{a glamorous mix : a little romance}

Good Afternoon beauties; I'm indeed alive and well, just a little dazed and behind schedule with a pile of fun and exciting things that've been happening lately...

From London Fashion Week coverage entwined with too many pancakes and a lovely, romantic Valentines day and weekend, an incredibly entertaining and extensively filled Daily Mail app (how much crazy news can happen in a week?!) and a spur-of-the-moment haircut leaving me with a fringe you could certainly say I'm not too keen on (and trying to find ways to disguise the Farrah Fawcett qualities of it.. on tonight's agenda, manicure-monday and a session with a barrel of heated rollers..) you guys have taken somewhat of a back seat. I'm a bad blogger, and I promise that I'll try to do a little better..

Whats been happening in your worlds? By the way; I've been trying a few very exciting new beauty products out as of late so keep your peepers peeled for the unveiling of some exciting things.. rachelle xo

{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: 4th December 2012

1. Elizabeth & James specialise in some seriously stylish one-pieces and fitted separates; these are the perfect shoes to match (£270). I need to wear these with everything in my winter wardrobe. PS. River Island have some similarly edgy styles in for a quarter of the price. 2. I'm not one to preach about constantly coordinating your undergarments; I've fallen separately in love with this Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou lace and satin bra (£55) and this Angelique Bow Thong (£35) separately (although the matching Bisou Bisou knickers are a real treat, too). 3. The Valentino 'Va Va Voom' studded nude leather clutch is featuring in my dreams, as of late. Wow. 4. An Alexander Skull Print Silk scarf (£165) mightn't be the warmest garment on the winter-wear market, but it is perfect to layer for any day of the year. 5. Obsessed with these adorable 'His & Hers' Johnathan Adler mugs (£24)! Perfect Christmas present for newly-weds, or yourself, if you cant resist.. You can never have too many chic white mugs, right? 6. Its my turn to have a little dry/tight/winter-skin crisis, I'm craving some luxurious and natural-super-ingredients to restore things back to happy-hydrated-times; I'm terribly guilty of not using a primer, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Primer (£41 at Space NK) looks to be the answer to my prayers. 7 & 8. Sisley are one of the most reputable names in high-end skincare, my poor face is crying out for a cocktail of their most famous face-masks, Hydra-Flash Intensive or Black Rose Cream Mask are packed full of skin softening wonders. 9. Another installment of the lazy-girls guide to baking; these Harvey Nichols Gingerbread Cookies are ready to bake, simply add eggs and butter. How cute is the packaging? They taste as good as they look. 10. This weeks lipstick craving is another Mac wonder; Rebel. No where near as dark and scary as it appears in the tube, its another Mac best seller that has somehow managed to escape my clutches. Until now. rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | Sexy Knits

Knitwear has long been a cold-weather-essential in all of our wardrobes; but this season its been given a sexy lift - thin sheer wool, sequin details, flattering stripes and bejewelled accents make the traditional jumper a little more sexy.

Besides pairing simply with your underwear to lounge around the house (or garden in this editorial with the stunning Kendra Spears..), I love teaming statement knitwear with your favourite comfy 'boyfriend' jeans and nude heels, a hip-length sweater over a mini-dress in a similar hue is entirely chic, or throwing a cosy cashmere knit over one of Dolce & Gabannas silk baroque printed silk trousers or skirts makes the perfect winter day-to-night look.

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

The Rachelle Lust List: 5th November 2012

1. After we've had Halloween, the boys birthday and bonfire night out of the way; its a green light for me to go Christmas crazy. I love the run up from now until the 25th December, the boy knows me too well and bought me this super-sweet Smythson Christmas Organiser, dying over it. 2. The boy & I went to see The Killers perform last night, wow. Their Day & Age tour was our first date; it was amazing to go back and relive the magic of Brandon Flowers, the beautiful, perfect little man. Give their new album, Battleborn, a listen, its seriously good. 3. Christmas jumpers have always held a special place in my heart, who could resist when Preen makes them look so good?! (£595). 4. I picked up this cute skater dress from Topshop (£40) to wear to the gig, but -1 degree temperatures in Newcastle made me think twice, but I'm definetley keeping this little rock-chic number and already planning this weekend around it... 5. Another Topshop winner, these shoes (£62) are soo Charlotte Olympia, but around £800 cheaper. Score. 6 & 7. Like every girl on the planet, I'm going crazy over the new season Chanel nail varnishes, in particular Vertigo, which is 100% me, and Frenzy which is just the most perfect milky, flattering nude. I dont know how Chanel always do it, but they do! (£18 each). 8. This time of year is made for snuggly, cosy, maybe slightly sexy nights in and this Eberjey lace-trimmed teddy (£68) is perfect for said occasion. 9. Quirky jewellery storage that looks as good on the dresser as it is useful is always a winner, this ASOS Stag Jewellery Holder (£20) is perfect for the job, and would make an excellent gift for that friend who has everything. 10. The inner 6-year-old-girl/magpie within me is going crazy for these Miu Miu Glitter Leather Chelsea Boots (£495), styled with dressed down skinnies or jersey skirts.. neeed. 11. I read the beautiful Kayleighs review of the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick (£23.50) in the most amazing pink, 'Rose Caresse' and need it in my life. The rose pink is the shade missing from my lipstick collection, this will probably be getting picked up on my lunch hour... rachelle xo

Happy Weekend: Nicely Neutral

once again, the beautiful time of the week known as Saturday morning is upon us! I haven't been as excited about a weekend since the boy & I took a trip to Leeds a few months back.

I'm currently enjoying every second of a luxuriously long lazy morning in bed (don't judge - its my first day off since I returned from holiday sixteen days ago.. ahem) before a relaxed afternoon shopping and lunching with the boy. Tonight will be more lively; cocktails with the best lady and her crazy student friends - I can see me lying in this same place this time tomorrow, but in the fetal position and a gin hangover...

Lust List - 3rd September 2012

1. I love a good contrasting sleeve, and cannot stop thinking about this Donna Karan cardi with leather sleeves, shame about the £1,395 price tag... There's a great Zara coat alternative (of which I annoyingly cant find a link to online) which I'll surely be picking up one in the not too distant future... 2. The Mulberry Del Rey has been in stores a while now, but today the catwalk Croc skin version hits stores, I LOVE. Trust me, its sooo much better in person. 3. The much-anticipated Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for M&S underwear range landed in stores last Thursday, I love the vintage inspired range. I picked up this pale grey set, which is beautiful and so different to anything I have. Super sexy in a super subtle way. I'm wearing it now, including the suspenders (ooooh), but I'll stop there before we change the blog theme completely... 4. Jo Malone London's latest fragrance, Blackberry & Bay, hits stores this month. I've been wearing the fresh and fruity cologne for a few weeks and I really love it. 5. I need this Temperley for Filofax organiser in my life. I'm an organisation lunatic, and this beauty takes stationery-chic to the next level! 6. Simple, classic, flattering - this £28 bargain from Topshop is fastly taking place as a very important bone in my wardrobe. 7. There are no words I can use to describe the perfection that are these Isabel Marant Lazio Wedge Boots (£730). No one makes casual boots like Marant. Get on my feet. 8. I personally think Topshop do some of the best high street knitwear, I love these Knitted Clean Rib Jumpers (£48) in the pastel shades, particularly this amazing 'Wedgewood' blue. rachel xo

Lust List - 20th August 2012

This week, I'm craving abit of glamour. From Tom Ford burgundy lippie, to sequinned peplums and champagne flutes, this weeks Lust List has it all.

1. Tap into the inimitable glamour of the Italian design duo Dolce & Gabanna with this leapord print satin & lace underwear set, (bra £335, briefs £195). 2. After months worth of summery coral, pink and nude lipsticks I'm desperate to pick up a tube of Tom Ford Lip Colour in Black Orchid (£35). 3 . Tee's can be glamorous too, I've ordered this Etoile Isabel Marant number (£180) from Net a Porter this week and cannot wait to team it with my Zara waxed burgundy skinnies (and the Tom Ford lippy, ahem...) 4. This Zara skirt (£29.99) with a plain grey tee is just so right, if you haven't checked out Zara's new season collection you need to. Now. 5. I'm not a small bag kind of girl, but will gladly make an exception for this Box Suede Chain Bag from Topshop (£28) which will make a chic alternative to the evening clutch. 6. This Willow Body (£395) is cool, contemporary and impossibly chic. I want it on me now, with a nice pencil skirt and blazer. Mmmmm. 7. By the time I settle down on an evening, the darker nights are well and truly setting in, so its time to once again re-open my candle collection. This Jo Malone Wild Bluebell candle (£41) is amazing, but I keep getting told off by the boy for not blowing it out when I leave a room with it being so expensive.. Spoil sport. Why do men just not get it?! 8 . Whilst this Topshop Chiffon Tiered Cami (£33) isnt really my thing, it caught my eye when browsing the Topshop app, I must try it when next in store... 9. Karl Lagerfeld does pretty much everything better than everyone. Including champagne flutes (£96). 10. I've definitely over-invested in peplums this season, but this Topshop Sequin Top (£41) is too hard to resist. 11. This Pamela Love Necklace (£300) is intricate enough to wear alone, but I'd stack it with a few other bohemian necklaces from the range and a grey tee. And the aforementioned Zara skirt. Or the Willow body. I can see a pattern emerging... help. 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...

A Guide To: Champagne

"Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!"

~ Dom Perignon, at the moment he discovered champagne.

{a guide to:}

Champagne. A light sparkling wine made only in the champagne region of north-eastern France, is different from all other sparkling wines in the world for three major reasons:
* a wine can only be labelled as champagne if it is made in the champagne region of france

* to be called champagne, it must be made only from the pinot noir, pinot meunier, or chardonnay grapes which grow in that region
* true champagne, as opposed to other sparkling wines, gets its bubbles by undergoing the fermentation process twice: once in barrels and again in bottles.

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!

Give Away: Marlies Dekkers | and the winner is . . .

For most, Mondays don't tend to be massive in the means of celebrations. Not this week, my lovelies. Two weeks and many, many entries later the entries have been counted; the winners selected randomly from random.org and I am delighted to announce my three beautiful winners as . . . 

Give Away: Marlies Dekkers | Designer Lingerie

As many of you Rachelle readers know, as mentioned in previous post, we adore  Marlies Dekkers. I have three Undressed sets to send to  three successful winners of this weeks competition. The bold, directional and impossibly sexy designs are too good to miss out on, especially when retailing over £100 per set!

Three lucky Rachelle readers can choose a set from; (my personal favourite) the Dame de Paris range, the Cotton range, the I Love Undressed range, the Space Odyssey range or the beautiful Triangle range.