{the rachelle edit : valentines day treats}

If you're of a less sentimental disposition, or don't like valentines day, then you'll most likely be sick of me bleating on about it; here and here. And here now, too. Fear not, I'm not about to launch into a deceleration of love for my boy, neither will I bore you with details of our last valentines days (although I probably would like it..) but, prepare a comprehensive gift guide to help you buy lovely gifts for your other half, drop heavy hints at what you would like them to buy you - or to treat yourself if you don't have a sweetheart to buy you nice things...

1. Nothing says 'I love you' like a beautiful pair of Louboutins you've been lusting after for what feels like an eternity, right? If you find a nice boy to supply said shoes, leave any of  his siblings details in the comment box below.. 2. Just when you think Smythson notebooks cant get any sweeter, they pull out the Valentines day "I love you because...". Awwww. 3. Charbonnel et Walker champagne truffles, a stunning bouquet of flowers and a bottle of your favourite champagne all put a spring in my step! 

{the rachelle lust list : 14th january 2013}

The only thing good about a Monday morning is the Rachelle Lust List, no? A collection of my new favourite things - even if it is a bikini in January; of which the best thing to come of the month is the re-release of the Cadburys Creme Egg.. 

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

1. One positive aspect of endless dull winter nights is being able to socially close your blinds at 4pm (the only other benefit is being able to car-sing-and-dance without inhibitions and curious looks from passing traffic) and begin burning candles in the fashion of a large church, my favourite scent at the moment is - of course - a Diptyque number, Ambre (£40 at John Lewis) Yum. 

2. Another River Island bikini to tempt me. I'm going to order this cut-out beauty and pretend I'm not sat at my desk shivering over a cup of green tea watching snow fall through the window. 

3. After about three weeks of use, I think I'm finally qualified to say I'm suitably impressed with Mac Prep & Prime 'Skin Base' primer. I have dry skin, yet my t-zone and chin often get incredibly oily throughout the day. I need a primer to keep my makeup in place all day (who can be bothered with hourly touch ups?) but also provide a silky base to keep my dry skin nourished and behaving well. This is performing very well so far; I'm not a one-product-review kinda girl but this may require a dedicated post..

{the rachelle lust list : 7th january 2013)

Well, its been a while. A month in fact since I last shared my lusts for the week, during which things have undergone a massive shift-focus from sparkly festive nails and Christmas pyjamas - all of a sudden we're in the depths of the dark nights of January with no Christmas, festive cocktails or NYE to think about.. all we have to look forward to is the rest of this new year. Wow. So many possibilities ahead; many within my wardrobe. I'm already compiling my new-season wish-list (yes, really) and these beauties have caught my eye this week..

s e v e n t h  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. During December I lost my midi-virginity and I'm craving more. The longer cut allows skin-tight dresses to be flattering, sexy and subtle. This black number is a River Island bargain at a mere £22 - I can already picture it filling a void in my day-to-day wardrobe.

2. Essie Bahama Mama was a Christmas present from my Mum and in two weeks I've found myself applying it to my digits and toes three times already! The perfect dark plum shade for my already extensive black/deep red/plum nail collection. 

3. A baby pink coat is probably not an essential, neither do I expect it to last the test of time - but there's something so Jil Sander I want it anyway. River Island, £80.

The Rachelle Edit: The Best Beauty of 2012

You know me; I believe that if something isn't broke - don't fix it. This motto rings true when it comes to my skincare and makeup routine, I have favourites that consistently work for me which I've used for a number of years. It is fun to try new products and replace something which isn't doing what it used to for ya so I've made a list over the last few weeks of my very favourite products I've discovered throughout 2012..

1. We saw the launch of the new Creme de la Mer Soft Cream this year, and it is bloody amazing. All the benefits of the original version but a million times easier to work with, and more effective. 

2. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep was always my go-to bronzer until one fateful day browsing the stands of Space NK, leading to the swatching of the famous NARS Laguna - and I've never looked back. The perfect tanned but never orange colour, perfect for both contouring and adding some warmth to my face all year round - its everything I ever looked for in a bronzer! 

3. Come the beginning of October, I was ready for a darker lip to embrace the colder months, Mac matte lipstick in Diva has been my the answer to my prayers. A beautiful deep lip looks so striking with creamy skin and a slick of gel liner; my lips are far from the luscious loveliness of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's, but when filled in neatly with a lip brush I definetley feel a step closer! 

4. This year is the first that I've had the pleasure to try the famous Essie Nail Polishes; I bought Peach Daiquri to wear on my toes with summer sandals and was amazed by the creamy consistency, fan-brush which applies like a dream and the incredible chip-resistant finish. No nail polish lasts like Essie. Fast-forward a few months and my finger nails are pretty much a continuous loop of (left to right) Leading Lady (a deep red with gorgeous glitter), Jazz (the perfect greigey nude), Wicked (my favourite EVER shade - it goes with everything and makes your nails look longer) and Muchi Muchi (a Kardashian-esque soft pink). 

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 Lust List: 20th November 2012

1. Laura Mercier bath and body products are in my eyes, second to none. The Ambre Vanilla Honey bath creme and body scrub are a combination made in heaven to transform tired winter skin to LBD ready while you relax in a bath that literally smells like heaven (£25 each). 2. I love this gift concept from Harvey Nichols, the 'Twos Company' hamper includes a bottle of brut rosé champagne and two Riedel Champagne Flutes £40. 3. Believe it or not, its the end of November and I'm still yet to fall in love with this years ultimate winter coat. I've been heavily reliant on a fur-lined Parka I found last year in Zara and on more mild days, simply running around in amazing little jackets I've collected over the years but, I think I've found a winner here from none other than New Look! For £50, its got lovely faux leather detailing, a laid-back boyfriend feel and Stella McCartney-esque cut to the neckline. 4. If you've an excitingly high bank balance and need somewhere luxurious to store all of your jewels, look no further than this stunning Smythson croc-effect leather jewellery box.. there are no words! (£2,215). 5. I've fallen in love with the Essie nail varnish formula and colour range, the most recent hue thats got me is the soft nudey/beigey shade of Jazz. This will be mine, soon. Probably the next time I pass Boots to be honest... 6. Sunglasses this good, should be worn all year round. An expertly-shaped cat-eye are the perfect size to suit any face shape - Linda Farrow Luxe do sunnies SO well (£350). 7. NARS eyeshadows are incredibly popular, with good reason. Long lasting and highly pigmented; they're some of the best - the beautiful Douceurs de Paris palette (£37) has the perfect collection of shades to compliment your peepers through any occasion. 8. Possibly the most hyped nude lipstick ever to be released ever, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Blush Nude has me drooling all the way to the counter in search of my go-to winter nude lip. Yes, there is one. rachelle xo

My Happy List { № 3 } : A Good Manicure

one fail-safe, quick, easy and cheap way to give both your mood and appearance a quick lift is to indulge a little 'me time' with a manicure. You don't need to spend £30 in the salon having freakish false talons applied (eurgh, pet hate of mine..), just set aside either ten minutes to throw on a coat or two of colour and a top coat; or really treat yourself to a hand massage, show those cuticles some attention and get creative with one of my favourites - a glitter ombre manicure or the effective ring-finger-mani.

Either way, I'm sure every female feels more glamorous, polished and pulled-together when she has beautifully cared for, glossy nails. rachelle xo

r a c h e l l e ' s h a p p y l i s t . . .

the first coffee  |  morning cuddles  |  a thick stack of magazines 

The Rachelle Lust List: 8th October 2012

its been a while. a long while. such a while that I'm surprised that I was able to condense my ever-growing 'lust' folder to just 9 items in 550 pixels. 1. I've been desperate for a pair of feather-light, tight fitting yet pyjama comfortable leather leggings for a while, yet besides these horrifically expensive pair from The Olsens  horrifically expensive label, The Row. Cashing in at a scary £1,200, I may settle for these faux-leather Topshop version for a moderate £18. 2. These Valentino beauties (£695) have also been the object of my desire for some time, but as I'm (attempting) to save money and resist high-end pieces, I'll try my luck scouring Zara for a looky-likey over the next few weeks. 3. I have no words for this Illamasqua eye-shadow quad. Perfect autumnal smokey eye(£34). Coordinates incredibly with.. 6. - my newest lipstick addition, Diva by Mac (£14). The perfect matte dark lip. Should be a staple in every ladies makeup bag. A suit all dark lip in a perfect matte finish that lasts forever. 4. The Kooples is one of my favourite chic Parisienne brands, when browsing their online shop (it is bloody hard to find a shop outside of the French capital) and I've fallen in love with all of this seasons leather jackets, especially this one (£400).... 5. The only good thing about the darker nights is snuggling up tons of candles burning, I like one scented and a million tealights or vanilla escence ones lit. The Tom Ford Tuscan Leather candle was a total splurge at £50, but I love it. 7. The hype around Millie Mackintosh's new lash range has been pretty incredible, but I must say that after trying the 'Soho' lashes (£8.95) I can see why. Perfect for daytime, or for when you dont want a too full-on lash-look. 8. On holiday, I discovered that Essie may just fulfill the one-week manicure title. Whatever time of year I favour a dark, glossy nail and this shade, Wicked (£7.99), is right up my street. I applied this last Wednesday and its still wearing really, really well now. 9. I couldnt live without my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. Really. My love over the last few (sun soaked) weeks has been reaffirmed, I must do a full review soon, so wont keep you any longer. From £39.

What are you lusting after this week? rachelle xo

What to Wear: Fit & Flare Dresses

I've previously declared my love for Victoria Beckham (perhaps more than once...), as far as I'm concerned - everything she touches, turns to gold. For example, flared dressed. Obsessed, would be an understatement, for my infatuation with this new dress-shape, the best of course produced by Mrs B herself.

Taking the tonal palette to the next level, I'm clinging onto this fresh neutral look for to see me through to the end of summer. The beautiful dress needs no further desciption, the Victoria by Victoria Beckham is a snip at  her main-line prices, but still hurts the bank balance at £740.Go matchy-matchy in Alexander McQueen pale-pink pumps (£440) and an oversized Mulberry Alexa (£925) and, why not, matching nails by Essie in the nude hue, Mademoiselle. Gold jewellery is always a must have, I wear this Michael Kors watch (£250) & Alexander McQueen bracelet just about every single day.

Inside Her Handbag: Alice Ripman

Alice Ripman, the beauty director at InStyle magazine, originally started work at Smash Hits, shadowing makeup artists on their shoots. She knew the world of magazines was for her & spent the early years of her career at More, Company & New Woman before spending the last seven years at InStyle.

 i n s i d e  a l i c e ' s  h a n d b a g  . . .

Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Hand Creme (£13) - I love having something to smell when I'm suffering from writers block, and this smells good enough to eat! I like to think it stops me from eating all the macaroons and cupcakes that arrive in our office but sadly that’s not the case.

L'oreal Caresse Lipstick (£7.99) - This collection just landed on my desk and is so beautiful. This shade (Lovely Rose) is the perfect soft pink with no shimmer or glitter. The colour is very subtle so you can apply it without a mirror as you run into a meeting - always helpful!

Byredo La Tulipe Eau De Parfum (£130) - I discovered this perfume wandering through Liberty one day. Someone sprayed it and it completely stopped me in my tracks. Fresh and light, with slightly sweet dry down, after 10 years and over 1,000 sprays I’ve finally found my signature scent.

Essie Nail Varnish in Sexy Divide (£8.50) - This must be on my nails for 50 weeks of the year! I’ve bought my favourite colour, Sexy Divide, in bulk in case they ever discontinue it.

Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream (£19) - This is such a beautiful hand cream and isn't sticky or sickly-smelling. The PR for Clarins taught me to add a few drops of their Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil into it for really dry emergencies and it works wonders.

Five Favourites: Summer Nails

I'm well aware I've broken my 'five' favourites rule. Again. Its too hard for a beauty junkie/obsessive/addict to choose between beauty products, its like selecting a favourite child. Typically, I shy from wearing bright colours on my fingernails. I find dark shades; plums, blacks, verrrrrry dark reds or neutral taupes and pinks tend to look far more classic and sophisticated than a bright colour on the talons. My toes, however, are the opposite. Dark colours give me diseased-looking tootsies, whereas a bright flash of varnish through open-toed sandals are so chic. My favourite toe-nail varnishes;

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Corail Colisee (£18). Butter London Cantaloupe Nail Polish in Trout Pout (£14). Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple (£9.50). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Caress (£14). Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Rose Futuriste (£18). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Lament (£14).

 b a c k s t a g e  s e c r e t s  . . .

Treat your feet like a model treats theirs - as their face. Cleanse them at least once a day, applying moisturiser straight afterwards and just before bed. Exfoliate them once a week, and use a deep conditioning lotion or butter at least once week to keep them Celine-sandal ready.

Rachel x

What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Miami

The most fashionable destination in Florida - Miami. The white sandy beaches, all-nighter-nightlife, cool rooftop pool bars and amazing restaurants make the ideal summer holiday destination.

Pink & red is definitely a "yes", in my book - especially in Miami. The retro style Zimmerman Svannah one-piece swimsuit (£250) is the perfect mix of the two hues for these unreal Christian Louboutin wedges (£545). Too good for the pool? Trust me, with the pool bars in Miami, you wont be swimming. Cover up with a sheer Diane von Furstenberg silk blouse (£122.50) and hide those hungover peepers with even-more-retro Miu Miu glitter cat-eye sunglasses (£225). The only thing left to consider is a slick of Nars sheer lipstick in Roman Holiday (£17.50).

At The Office: Pretty Pastels

There is little more exciting announcement than watching heavy winter tweeds, wool and cashmere layers in the office fall away to be replaced with lighter, floaty fabrics in sheer tulle, chiffon, cotton and lace in the prettiest of pastel shades. 

I love wearing colour in daily life, from bold neons to pretty pastels - although I do admit that pastels make for the safest and simplest option when considering office attire. How to work it into your wardrobe this summer? Take inspiration from the runway and wear pastel hues from head to toe, or break up the colour with whites and creams.