{the rachelle edit : the first days of spring}

It may have felt like it'd never arrive, but finally I'm dressed in sleeveless clothing and if the sun stays out and the temperature in double figures - I may even take the opportunity to show my ankles tomorrow.. 

So, sitting with my office windows open - pretty floral lingerie on and a swipe of NARS body glow, these pretty little things are what spring afternoons were made for...

{the rachelle lust list : 19th february 2013}

Although it still mightn't feel like it, winter is finally on its way out and I'm already clearing some space in my wardrobe for some lovely spring things - and some cult classics that I'm desperate to try...

t h e  n i n t e e n t h  o f  f e b r u a r y . . .

1. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that monochrome (once again) is huge news for SS13, as are digital-print florals (again). I've declared love for statement jackets and their versability too many times before so  I shan't harp on again - but instead quietly buy this beautiful Topshop blazer (I first spied the pink version, which has been shit on by this one.. sorry, Mum). 

2. Spring also marks the start of me throwing my dark, matte lipsticks to one side (sorry, Diva) in favour of lighter, sheer pretty neutral hues - I'm desperate to try a YSL Rogue Volupte Lipstick which you may not believe still isnt in my makeup collection yet. How am I even sitting here, having the audacity to write about beauty you may (quite rightly) ask...

3. I'm becoming somewhat of a skincare Nazi after a bad reaction resulting in a horrible, dry and spotty face at the beginning of the year and am desperately trying to fill up any gaps I have in my current skincare routine to prevent/treat any issues as they may arise - I've heard nothing but glowing reviews about the entire Dr. Jart range, in particular the Water-Max Sleeping Mask which sounds right up my street. Watch this space.

4. I picked up this lovely little skater dress last week, Topshop do the best skater dresses on the high street - perfectly nipped in at the waist with just the right amount of flare, this is another classic monochrome piece I can see myself living in throughout the next few months.

A New Week.. and Late Weekend Links

When the 'Happy Weekend' links don't arrive until Monday, you know its been a good weekend. Its been one of those special ones you know that you're going to look back on and smile in the years to come; live music and gin, gorgeous restaurants and a pub in the afternoon, lie-in's til noon complete with breakfast in bed and a healthy dose of lying with entwined limbs, candles and a glass of wine or two...

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend and we're all starting the week as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as I am...

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

Five Favourites: Red Lipsticks

Red lipstick has long been, and will be, an iconic look for women. Keep the lip neat, the rest of the makeup simple and only ever apply a good shade that suits you skintone onto properly moisturised lips and you cant go wrong! Matte shades of red have always been my favourite, but the stunning editorial of the equally stunning Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from the UK edition of Vogue, March 2011, has me craving a big fat glossy red lip. 

My favourite ever, suits-everyone reds are; Chanel Rogue Allure Luminous Satin Lipcolour in Lover - 09 (£25)  |  Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Pur Couture Pure Colour Lipstick SPF 15 in Rouge Vernis - 35 (£22)  | NARS Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heatwave (£17.50)  |  NARS Cosmetics Semi Matte Lipstick in Red Lizard (£17.50)  |  Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in Red'n Chic (£8.95)  |  not a lipstick, and we're now onto number six of five favourites.. but you cant create Rosies red lip without this hero NARS Cosmetics Larger than Life Lipgloss  bin Norma (£19).

p r e v i o u s  f a v o u r i t e s  . . .

rose tinted glasses  |  face masks  |  liberty beauty hall splurges  |  beauty oils  |  summer nails  |  may 2012  | british beauty buys  |  tom ford spring/summer beauty  | matte lipsticks  

rachel xo

Inside her Handbag: Hannah Warner

After a stint in NYC studying Gemology and Diamond Grading at The Gemological Institute of America, jewellery designer Hannah Warner has moved back home and set up studio on Hackney Road in London. Inspired by her surroundings and the darker side of nature Hannah works with gold, silver, black rhodium and a range of precious stones. Most recently Hannah has launched a new label of 3D metal nails, H&H with make-up artist Holly Silius. Her handbag is filled with both highly acclaimed and cult beauty products, all within the luxurious studded leather of the Alexander Wang tote. Mmmmmm...

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

Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara (£24.50) - I have quite long lashes naturally, but this is amazing at enhancing them even more. I love the full-bodied finish it gives and it doesn’t clump!

Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush-On Illuminator (£22.50) - This is great for covering up bags or redder areas of the face. It works really well with my skin tone and is a must underneath my foundation and powder.

Benefit Bronzing Powder in Hoola (£23.50) - I love wearing this in the evenings it covers any imperfections and gives my skin an all-over glow. A matte bronzer that blends easily, perfect for transforming my look in an instant.

L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (£8) - I’m always working with my hands so this cream is a must-have. It sinks in quickly so doesn’t stop me from working and smells amazing – I go through a tube far too quickly.

Benefit 'Hello Flawless!' (£24.50) - This is perfect for hiding blemishes and bags. I often work or play very late so this is great for covering up that slightly ‘worn-out’ look!

Yves Saint Laurent Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil (£19) - I couldn’t live without eyeliner…even if I’m not wearing any other make-up I'll always wear it. This is great to sling in my bag because it works for both a full-on smoky eye and the more appropriate daytime swipe.

p r e v i o u s  h a n d b a g s  . . .

lyn harris  |  wendy rowe  |  alice ripman  |  sophie qureshi  |  liz hambleton  |  alison elwin  |  aly hazelwood 

rachel xo

Beauty Icon: Audrey Hepburn

I feel almost a little cliché writing this post, as it has become almost clichéd to love Audrey Hepburn, yet it's almost impossible not to. One of the biggest icons in film history, she's still often cited as one of the world's most beautiful women — even though she didn't always view herself that way. She disliked her crooked teeth, large feet, and flat chest — "I never thought I'd land in pictures with a face like mine," she once said — but those so-called flaws made her even more likeable.

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.

Beauty Icon: Georgia May Jagger

Georgia May Jagger. One half rock royalty, one half Texan supermodel - Georgia seriously wows the world with her famous rock-star pout and gappy front teeth.

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...).

Lust List - 2nd July 2012

1. Myself, as a long-term Bombay Sapphire gin drinker, has turned to the dark side. Vodka. Grey Goose in particular. Too easy to drink (as seen on Saturday evening...) I'm desperate to try the new Cherry Noir flavour. 2. Yves Saint Laurent have added a new ring to their collection to lust over (£180). My favourite ever liquid liner has dissapeared off the face of the earth. Since running out last week, I've bought three other L'Oreal versions - all of which I hate. If someone can find this the Carbon Gloss liner in stock somewhere, please do share! 3. Mor candles are amazing. I adore pretty teacups. This cute Mor offering is the best of both worlds; once you've used all the marshmallow scented candle, you have a beautiful teacup to enjoy. (£50.50). 4. The new Indian-inspired Chanel beauty collection launched on the 27th June, I'm desperate to pick up this golden powder highlighter and nail varnish. 5. I've had my eye on this scarf-print Zara shirt for a while now, and it did drop from my radar after several unsuccessful attempts to locate it at my local store - yet its appeared in the sale and for £29.99, I had to have it. 6. The lippie I've been reaching for most this week is Mac Speak Louder (£13.50). A cremesheen finish, the blue-toned pink is amazingly pigmented and creates a perfect, long-lasting fuchsia lip. 7. I've heard amazing things about Tom Ford Jasmin Rogue Eau De Parfum, yet its quite the investment, starting from £132...

What are you ladies lusting after this week? rachel xo

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).

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