{fashion inspiration : a certain little zebra number}

There's been a certain item of clothing on my radar for what feels like years. Constantly popping up on the most stylish girls on the street, and in my google feed. Tempting me, calling me over every time I browse through the rails in Zara. 

I never thought I'd see the day I was (literally) dreaming about a zebra print coat. I've tried it on, more than once, but cannot bring myself to part with ninety hard-earned pounds on a zebra print coat. "When would I wear it? Would I wear it?" are the questions haunting me - and the fact I've a holiday in eleven days to the Caribbean  where I definitely wont be needing a coat of any description.

..So I'll just continue to dream of this little number, probably while on a white sandy beach, and try to sweat it out of my system. 

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.

At the Office: Desktop Delights

Love it or hate it, we all spend a huge majority of our lives at our desks, surely we should be making all of the time spent there as enjoyable as possible? A stylish desk, filled with things to inspire and help you through your working day is essential. I think a monochrome colour palette is the best place to start - its simple, chic and clean. You can add accents of a bright colour pop as your mood and the seasons change quickly, and relatively cheaply.

A quick look through any fashionistas desk will reveal just as much as what she carries in her bag; these are the day-to-day gospel products which can are consistently reliable. The iPhone (complete with a chic Marc by Marc Jacobs shell £30) used to coordinate the days schedule and tasks to uploading your latest instagram picture. A beautiful bunch of flowers, a statement-making and well-placed lamp  (like this £60 one from Zara Home) and Jo Malone (a favourite is the Pine & Eucaluptus £45) diffuser all help make the place a little more pleasant to whittle away the hours. A Diptyuque candle always helps to relax the atmosphere and soothe square-computer eyes. 

My Happy List { № 5 } : Wearing Heels

"When a woman buys a pair of shoes, she never looks at the shoe.She stands up and looks in the mirror, she looks at the breast, the ass, from the front, from the side, blah blah blah. If she likes herself, then she considers the shoe." - Christian Louboutin.

Show me a girl who doesn't love a sky-high, sexy, womanly shoe? I'm scarcely seen wearing anything else. Ever. Wearing high heels make you stand so that your legs look slimmer, your stomach is flatter, and your femininity is unstoppable. It does wonders for your stride and simply just makes everything look better. In my eyes - the higher the heel, the better you feel! First port of call for new shooz is always; Christian Louboutin, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia and of course Jimmy Choo (I could go on, trust me..) and Kurt Geiger, Topshop, River Island, Zara and Office always deliver when looking to spend a little less! What are your favourite shoes? rachelle xo

r a c h e l l e ' s h a p p y l i s t . . .

finding the perfect cup of tea  |  the first coffee  |  morning cuddles  |  a thick stack of magazines  |  a good manicure 

The Rachelle Lust List: 12th November 2012

1. Its all about being cosy, and while I hate wearing big thick pyjamas to bed - these cute River Island 'Dog Print' beauties make for perfect loungewear. At £30 for a set, they aren't Olivia Von Halle silk, but they are £265 cheaper.. 2. Candles are another cosy-night-in essential, Diptyque Roses is a classic (£38). 3. I love a glitter nail varnish with 'thick chunks' of glitter, Revlon do a rather good version but it appears Deborah Lippman is the genius in this field. If you've any idea where I can get my hands on a pair in the UK, please do tell! 4. I sort of fell on this Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff Nail Protector when my Mam left it lying around, I've used it as a base and top coat on my last two manicures and I swear I've had far less chipping and NO nails snap when wearing.. I've fallen in love and now realised I think its been discontinued. Really. If anyone can find any please tell me that too! 5. Coffee-table porn at its best, Vogue's new book, 'In Vogue' £45 at Net a Porter is a comprehensive history of the worlds most famous fashion magazine. 6. I'm basically re-living last night in the form of a lust list - another cosy-night-in essential are some amazing chocolates, nothing beats Charbonnel et Walker. Ever. 7. Practically drooling over these Valentino flats but not the £530 price tag.. I've seen some similar styles in Kurt Geiger, but could I be converted from a heel-worshiper for them? Unsure. 8.  I have no words for these Zara heels, but wow. These could be the new black heels I'm searching for - although I am feeling a little predictable drawn to anything sexy and sky-high with studs on... (£79.99). 9. A cute gift idea for a luxury-loving-lady (or to yourself) Jo Malone has released a lovely 'travel candle set' of three much-loved favourites; English Pear & Freesia, Roasted Chestnut & Pomegranate Noir (£60). rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | Ankle Boots

What would we wear without the essential wardrobe staple, the boot? Rocked in summer with bare legs ala the stunning Anja Rubik or completely naked ala the equally beautiful Miranda Kerr, or in the colder months with leather skinnies and oversized coats.

The boot as you may have known it has had a makeover for this season. Isabel Marant takes the lead in this boot competition as per, this season with her typical western flair creating covetable cowboy style boots with wedges or bejazzled detailing. Givenchy comes in a close second with those knee-high slouchy leather boots and the amazing, far more wearable ankle-high version. Chloe and Alexander Wang also offer some impressive styles, but the high street have produced some gems; namely Topshop, Zara and Missguided.

{read on for my full edit}...

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..}

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

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

Lust List - 6th August 2012

1. Same old story, a new season rolls around, Zara releases some bloody amazing shoes. Got my heart set on these Pointed Court Shoes with Straps (£49.99) & these Ankle-Strap Wedges (£69.99). 2. The highly anticipated new Victoria by Victoria Beckham has finally hit Net a Porter, this satin skater-style dress (£710) has a space in my wardrobe waiting for it... 3. I've been using Nails Inc a&e nail treatment (£12) for around a month as a base coat each time I paint my nails or when I havent the time to do a full manicure, I'll quickly throw this on. As a result, I can honestly say my nails havent been as strong so collectively as long, or moisturised and smooth in years. Amazing. 4. I get a little too excited when the new years Smythson range hits stores. Good job they arrive in August, it'll take until January to save up for this £180 croc-effect beauty. 5. As a rule, I'm not a t-shirt girl, but I'll happily make an exception for this Mary Katrantzou jersey (£255). 6. I love a pretty teddy to lounge around the house in, this Topshop strappy-lovely (£20)  is as comfortable as it is pretty. 7. I fell in love with the black version of this Christian Louboutin Marquise clutch (£875) when I first spied it in Harrods about a year ago, yet the new nude version has just fallen under my radar. The soft colour   takes an edge off the spikes, I love the idea of jumping straight to the front of the Saturday night bar que waving this beauty/weapon around... 8. No high street store does embellishment quite like All Saints. I need these sparkly shorts (£120) in my life, the jet black version are so understated. 9. Parisian patisser Pierre Hermes macaroons are available in cute London landmarks boxes for the duration of the Olympics, £33 for 16. rachel xo

The Rachelle Trend Report: Fall 2012 | Luxurious Layering

Why wear one lovely piece, when five lovely pieces look even lovelier? Why stick to one luxe fabric when a wealth of lavish layers looks so spectacular? Seemed to be the thinking pattern this season. Welcome to the new Rachelle feature, The Trend Report; a summary of the upcoming seasons biggest trends, where to look for inspiration, and of course - how to incorporate them into your own wardrobe.

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).

Lust List - 25th June 2012

I parted with a mere £5 for this Models Own nail varnish after seeing it on the beautiful Charlottes nails and the inner magpie in me fell in love. So sparkly & pretty - if you follow me on twitter you'll have already heard me declaring my infatuation. When scouring the internet for the perfect shades for the What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Miami feature I stumbles across these amazing Valentino shades. Not cheap at £175, but the shape is too perfect. I adored the floral Dolce & Gabanna jeans released earlier this year & these Zara TRF version are amazing value at £29.99. This Jil Sander leather tote has been massively reduced in the Net a Porter sale from £1370 to £685, a little bird tells me they're selling out quick, so act fast! I bought this Topshop lace back peplum top (£28) last weekend to wear for drinks that evening, and received SO many compliments. The shape is so sexy and feminine, and I'm a sucker for anything with a lace back. Perfection. I've been dabbling around in a few new bronzers, but always find myself coming back to Laguna by NARS (£25). Another old favourite I'll always come back to, is MAC frosted lipstick in Angel (£13.50), my favourite pink shade - especially in the summer months on a bronzed face. Zara has done it again - made me fall for yet another pair of shoes (£59.99). My bank balance is really beginning to suffer...

What have you been loving/lusting after this week?

Rachel x

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.