{everyone's favourite super..}

Happy Birthday to everyone's favourite super - Kate Moss. What would mark a thirty ninth anniversary of birth better than a dozen red velvet cupcakes emblazoned with pictures of Ms Moss over the years? The ladies at ITG had the right idea.

{two thousand and thirteen}

Its happened again; blink and a whole year passes by before you know it. Two thousand and twelve was the best year of my life in many ways, and I only plan on making the year ahead even better.

I'm not keen on sticking to strict 'resolutions' as such; lose a stone, join a gym, drink more water... but, I do like to set a few little ambitions each year to look to - if I dont make it then I'll simply strive again the next year. These things arent supposed to be easy!

t r a v e l . . .

Travelling is a huge passion of mine, I feel there are so many exciting places on the planet to visit and beautiful things to see and experience. Last year I was fortunate enough to travel to three new countries with the boy and I hope to have the pleasure of doing so again in 2013; a short version of the shortlist would include; the Maldives  New York, Vegas, LA, Miami or anywhere in between (I'm craving a big slice of America around my 21st!), Italy, the Carribean, Maurituis, Dubai, Bora Bora or some other South Pacific beauty.. the list really is endless..

c o o k i n g . . .

I could certainly be described as useless in the kitchen, all of the recipes featured on Rachelle are the very simplest of recipes, but I'm going to make an effort to take the time to make dinner for the boy (who luckily for my health, is a chef) and at least one a month serve up some delicious sweet treat. I'm thinking some slutty brownies are on Januarys agenda.

Fashion Inspiration: Haute for the Holidays

Make like these fashionable lovelies and go all out on the glamour this Christmas; fur with diamonds, backless dresses with intricate embellishment, the most fabulous of blow-drys and champagne with friends..

Even if your budget doesn't quite stretch to haute couture, both Topshop and Zara have some stunning party-pieces and equally glamorous shoes to accompany - and All Saints do the best luxe leathers and faux-fur on the highstreet.

Fashion Inspiration: The Lovely Lana

I am one of many of the thousands of people enraptured by the throaty, seductive voice of Lana Del Rey. Since falling for her first single, Video Games, I've become a huge fan of her album and developed a massive girl crush on the lady herself.

Channeling a somewhat '50s pin-up with bouncy, flowing locks and that feline-flick, Lana is undeniably as gorgeous to look at as she is to listen to. I found some stunning editorial shots from two recent cover shoots shes done for Vogue Australia and Vogue Italia. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween: Dinner Party Edition..

If fancy dress, sweets and overly crazy mid-week parties arent exactly 'up your street', why not see about throwing together an impromptu Halloween-themed dinner party? From simple yet effective black runners and napkins with long-stem candles to full-on spooky themed eats, its a little different and incredibly chic way to spend the evening..

Even if you're not prepared enough (and this post has inspired you at 11am the morning of the event) simply channel your creativity into a punch as sweet as it is strong, pick up some cobweb cupcakes from The Hummingbird Bakery and nutty toffee apples... 

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

A Guide To: Building a Bar

Little is more chic than having friends over for cocktails. For some, including me, the idea of building a bar a home was somewhat intimidating, being so unsure of where to start. Recently, with the help of the boy and a load of girlfriends who love alcohol from mojitos to martinis, I've grown my collection from a trusty, dusty bottle of vodka on standby for friends popping in, to a small bar.

A Guide To: Party Planning

As I may have once (ahem) previously mentioned, my birthday falls on the 19th May. Just three days away, planning and preparation is now well under way for the evening soiree. Party planning can be exhausting and frustrating yet done properly, you're sure to have a night to remember on your hands.

What to Wear: To My Birthday Party

 Saturday 19th May marks a very special day to me - my birthday! With just eight days to go, I should really be more prepared for the occasion than I currently am, whilst no outfits are sorted as of yet I have my eye on three very beautiful, yet very different styles.

Tosphop dresses dont get much more exquisite than this beauty. At £225 it retails at the higher end of the Dress Up for Topshop collection but the yellow silk & tuelle certainly will set you aside from the crowd - you only get one birthday each year, why not?.. Although the bodice is backless & heavily embellished these Christian Louboutin Just Picks (£750) leather, perspex & studded shoes are arguable, yet I feel suit the dress perfectly. The Diane Von Furstenberg yellow raffia clutch (£263) is an exact colour match for the lower half of the dress and is a great alternative to silver - I cannot abide metallic clutch bags! A simple pair of diamond stud earrings (a birthday present from a special someone perhaps?...) completes the look, anything more I fear I'd start to resemble a Christmas tree.

Simple, sleek & sexy - I love this look. Miles aside from the sugar sweet yellow number, this French Connection bodycon dress (£115) is a dead ringer for a Herve Leger number, for around two grand less. Whilst some may argue the bodycon shape is a little three years ago, I find this style to be incredibly flattering - I'd far rather pour my body into this than some Mumsy 'midi' style. In the words of Coco Chanel, "Fashion fades, style stays". A firm believer in wearing what suits, not being a fashion victim! The Christian Louboutin Asteroid spiked shoes (£795) and clutch bag (£650) add further sex appeal and fit the rule - a girl must wear Louboutins on her birthday!

Yes, I managed to be one of the very lucky few who happened to be at the right place, at the right time to scoop up this Mary Katrantzou for Topshop dress (£350). I'm obsessed with the labels designs, and quite frankly - whats good enough for Poppy Delevinge at the Elle Style Awards is good enough for me! I havent yet worn this dress for an occasion (other than prancing around in my mirror) so this may be the one... Paired with some simple nude or cream heels, Kurt Geiger clutch and my hair swept back this is a very strong contender for this years winner!

Which option shall I go for?

Rachel x