Ask Rachel - The Extras - Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe

Summary

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.

Alive:
- “Someone really fun who loves fashion and can play dress up. Sienna Miller. Ultimate cool girl, Kate Moss. That would be iconic.” (04:15)
- “I’d love to style Suki Waterhouse, like Dakota Johnson. Just girls that want to have fun and dress up and love fashion and don't take it too seriously.” (04:30)
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.

Male Icons:
- “Timothy Chalamet right now. My male icon for style is Tom Ford. He has never missed, he's never not looked flawless.” (09:05)
- “Look to Tom Ford. He's polished, he's perfect, he's cool, he's luxury.” (09:15)
Female Icons:
- “Kate Middleton, flawless. Victoria Beckham is always perfect. Gwyneth is always really nice.” (09:30)
- “Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Daisy Edgar Jones, Dakota Johnson.” (09:45)
- “Nicole Kidman. Martha Stewart. She looks amazing.” (09:55)

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.

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)
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.

Transcript

A (0:00)

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This is what you do when you have high standards and fancy all the fancy things like a Dior saddle bag or that diamond tennis bracelet. You go to ebay. There you'll find new loves that will never disappoint. Expertly authenticated, whether it's that vintage pearl necklace or brand new ruby earrings, a Prada crossbody bag or classic watches like that Rolex Oyster or that Cartier tank on ebay. There are no limits to your high standards. Yeah, ebay, the place for new pre loved vintage and rare fashion. Ebay, things people love. Hi everyone, I'm Rachel Zo and you're listening to Climbing in Heels for your weekly dose of glamour, inspiration and fun. Okay, guys, I'm starting to think the podcast should really just be me answering listener and follower questions because every time I put them up on Instagram, I get so many incredible questions and I can't answer them all. So today I pulled some of my favorite questions that I didn't get to answer and I'm going to answer many for you today. Okay, one more thing before we jump into it. We're gearing up for season four of the podcast and I want to know what guests and topics are important to all of you. I love connecting with my podcast community every week and I want to know what your most interested in. So feel free to DM climbing in Heels POD with any and all ideas. Okay, dream celebrity to style dead or alive. Someone really fun who like loves fashion and can play dress up. Sienna Miller. Ultimate cool girl. Kate Moss. That would be iconic. I would died a style came off Suki Waterhouse. Like Dakota Johnson. Just girls that want to have fun and dress up and love fashion and don't take it too seriously. But like, we'll go there and just have some fun Dead celebrity that I'd want to dress. God. Audrey Heerny. Audrey Hepburn. I would definitely say that that would be an honor. Okay, so my retirement plan, now that my life has changed, is it still making jewelry on the beach in the south of France? I love this listener question because it means you are definitely paying attention to what I say because even my kids know that's my retirement plan. No, it hasn't changed. I think now more than ever. 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. That would be the plan. With a tan, of course, and big sunglasses. I have the visual. Okay, what is my advice to someone who wants to open a clothing boutique? I don't know. Sorry. Okay, let's see. I would say that's a very hard business to get into. And I only. I only say that because truthfully, the clothing industry is one of the absolute hardest to survive in now more than ever. And I think especially now that there's new tariffs that are Happening outside of this country. Coming into the country, I think there are challenges now and over the last several years that have made it harder and harder for clothing stores to exist. It's even hard for big department stores that are heavily funded and multi branded to survive. So I don't mean to sound negative, I don't want to discourage, but I would say my advice would be to start very small and do not over buy 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. So I'm just being very honest. But I also think that E comm is really important E commerce and you know, direct to consumer shopping so that even if you open a store, you can also shop online so that you have two sources of sales at least. Okay, who's the best role model for dressing up? Male and female, Honestly? Let's see. Okay. I'm loving Timothy Chalamet right now. My male icon for style is Tom Ford. Has always been, will always be. I know him personally, I know him professionally, I know him from afar for as long as I've been in this industry. And he has never missed, he's never not looked flawless. And every guy meet, they're like, I need style, I need this, I need that. I'm like, look to Tom Ford, look to Tom Ford. He's polished, he's perfect, he's cool, he's luxury. And you don't have to buy Tom Ford clothing. It's just for the overall, like, you know, even if you like don't know what to wear to a dinner party or whatever. It's like a really good pair of crisp denim jeans, a great pair of Chelsea boots and the perfectly fit tailored black blazer with a white shirt underneath, no tie. You're great. Like it's like if that can be your uniform and versions of that, that's great too. I could go on for days about Tom Ford, but okay, female role model for dressing up. I think it depends on your personal style. With women there's so many options, but I think if you're sort of polished and uptown, I mean Kate Middleton, flawless. I think Victoria Beckham is always perfect. I think who else do I just love love? I think Gwyneth is always really nice. I think it depends on your age. It depends on your style. Like if you're an effortless, cool girl that doesn't want to try too hard, look to Sienna Miller, look to Kate Moss, look to Daisy Edgar Jones, look to Dakota Johnson. Like there's so many style icons out there. I also love, obviously, Nicole Kidman. Perfection. Martha Stewart. She looks so good. She looks. I can't. She looks amazing. Okay, okay. Now you support Baby to Baby. What other philanthropic causes do you support? Many. So Baby two Baby is my number one. I've been on the board since it started. I think we're on 14 years now of Baby 2 Baby. And now it's Baby 2 Baby started as a local organization helping babies and children and families under the poverty line. And now we are pretty much first on the ground in disaster relief, whether it's tornadoes, fires, hurricanes all over the country and even abroad. In certain cases. I am involved in something called the Koss foundation, which works with pediatric cancer hospital, St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, also the Mattel Children's Hospital, ucla and a sense of home. And that is helping to build homes for people who have aged out kids that have aged out of the foster care system and helping them get back onto their feet and start their lives as they get jobs and things like that. Cause no one really looks after them. And then also core, core is Sean Penn's foundation that he started in the hurricane that pretty much destroyed Haiti. And it has now spun out into also the most incredible organization that's also literally boots on the ground in any disaster. Covid. They were heroic. The fires, Ukraine, Russia situation. I mean, they're. They're amazing. Truly amazing. And that's been an honor to be a part of as well. Oh, and also bcrf, Breast Cancer Research foundation, ocrf, ovarian and also F which is Women's Cancer Research Foundation. So many. I actually co designed and collaborated with a very dear friend, Bryony Raymond. She's been on climbing in heels. She's a brilliant jewelry designer. She also deals vintage and aesthetic state designer jewelry as well. And we designed and collaborated on this incredible pendant that I wear every single day. It is a gold and also the option of gold with diamonds in different sizes. They are the most beautiful angel wings and they're called the golden wings of strength. And 100% of the proceeds of every single piece and you can get yours custom, you can engrave it. And 100% of the proceeds goes to Baby To Baby and also California Fires Benevolent. So whichever cause you choose to support, it's up to you. But I cannot tell you how much I love mine. I wear them every single day. It's these gorgeous wings, angel wings. And they come. They kind of form the shape of this very cool, imperfect heart. Okay, biggest advice for a new mom. I mean, honestly, my best advice I could give you is 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. And oh my God, don't put your baby in the bed with you. Don't keep the kids in the room with you. Don't do this. Make sure you let them cry it out like, da, da, da. Don't give them peanut butter. Don't. You know? And the truth is the funniest thing, I did not listen to one person. I actually did the polar opposite of what my like, mom friends at the time, most of them, not all of them, I kind of just went the other way because it felt unnatural to me. And I still put my kids to sleep every night. I still wake up with kids in my bed half the time. I think you have a very small window of when you have those kids next to you at all times. And my only advice that I would leave you with is 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. Okay, goals for 2025. Well, I had a lot of goals going into 2025 and then the day after I came home with like guns a blazing, so excited, danced on tables into the new year. The wildfires broke out across Los Angeles and that was really a curveball I think none of us were prepared for. So it definitely started the year off differently and I think weirdly focused all of us in a different way. And I think it just sort of forced all of us here in LA to sort of just be like, okay, just go, just be happy. Whatever you're doing, just do it and like live your life as it's coming to you right now. My goal goals, once that sort of cleared and I was able to go away out of LA and spend some time, honestly in nature, in the mountains. It was pretty game changing for me. I woke up every day filled with gratitude, like endless gratitude just for my life and what was given to me. Because I think we get very lost in the things that don't work out or the things that we didn't get or the things that, like you. Why me? Why is this coming at me right now? Why this, why that? And instead I just went at it like, okay, I'm happy for this, I'm grateful for this and I'm really blessed. And now 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. I can obviously nudge it one way or another. I can put my efforts in one direction or another. But I think for the first time in my life, I'm sort of surrendering a little bit to what will be will be. And it's very freeing. 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.