{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.

{take me away : bora bora, tahiti}

In the depths of January, its hard not to spend far too much time dreaming of the promise of warm sunshine, white beaches and getting away from it all...

...Like the island of Bora Bora, Tahiti; where the hardest decision to make in the morning is whether to rest and relax on the sandy beaches, rejuvenate at a local favorite, the Deep Ocean Spa By Algotherm, or take a helicopter ride above the waters, palms, thatched roofs, vibrant flowers, and sandy beaches below...

...Or, for those who prefer to fill their days with adventurous activities; discover ancient rituals by touring Bora Bora’s stone temples, or may go snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, or choose of one of the many lagoon excursions...

And for a real treat to catch a glimpse of the tropical animals and sights beneath the waters without entering, you may book a classic glass bottom boat ride. This unique boat allows visitors to glide gently over the waters, and view, up close, various multicolored and exotic coral and fish life. Far more my style than scuba-diving!

In the evenings, beneath shimmering stars, enjoy romantic sunset cocktails and walks along the deep blue waters, with golden lights flickering in the distance, and a whole new look to Bora Bora.

I've had this South Pacific gem on my to-do travel list for some time, and thought it about time to share with you all some of the most beautiful hotels, beaches, places to eat, drink and relax and of course - what to wear.

w h e r e  t o   s t a y . . .

01 | Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

This incredibly deluxe resort and spa is located on a motu with a stunning view of the famous Mount Otemanu. There are 20 garden suites with a private pool, 10 beach suites with a private jacuzzi and 50 over-water bungalows to choose from. Each suite or bungalow is kitted in beautiful, traditional warm woods that line the interiors, with not a detail or single luxury amiss.While staying at the Pearl Beach Resort, one may enjoy impeccable service, delicious cuisine (there are four lovely restaurants in total) and indulgent spa treatments. 

What to Wear: Fantasy Fashion Week

You'd have to be living under a rock (or, in Thailand with very limited internet access... ahem) to not know the international fashion shows are upon us, showing each fashion houses new season collection. When browsing through American fashion blog, Refinery 29, I spied the fashion editors 'fantasy fashion week' outfits, and for the first time, may have slightly regretted the time frame chosen for a holiday... I want to go to NYFW!

"I'm currently big into bold prints and this skirt-and-glitz combo is high-impact without being too over the top. I'm not usually a sparkles girl but hey, it's Fashion Week." Bottega Veneta Grosgrain-trimmed Silk-Blend Chiffon Blouse at Net-A-Porter , House of Lavane Vintage Diamante Necklace at House Of Lavande,Givenchy Patchwork Skirt at Kirna Zabet, Charlotte Olympia Masquerade Heels from Footcandy, Edie Parker Jean clutch at Rosear.

What to Wear: Boyfriend Jeans

Its no secret that I'm not a huge denim wearer. I have two faithful pairs I rely on for those 'I don't know what to wear days'. But, the trans-seasonal factor of a good boyfriend jean cannot be dismissed, ladies. I've put my style-knowledge to the test and put together three 'casual' boyfriend jeans looks together with, of course, the glamorous Rachelle-reader edge.

A glamorous shaggy fur gilet (Michael Kors £820) is far more my style than a pair of jeans, but who says they cant work together? This Current/Elliot pair (£215) pass the ankle length (rule numero uno: show at least three inches of ankle to keep the look sexy) and are slim enough to wear with this baggy Acne tee (£70)  without looking drowned. I could never wear jeans without heels, especially boyfriend jeans, because simply - well, I'd feel like a boy. These burgundy Versus suede pumps (£345) teamed with the highly sought after new Mulberry tassel studded leather satchel (£995) add another dimension to the outfit.

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.

What to Wear: Chanel-Inspired Jackets

The Chanel jacket is the epitome of class. Fact. Tweed, intricate stitching and phenomenal button detailing - what could be better? Karl Largerfeld once said, "Some things never go out of fashion: jeans, the white shirt, and the Chanel jacket." Introduced to the fashion world in 1954,  the Chanel jacket will forever remain a classic, and many designers and brands alike have taken note. Brands such as Zara, Topshop and Mango have released an assortment of excellent Chanel-inspired jackets & designers like Tory Burch and Alice + Olivia are playing off of the classic by creating tweed suits in fun colours like pastel blues and bubblegum pinks.  These jackets, like true classics, can be worn from work, dates, casual afternoons and nights on the town - read on to see some of my favourite jackets currently available, and how to wear them.

The intricate detail on this Rebecca Taylor Sequin-Trimmed tweed jacket (£250) makes this beauty an incredibly chic talking point, and makes for verrry quick outfit planning, it wont look better than paired with good quality basics like this Theyskens' Theory Yellow Top (£98) D&G Cotton Trousers (£88) and classic black accessories that go with anything, a small Marc by Marc Jacobs leather shoulder bag (£152) and stunning Christian Louboutin Just Picks shoes (£750).

What to Wear: Quirky Handbags

The 'mini trend' - see; clear plastic accessories, underwater prints, fetish and the like - all great in theory and on the pages of Vogue, are often too 'trendy' to incorporate in everyday life and become a real trend of the season. One mini-trend I'm finding myself seriously buying into are these quirky, printed small bags. Easier to wear than the fashionistas at Paris Couture Week (see the Prada number above) would like you to think, I've picked three favourites with simple outfits to flatter.

This 3.1 Philip Lim tote (£645) is one of the more bold bags knocking around designer stores this season, and without doubt the most novel item on my radar! I love the bag teamed with a simple, black outfit, I'm obsessed with this Burberry Prorsum Cut-Out Cashmere jumper (£895), teamed with a leather skirt like this McQ Alexander McQueen Circle Skirt (£645) you have instant effortless chic. The Valentino Studded ankle boots (£670) are just too perfect with this skirt to leave out, and a simple Mulberry Gold Plated cuff (£200) finishes the outfit.

What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Kenya

Holidays in Kenya offer a truly diverse experience. Soft, white sandy beaches await you as do the warm blue seas of the Indian Ocean. It's not all about relaxing here though. Kenya is a melting pot of culture, scenery, and of course, wild animals. 

Whether you plan on relaxing on the shores of the ocean, wandering through the Italian-style boutiques and markets of Malindi or spending your time on safari amongst the local wildlife, I have your wardrobe covered.

This printed Derek Lam maxi dress (£1,910) channels African style, in tan-complementing shades. Team it with Yves Saint Laurent Tributes (£565) in the same hue, some gold jewellery, I love this Alex Monroe bracelet (£140) and a contemporary Jimmy Choo clutch (£995) & you're good to go from dinner and cocktails, to trips absorbing the colourful culture (although, perhaps you should stuff some more comfortable sandals in the oversized clutch...).

What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Jamaica

Holidays in Jamaica are all about sun, sea and serious relaxation. The white beaches are some of the best to be found in the Caribbean and the relaxed vibe will have you transported to another frame of mind the very second you inhale that hot balmy air.

To me, Jamaican holidays are made with couples in mind and there are a ton of beautiful romantic beach side hotels ready to cater for you and your beau in every possible way. The high-fashion-girl-holiday outfits can take a back seat here and wear exactly what your comfortable in, not forgetting those sexy numbers to make your stay that much more special.

There's nowehere like the Caribbean to top up your tan. And theres no time like when you're resembling a stick of mahogany to wear bright coral. Or gold. Or both together. Take advantage of the massive UV12 rating and bake in this coral Toni Praver Ruffled Bikini (Top £105 & Bottoms £90)  teamed with all the gold accessories you can lay your hands on. This Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring (£180) and Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelets (£105) look amazing on bronzed arms. Who can resist these Yves Saint Laurent Wedges, especially when theyre discounted from £805 to £362?... Aviators are perfect not just for holidays, but for terrace drinks on sunny London afternoons and I swear you'll wear them for years - I've had my Ray Ban pair for about four years. The lenses on these Victoria Beckham Shades are amazing (£495).

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).

What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Getting There

Welcome to the first in series of a special What to Wear feature; for fashion and shopping inspiration to help compile your own suitcase-full of holiday attire carefully selected to suit your destination from a selection of my favourite locations.

Lets start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Getting there. Comfort and layering are key and easy to pull off without compromising on your personal style, va-va-voom and oh-la-laaa. To go beyond the beginning, and see how to pack, I've already posted a guide to help you.

Comfy cottons are my arses best friend when travelling. These Seven for All Mankind Chinos are comfortable, stylish, dark in colour to hide early-morning-wine-with-breakfast-stains (lets face it, you're not going to last all day in squeaky clean condition). Team with a simple, pretty cotton tee like this Vince Jersey and the crucial layering piece - a jacket (preferably a gorgeous suede Acne number) - to see you from cold departure, to stuffy departure lounge, to cool plane, to red hot destination. The 3.1 Philip Lim Leather Tote is big enough to hold some comfy slipper-style flats in once the Acne Sandals have seen you through the people watchers at duty-free.

What to Wear: Summer Denim

Living in a far from tropical British climate, I rely massively on jeans throughout the year. Unfortunately, my version of summer denim isn't quite the same as shown on she shores of Malaysia in the latest H&M summer shoot....

I adore light prints, light denim, light anything to be perfectly honest when shopping for summer attire. This Jil Sander paisley print jersey t-shirt (£200) teams perfectly with light denim cut offs, like these Ksubi hotpants (£150). Add simple, goes-with-everything sandals, my favourites are these Topshop High Gladiators (£30) and gold jewellery to complete. Voila. In thirty seconds flat.