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

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.

Inside Her Handbag: Alice Ripman

Alice Ripman, the beauty director at InStyle magazine, originally started work at Smash Hits, shadowing makeup artists on their shoots. She knew the world of magazines was for her & spent the early years of her career at More, Company & New Woman before spending the last seven years at InStyle.

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

Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Hand Creme (£13) - I love having something to smell when I'm suffering from writers block, and this smells good enough to eat! I like to think it stops me from eating all the macaroons and cupcakes that arrive in our office but sadly that’s not the case.

L'oreal Caresse Lipstick (£7.99) - This collection just landed on my desk and is so beautiful. This shade (Lovely Rose) is the perfect soft pink with no shimmer or glitter. The colour is very subtle so you can apply it without a mirror as you run into a meeting - always helpful!

Byredo La Tulipe Eau De Parfum (£130) - I discovered this perfume wandering through Liberty one day. Someone sprayed it and it completely stopped me in my tracks. Fresh and light, with slightly sweet dry down, after 10 years and over 1,000 sprays I’ve finally found my signature scent.

Essie Nail Varnish in Sexy Divide (£8.50) - This must be on my nails for 50 weeks of the year! I’ve bought my favourite colour, Sexy Divide, in bulk in case they ever discontinue it.

Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream (£19) - This is such a beautiful hand cream and isn't sticky or sickly-smelling. The PR for Clarins taught me to add a few drops of their Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil into it for really dry emergencies and it works wonders.

Lust List - 18th June 2012

I cannot wait for these Iver summer sandals to arrive from Nelly. A steal at just £40, they will fill the gaping 'wooden heeled cream leather strap sky-high platforms' hole in my shoe wardrobe. I am 100% Diptyque obsessed, this Violette scented candle has been burning all week (£38). After my post last week, I cannot stop thinking about Ladurée  - the epitome of delectable. Try their new cream-filled puffs. Fancy a game of tennis on the beach? Only with these Chanel racquets, darling (£1,330). Whatever adventures you get up to this week, don't leave without these Butter London refreshing foot wipes (£13). For their 75th anniversary, Ray Ban have revamped the famous aviator shades. Neeeeed. (£178). The new addition to the liquid highlighter range from Benefit, I cant wait to try Sun Beam (£18.50) to see if it lives up to its older sister High Beam. Win a set of these Marlies Dekkers Underwear simply by being a Rachelle reader, hurry - there's only one week left to enter! Tom Ford does what Tom Ford does best - perfection. The coral lipstick is the perfect summer shade.

What are you ladies lusting after this week?

Rachel x