{the rachelle edit : agent provocateur}

I love Valentines Day. I love any excuse for a celebration to be fair, and a day dedicated to celebrating your love to your better half is surely more of an excuse to celebrate than most?

Girls; if you're stuck on what to get the boy - nothing will go down better than a saucy set of undies for his enjoyment. Men; if you're stuck on what to get your lady, nothing will make her feel better in the nuddy than a beautiful, sexy set of lingerie. Agent Provocateur has been a long-term favourite of mine (and pretty much every woman I know), you cannot go wrong here . . .

{the rachelle lust list : 29th january 2013}

After last weeks somewhat sparse Lust List, I'm back in full force this week, with a list of wants as long as my boyfriends 6'4" frame. . . 

t h e  t w en t y n i n t h  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. Rosé champagne is one of the things that makes me happiest in life, it may be a little OTT but my inner-super-girly-girl loves this Piper-Heidsieck (£44.95 at Selfridges) bottle.

2. A leather-sleeved jacket of some description has become somewhat of a wardrobe essential these days, All Saints have nailed the look with this draped cardigan, which will be so versatile as the weather (hopefully) warms up a little, £228.

3. Another beauty from the spring All Saints collection is this little slip dress, if you don't have one I highly recommend this - you wont stop using it as a base to layer upon come any season, £60.

4. Blame the rosé champagne but this lipstick pink Topshop blazer has me all flustered, if you've read my blog for a while you'll know I adore a statement jacket to add some much needed life to a basic ensemble (see black leather trousers and an Alexander Wang T jersey.. ahem, my daily uniform..) - I really need this jacket in my life - the fabric and cut look so much more expensive than the £40 price tag.

{the rachelle lust list : 23rd january 2013}

For once; my lust list isnt particularly extensive this week, I've my eye on a few pieces that I know will slide seamlessly into my everyday wardrobe, and I cant help but fall in love with beautiful (and horribly expensive) lingerie in anticipation of Valentines Day - but there are significantly less extravagant bells and whistles than usual, probably why I'm a little behind schedule on a Wednesday. . . 

t h e  t w en t y t h i r d  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. J Crew are make the best chic and affordable separates - fact. I adore this breton-stripe jumper, always flattering, with the cute floral print collar, £100 at Net a Porter.

2. I couldnt talk about the sexiest of underwear and not talk about Agent Provocateur. The 'Love' range has been in their permanent line for what feels like years, so you know its good. At £150 for the pair - they dont come cheap, but nothing will make you feel better in the almost nude.. This range also comes in a few different colours, with suspenders and waspies also available.

3. The Spring All Saints collection is consistently a good one.  These two dresses (Black 'Jungle' Sweater Dress £125 & Pleated Silk 'Peony' Dress £175) are so wearable, I'm desperate to get my hands on them to throw on under a leather jacket and pair of Acne ankle boots on off-duty days.

The Rachelle Lust List: 27th November 2012

It might be the fact that today is pay day, it could be that I've been denying myself any extravagant purchase for so long, or that I've been so busy focusing on Christmas shopping for all my nearest and dearest that's got me lusting after crazily luxurious with equally crazy price tags this week.. 1. The ultimate winter staple, black leather, in the form of a beautiful thin-knit jumper. I love this amazing cashmere blend by Reed Krakoff, £750. This will go so well with everything. 2. Gold jewellery is an essential of mine, I have a mild obsession with 'pretty' skulls - Alexander McQueen is the combines these two aspects better than anyone else; this beautiful bracelet, £180 (and matching ring, no 8, £120) is a prime example. 3. The prettiest bra I've possibly ever seen; okay the matching briefs and suspenders aren't entirely practical.. but this is a lust list! The Selena, by Agent Provocateur (Bra, £110. Suspenders, £110. Knickers £95. 4.  I have no words for these little bits of heaven in the form of shoe-porn. If you've read the blog for a little while, there's a high chance you've heard me rave on about these amazing Christian Louboutin Alti 160 spiked patent-leather shoes. Wow. I have similar amounts of love for the Just Pick studded patent leather and PVC heels too (no 9), but they seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth as of late.. 5. A pretty little sequinned top is perfect for this time of year, with a pair of leather leggings and a blazer this Michael Kors tee, £150 is the perfect way to add some festivity into your day wear. Is festivity a word? 'Tis now.  6. Steering off my luxurious theme, I picked up this Midi dress from River Island this weekend and cant wait to wear it; I'm somewhat a midi-virgin, dismissing the style as unflattering to a lady of just 5'4, but I think with some Zara sandals and a studded leather biker it'll be perfect for a gig the boy and I are attending tonight! 7. If you're going to be prancing about in the aforementioned Agent Provocateur undies, you'll need the supermodel-smooth pins to match. Agent Provocateur Petale Noir Body Elixir (£28) is the height of sexiness. 10. I feel a little like I'm cheating on my forever-faithful Maxfactor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara even writing about its Benefit rival, "They're Real", but I've heard too many amazing reviews to not even be tempted, £18.50.Watch this space. 11. Its almost time for a new year, and a new diary. I've fallen in love with this amazing purple snakeskin offering from Smythson; making plans has never been so chic. rachelle xo

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.

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

The Rachelle Edit: Fifty Shades of Fashion

It appears the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy has taken over the world. No exaggeration. Women who scarcely even pick up a book are raiding not only the shelves in Waterstones, but apparently DIY stores for rope and neck ties... I'm still toying with the idea of whether to pick up a copy & see exactly what the hype is, yet I've heard so many times its poorly written and thankfully, I don't need any encouragement to splash out on sexy undergarments!

The Rachelle Edit: Ibiza Sunlounger to Superclub

The clubbing capital of the world - Ibiza. Throughout the month of May arrives the opening nights of the islands biggest & best superclubs - this weekend welcomed Space back onto the international party circut. A sunny afternoon spent sipping on cocktails on the day beds at Blue Marlin can easily turn into dancing until dawn at Amnesia, so make sure you pack your 10kg allowace with colourful pieces that transform well & clash together in brilliantly bohemian style.

Your staples for Ibiza 2012? Bold one-pieces that slip seamlessly from day to night, wedge heels to see you from the beach to bar and big sunglasses to hide the shadows the next day. From left:

Topshop Lassie Suede Stacked Wedges (£55). Acne Capri Sandals (£260). Topshop Poppy Printed Corset (£30). Seventh Wonderland "Fiorella" Cut-Out One Piece (£170). Reiss Ziggy Playsuit (£149). Whistles Sunglasses (£50). Topshop Floral Cross-Back Suntop (£26). Topshop Rio Print One Piece (£34). Topshop High Beaded Gladiator Sandals (£30). Agent Provocateur Mazzy One Piece (£295). Finsk Chunky Wedges (£380). House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Cat-Eye Sunglasses (£130). Christopher Kane Studded Shorts - Made to Order. Astley Clarke Blue Quartz Earrings (£150). McQ Alexander McQueen Amwell Cross Body Bag (£370). Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring (£165). Christian Louboutin Trotilita Wedges (£425).

Rachel x

The Rachelle Edit: 50's Americana

 Follow suit of the Prada SS12 T-Bird Girls and be automatic. Systematic. Hyyydromatic...

The 50's inspired Cadillac girls wear mint green & bubblegum pink, but set off the girly hues with polished leather & carwash prints. Make gingham prints an daywear essential and indulge in chiffons & brocades in shimmering sorbet colours of an evening. Flounce around in a full skirt or choose to swagger in a figure-hugging pencil skirt to channel your inner Sandy D or Rizzo!

From Left:

Agent Provocateur Silk Scarf - £175. Prada Cotton Bodysuit - Made to Order. Selection of Prada SS12 shoes from £695 to £1300. Boy. By Band of Outsiders Gingham Print Shirt - £164. Elizabeth & James Cat Eye Sunglasses - £125. Mac Viva Glam Niki Minaj Lipstick - £13.50. Marni Brogued Handbag - £630. Zara Sandals - £49.99. Miu Miu Applique Handbag - £995. Prada Continental Wallet - £580.

How would you channel you inner 50's pin up?

Rachel x