Rachel Zoe: Shoes Make Me Feel 'Polished, Confident and Glamorous'

When I started I Heart Heels nearly six (!) years ago I never would've dreamed I'd have today's Q&A on here...let's just be real, ok? You know me by now and I can't act all nonchalant about having Rachel Zoe on the blog today because...squeallllll! It's the ultimate. Or really I should say it's pretty much everything. I met RZ outside Lincoln Center in 2012 during fashion week and quickly asked for a photo with my shaky hand (you don't wanna see the finished product). I would've given my left peeptoe to feature her in this space, so to have her here today to share her shoe obsession and how to style them is beyond. (oh, and don't forget to pick up her brand-new book Living in Style...I know I am!) Ready, set...

I Heart Heels: ALL of your shoes are phenomenal. Which ones in your latest collection mirror the most about your own personal style?
Rachel Zoe: I’m really obsessed with the Mason gladiator sandal. It’s a sexy spin on a classic style and totally wearable with its chunky heel and adjustable straps. I love it styled with ethereal dresses, stacked gold bangles and soft wavy hair. I can’t get enough of this sandal.

IHH: You wore heels up until you gave birth. Would you say your personal shoe-wearing game has changed very much since you've had your two boys? 
RZ: That’s true, I did…with both of my boys! My personal shoe-wearing game hasn’t changed much since I was 15. Personally, the higher the better. When I design my collection I like to think about the women in my life, what they’re wearing and what they want to be wearing.

"My personal shoe-wearing game hasn’t changed much since I was 15. Personally, the higher the better." -- Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist 

 
IHH: Your ankle-strap Melina is awesome! How would you wear this - and what's a fav from your winter collection that you love to wear?
RZ: The Melina is gorgeous – so sleek and sexy! Style it with your favorite LBD and a leather moto jacket for an edgy yet feminine combination. 

One of my other favorite styles is the Caden pump – it’s effortlessly polished with a subtle chain embossed detail across the toes – I love it! Definitely a pump every woman should have in her wardrobe.

IHH: How will the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2014 shoe collections compare to what we've seen in the past?
RZ: Every season I'm more excited than the last! I'm continuing to develop styles using rich textures, exotic skins and distinct hardware that feel modern and polished. For me, this spring was all about safari – full of gladiator sandals, zebra-printed haircalf and snake embossed leather, while the fall collection has mod elements with over-the-knee boots, moto boots and menswear-inspired oxfords.

IHH: Three words that sum up how shoes make you feel.
RZ: Polished. Confident. Glamorous.

[Photos Courtesy BPCM]

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