MSA Exclusive – Q&A with Rachel Zoe!

A few weeks ago, MSA readers got the opportunity to ask Rachel Zoe questions about the Box of Style (and style in general), and today we have the answers from Rachel to many of your questions!

(Also good to know - Nina Garcia will be on Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe tomorrow night - Thursday, October 29th at 10:30pm on Lifetime)!

What is the process that you go through to curate each box? How do you pick each item?

I’m constantly meeting with my team of editors of The Zoe Report talking about the newest beauty products, accessories and brands that we love. After we come up with a theme and direction for the season, we work with a team of merchandisers to reach out to the brands we think our members will love. Then both editorial and merchandising teams and I meet to ensure that each item meets our quality standards and sits well with everything else selected for the box. I mean it’s so fun to test new products and experience new brands, and to then share that with our audience!

What inspired you to do a subscription box?

I always wanted The Zoe Report to be a source of inspiration and discovery for our audience. When we wanted to take that relationship with our readers to the next level, I immediately thought that a subscription box would be a fun and affordable way to give them a real taste of the trends and brands that my team and I love. Since the reaction has been so positive, we’re always thinking of ways to make the experience better for our members!

Had you ever tried one and if so which one?

I have…my team and I tried everything! It was the best way to help us learn what we did and didn’t like and how we wanted to curate a box for our members.

When will we see Box of Style for the Home?

I would love to do home one day! But for now I want the focus to be on fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Any plans to do a Limited Edition one-time-purchase box?

You’ll have to stay tuned!

Do you plan on including any of your designs in future boxes?

I think if it’s something that the Box of Style members want, then my team and I will try our best to make it happen. I am launching e-commerce for my collection in the next few months, so I am really excited to translate that customer service with the Box of Style to customers of my collection.

What is an item almost everyone already has that can be used in a way most people wouldn’t think of? 

I think a black suit jacket is more versatile than women realize. It can be worn over a sundress to transition to fall, with jeans during any season, with leather pants for an edgy look, or over a cocktail dress anytime! It’s probably the most adaptable item a woman can own.

What advice do you have on still staying stylish without looking like I’m dressing too young for my age?

I always say never wear too many trends at once!

What is your most used or worn item? Can you recommend a versatile piece for this season?

My most used or worn item is my black Givenchy platform ankle boots that I have worn for 5 years – they are my go to work boot.  I even wore them to the hospital 9 months pregnant!

I think every woman needs a tailored blazer – something she can throw on with everything. Polish off a maxi dress, mod shift or your favorite pair of jeans.

What’s the in style piece as we transition from summer to fall this year as we go from warmer days and nights to colder weather? What do you suggest a wrap, long sweater, etc. What’s going to be in style this year?

Definitely a leather or suede jacket! Layer with thin cashmere basics for those cooler nights, or simply over a little shift dress or slouchy t-shirt for warmer weather.

Do you have any suggestions on how plus sized women can look stylish without breaking the bank? It seems that less expensive plus sized clothing is only about comfort and not really style. What are the best go-to current style pieces to flatter extra curvy girls?

Plus size woman should buy key items that they love, that fit well and feel comfortable, and that they can go to with confidence. Buy a few statement pieces of jewelry and a great bag to turn any basic outfit into wow.