{the rachelle lust list : 19th february 2013}

Although it still mightn't feel like it, winter is finally on its way out and I'm already clearing some space in my wardrobe for some lovely spring things - and some cult classics that I'm desperate to try...

t h e  n i n t e e n t h  o f  f e b r u a r y . . .

1. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that monochrome (once again) is huge news for SS13, as are digital-print florals (again). I've declared love for statement jackets and their versability too many times before so  I shan't harp on again - but instead quietly buy this beautiful Topshop blazer (I first spied the pink version, which has been shit on by this one.. sorry, Mum). 

2. Spring also marks the start of me throwing my dark, matte lipsticks to one side (sorry, Diva) in favour of lighter, sheer pretty neutral hues - I'm desperate to try a YSL Rogue Volupte Lipstick which you may not believe still isnt in my makeup collection yet. How am I even sitting here, having the audacity to write about beauty you may (quite rightly) ask...

3. I'm becoming somewhat of a skincare Nazi after a bad reaction resulting in a horrible, dry and spotty face at the beginning of the year and am desperately trying to fill up any gaps I have in my current skincare routine to prevent/treat any issues as they may arise - I've heard nothing but glowing reviews about the entire Dr. Jart range, in particular the Water-Max Sleeping Mask which sounds right up my street. Watch this space.

4. I picked up this lovely little skater dress last week, Topshop do the best skater dresses on the high street - perfectly nipped in at the waist with just the right amount of flare, this is another classic monochrome piece I can see myself living in throughout the next few months.

{what to wear : wardrobe staples}

Choosing an outfit every morning is a similar process to choosing the ingredients for a meal. You’ve got to be imaginative to get the best result, with the usual feeling that there’s nothing to wear even if the wardrobe is full of clothes. Think of this 'going back to basics' with your wardrobe staples as what you'd throw together to make a quick and tasty meal when the cupboard is bare.

I've created a selection of beautiful outfits with "basic ingreedients" that we all have in our wardrobes. My day to day wardrobe mainly consists of hard working basics that I can style a hundred different ways, and throw on without really thinking about. Fitted, slim trousers. A leather jacket. Chic boots. A classic black leather handbag. A beautiful jacket to pull looks together. Oversized sunglasses. We all have these, and here is a little inspiration on how to throw them together...

In the not-so-sunny UK, I rarely get the opportunity to go out without a jacket, so cover ups play a huge role in my wadrobe. The easiest to throw on with anything are black leather jackets (I adore this All Saints one) or a printed, colourful or statement jacket to add something to a simple monochrome outfit, I tried this floral printed number on in Topshop yesterday and it hasn't left my mind since. 

Shoes that are marginally comfortable are important when running around, a mid-heel boot (dying over this Acne pair) goes with everything, as does a beautiful flat sandal. 

Chunky, cosy jumpers are also essential - I recommend a good quality black number and something with a little more colour or detail as a good place to start.

Leather pants, shorts, skirts, dresses.. anything leather really always looks chic and is forming an increasingly large section of all of our favourite fashionistas wardrobe, if you haven't tried something a little unconventional yet - do it.. now - leather always earns you fashion points.

The Rachelle Lust List: 10th December 2012

1. Be warned - I'm well and truly into Christmas mode! Obsessing over these Equipment silk pyjamas (£465), cant think of a chicer ensemble to lounge in on Christmas morning! 2. Treated myself to a polish from the new Essie Winter 2012 collection, Leading Lady with some Boots points - a beautiful full on glitter shade, this could be the beauty to grace my nails on Christmas! Yes, there will be a chosen polish... 3. I've currently no plans to jet abroad until well into 2013, but should you be off somewhere hot over Christmas this Topshop bikini is so sexy for an amazing price, £32! 4. I've been after a new powder highlight for months, I'm a little bored of the silvery tone of Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle, I've swatched Bobbi Browns Shimmer Brick in Bronze (£32) countless times and finally took the plunge this weekend! Now to not be wasteful and finish off the MSF first... 5. Loving the colour combination and drop shape of these Marni earrings, £325. 6. & 7. How fun are these Charlotte Olympia shoes? Okay, maybe only socially acceptably worn on one day of the year but should you have heavily lined pockets and a sense of humour, why wouldnt you indulge in Christmas Pudding pumps?! 8. This Topshop playsuit is just too pretty (£50), perfect for Christmas nights out! As is no 9, the V-Back and intricate embellishment give the flattering skater style a festive lift (£65). 10. Okay, I'm still not over this hiking boot style and potentially never will be.. River Island Boots (£120). rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | Ankle Boots

What would we wear without the essential wardrobe staple, the boot? Rocked in summer with bare legs ala the stunning Anja Rubik or completely naked ala the equally beautiful Miranda Kerr, or in the colder months with leather skinnies and oversized coats.

The boot as you may have known it has had a makeover for this season. Isabel Marant takes the lead in this boot competition as per, this season with her typical western flair creating covetable cowboy style boots with wedges or bejazzled detailing. Givenchy comes in a close second with those knee-high slouchy leather boots and the amazing, far more wearable ankle-high version. Chloe and Alexander Wang also offer some impressive styles, but the high street have produced some gems; namely Topshop, Zara and Missguided.

{read on for my full edit}...

The Rachelle Lust List: 15th October 2012

1. Knitwear is such huge essential in my wardrobe from October to April (and often into the summer in the fantastic British weather..) so I'm always on the look out for amazing jumpers. This J Brand knitted top (£300) has fine golden flecks running through the wool as well as an incredible leather back. 2. I've raved about my love for the new season All Saints collection before, but cannot get these particular boots off my  mind! Everything about them is perfection; and I think they'll stand the test of time at £225. 3. My gold Michael Kors Chronograph watch has graced my wrist pretty much each day for the last three years, I think its about time a new sister for her was justified. With more than a little Chanel, this black beauty is the object of my desires. 4. When shopping at the weekend, the boy and I of course found ourselves in Selfridges food hall, and then, wandering into the alcohol shop... It was love at first sight for this cute little skull and I, full of Crystal Head Vodka (£45), I couldn't resist.. Especially for the imminent Halloween  Not that I can resist a skull at any time of year, I'll be decanting my Goose into this in future! 5. I missed out on this coat £135 (or a very similar style) in Topshop last winter, and I'm not leaving anything to chance this time! This little beauty is on order, I love an alternative to the plain black winter coat. And I'm a self-confessed-faux-fur-aholic. 6. Simple, stylish and timeless shoes are part of what Zara does best, I need these pointed toe courts (£59.99) for winter days where boots aren't totally necessary  7. If anyone happens to be stuck on what clutch to buy me for Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, Guy Fawkes... the list can go on... this Givenchy quilted leather clutch (£1,100) will do nicely. Ta! 8. The lip colour of this week is a re-discovered old favourite, a pinky/plumy shade from MAC with a lustre finish, Syrup. Its so wearable for any occasion with any makeup so I've found myself reaching for it each day last week. 9. Although I am a religious body moisturiser, I like to pamper my skin even more on lazy nights in, nothing beats any Laura Mercier body butter, my current bottle in use is the Almond & Coconut Milk variation (£22). rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: The Army Jacket

Somehow, a combat print can be made feminine. Look to the streets of Paris where hundreds of models are currently running round in their off-duty-chic uniforms of high-fashion pieces brought down to earth with the likes of chunky knits and camo jackets. Be still, my beating heart. I decided to take the plunge & purchase my first ever military-inspired piece (I've never been a fan of those god-awful button-down jackets) which is this Topshop Studded Camo Jacket (£75), it was the studded shoulders that won me over, and it really does look good casually thrown over a chic outfit. This La Garconne Moderne Oversized Jumper (£220) is perfectly chunky to be paired with these sleek Zero + Maria Cornejo silk shorts (£330), Topshop Boutique do an excellent cheaper alternative. I'm obsessed with throwing on a gold, edgy piece of jewellery, be it a subtle skull or spiked chain to add another layer of texture and interest to an outfit. Cheapo ones will do, this £7 marvel from the site Chic Nova does the job perfectly. I'm not a high-street bag well, and firmly believe if you invest in the bones - they'll last forever. The Celine Luggage Bag is no exception. I've expressed my love for these beautiful Isabel Marant Lazio Wedge Boots before, expect to see them featured many, many times so I can convince myself they're versatile enough to go with pretty much any outfit...

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

fall 2012 - all saints  |  new in - valentino  |  winning style  |  kiss-worthy accessories  |  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

Style Icon: Poppy Delevinge

British it-girl, model, regular on the fashion circuit and sibling to the equally stunning Cara, Poppy Delevinge epitomises Bristish fashion today, I want her wardrobe!

How would you describe your style? "Temperamental, eclectic, spontaneous... I dress to suit my mood — there's no method to the madness." Do you have one favorite piece in your wardrobe? "A Chanel black & gold star jumpsuit — very Studio 54." What's on your fashion wish list for fall? "Anything from Isabel Marant. I plan to embrace my inner cowgirl!"

The Rachelle Edit: Fall 2012 | All Saints

Its no secret that I'm a huge All Saints fan. A massive proportion of my high-street wardrobe (and the boys) is from the cool London brand. I adore the off-duty model look All Saints does so well, the pieces last forever, are excellent quality with designer-esque cuts and always look fabulous thrown on with pretty much anything. The new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is no different, continue reading for more of my favourite outfits from the lookbook and my edit of the best new season pieces...

Inside Her Handbag: Alison Elwin

Alison Elwin is an award winning fashion editor & celebrity stylist who has worked her magic on many famous faces over the years. Her classic, timeless approach to both fashion & beauty is to keep it simple & elegant.

Polaroid Camera - "I couldn't live without this camera. Yes, my bag is much heavier for want of lumbering it around with me but I love documenting things the old fashioned way. I adore the way the film & colour develop - its totall unique.

Dainty Doll Wonderbalm (£20.50) Available at Boots - "This is always in my bag. I use it when my skin feels dry or chapped pretty much anywhere on my body, lips, hands, even feet. A little on my cheeks gives me a radiant glow. It’s replaced my eight hour cream, and if it can do that it has to be good."