At Home With: L'Wren Scott in Paris

L’Wren Scott opens the doors to the City of Light aerie she shares with Mick Jagger—a space she designed to her own exacting tastes.

Where does L’Wren nest? Somewhere high up and sequestered, with a view over treetops—when she’s in Paris, that is. This turn-of-the-century Left Bank apartment is just one of the homes the American fashion designer L’Wren Scott has put together for life with her rock-’n’-roll legend partner, Mick Jagger. And the serene, delicately airy atmosphere is about as far from glitzy rock-star louche as could be imagined.

Backstage Beauty: Fall 2012 Haute Couture | Christian Dior

Inspired by Christian Dior's architectural vision, Simons' designs boasted familiar silhouettes with new, contemporary touches—a message he translated to hairstylist Guido Palau and makeup artist Pat McGrath. Gone were the coiffed couture updos, the perfect red lips, and the winged black liner of old. In their place: air-dried, blunt-cut middle parts; matte, multi-tonal mouths; and electric cat-eyes with coloured lashes.

Designed by Dior creative director of makeup Tyen, the palette of colors employed backstage was positively futuristic. Using a full-coverage skin tint, like CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation dusted with its Pressed Powder, Pat McGrath kept complexions paled out and matte, save for a slight contour on cheekbones that she created with a pink blush. She then turned her attention to eyes that came in four different iterations, all of which boasted two unifying factors in the form of white kohl liner along the inner rims and a thick slick of chrome cream eye shadow, like CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast in Platinum Pop.

Table for Two: Strawberry Buttercream Cupcakes

The most perfect summer treat, this strawberry frosting tastes just like strawberry ice cream. They really do taste as good as they look, and take no time or effort to make. I did say they are the perfect summer treat...

Happy Weekend: A Short City Break

... currently lying in the most gorgeous & comfortable king sized bed in a beautiful city centre hotel in Leeds, tapping away on the boys exciting new purchase, an iPad, before a day full of shopping, wandering hand in hand and drinking champagne in the Saturday sunshine. 

The Rachelle Edit: Kiss-Worthy Accessories

Fashion has a never-ending love affair with a sexy red lip - perfectly chic in so many occasions. Designers, in particular fashion houses like Marc Jacobs, Lulu Guinness & Charlotte Olympia have been emblazoning a big red kiss on everything from trousers to tee's, phone-covers to pumps.

Lulu Guinness Red Nappa Leather Handbag (£395) - Charlotte Olympia Bisoux Suede & Calf Hair Loafers (£485) - Charlotte Olympia Kiss Me Dolores Shoes (£675) - Lulu Guinness Red Reptile Snakeskin Clutch (£275) - Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone Case (£27) - Lulu Guinness Red Lips Birdcage Umbrella (£28) - Charlotte Olympia Big Kiss Bag, as previously seen here.

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

jil sander fall 2012  |  nineties: the new vintage  |  fifty shades of fashion  |  resort 2013: proenza schouler vs valentino  |  resort 2013: chloe vs erdem  |  summer sorbet  |  laid-back sundays  |  summer shoes at zara  |  zadig & voltaire  |  ibiza: sunlounger to superclub

rachel xo

A Guide To: Faking it on the Beach

Bikini 101. We've all been there; two days prior to jetting to faraway shores, recoiling in fear at the thought of baring all at the watersedge... Keep these tips in mind when buying swimwear to flatter your best bits.

 t a n  u p  . . .

Changing rooms truly are the worst. The light is unflattering, and those sock-marks really can ruin the look. Give yourself the best possible chance and apply a self tanner a day in advance if you aren't already sporting the bronzed look, shave those legs and look your best - as you strive to on the beach. Otherwise, order online where you can try on at home, and send the rejects back.

 w h a t ' l l  s u i t  y o u  ? . . .

Look at what already suits you in your wardrobe. If you like the way a V-Neck fits, then chances are you'll like the way a halter neck fits too.

Spotlight On: Beautiful Details | Backstage at Elie Saab Haute Couture

The Elie Saab Haute Couture show is never a one to miss. Intricate beading and embellishment in striking cuts and a truly beautiful colour palette, the only good thing about the close of the show is the glimpse backstage. . . 

Insider Insight: Caroline Issa

Caroline Issa, Fashion Director at Tank.

A look into her life, beauty secrets & hero products...

When I started working at Tank, I decided to let my hair grow out. It was a bad phase; I had this little mushroom on my head. Literally nobody saw me for my first two years at Tank because I was just like, ‘There’s no way I’m being introduced to anybody looking like this,’ until it grew out into a normal place. Now I have loads of hair, and I don’t deal with it very well. I’ve been using Super Sleek Smoothing Shampoo from Ojon; it has macadamia nut and other oils in it. And my hair stylist Angelo Seminara turned me onto this amazing organic oil, OI from Davines, which I put on when my hair is wet. And then I’ll do a bun or a braid, and slick back all the frizzies with L’Oréal Paris gel. Right now, I’m growing my hair out because I’ve decided what my September look is going to be: stick-straight and really long. When I get to New York for fashion week—because it’s really a very New York thing—I’ll get a normal New York blow dry, which you just can’t get in London—there are no blow-dry bars. And then I’ll probably cut it in October.

This is as much makeup as I can handle: mascara, eyeliner, and a red lip. I don’t have anything on my skin. Yes, I’m totally lucky, but the thing is, I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my entire life, I don’t drink huge amounts of alcohol, and I have a Chinese mother—that, I think, is my advantage. My mom does not look a day over 45, and she’s 65. Asian skin is amazing. My dad is Lebanese-Iranian, so the mix of all these crazy cultures together has been really helpful. I mean, I have a glass of wine every night, but because I’m half-Chinese I just can’t hold my alcohol very well, which means I’m a really cheap date, but I think it probably helps the skin situation.

Inside Her Wardrobe: Suzanne Rogers

What better way to start the new Rachelle feature, Inside Her Wardrobe, than with the single most inspiring dressing room and entire high fashion collection I've ever come across; the closet of Suzanne Rogers.

A little bit of leather and a whole lot of lace. Nobody does it quite like Suzanne Rogers - a Toronto-based fashion icon who has one bloody impeccable closet. There's closets and then there's Suzanne's wardrobe - browse through these pictures as what is truly fashion porn at its finest. Behind the McQueen couture and Mary Katrantzou printed must-haves, Suzanne uses her knowledge and connections with designers to help raise funds for a range global children's charities. Saying she's a fashion aficionado just doesn't quite do her justice. And the best part? In the last two years, she's managed to raise over $1000000 for charities around the world, in her sky-high baby blue YSL pumps nonetheless. And she seems to do it all (with Birkin in hand) while raising three kids. Really.

Lust List - 23rd July 2012

1. I've probably been going a little too crazy with the online shopping this past week, as soon as I have a trip arranged I decide I need an entire new wardrobe for the occasion... The boy & I are leaving on Friday for a break in Leeds, and with the bipolar weather, I couldn't resist this Tibi Jacket (£570), which will work with everything else I'm taking for the chillier moments. 2. I'm trying to justify the Tibi splurge with this Topshop Drop Back Tunic (£26) which I'll pair with the jacket. 3. I've had this Nails Inc varnish in Birdcage Walk (£11) for about a year, but completely neglected it as an unexciting bore. I tried it for a quick Monday morning manicure and love it. The perfect nude for my tanned skin, it lasted five days looking good as new. A must have. 4. These ASOS Porter Platforms (£50) are another new purchase in time for Leeds, they may not be groundbreaking but they are classic, timeless and a very sexy shape! 5. The sunglass shape I'm obsessing over this week are these Fendi Tortiseshell Shades (call 0800-722020 for stockists) have the most amazing yellow colour-pop arms! 6. If you want to buy me a present, buy me this bottle of gin (£35), complete with a china teacup. If you've ever drank gin from a teacup, you'll know why. 7. After running out of my favourite Elizabeth Arden moisturiser, alongside everyone else in the country (I couldn't get a tube for love-nor-money) I panic bought Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (£9.40) after hearing a few good reviews. I've been using it about a week, and so far I'm verrry impressed. Its perfect for dry skin and leaves a great long-lasting & perfectly hydrated base for makeup, I shall keep you ladies informed as the usage continues. For less than £10 for 100ml, you really cant complain. 8. No 'dirty' weekend away would be complete without a new set of Agent Provocateur, this luxurious Zsa Zsa set (£395) is courtesy of the boy. 9. Mojitos are not only the drink of Thursday evenings 'date night', but the drink of the week. Find the perfect Strawberry recipe here.10. One last weekend purchase, this ASOS Midi Dress was a no brainer for £30 (sorry, model, for chopping off your head...) rachel xo

Happy Weekend: Mornings in July

In standard British summer style; the sun shines first thing in the morning before then pouring with rain and leaving us with grey, cloudy skies. I have been taking advantage of the sun-soaked mornings lazing around in a black Just Female silk tank and Lover shorts whilst sitting at my dining table with the sun on my back, writing this post. As I have done each morning for the past week...

What to Wear: Chanel-Inspired Jackets

The Chanel jacket is the epitome of class. Fact. Tweed, intricate stitching and phenomenal button detailing - what could be better? Karl Largerfeld once said, "Some things never go out of fashion: jeans, the white shirt, and the Chanel jacket." Introduced to the fashion world in 1954,  the Chanel jacket will forever remain a classic, and many designers and brands alike have taken note. Brands such as Zara, Topshop and Mango have released an assortment of excellent Chanel-inspired jackets & designers like Tory Burch and Alice + Olivia are playing off of the classic by creating tweed suits in fun colours like pastel blues and bubblegum pinks.  These jackets, like true classics, can be worn from work, dates, casual afternoons and nights on the town - read on to see some of my favourite jackets currently available, and how to wear them.

The intricate detail on this Rebecca Taylor Sequin-Trimmed tweed jacket (£250) makes this beauty an incredibly chic talking point, and makes for verrry quick outfit planning, it wont look better than paired with good quality basics like this Theyskens' Theory Yellow Top (£98) D&G Cotton Trousers (£88) and classic black accessories that go with anything, a small Marc by Marc Jacobs leather shoulder bag (£152) and stunning Christian Louboutin Just Picks shoes (£750).

Five Favourites: Liberty Beauty Hall Splurges

Every ladies favourite London department store, Liberty, has launched a new Beauty Loyalty Card where you'll receive a £5 voucher each time you spend £150 (which I'm sure you know if you're reading this, is too easily done...). I've selected my five favourite Liberty beauty splurges which really are worth splashing out on.

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation (£55) - This new gel-based formula keeps skin matte yet hydrates, providing even coverage and a radiant glow thanks to its light-reflecting pigments.

Dr Sebagh Supreme Night Secret (£195) - Super-charge your beauty sleep with this antioxidant rich night cream, packed with high-tech ingredients that work with your body clock.

Byredo Pulp Eau De Parfum (£130) - New from the Swedish brand whose fragrances give understated Scandinavian chic an exotic twist - thanks to the founders Indian heritage. Pulp is a sensory mash-up of ripe, sweet, intense fruits.

Diptyque Philosykos Eau De Toilette (£50) - As sensual as it is poetic, as luxurious as it is iconic, Philosykos is an ode to the fig-tree, with notes of warm wood and fresh green fruit that speak of sun-kissed climates.

Sisley Simleya Age Minimizing Sun Care (£134) - Sisley's revolutionary sun cream offers optimum protection against UV damage - yet unlike conventional 'total' sunblock, lets in just enough rays to allow the skin to activate its own mechanisms.

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

beauty oils  |  summer nails  |  may 2012  | british beauty buys  |  tom ford spring/summer beauty  | matte lipsticks   

rachel xo

Inspired Interior: An Austin Retreat

Another Thursday morning, another beautiful 'weekend' house to pour over. This stunning fifteen year old property is the holiday home to interior designer and proprietor of Shabby Slips, Renea Abbott. “This was just a sliver of land that nobody knew what to do with, the builder who developed it thought outside the box, looked at the land, and I think he was pretty genius to come up with this design Every room has a view, and the way he sited them makes you unaware of the neighbours around you, yet you see the lake.” He also notes, “From the water, the houses look very European — but without all the clichés.”

The Rachelle Edit: Jil Sander

The fashion obsessive within me was, ashamedly, actually upset by the departure of Raf Simons at Jil Sander. In the last seven years, the brand has grown from strength to strength; for me - this show is not only the strongest to date, but my favourite collection of all the Fall 2012 shows.

I'm obsessed with the pink, white, grey and nude white colour palette (see all blog colours for reference to my love-affair...) sex'd up (is that really a term? It is now) with hints of red and black leather. Mmmmmm. Those luxurious double-face coats with their welted seams, a classic Jil Sander signature, were cut like balmacaans or full-bodied swing coats in fine meltons or even a stiff cotton - my favourite single item from the show.