{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.

{the rachelle lust list : 23rd january 2013}

For once; my lust list isnt particularly extensive this week, I've my eye on a few pieces that I know will slide seamlessly into my everyday wardrobe, and I cant help but fall in love with beautiful (and horribly expensive) lingerie in anticipation of Valentines Day - but there are significantly less extravagant bells and whistles than usual, probably why I'm a little behind schedule on a Wednesday. . . 

t h e  t w en t y t h i r d  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. J Crew are make the best chic and affordable separates - fact. I adore this breton-stripe jumper, always flattering, with the cute floral print collar, £100 at Net a Porter.

2. I couldnt talk about the sexiest of underwear and not talk about Agent Provocateur. The 'Love' range has been in their permanent line for what feels like years, so you know its good. At £150 for the pair - they dont come cheap, but nothing will make you feel better in the almost nude.. This range also comes in a few different colours, with suspenders and waspies also available.

3. The Spring All Saints collection is consistently a good one.  These two dresses (Black 'Jungle' Sweater Dress £125 & Pleated Silk 'Peony' Dress £175) are so wearable, I'm desperate to get my hands on them to throw on under a leather jacket and pair of Acne ankle boots on off-duty days.

{beauty icon : elizabeth taylor}

There was absoloutley nothing subtle about Elizabeth Taylor's beauty; ample cleavage, deep tan, huge violet eyes - and her fashion sense was just a bold. 

The 1940s and 1950s were undoubtedly her heyday, many of Elizabeth's favourite outfits are still celebrated and reinvented today; plunging necklines, bejewelled dressed, clinched waists, beautiful fur jackets and of course - diamonds galore.

Happy Weekend: Sleepy Sunday Nights

Its been a lovely week, finished off with an equally lovely weekend. These cold nights, frosty mornings and snuggly, cosy nights in are making me feel so festive; I finally started my Christmas shopping on Friday and I'm getting horribly excited about this coming month!

Saturday morning shopping was far from ideal, forty minutes fighting with other cars to find a car parking space, wrestling through more crowds and several near-death experiences with pushchairs, running around in heeled boots with about thirteen bags isnt my idea of a fun, laid-back Saturday afternoon.. I did thankfully get the majority of the shopping in one mad-dash so I'll now be heavily reliant on online shopping; take this as a hint as it wont get any easier!

Happy Weekend: Velvet & Floral Details

There's something about the cold weather that's consistently drawing me to warm, luxurious colours and textures; grey, mink and dusty pink in rich velvet with a little chiffon detailing.

How have your weeks been? I've been in a wistful blur from the incredible, romantic time that was last weekend where we celebrated the boys birthday with cozy nights, too much lovely food and an amazing end to the weekend at The Killers gig - and the following comedown! There's also been fireworks (in more than one respect on bonfire night..), make-ups, an evening at the races and more fireworks and most importantly - terrible things in the form of terminal illness that really put things into perspective...

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

Style Icon: Poppy Delevinge

British it-girl, model, regular on the fashion circuit and sibling to the equally stunning Cara, Poppy Delevinge epitomises Bristish fashion today, I want her wardrobe!

How would you describe your style? "Temperamental, eclectic, spontaneous... I dress to suit my mood — there's no method to the madness." Do you have one favorite piece in your wardrobe? "A Chanel black & gold star jumpsuit — very Studio 54." What's on your fashion wish list for fall? "Anything from Isabel Marant. I plan to embrace my inner cowgirl!"