Rachel Zoe: Motherhood, TV, and Her Favorite Fall Fashion Picks

She arrives with a quick apology. "I'm so sorry about Friday. It's been a little hectic. The working mom thing."

Hollywood's top stylist Rachel Zoe is fashionably late, but who could blame her? She had to reschedule our interview because her schedule is crazy, glam-busy. It's enough to cause a few dark circles under those Gucci glasses. 

Consider: This is the woman who chooses the gowns and gorgeous everyday looks for huge names like Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

She also has her own to-die-for Rachel Zoe brand new clothing line at Neimans Marcus. (Purses, suits, sexy evening wear – oh my!)

Then there's her QVC jewelry line and ready to wear clothes.

By the way, the new season of "The Rachel Zoe Project" debuts tomorrow night on Bravo.

And then you might have heard that Rachel Zoe had a beautiful baby boy named Skyler last year.

In her own words, ba-nan-ahs!

"I keep saying to my husband Roger that I feel like someone beat my up while I was sleeping," Zoe says of her tiredness level. "But I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm loving every single minute of it. I just stare into my son's little sleeping face and I melt. "

Rachel still found some time to give Style Goes Strong readers some great fall fashion tips for midlifers. She begins with her mantra for women of this age: "If it looks good, it looks good. If you look in the mirror and you look and feel good – do it!"

RACHEL ZOE'S FASHION TIPS FOR MIDLIFERS

*Over 40, Over 50 Means "There Are No Rules."

"I have to say that 40 is the new 30. 50 is the new 40. Both 40 and 50 sounds so young now," says Rachel. "I really don't think those old-fashioned fashion rules apply anymore.

"You can still wear a pencil skirt, high-waist trousers, and sexy jeans," she says. "Keep in mind that 40 and 50 are beautiful ages for women. You're a sexy woman – and you shouldn't forget it."

*How Short Is Too Short for Midlifers?

"It depends on the woman," says Rachel. "I wouldn't wear a micro-mini skirt, but that's me. That's not to say that if you have the legs you can't wear a short cocktail dress. It really depends on your body."

*Follow her most basic fashion rule.

"My goal for everyone I dress is I really want them to look like themselves – the best version of themselves," she says. "I do think it's important that women shouldn't dress like teenagers. Every person's body is different. If you're 50 and want to wear cut-off demin skirts and you look good, more power to you."

*What are a few fall essentials?

"I love so many things right now," Rachel says. "I'm into high waisted trousers for fall plus a fitted tuxedo jacket. I also love leather jackets. Invest in a good one and it will last you for years. Find the right pair of skinny jeans that work for you and great boots. I'd also look into a chunky knit sweater to take you through the cold months."

 *What should we always have in our closet as chic "go to" outfits in a pinch?

"A leather jacket in black," Rachel begins. "I'd also choose one great navy suit, a white shirt, and a great pair of jeans that you can dress up or dress down. I'd also have a great pair of black pumps and nude pumps, too. You're covered and can dress that look up or down for both work or socially."

*What are Rachel's favorite pieces in her closet?

"Literally, everything in my closet is precious to me. I can't even give you one or two things," she says. "I'd say my favorite thing is my Birkin bag. That has sentimental value — and often our favorite pieces are the ones that have a story behind them. Never throw those out."

TOMORROW: RACHEL TALKS ABOUT FASHIONS IF YOU NEED TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS, PLUS HER FAVORITE BEAUTY SECRETS INCLUDING AN AMAZING NEW LIPSTICK LINE.