The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | The Leather Pants

Creating effortless  chic looks day in-day out requires a wardrobe which is an edit of definitive pieces. I've selected my ten favourite pieces which are hardworking fashion essentials that wont just see you through Autumn, but for any occasion throughout the entire year.

Incorporate a sleek pair of leather pants into your weekend repitoire for supermodel chic in without a second thought. {read on for what to buy and how to style them..}

Lust List - 10th September 2012

1. After an unfortunate mishap with Scandinavian fashion site, Nelly, a half-out-of-stock-bikini I was finally notified of a week post-order, a last minute Topshop dash led me to this retro style high waisted bikini (£32). The waffle-textured pants finish at just the right point on the waist to give me a figure rivaling that of Audrey Hepburn and they roll down comfortably to allow optimim tanning! 2. How stunning are both covers of the UK Harper's Bazaar this month? Would it be wrong to buy both?... 3. I'm on the hunt in a big way for the perfect leather legging for winter. As much as I love these Helmut Lang troos, I'm sort of hoping to find a better prices version than the hefty £530 pricetag that comes with. If you know of any high street alternatives, please do point me in the right direction! 4. Everyones favourite street style blogger, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist has launches his second book, 'Closer', celebrates the diversity of subjects that has made his photography so unique. Following his lens from the streets of New York to Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris and beyond, this book documents the intriguing intricacies of how we dress, creating a "rich tapestry of global style" in the process. Buy it for £20 at Net a Porter. 5. In case I havent mentioned it enough times, I'm off to Phuket tomorrow! This NARS bronzing body glow (£44) is essential to enhance my soon-to-have Asian tan. 6. How Prada are these Topshop 'Shackles' heels? Yours for a mere £68, they hit stores on Friday and are instantly selling out - get them before they go! 7. Another week, another Tom Ford beauty purchase. This time it was the high gloss Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naivete, one slick (and a hefty £32 price tag) to dark yet wearable, super glamorous lips. 8. One of my all time favourite eyeshadows, Satin Taupe (£12), by MAC. If you havent got it, you need it. Beyond versatile. 9. I know cheap shoes are always a killer, but I cant stop contemplating this 'Gwinea' studded platform from the site Missguided. Anyone know what the shoe quality is like? For £32.99, they've got to be worth trying? 10. Ten minutes to facial-fresh skin at home, I swear by this Estee Lauder Idealist Dual Action Skin Refinisher (£36), as soon as I hit the hotel room in Thailand this will be generously applied to save my long-haul-haggered skin. rachel xo

In Stores This Week: 21.05.12

Everyone needs plenty of hardworking separates in their wardrobe to throw on without a moments thought and to incorporate in tons of simple & chic outfits. When keeping my eye on what was new into stores over the last week it seems its time for everyone to start stocking up on summer separates, from Marini t-shirts to Reiss camis, theres no shortage of gorgeous tops, bottoms & everything inbetween.

Reiss Yellow Camisole (£75) I love a bright colour injection, this cami will look perfect with skinny white ankle grazers & summer sandals. Zara Colour Block Platform Heels (£49.99). EA Burns Neon Triangle Necklace (£20). J Crew Blue Suede Tote (£220) available at Net a Porter. The Kooples Print T-Shirt (£90) The Kooples are doing off duty chic like no one else at the moment, this tee is achingly cool. Helmut Lang Cotton & Leather Draped Jacket (£695). Jimmy Choo Giovanna Patent Leather Wedge Sandals (£450). Alexander McQueen Swarvoski Skull Ring (£155). Marni Printed Cotton T-Shirt (£130) at thecorner.com. Reiss "Melanie" Blue Gradient Floral Cotton Top (£59).

Rachel x

What to Wear: Sheer Delights

Although it has been making an appearance for seasons now, the catwalks have never been as dominated by sheer pieces as at the SS12 shows. One part provocative, one part ultra sophisticated - I adore sheer garments.

I find one of the easiest ways to tap into the sheer look, is with semi-sheer top. This pussy-bowed beauty from French Connection (£57) is ideal. I love to toughen up a soft, pretty look (sheer AND bows?!) with an edgy look - any skinny leather or leather effect trousers contrast so well against the white chiffon, I love these Helmut Lang rinsed leather skinny trousers (£400). The shoes, the shoes, the shoes. Oscar De La Renta Marlene Leather Pumps (£615) don't come cheap, but from the pointed toes to the monochome colouring, are perfect for this look. I'm fortunate enough to have my very own Mulberry Taylor Satchel and one of my favourite ways to wear it is with shiny leather, the brushed leather contrasts so beautifully.