If and when the 'Rachel Zoe Project' resumes on Bravo, it will have to be without assistant Taylor Jacobson.PEOPLE is reporting that Zoe has fired Jacobson, effective immediately. Zoe's rep, Carrie Gordon, has since confirmed the news.
Why Jacobson was let go remains to be seen, although, given how often she complained about her job on the show, many would say she had it coming.
Still, Jacobson insists that the decision was solely her own. Hoping to begin her own fashion styling business, Jacobson's Twitter account and emails to colleagues, leaked to Fashionista, reflect her enthusiasm to get out on her own. "I am saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure," she wrote. "After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take the challenging leap and go off and style on my own."
Talk about "shutting it down."
With two seasons under her croc-embossed belt, we assume that Zoe will come back to Bravo. But who will fill Jacobson's Prada shoes? We've come up with a list of of five potential candidates:
Tim Gunn
Everyone's favorite sidekick, Gunn commands respect from 'Project Runway' contestants and gets results through his gentle, tell-it-like-it-is style on his own spin off, 'Tim Gunn's Guide to Style.' He would be a calming contrast to Zoe's frenetic nature.
Sheree Whitfield
As the fashion diva from the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta,' Whitfield prides herself on an entrepreneurial spirit and a fierce style. Her clothing line, She by Sheree, may not be at the top of Zoe's red carpet list. But watching Sheree try to sneak in her own designs would make for great television. Who's gon' check her, boo?
Jeff Lewis
Bravo's 'Flipping Out' is a hit simply because of Jeff Lewis' anal-retentive, obsessive-compulsive behavior. The man demands faultlessness at every level, proving the perfect counterpart to Zoe's own perfectionism. They would literally drive each other bananas.
Whitney Port
'Hills' graduate Whitney Port seemed to forever glide from intern position to intern position in the fashion world until she finally landed her own show, MTV's 'The City.' Alongside Zoe, that deer-in-the-headlights look for which Port is famous would be put to perfect use. None of us know what she's going on about either, Whitney.
Mystery
A former geek, Mystery shows nerds how to get their game on on VH1's 'The Pick Up Artist.' His tall furry hats, guyliner, jewelry and other odd accessories (pilot goggles, anyone?) would force Zoe to undo every bit of styling that he attempts in her absence (she'd literally come undone). We'd relish her catty, muttering comments about him and his failed attempts to work his charm on her.
Tell us: Who do you think should replace Taylor?

Reader Comments (11)
Nadine at 6:30AM on Nov 10th 2009
FINALLY.
Anyone replacing her would be good. I didn't watch every show but every one that I did see, she was throwing an attitude at everyone and complaining... I wanted them to fire her.
Personally I'm tired of these reality [drama queen] shows & don't watch most of them.
Time is better spent making my own life than watching spoiled adults act like babies.
mhleta at 7:20AM on Nov 10th 2009
I'm sorry to see her go. I love her style--she's one of the few who manages to wear high end styles without looking ridiculous or making the styles look cheap, (Hello Lindsay Lohan, Olsen twins and Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta!) I think Rachel will miss her for her ability to keep the place grounded and humming along in spite of the drama. She's a hard worker and she has an excellent eye. I don't blame her for leaving a passive-aggressive, neurotic boss who treats her like a scullery maid. I wish Taylor well, and I know we'll be hearing about and seeing her good work for a long time to come. Go Taylor!!
Brenda C. Zinotti at 8:10AM on Nov 10th 2009
I think the should hire Mecca Dyas! I just saw her fashion segment on youtube.com and this girl has got FLAVA! She's classy,sassy and completely outragous! Check her out!
www.youtube.com/?v=bHcj8nEadTs
You work it girl!
Brenda C. Zinotti at 8:15AM on Nov 10th 2009
I think they should hire Mecca! I just saw her fashion clip on you tube! This girl is amazing! She's got style and grace and personality plus! Check her out at www.youtube.com/?v=bHcj8nEadTs
Mecca! Mecca! Mecca!
Plus Zoe needs some FLAVA!
kkareon at 8:25AM on Nov 10th 2009
I hope she becomes a huge success. I could not work for a spineless boss either. Some one has to take control when running a business and obviously Rachel is not to worried about showing her employees who is in charge. Good luck Taylor
kkareon at 9:32AM on Nov 12th 2009
Good luck Taylor, I hope you are a huge success. I do not know how you stuck it out as long as you did. There is nothing worse than a wishy washy boss.
jake at 8:55AM on Nov 10th 2009
Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out Tay, (barf) If I had a company and was the big boss who taught this nothing everything and helped cultivate contacts and then she want to go out on her own, DO IT. You will always been know as RZ'S ex employee. All you did was piss an moan about working there and how unhappy you were while driving around in imported cars, wearing clothes most people could only dream of, don't bite the hand that fed you, greedy little
girl
Betsy at 4:37PM on Nov 13th 2009
I think Kate Gosslin should be the replacemenet. She has that blonde hair thing going into her eye, just like Taylor. Plus she knows how to manage lots of things at the same time. And she needs another TV gig!
Tammy at 9:41AM on Nov 10th 2009
No amount of hard work and devotion that Taylor showed would ever be worth all of the attitude and whining that came along with it.She is a martyr and noone likes a martyr.She was handed the decision about going to Paris,she chose Brad and then threw a bitch fit when he went. He definetly should have said no Taylor you go but she left that door wide open for him.She is styling actual photo shoots while Rachel is giving her compliments saying Taylor already picks the style I would pick before I even take a look at the clothes myself. That was a huge compliment but then Taylor just storms out of the shoot without even saying hey I am leaving or goodbye. She will regret her actions. You work for the biggest stylist in the world TA Ta and you were on television. This decision was wrong on your part and in time you will realize that. For all of us who thought you were already at the top we do not understand your constant longing to climb higher.
Nic at 10:36AM on Nov 10th 2009
This is the best news i have heard all day... Bye Bye Taylor. Don't let the door hit your unattractive ass on the way out... Lets see how far your whiney baby, attention seeking self gets in the real world... poor you had to hang all those clothes on hangers for a living... You might now realize that RZ can and will run without you, It may even be a better place...