Living in Style: Inspiration and Advice for Everyday Glamour

by Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe is an unparalleled fixture in the fashion world known for her unique take on effortless glamour. The designer, stylist, and editor is celebrated for shaping the images of Oscar-winning actresses and creating collections that embody her modern and sophisticated look. Now she wants to help you define your own personal style and incorporate it into all aspects of your life, from your wardrobe to your home to your next dinner party.

In these sleek pages, Rachel offers trusted tips and advice-along with style insights from her fellow insiders, friends, and family members. You will find never-before-seen photographs from Rachel's private archives and learn about her personal icons, from Jane Birkin to Coco Chanel. Along the way, she also reminisces about her earliest influences and shares the story of her own style evolution.

Whether you're accessorizing a chic black jumpsuit, entertaining friends, or perfecting your Friday night smoky eye, let Rachel Zoe be your guide to living in style.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Self Help, Lifestyle, Coffee Table Books

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

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

[Kat Asharya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for these kind of books but this definitely has a very specific aesthetic, and if you don't share the 70s Cali glam-luxe paparazzi style, there's not much here to learn or pick up. However, Zoe herself comes across as surprisingly grounded, enthusiastic and nice in the writing, and that's a pleasure in and of itself.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel Zoe has exquisite taste to be sure. That being said, the fashion history section of the book is cursory at best and nothing we haven't seen or read before. The best part of the book is her description of her closet must-haves and the photos of her house and office. To quote RZ herself, "I die."

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re someone who’s still learning about fashion, designers, styling, beauty/skincare, history fo film/film stars going back to the early 20th Century this book is for you. It focuses on the classics, so it’s not out of date even though it’s 7 years old already.

While our eye and what we do for fashion has changes since Rachel’s show, she does get the classics right. Each time, we do do them with a new twist.

I didn’t learn much from this book, but I will take away these key facts:
- we all need to clean out our cosmetics more often (or your equivalent);
- if you collect clothes, know which are the everyday ones you won’t weep about if they get a stain, versus your “show ponies.” As Rachel collects so much designer/vintage, I can see her having quite a few “show ponies” that she might use as wall art in her dressing area over wearing them on a night out.

I’d be more interested in this book had it been written now—as we all become ever so more informal in our dress, and as well come out of our COVID cocoons, thinking about feeling fabulous and throwing a party does cheer one up.

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was on the new book shelf at the library so I took a look. I didn't know one would publish an entire book of selfies, even the text makes talking about oneself an art-form. I had hoped to get some ideas and see some picture of stylish and high-end decorating - didn't get it. Her advice starts out as know how to pronounce the names of designers with phonetic spelling next to each name.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great lifestyle advice overall. My major qualm with the book is that all of her recommendations assume that everyone has the same amount of money that she does, and she offers no alternative. While I often worship at the altar of Zoe, this book was good overall but had some missteps.

[Aleigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a big fan of Zoe and here career. Although campy and often times obvious, this glamorous blueprint was fun to read. She is such a character and her inspirations are the best!

[Terri Durling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love glamour and, in fact, am known as "Glamma" by my grandchildren. One can always use a little glamour in their life to make it that much more interesting and beautiful. I enjoyed Rachel Zoe's book, although much of her advice is far beyond my means. She is a unique stylist who has made a name for herself in the difficult world of fashion. Although I am sure she has worked hard to get where she is, I think her life has always been one of privilege so she is hard to relate to if only for that reason. I do love her style though and agree that a bit of sparkle can go a long way. She can layer and accessorize like no other and her philosophy of "more Is better" does ring true for me, although I have tried to tone it down a bit. She lost me with her advice on decorating and throwing a good party as just not in that league, nor will I ever be and that is quite OK, too. I am happy with what I have and that's all that truly matters. The photos are glitzy and glamorous and a nice addition to a very fancy book. She seems to have a great relationship with her husband and it can't be easy in the world they live in so hats off to her or, better still, hat on as she says hats amp up an outfit and I totally agree with her. I might try a few of the makeup products she recommends if they don't break the bank.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The photos were beautiful and the variety of content was good (from style to hosting a party to packing for a trip). I wanted to see more of a breakdown of how Zoe does her styling. A lot of the writing was repetitive (Accessories, accessories, accessories), yet the picture that follows shows an actress wearing a gown and (maybe) a necklace. We don't see the bracelets, we don't see the earrings, or even know WHY the necklace was chosen. Other times she explains key pieces one needs in her closet if she is going to dress like a particular style icon. Yet, she does not put together the outfit she describes. It would be nice to see Zoe or even another actress styled in the clothing she recommended.

Easy and quick read. It's fun to live in her very expensive world of style and fashion for a few hours.

[Dearwassily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mindless read for at-work.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very enjoyable read with some great advice! thx

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Editor should've told her to cut the entire second half of this book - it's entirely irrelevant

[Caley]

A reread
Still fun

[Tomasina Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for a fashionista!

[Aja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I found the advice really accessible and helpful. I actually found myself making little notes. I love reading how this woman packs and organizes her life. I think the stuff about beauty definitely needed diversity, so that was why I only gave it four stars. So many of these tips only applied to white women. I will definitely visit her favorite vintage shops next time I'm in Paris. They sound incredible. I wish she had a show again. I was hopelessly addicted. It was bananas.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was a bit more biographical than I had expected. If you're a fan of Rachel Zoe this will be a gold mine for you! It was an interesting read as a high level overview of how a fashion designer's life might go, but I felt there was little usable advice. There were some pointed fashion suggested "bold lips, sunglasses" or "Intense eyes and neutral lips when going to a eye contact heavy situation" (paraphrased not actual quotes), but nothing that isn't popular knowledge. Perhaps, the most unique advice concerned organizing your closet as she had some methods I haven't seen before (one shoe forward and another back).
I would say the book tried to cover too much (fashion, decor, self care, travel...) in too few pages so it lacked the depth I was hoping for. I would also say it's only inspirational if she's an idol or role model of yours as it was a very personal and contained many pictures of Ms. Zoe which don't really hit home unless emulating her style seems inspirational to you.

[Yolo Yearwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. Let's be honest. What kind of literary value could possibly come out of a celebrity stylist? I breezed through it, discovered it was just a coffee table book, not one that is actually meant to be read. I know this sounds harsh, but let's just be honest and call it as it is. Did I learn anything about style, which is the point of the book? Nope. I don't wear heels, don't even own any, so that's a strike, I don't dress for work, I wear sweaters and yoga pants because the only person seeing me at work is the one in the mirror. If I followed her ideals on throwing parties and dinners I wouldn't have any guests, it's just too Hollywood for my Midwest world. The only thing I find interesting is her background in Sociology, which is the only thing we have in common.

[Meaghan Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A HUGE fan of Rachel Zoe, I had to add ‘Living in Style’ into my books for this year. If you are not into fashion, style or Rachel…then just skip on by…but if you are a fan, pick this up. You WILL be inspired and not just with her clothes, but in her home, jewelry and just her overall diva persona! She is a go-getter and her career has taken off, because she pushes herself every single day. A fashion stylist, a mother, a wife, she is a very talented women wrapped with a very sparkly bow!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read every fashion/style book I could get my hands on. But now that I've realized that I have a very casual, minimal style, these books are no longer a great fit for me. This book has a lot of great info, reference pics of the origins of beauty and fashion classics, etc. But her style is so far from what I'm comfortable with that I didn't glean much from it

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel Zoe books never disappoint, and this one is no different, filled with glamorous photos of her life and home, her fabulous friends (and their are plenty of these) its a veritable who's who of fashion. Lots of valuable fashion and styling tips for all walks of life a must have for any Fashionista!

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Living In Style"? More like "Living With Money"! The chapter on travel includes only posh, European getaways. The first half on fashion emphasizes "go with what works for your style" and yet it also seems to say "but remember, life doesn't start until you get that first designer piece!"

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. Nothing too earth-shattering here, I read it in a day. If I was being picky I'd say she could have gone into a little more detail on things, but whatever.

[janie love · Rating 5 out of 5]

good!like it

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pictures are beautiful. I might not like her style, but she sure knows how to put it together. And yes, She does it with help of many people.

[Tricia Leising · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun fashion read!

[Dana Kenworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My style bible. Gorgeous book!

[Carolann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read with GREAT photos!!!

[Katelyn Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, well-edited book for the fashion and entertaining lover.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've returned time and time again to this guide for practical glamour advice.

[Marissa Sherman Deziel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into Rachel Zoe's inspiration and views on fashion and design.

[Rain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did I read this? I must be LITRALLY BANANAS.