eye for comprehensive style that elevates the haute bohemian couture of the 70's. Her best tips are: remember to consider the details (wear only amazing jewelry and accessories); beauty can be created in even the most mundane areas of our lives; and big sunglasses are just the best idea ever.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fashionista, Rachel Zoe, stylist to the stars, has her first book out. But before you get too excited, keep in mind that it's co-written, doesn't really have enough photos to illustrate the points she makes and isn't all that innovative. If you're interested in what she does and want to hear more, then this book is good for you. If you actually want to be inspired by an actual stylist - eh, go elsewhere.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas and I figured I'd sort of flip through it like a magazine. I actually ended up reading it cover to cover. It was obviously, a light and quick read, but it had some good tips and I found it to be really enjoyable. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to get some tips for their own personal style and for a laugh about some of the more extravagant items Rachel talks about.