In last night’s episode of Bravo’s The Rachel Zoe Project, shoe designer Brian Atwood made an appearance to meet with Rachel - who donned her signature white robe for him - and we learned that he’s always wanted to design a shoe for her.  It’s no wonder, since Rachel has long professed her admiration for Atwood’s shoes, namely in her very first Zoe Report.  Fast forward to one-year later and Rachel has her very own namesake pair to die over, literally, for the anniversary of her website: the over-the-knee RZ Boots she and Brian designed together.  We saw a bit of the creative brainstorming process during last night’s episode and, in the end, Rachel decided on an OTK platform boot with chain detail in the back and, of course, a “tranny” heel.  The boot is available for sale now, so let’s take a closer look:

I’m definitely feeling the chain detail (zoom in to really check it out) and it’s certainly a hot style.  We’ve seen Rachel in a lot of over-the-knee boots this season, so I imagine she wouldn’t have any trouble integrating this one into her fab wardrobe.  If it’s a must-have for you and you have $2,900 to spend, you can get the Brian Atwood Chain-Back Over-The-Knee Boot at Neiman Marcus.  (Update: The links I entered that go directly to the product page don’t want to work correctly for some reason, but I updated the link so it goes to the Brian Atwood page.  Right now, it’s the first shoe listed).  For those of us that don’t have 3K to spend (wowza), here’s a less expensive alternative I found that also offers plenty of dramatic detail along the back.  Like the Atwood pair, this boot is perfect making a statement, especially when walking away:

The Nine West Hobbs doesn’t have chains and it’s more like a corset boot with lacing all the way up the back, but the detailing is similar and it’s over the knee with a high heel and platform.  You can get it at Nine West on pre-order for $209 with free shipping.  It’s expected to ship by 11/23.

Photo from Bravotv.com

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Season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered on Bravo this week.  Did you guys catch it?  It was definitely a must-watch for me, but O-M-G the drama was on a whole ’nother level straight away this season.  We all know that Rachel’s long-time employee, Taylor Jacobson, is no longer with the company - she said on her blog that she left to style on her own, but other sources say she was fired.  So, the situation certainly had to be addressed in the season opener and, according to Rachel and hubbie Rodger, she was fired. 

Taylor we'll miss ya!

Rachael did seem genuinely upset over what went down, but I must say that the accusations against Taylor were flying, even going as far to allege that she fudged her expense reports and failed to give back designer samples (the samples, however, were shown returned intact later in the show).  I’ve always liked both Taylor and Rachel, so it’s hard to pick a team or know who to believe.  But, I do think that Rachel’s camp could’ve taken a different approach for when the cameras were rolling, like briefly explaining what happened, wishing her the best (even if they don’t mean it), and not throwing her picture into the fireplace or accusing her of stealing on national TV.  Maybe that’s just me, but somehow it didn’t seem right since Taylor wasn’t there to defend herself (she did say a few things in response to TV Guide though).  It’s a bit sad how things played out, but the show must go on and this is a shoe blog after all, so I’m here to talk about the fashion.  Luckily, we have some fabulous footwear to check out from the very first episode, most notably from Demi Moore in the behind-the-scenes look of her Harper’s Bazaar shoot.

The shoot had a whimsical fantasy theme, utilizing props like an oversized chair, a live giraffe, a dollhouse and a beach filled with red ballooons, so the shoes had to be just as fanciful - and they were.  Let’s take a look at the designer shoes she wore, along with some less-expensive alternatives:

In the dollhouse shot, Demi wears red crystal Christian Louboutin heels.  I could only find a similar pair on eBay (I believe Demi’s was a closed-toe style) for a whopping $2,835:

Update: The shoes are the Christian Louboutin Lady Lynch Glitter Strass in red, which I found on Coolspotters.

But, I also found a less expensive, red sparkly alternative: 

The Bordello Violette-14 is a red pump covered in rhinestones, rather than glitter as we normally see with shoes inspired by the Louboutin crystal pumps, and they are available for $123.95 with free 2-day shipping at Endless.  Other color options include pink or iridescent. 

Update: Another option is the super-hot Rachel Rachel Roy Kimi glitter heel in red, which is $99 at Macys.

While sitting in the oversized chair, Demi wears the Fendi Cinderella, which is similar to this one except in a cream/taupe color:

These appear to be sold out everywhere online, but I think this pair is a nice option for much less:

The Topshop Wisteria Chiffon Wedge in blush for $135 at Topshop.  It’s also available in red or black.

Then there’s this amazing shot of Demi, a giraffe and those iconic Alexander McQueen armadillo heels:

These shoes are obviously in a league of their own, but if you’re going for a safari look like Rachel did when she styled Demi for this shot, I think these shoes would work well:

The Jeffrey Campbell So Smart in tan, khaki, natural or black canvas for $99.95 at Solestruck.

Finally, we have Rachel, who admits she never wears flats and had a hard time walking on the beach for the shoot in her triple platform Casadei boots, which were identified on Bravotv.com as the shoes she was wearing.  She had to be carried over the sand and stood on a wooden board, which was pretty amusing.  Her boots look like they are similar to this pair, although these only have a double platform:

The Casadei Suede Knee High Boot for $1,271 at Farfetch.

For something comparable, try the Steve Madden Calgarry for $104.97 at Steve Madden and get free shipping with coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Of course, let’s not forget that shoe collection in Rachel’s studio, which they showed several times during the first episode.  Rows and rows of hot shoes…it’s shoe heaven!!

Let me know what you think of the new season sans Taylor and the shoes!

Photos from Bravotv.com, Harpers Bazaar and Everyday Minerals

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I don’t know about you, but I love The Rachel Zoe Project and I’m totally looking forward to Season 3, which starts August 3 on Bravo.  I have to admit I’m a bit bummed that Taylor is no longer on the show – her angsty antics served as a nice foil for Brad’s chirpy, happy-go-lucky ways — but they’re bringing on a new stylist and Rachel’s hubbie Rodger will be taking an increased role in the business, so it’ll be interesting to see how that works out. Plus, I love watching Rachel in action as celebrity stylist turning fashion mogul — which started with her line of faux fur vests and other items sold at QVC — so I was excited to hear the announcement of her brand new fashion/lifestyle line that will also include shoes! Sure, celeb fashion lines are a dime a dozen these days and we certainly don’t lack variety in the current shoe market, which makes it increasingly harder to be truly unique and stand out, but I can’t help but look forward to seeing what she’ll come up with. Rachel is famous for her boho-chic look and she has expressed her affinity for super-high platforms on the show - lovingly referred to as “tranny shoes” - so I‘m guessing we‘ll see plenty of that in the line. Of course, more hints of her favorite shoe styles can be found in her picks at Piperlime, a company she’s worked with for quite some time now. The line is said to be coming out in fall 2011 and no word yet on where it will be sold or what the price range will be.

I could insert a requisite “I Die!” or “Bananas!” joke here, but I think I’ll refrain…well, sort of.

Update: The Rachel Zoe Collection is now available at Piperlime.  The line is also available at Neiman Marcus and more stores.

Photo from Bravotv.com.

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Fans of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo know that Taylor Jacobson is no longer the princess of queen Rachel’s style empire after being fired…or quitting to style on her own…well, it’s a little unclear what happened actually. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed to hear the news.  Taylor may have come across as moody throughout much of the show and she did complain a lot, but I can understand her work frustration.  After all, she had the highest level of seniority in Rachel Zoe Inc. (besides Rachel, of course), but she always seemed to be stuck with every less-than-glam styling task and all of the legwork while Rachel and her other assistant Brad were seen out and about doing things like meeting with designers, giggling and traveling to Paris together.  Taylor was also frustrated by her lack of advancement to higher-level tasks and, while she did receive a promotion to head of product development for Rachel’s QVC line in the finale, I had a feeling she wasn’t so keen on having Rachel’s hubbie Rodger as her new boss.  Whatever the case may be, you have to admit she was the coolest chick on the show and I’ll miss her edgy, rocker style and deadpan quips next season.  It remains to be seen if Rachel Zoe’s new stylist will truly be able to fill her shoes.  In the meantime, we can check out Taylor’s shoes - her actual shoes - in her blog called Love, Taylor, which is part of her new gig as the face for Everyday Minerals.  In one of her first posts, Taylor reveals the shoes in her closet and - wow - check out all of the Louboutins!

I’ve covered Taylor’s shoes from The Rachel Zoe Project before (also here), so I knew she favored the brand, but I didn’t know just how much.  Red soles everywhere, ladies!  I don’t know about you, but I’m catching a little case of shoe envy right now just looking at it.  In addition to sharing her shoes, Taylor also dishes about other style and beauty tidbits, like her signature Ray-Ban shades, her favorite perfume, a surprisingly simple hair care secret (hint: it’s normally used on baby bottoms only) and, of course, mineral makeup.  And, to help clear things up, she writes, “Since Season 2 aired, I’ve decided to pursue my fashion styling career independently.”  So, there you have it!  You can check out more from Taylor over at Everyday Minerals.

Today, I thought we’d talk about some shoes seen recently on reality TV.  This past week marked the end of The Rachel Zoe Project (tear) and we saw two shoes worn by Rachel and Taylor in the finale (including the pair Rachel dubbed her tranny shoes).  But first, we have more shoes from The City season 2.  We’ve covered the footwear choices of Whitney Port, but now we must talk about Erin.  Erin, who is new to the show, is the Director of PR at Elle (the youngest one ever) and she seems to be quite the power player, ready to whip new accessories editor Olivia into submission and show her who’s boss.  Although Whitney never quite put Olivia in her place during the first season, Erin certainly intends to - especially in these shoes:

When Erin debuts on the show, the first thing we notice is her feet - in these amazing Christian Louboutin Very Prive studded peep toe heels (seen on Polyvore).  Yes, nothing says “She Who Must Be Obeyed” like a heel with little spikes all over it.  I don’t see this pair available for sale anywhere, but the similar Christian Louboutin Pigalle stud pump is at luisaviaroma for $1,097.70 (limited sizes) or at net-a-porter for $995.  For lower-priced alternatives, try these:

Dolce Vita Trinity, a shoe definitely on my love list right now, for $210 at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Get 25% off using coupon code FRIENDS2 until 10/18/09, making them $157.50.  Also available at Bloomingdales for $210. 

Lovely People Aziza stud platform peep toe pump for $69.99 at Smartbargains.  It looks like you get an extra 10% off and free shipping at checkout too.

Rock & Republic Nika for $279 at Zappos.

If you’re digging the pair Erin wears in the MTV promo pic above, it’s the Report Signature Masonic, found at Amazon for $134.95 or $188.99 depending on the size selected.  Also available at Endless for $137.47 in very limited sizes, at Bluefly for $149.99 or at Heels.com for $224.09.  Update: You can also get this same style at QVC for $125.

Looking to spend less on this look?  Try the ALDO Smeal for $89.98 with free shipping at Amazon.

Or, substitute chains for studs with this drool-worthy Jeffrey Campbell Posh-2 chain platform for $164.95 at Solestruck.

On to The Rachel Zoe Project: In the season finale, Rachel rocks this two-tone Louis Vuitton platform wedge in gold and black from the fall 2008 RTW collection (seen on Style.com).  She also wore an all-black version earlier in the season.  I love these on her and, although Bebe made this France platform wedge clearly inspired by this shoe, they are now sold out and I couldn’t find anything else that closely resembles this unique pair.  However, an extra-tall and funky platform should fit the bill, capturing a similar look without imitating the exact style.  Try these:

Jeffrey Campbell Tryst for $109.95 with free shipping at Solestruck.

Cool, Casual by Slow and Steady Wins the Race at Urban Outfitters for $88.  Coupon code BIGMOUTH takes an additional 10% off until 10/26/09.

Deena and Ozzy Mary Jane Wedge for $49.99 at Urban Outfitters.  Use coupon code listed above for 10% off.

BCBGirls Ris Wedge for $60.47 with free shipping from Endless.

Marley Crisscross Wedge for $99.95 at Free People.

Update: Here’s another pair called the Sam Edelman Zoe for $350 at Urban Outfitters.  Was it inspired by Rachel herself (hence the name)?  Maybe so!

Finally, there’s Taylor.  On the finale, Taylor proves the squeaky wheel gets the grease a promotion from styling associate to head of product development.  She also wears some suede boots during a trip to QVC headquarters with Rach that looked a lot like this Christian Louboutin ankle boot.  Here are some more affordable suede boots to check out:

Nine West Zenon for $119 at Nine West.  Apply coupon code NWFRND6 to get 30% off until 10/18/09.

Nine West Ignatious for $109 at Macy’s.  Get free shipping on $99 or more using coupon code FAVEFIND at checkout until 10/22/09.

Lumiani Regine for $145 with free shipping at Zappos.

Promo photos from MTV.com and Bravotv.com

Rachel Zoe and her team are back for season 2 of The Rachel Zoe Project on BRAVO and, I must say, they should probably call it “The Rachel Shoe Project” for all the shoe eye candy and lingering shoe camera shots they provide for all of us footwear fiends.  I loved season 1 of the show and hoped season 2 would retain the same authenticity and charm (at least as authentic as a reality show can be nowadays), so I had a glimmer of doubt watching the first episode after ”I die” and “Bananas” were emphatically stated right off the bat, seeming a bit contrived (ok, we get it, those are your catchphrases).  However, it didn’t take long to warm up to Team Zoe once again - fabulous style queen Rachel, angsty-cool rebel Taylor and charismatic cutie-pie Brad.  If you’re anything like me, you find yourself really wanting to go shopping with Rachel (for obvious reasons), followed by hitting the town with Taylor (to blow off that work-related steam) and having an all-out slumber party with Brad, complete with face masks, popcorn and rom-coms.  But, anyway, let’s get back to the subject.  What shoes have we seen in the first 3 episodes and how can you get the look for a lot less?  Read on:

We’ll start with every shoe lover’s dream, the wide array of shoes in Rachel Zoe’s studio.  O-M-G (as Brad would say).  It may be all in a day’s work for Team Zoe, but for the rest of us, it looks like paradise.  I’d really like to play dress-up in here.

Let’s move on to Rachel Zoe.  I’ve learned a few things about her shoe philosophy by watching the show and I think the main thing with her is height, height, height - the more, the better.  While discussing sky-high platforms with Brad, she comments that everyone looks much better with 7 more inches, to which Brad could not resist replying “Everywhere”.  She also admits to having plenty of “tranny” shoes in her closet, which is how she described this Louis Vuitton pair she wore to the Marc Jacobs show.  So, how can you get that dramatic Rachel Zoe style on a less-than-dramatic budget?  Try these pairs:

Bebe Veronica Platform Pump in leopard or snake for $149 at bebe.com or in pewter here (also mentioned at Rachel Zoe’s website).  Get 15% off $100 with coupon code 15OFF100 or free shipping on $150 or more with coupon code MAGAZINE (exp. 10/4)

Charles David Magnate in red at Amazon for $99.37 (black and tan also available for $85.98 or more depending on size/color combination) or at Endless for $118.22 in any color.  Shipping is free at either store.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 684903 sequined heel in gold or silver for $225, reduced from $449, at Zappos.  Shipping is free. 

The Dollhouse Soliel ruffled platform pump in black or purple is $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free on $35 or more for members using code SHIP84 at checkout.

The Michael Michael Kors Niki platform sandal in black or gold is $154 with free shipping at Zappos or $149.95 plus shipping at Nordstrom.  Shoes.com has very limited sizes left for $121.60 after applying 20% off coupon code BML2009 at checkout.

Then there’s the always hard-working (and often frustrated) assistant Taylor, who has an edgy style and has been seen sporting plenty of different shoes on the show.  What do the pairs have in common?  They are all in black.  Most notably, she rocks over-the-knee leather Christian Louboutin boots while managing not to look, er, street-walker-ish (not always an easy thing to pull off).  The trick she employs here is wearing a fuller skirt with a hem that stops just above the top of the boots.  I also spied her wearing simple, chic black flats with leggings, black stiletto ankle boots and black fringe boots.  Here are some shoes that capture the look without the designer price tag:

Colin Stuart Over The Knee Boots in black leather for $189 at Victoria’s Secret, $151.20 after applying 20% off boots coupon code 20VSBOOTS until 9/17/09.

Chinese Laundry Kingdom faux leather thigh high boots for $99 at Chinese Laundry.  Use coupon code CL10P for 10% off and free shipping, making your total $89.10.

Steve Madden Kobraa flats in black for $34.97 at Steve Madden.  Shipping is free using the SMFREESHIP coupon code.  Other color options available.

Minnetonka Hi Top Back Zip fringe boot in black for $36 at Shoes.com after applying BML2009 coupon code.  Also available at Amazon for $43.95 to $49.95 (depending on size/color selected) with free shipping. 

ALDO Seace for $140 at Amazon with free shipping.

We also learn a few shoe lessons while watching Rachel’s celebrity clients get styled.  Let’s take Liv Tyler for example.  While trying on clothes for everyday wear, Rachel points out that every woman should have a hot pair of red heels in her closet.  This is something we all probably know, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the power of red heels. 

Chinese Laundry Mileage red patent leather pump for $49.95 at DSW.  Shipping is free for members using SHIP84 coupon code.

Charles by Charles David Pomade for $63.22 at Endless with free shipping.

I’ll be on the lookout for more Rachel Zoe Project shoes in future episodes of season 2.  To see a selection of Rachel-approved styles, check out her shoe picks at Piperlime.

Photos from Bravotv.com

Update 9/14/09: I watched Episode 4 tonight and had to make a comment about Taylor (for all the naysayers that say she complains too much).  Clearly, Rachel depends on her for a couple things: she trusts her to do the job the way Rachel would do it herself and she knows Tay will always speak her mind and tell her the truth.  That’s not an easy thing to find for someone in Rachel’s position, although the vocal complaining comes along with the territory (personally, I think Tay thrives on challenge and naturally wants more at a certain point).  Brad, on the other hand, makes her laugh, which makes him invaluable as her constant companion at parties and work functions.  It takes a certain kind of person to pull that off.  And I so heart Rodger.  He’s just adorable as Rachel’s extra-supportive hub - love the online presence he had a role in too!

Piperlime is having a little fun this week by offering daily treats, like yesterday’s Hidden Clover contest.  Today’s surprise is a free and exclusive spring style guide from stylist Rachel Zoe with any purchase.  It should be an interesting read, as Rachel will share her take on “tips, trends and fashion secrets” for hot spring style.  She definitely makes her celebrity clients look fab and I loved her reality show The Rachel Zoe Project (can’t wait for season 2!), so all I have to say is ”Bananas!” and “I die!”.  This promo ends 3/18/09.