Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe: Episode Summary – "Ask Rachel - The Extras"
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Rachel Zoe
Produced by Cloud10 and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the episode titled "Ask Rachel - The Extras," Rachel Zoe pivots from her usual interviews with powerhouse women to engage directly with her audience by answering a curated selection of listener questions. This intimate format allows Rachel to share personal insights, professional advice, and reflections on her journey as a fashion icon and philanthropist.
1. Dream Celebrity to Style: Dead or Alive
Question: Dream celebrity to style, dead or alive?
Rachel expresses her admiration for celebrities who embody a love for fashion and a playful spirit.
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Alive:
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Deceased:
- “Audrey Hepburn. I would definitely say that that would be an honor.” (04:45)
Rachel's selection underscores her appreciation for timeless elegance and effortless style, qualities epitomized by Audrey Hepburn and contemporary icons like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.
2. Retirement Plan: Making Jewelry on the Beach
Question: What is your retirement plan, now that your life has changed?
Rachel shares her idyllic vision of retirement, blending her passion for jewelry design with a serene lifestyle.
- “I think the dream is to buy a chateau in the south of France and have my kids and my grandchildren and, you know, everyone just together while I sit in front of the house on the beach making beautiful jewelry in a caftan.” (05:30)
- “With a tan, of course, and big sunglasses. I have the visual.” (05:35)
Her response highlights the importance of family and creative fulfillment in her long-term aspirations.
3. Advice for Opening a Clothing Boutique
Question: What is your advice to someone who wants to open a clothing boutique?
Rachel provides candid advice on entering the competitive fashion retail industry.
- “I would say that's a very hard business to get into. The clothing industry is one of the absolute hardest to survive in now more than ever.” (07:10)
- “Start very small and do not overbuy and maybe take brands on consignment rather than purchase because otherwise, you can be losing a lot of money if no one comes in to shop.” (07:25)
- “E-commerce is really important. Even if you open a store, you can also shop online so that you have two sources of sales at least.” (07:40)
Rachel emphasizes the necessity of prudent financial strategies and the integration of online platforms to enhance sustainability in the boutique business.
4. Best Role Models for Dressing Up: Male and Female Icons
Question: Who is the best role model for dressing up? Male and female?
Rachel delineates her style icons, highlighting both personal inspiration and broader fashion influences.
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Male Icons:
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Female Icons:
Rachel admires the sophistication and versatility of her chosen role models, appreciating their ability to maintain elegance across various contexts.
5. Philanthropic Causes Supported
Question: You support Baby to Baby. What other philanthropic causes do you support?
Rachel showcases her deep commitment to several charitable organizations, reflecting her dedication to social responsibility.
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Primary Support:
- “Baby to Baby is my number one. I've been on the board since it started. We're pretty much first on the ground in disaster relief.” (11:10)
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Additional Involvements:
- “Koss Foundation, which works with St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Mattel Children's Hospital, UCLA, and a sense of home.” (11:25)
- “CORE is Sean Penn's foundation, involved in disaster relief like hurricanes and Ukraine, Russia situation.” (11:35)
- “Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, and Women's Cancer Research Foundation.” (11:45)
Rachel also mentions her collaboration on a charitable pendant:
- “I co-designed an incredible pendant called the golden wings of strength. 100% of the proceeds go to Baby to Baby and California Fires Benevolent.” (12:10)
Her philanthropic efforts are diverse, focusing on disaster relief, healthcare, and supporting vulnerable populations.
6. Biggest Advice for a New Mom
Question: What is your biggest advice for a new mom?
Rachel offers heartfelt guidance based on her personal experiences and maternal instincts.
- “Don’t take people's advice because so many people feel this need and right to tell you everything about what to do and what you shouldn't do.” (15:00)
- “Don’t miss that window. Hold on to that window because when it's gone, it's gone and you don’t get it back.” (15:20)
She emphasizes trusting one's instincts and cherishing the precious moments with children, advocating for a personalized approach to parenting over external opinions.
7. Goals for 2025: Embracing Gratitude and Surrender
Question: What are your goals for 2025?
Rachel reflects on the unexpected challenges of 2025 and her evolved perspective on life and happiness.
- “Wildfires broke out across Los Angeles and that was really a curveball.” (20:15)
- “I woke up every day filled with gratitude, like endless gratitude just for my life and what was given to me.” (20:30)
- “My goals have shifted in 2025 and they've really just landed in this place of peace, of this place of I'm going to start throwing my hands in the air and letting the universe do what it's doing.” (20:50)
- “I'm happier than I've been in a really long time and, you know, just going day by day and feeling all the feels and moving through it.” (21:05)
Rachel conveys a profound transformation towards embracing gratitude, living in the moment, and allowing life's flow to dictate her path, highlighting a shift from structured goals to a more serene and accepting mindset.
8. Personal Reflections: Spirituality and Authenticity
Throughout the episode, Rachel delves into her personal beliefs and values, offering listeners a glimpse into her spiritual life.
- “I'm a very spiritual person, actually. I believe very much in going to sleep at night feeling good and feeling like you have treated people the way you want to treat them.” (23:10)
- “All we have is who we are as people and who we are at our foundation and our core.” (24:00)
- “There's a desire that I have in my soul to just help when I can and do what I can.” (24:15)
Rachel underscores the importance of integrity, kindness, and genuine connections, advocating for living authentically and contributing positively to the lives of others.
Conclusion
Rachel wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay connected and share their ideas for future content.
- “Feel free to DM climbing in Heels POD with any and all ideas.” (25:00)
- “Please subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeart app, or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss a single episode this season.” (25:45)
- “Follow me on Instagram at @rachelzo and the show Climbing in Heels Pod for the latest episodes and updates.” (25:55)
Notable Quotes
- “Don't miss that window. Hold on to that window because when it's gone, it's gone and you don’t get it back.” – Rachel Zoe (15:20)
- “I'm a very spiritual person, actually. I believe very much in going to sleep at night feeling good and feeling like you have treated people the way you want to treat them.” – Rachel Zoe (23:10)
- “Start very small and do not overbuy and maybe take brands on consignment rather than purchase because otherwise, you can be losing a lot of money if no one comes in to shop.” – Rachel Zoe (07:25)
Final Thoughts
"Ask Rachel - The Extras" serves as a heartfelt and insightful episode where Rachel Zoe not only shares her expertise in fashion and business but also offers personal wisdom and inspiration. By addressing a diverse range of topics from styling icons to philanthropic endeavors and personal growth, Rachel fosters a deeper connection with her audience, reinforcing her role as a mentor and role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts alike.