As you all know from my Zoe Effect, I love anything and everything Rachel Zoe delivers to my inbox in her Zoe Report (and her Zoe Project on Bravo, and her affordable fashion line on QVC, and… the list goes on).

Rachel recently posted a special edition of the Zoe Report, “The Not-So Basic Guide” to 20 wardrobe essentials. Some of her basics were affordable, some… not so much. Instead of picking up the essentials she suggested, I decided to select my own, using her guide as just that, a “guide”, and I did it all for under $100. Lucky us to get advice from “the” pro. I hope to add each piece to my wardrobe over time. I got a head start by picking up the black lace blouse last week and a biker jacket for my Zoe Effect.

1. Dark Denim Skinny Jeans – ASOS.com $39.32
2. Gold Menswear Inspired Watch – Amazon.com $38.00
3. Abstract Printed Floral Scarf – AffordableScarves.com $14.49
4. Black Sheer Detail Tee – ASOS.com $23.93
5. Oversized Off-Shoulder Sweater – Victoria’s Secret $49.00
6. Abstract Pleated Party Skirt – Forever 21 $19.80
7. Black Wool Fedora Timeless Hat – Forever 21 $11.80
8. Go-To Sunnies – Forever 21 $5.80
9. Sorrelli Floral Cocktail Ring – MaxAndChloe.com $40.00
10. Black Body Con Dress – ASOS.com $34.19
11. OPI The Thrill of Brazil Red Nail Polish – Amazon.com $4.75
12. Black Faux Leather Biker Jacket – Forever 21 $30.24
13. Gold Standout Clutch – Baghaus.com $20.00
14. Ruffled Military Denim Jacket – Charlotte Russe $36.99
15. Statement Making Leopard Flats – AmiClubWear.com $16.99
16. Dark Denim Trouser Jeans – Target.com $29.99
17. Black Wide Leg Jersey Knit Pant – ASOS.com $34.19
18. Black Lace Feminine Blouse – LuLus.com $40.00
19. Open Toe Nude Platform Pumps – DSW.com $59.95
20. Black or Brown Oversized Satchel – HandbagHeaven.com $59.95

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I can’t believe my Zoe Effect has come to an end! It was so fun dressing up in Rachel’s Zoe Reports for one week. The highlight for me, of course, was when I got a tweet from Rachel saying that I had made her week!!! Are you kidding me??? She updated her twitter and facebook status about my Zoe Effect series. How cool is that??? I literally jumped up screeching and did the dance of joy!!! It even crashed my site for a little bit from all of the traffic.

It was so fun and I appreciate all of the requests to keep it going! I would love to do it again sometime soon. At a minimum, now that I’ve had the nerve to show my face on my blog, maybe I will start taking pics for my “In My Closet” posts. Thanks again to everyone for your love and support!

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The Zoe Report

Metal Geometry – Silver Snakeskin Print Pattern Cuff

Rachel’s Styling Tips

“When I rock his creations, I tend to make them the focal point of my outfit. For instant Debbie Harry-cool, pair these bangles with bleached torn jeans, a distressed tee and vest.”

About My Look

In this edition of The Zoe Report, Rachel drools over the heavy metal crafts by Alexis Bittar. Rachel exudes, “I’ve worshiped him as an artist and friend for almost a decade, but will never be immune to the feeling I get when I look at his over-the-top jewels.” The cuff highlighted in this report retails for $225; however, in true looks for less style, Rachel offers an affordable alternative snakeskin print cuff by Oak.

Coincidentally, when this report landed in my inbox, I’d had my eye on a similar snakeskin pattern cuff by an Etsy designer, so I took this newsletter as a sign and ordered the accessory I’d been admiring.

The Breakdown

• LnA Ripped Shredded Crew Tee – Free People $68.00
• Black Studio Stretch Vest – Express $49.99
• Bleach Frayed Destroyed Skinny Jean – Forever 21 $29.80
• Silver Snakeskin Cuff – Etsy.com $35.00
• Stud Earring Set – Charlotte Russe $4.00
• Buckled Zipper Booties – Charlotte Russe $19.99

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The Zoe Report

Shine On Me – Black Sequin Leggings

Rachel’s Styling Tips

“Sequins + Leggings = Magic! They’ll bring out the David Bowie flamboyant glamour in anyone. They’re best worn with a long basic white tank or tee – leave all the drama for below the belt. For shoes, go with an ankle boot or black patent pump. Who doesn’t want a little extra glitter in their life? Love me some sequins!”

About My Look

To quote Rachel Zoe in her “Shine On Me” Zoe Report, “As we venture into fall, it’s important to note that virtually every designer sent sequins flying down the runways. You name it, it sparkled: scarves, jackets, hats and all.” In this particular post, Rachel shares her discovery of Yrusha Cameron sequin leggings. These leggings come with a price tag of $430 which is not an option for me. Lovn Rachel for serving up the amazing Topshop alternative in her Parallel Universe for only $80.

I love that I have added something to my closet that SPARKLES! These sequin leggings are surprisingly comfy and warm. Rachel is always saying take anything adorned with sequins and pair it with a basic white tee to dress it up! This was a great opportunity to use the Free People tee that I wore in “Do The Hustle” with the denim harem pants. Of all of these looks, I have so many pieces that I can mix and match to create several other outfits. Finish the look off with some black cat eyes and you’re ready for a dinner date or a night out with the girls.

The Breakdown

• Pleated Short Sleeve Tee – Free People $48.00
• Black Sequin Ankle Leggings – Topshop.com $80.00
• Hematite Multibangle Cuff Bracelet – Express $22.50
• Pewter Hoop Earrings – Express $14.50
• Pewter Jeweled Link Bracelet – Express $9.50
• Black Patent Pumps – Charlotte Russe $29.99

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The Zoe Report

Short Fuse – Leather Short Shorts

Rachel’s Styling Tips

“I am all about a recycled summer-to-fall look, so I suggest pairing these with some jewel-toned tights,* ankle booties and many cozy layers.”

About My Look

Of the 3.1 Phillip Lim fall collection, Rachel Zoe chose his mini leather shorts as her fav and raved about them in her “Short Fuse” Zoe Report. “I am constantly blindsided by his office-cool, head-turning clothes and accessories – they exude style at attainable prices (by fashion standards).” These shorts retail for $495; however, in true Zoe form, she didn’t forget about us non-celebs in her Parallel Universe. Her affordable alternative, the faux leather short shorts from Forever 21, are equally amazing with a drastically different price tag.

As Rachel states, “Ok…I know they are little and leather, but don’t be afraid. Not only was leather a big hit on the fall runways, but in short form, they’re the perfect transition piece.” I vowed to be brave with this look. What excited me the most about this look is that Rachel provided a head-to-toe pic from the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection – this was the perfect opportunity for me to show off my looks for less skills. I deviated just a bit from Rachel’s styling tips with the shoe option in an effort to show you that it is possible to match up a look from the runway for a whole lot less. Luckily for you, I find the “looks for less” on your behalf :)

The Breakdown

• Black Jacket – Target $34.99
• Black & White Mosaic Print Jacket – Dillard’s $39.00
• White Cowl-Neck Top – Old Navy $4.99
• Black Faux Leather Short Shorts – Forever 21 $23.99
• HUE Opaque Tights in Bordeaux – $12.50
• Black & Gold Metallic Stripe Hobo Purse – Spiegel $49.99
• BCBGirls Devona Pewter Strappy Platform Pumps – Dillard’s $110.00

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The Zoe Report

Boho Biker – Cuffed Platform Boots
Charmed, I’m Sure – Gold Charm Necklace
Rock Like An Egyptian – Pyramid Studded Bracelets

Rachel’s Styling Tips

Boho Biker: “Think: chocolate brown tights, a belted wrap sweater that falls just above the knees, messy hair and a knit beret or floppy hat.”

Charmed, I’m Sure: “I suggest to pile them on, mix and match—there are no rules in this game, so pending your mood let these unique charms do the talking!”

Rock Like An Egyptian: “I love to mix and match the wristlets with a few softer pieces, or an oversized watch, but they’re strong enough to stand alone too.”

About My Look

The styling advice for this look comes from Rachel’s report on the amazing Giuseppe Zanotti boho biker boots. These boots are a toned-down version of the heavily embellished biker boots that are so popular right now – for someone looking for a more subtle boot that’s still big on style. At a price tag of $1325, thank goodness Rachel offers an affordable alternative in every Zoe report. The Parallel Universe comes from Aldo and this cuffed platform boot is nothing less than amazing!

This outfit is completely different than anything I am used to and I am so glad that I went for it. First of all, I don’t think my friends have ever seen me in a dress and I have never seen myself in a beret. For some reason, they “were” so not me… until now! This dress was made of a mix of vintage patterned sweaters and the belt was the perfect match, both from Urban Outfitters. I finished the look off with accessories found in the “Charmed, I’m Sure” and “Rock Like An Egyptian” Zoe Reports. 3 reports in 1 hot look.

The only thing this look is missing is the Red Fox Faux Fur Vest from Rachel’s affordable fashion line for QVC!!! I’ve been putting these looks together since she intro’d her collection during fashion week, but they sold out too quickly!!! So bummed… it would have been the perfect complement to this outfit. Oh, and of course the Shimmer Stitch Beret in gold is BAH-NA-NAS!

Special thanks to my Twitter bud @lovemaegan for teaching me how to french braid my bangs in her “hair-to” tutorials. Perfect for every rainy day when your hair is OOC!

The Breakdown

• Urban Renewal Cosby Sweater Dress – Urban Outfitters $49.99
• Black & Gold Cinch Belt – Urban Outfitters $19.99
• Chocolate Opaque Control Top Tights – Bare Necessities $8.00
• Blu Bijoux Chinese Peace Necklace – Max & Chloe $20.00
• Gold Double Hoop Earrings – Charlotte Russe $4.00
• Gold Pyramid Studded Bangle Set – Forever 21 $7.80
• Gold Hoops Bangle – Dillard’s $42.00
• Pinwheel Beret in Ivory – Wet Seal $9.50
• ALDO Babinski Black Suede Cuffed Boots – Amazon.com $140.00

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The Zoe Report

Do The Hustle – Silver Platform Pumps
Metal Geometry – Silver Snake Print Cuff

Rachel’s Styling Tips

“Show these pumps off at night in a bandage dress, blazer and tights, but don’t limit them to only after-dark. By day, I suggest wearing them with a harem pant or legging and a simple tee. Who doesn’t need a little glitz in their step?”

About My Look

Yesterday I posted the day look for these dazzling disco pumps, and now it is on to the after-dark look. In “Do The Hustle”, Rachel gushes about the oh-so-amazing Casadei platform pumps that retail for $690! “These reflective shoes are perfect to pimp when you plan to dance the night away.” In true Parallel Universe style, Rachel also offers the much more affordable, disco fabulous, Veronica Printed platform pumps for $149 from BeBe.com.

I am shocked that this bandage dress did not highlight all of my flaws. In fact, it did quite the opposite! The material is thick and the texture is great for concealing in all the right places. Again, it just goes to show that you never know how something will look on you unless you try!!! I adore this jacket and I have been on a major black jacket kick for a while now. I think I may be addicted. This menswear jacket is a more stylized take on the slouchy boyfriend jacket. I’m ready for a night out with the girls!

The Breakdown

• Cross Front Bandage Dress in Cobalt – Wet Seal $26.50
• Silence & Noise Menswear Blazer – Urban Outfitters $78.00
• Black Opaque Control Top Tights – Bare Necessities $8.00
• Stud Earring Set – Charlotte Russe $4.00
• Silver Snakeskin Cuff – Etsy.com $35.00
• Veronica Printed Platform Pump – BeBe $149.00

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The Zoe Report

Do The Hustle – Silver Platform Pumps
Metal Geometry – Silver Snake Print Cuff

Rachel’s Styling Tips

“Show these pumps off at night in a bandage dress, blazer and tights, but don’t limit them to only after-dark. By day, I suggest wearing them with a harem pant or legging and a simple tee. Who doesn’t need a little glitz in their step?”

About My Look

In “Do The Hustle”, Rachel gushes about the oh-so-amazing Casadei platform pumps that retail for $690! “These reflective shoes are perfect to pimp when you plan to dance the night away.” In true Parallel Universe style, Rachel also offers the much more affordable, disco fabulous, Veronica Printed platform pumps for $149 from BeBe.com.

I love everything about this look and what surprises me most is, even though I am wearing super high reflective platform pumps, this look is very “day”. I went easy on the makeup, natural with the hair, and comfy casual with the top and pants. Rachel suggested harem pants and I opted for cropped demin harem pants because I wanted to mix a bit of blue demin into one of the looks. Blue jeans are my daily norm so these were the perfect opportunity to be “me”, but different.

As noted in the style tips above, Rachel styles us a day and a night option for these gorgeous pumps. I will be posting the night look tomorrow, so be sure to check back. Also, the silver cuff is from another Zoe Report that I will feature later this week.

The Breakdown

• Pleated Short Sleeve Tee – Free People $48.00
• Harem Jean Dark Indigo – Armani Exchange $68.00
• Stud Earring Set – Charlotte Russe $4.00
• Silver Snakeskin Cuff – Etsy.com $35.00
• Veronica Printed Platform Pump – BeBe $149.00

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The Zoe Report

Rip Her To Shreds – Striped Shredded Tee
Rock Like An Egyptian – Pyramid Studded Bracelets

Rachel’s Styling Tips

Rip Her To Shreds: “Wear the distressed top as an alternative to a basic tee by pairing it with liquid leggings, a denim or leather jacket, and some studded biker boots to achieve a fashion-forward look this fall.”

Rock Like An Egyptian: “I love to mix and match the wristlets with a few softer pieces, or an oversized watch, but they’re strong enough to stand alone too.”

About My Look

In “Rip Her To Shreds”, Rachel discusses her obsession with Raquel Allegra’s shredded tees that retail for $295. For every high-end item in The Zoe Report, Rachel offers an affordable alternative in her “Parallel Universe”. The less expensive Raw 7 shredded inset tee is so kick ass; however, it is solid black and I really liked the stripes of the high-end item. Additionally, at $150, I thought I could do a bit better on the price. I picked up a striped tee at Charlotte Russe for only $12, found a shredded tee diy video on youtube.com, and made this myself! I hope to add more panels when I have the time.

In Rachel’s “Rock Like An Egyptian” post, she introduces us to Anita Ko’s pyramid studded bracelets priced at $3600. The Parallel Universe is a beautiful and affordable pyramid studded ring, but I really wanted a match for the high-end bracelet. I found these AMAZING pyramid bangles at Forever 21 for only $7.80! I rock them in a couple of other looks too, so you’ll have to check back later this week.

I am so in love with this entire outfit and it is nothing I would have ever attempted without tips from “the” pro! I am especially in love with all things black and gold right now and the faux leather moto jacket is so smokin hot! I found it for under $50. The boots are IMHO OOC amazing. I wanted something with a rugged finish to contrast against the shiny liquid leggings and love the mixed metallic studs.

The Breakdown

• Crinkle Stripe Top in Navy – Charlotte Russe $12.99
• Black & Gold Faux Leather Moto Jacket – Forever 21 $47.80
• Gold Double Hoop Earrings – Charlotte Russe $4.00
• Black Liquid Leggings – Bare Necessities $30.00
• Gold Pyramid Studded Bangle Set – Forever 21 $7.80
• Gold Hoops Bangle – Dillard’s $42.00
• Black, Gold & Rhinestone Ring – Charlotte Russe $5.80
• Black Studded & Buckle Biker Boots – Zappos.com $69.90

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The time has finally arrived to unveil my big surprise!! As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Rachel Zoe and I, your average, everyday girl have had the amazing fortune of being styled by “the” stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe – allow me to explain… Us non-celebs are so lucky to get style tips from Rachel Zoe delivered to our inbox everyday in the form of “The Zoe Report” newsletter. In Rachel’s daily glamour for your inbox, she endorses her latest obsessions, ranging from hair spray to shredded tees. What I love best about these reports is that, for every high-end item, she also offers a “Parallel Universe” – a comparable option at an affordable price. This screams Celebrity Looks for Less. And it doesn’t stop there… Rachel also offers styling advice on how to wear these fabulous fashions, so I decided it was time to take advantage! Everyday next week starting Monday, I am going to be in head-to-toe Rachel Zoe Report styling and posting a pic to this very blog.

Rachel’s mission is for us to, “Learn it, live it, love it”, and this week, I have accomplished all of the above. I thought that attempting trends that are so different from anything in my closet would be a bit of a painful process, yet I was surprisingly comfortable in every single piece. That realization was my “wow moment”! It just goes to show that you should definitely think outside the box and try new things. How will you ever know if you don’t go for it?

I hope you’ll check back every day next week, as I’ll be making my modeling debut on Celebrity Looks for Less, yikes! I’m going to select my top 7 fav Zoe Reports, dress head-to-toe according to Rachel’s how-to guidance, and post a pic a day in a series I’ve appropriately labeled “The Rachel Zoe Effect”. I’m so nervous, but very excited!!!

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