Getting to Know Julie Rudolph

The chic Palm Beach philanthropist shares a few of her favorite things.

Photo by CAPEHART

Though she was born in upstate New York, Julie Rudolph was raised in South Florida. She attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale and studied at the University of Miami. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Rudolph worked in television and radio at Y100 and WPLG (Channel 10) in Miami as an on-air personality, the only woman on an all-male morning show. She has been a Palm Beach resident since 1993 along with her husband of 27 years, Howard, and their sons. In addition to serving as 2020-2021 president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Rudolph supports a variety of local charities, including Adopt-A-Family, the American Heart Association, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, and Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic, and Ranch.


Current state of mind: Hopeful. There is so much happening in the world today and it can feel daunting and overwhelming, but I truly feel hopeful that things will start to look brighter this year.

Wardrobe essentials: Shoes. Whether flats, Stubbs & Wootton slippers, high-heeled Louboutins, or Hunter rain boots, a shoe defines a woman’s sense of style.

Beloved bite: The cacio e pepe at Sant Ambroeus

Dish worth every calorie: The beef Wellington at Henry’s Palm Beach

Proudest achievement: Becoming president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches and being part of an organization of incredible women.

Favorite happy hour: Bice and Echo

Movie she’s seen more than 10 times: Legally Blonde

Splurges on: Comfy, cozy sheets. My go-to bedding is Leontine Linens and Pratesi.

Ideal last meal: Cheeseburger and french fries

Products she can’t live without: Dermablend foundation and YSL lipstick No. 44

Next travel destination: A road trip to the Florida Keys

Hidden talent: I am incredibly crafty! I love to needlepoint, scrapbook—anything hands-on.

Board games she dominates: Monopoly and Scrabble

Shops local at: C. Orrico, Stoney Clover Lane, Churchill Galleries, Loro Piana, and Aristokids
Fitness routine: Lots of walking on my Life Fitness treadmill and with my Labrador.

Next goal: I hope to complete another Disney Princess half-marathon in-person at Walt Disney World once it’s safe again to do so.

Style icon: Audrey Hepburn. Not only do we share the same birthday, but we also love helping others and serving our community.

Signature accessories: High heels and my Cartier bracelets, which never leave my arms. Each one signifies an important milestone or life event.

Favorite drink: Always chardonnay. California Chardonnay all the way, in any shape or form, or Far Niente if I can be fancy.

Memorable song from her teen years: “Dr. Beat” by Miami Sound Machine

Binge watches: Schitt’s Creek and 90 Day Fiancé

Collects: I collect everything Disney (pins, figurines) and have the coolest collection of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys from the ’80s and ’90s.

Her idea of R&R: Being anywhere with my husband with no phones, internet, or outside communication. I love relaxing with my family and spending time with our kids, enjoying our backyard on our paddleboards and WaveRunners.

How she spoils her pet: I take my sweet lab, Prissy, to Onblonde Pet Spa + Boutique for a wash, blow-dry, and blueberry facial.

Best gift she’s received: A heart-shaped locket from our oldest son; he put photos of himself and his brothers in it.

Guilty pleasure junk food: French fries! My car license plate is FFM (French Fry Mobile). I have always loved french fries.

Never flies without: My baby-blue Leontine Linen blanket and my locket containing a photo of my husband and three sons.

In her beach bag: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 sunscreen, a small portable fan, my current needlepoint project, and La Mer lip balm and moisturizer.

Most-used emoji: The pink bow

Words to live by: My mother used to say, “Fine feathers a lady does not make,” which came from the Aesop quote, “It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.” Her advice meant that it does not matter what you wear or if you are rich or poor. What matters is the person you are on the inside. Being outwardly attractive does not make you a woman—leading with compassion, strength, and character does. Doing the right thing is glamorous!

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