{the rachelle edit : summer workwear}

In the summer, workwear transforms into the simplest of task of the day - throw on a sleek shift dress, accessorised with a classic handbag and sophisticated heels before upping the glamour accordingly with cat-eye sunglasses and statement jewellery.

Temperatures may only be heating up slowly (but surely) and I'm already ditching heavy blazers and tights for something that screams summer in New York City. Even if I am just in England. Does it detract from the glamour if I admit that rain has begun hammering at my office window since starting this post?...

g e t  t h e  l o o k . . .

Gucci leather dress | Charlotte Olympia Heeled Pumps | Vintage Hermes Kelly Bag |Vintage Cat-Eye Sunglasses

{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. 

{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...

{fashion inspiration : olivia palermo at fashion week}

I'm spending this weekend outfit planning and packing for a long weekend in Barcelona next week, and as usual, the oh-so-lovely Olivia Palermo provides fashion inspiration in spades. With all international fashion weeks all but done, I'm spoiled with piles of pictures of fashionistas showing off their favourite seasonal pieces all across the globe.

I'm obsessed with Olivia's pulled-together, luxe, glamorous and chic and unique way of pairing items truly like no one else can manage - I'll be channelling in inner fashionista in leather trousers and patent pointed stilettos on cobbled roads and oversized sunnies worn under soft loose waves..

{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 glamorous mix : a little romance}

Good Afternoon beauties; I'm indeed alive and well, just a little dazed and behind schedule with a pile of fun and exciting things that've been happening lately...

From London Fashion Week coverage entwined with too many pancakes and a lovely, romantic Valentines day and weekend, an incredibly entertaining and extensively filled Daily Mail app (how much crazy news can happen in a week?!) and a spur-of-the-moment haircut leaving me with a fringe you could certainly say I'm not too keen on (and trying to find ways to disguise the Farrah Fawcett qualities of it.. on tonight's agenda, manicure-monday and a session with a barrel of heated rollers..) you guys have taken somewhat of a back seat. I'm a bad blogger, and I promise that I'll try to do a little better..

Whats been happening in your worlds? By the way; I've been trying a few very exciting new beauty products out as of late so keep your peepers peeled for the unveiling of some exciting things.. rachelle xo

{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 edit : valentines day treats}

If you're of a less sentimental disposition, or don't like valentines day, then you'll most likely be sick of me bleating on about it; here and here. And here now, too. Fear not, I'm not about to launch into a deceleration of love for my boy, neither will I bore you with details of our last valentines days (although I probably would like it..) but, prepare a comprehensive gift guide to help you buy lovely gifts for your other half, drop heavy hints at what you would like them to buy you - or to treat yourself if you don't have a sweetheart to buy you nice things...

1. Nothing says 'I love you' like a beautiful pair of Louboutins you've been lusting after for what feels like an eternity, right? If you find a nice boy to supply said shoes, leave any of  his siblings details in the comment box below.. 2. Just when you think Smythson notebooks cant get any sweeter, they pull out the Valentines day "I love you because...". Awwww. 3. Charbonnel et Walker champagne truffles, a stunning bouquet of flowers and a bottle of your favourite champagne all put a spring in my step! 

{the month : have a romantic february}

We've done it - gotten through the unmistakably most miserable month of the year, and now one more month of winter bleakness resumes before we are greeted with the promise of spring and the excitement the rest of the year has to follow...

My favourite part of February is Valentines Day, which I posted a little more about here (and expect to see quite a lot more of where that came from..).

I always feel really positive at the start of January, there have been celebrations to say farewell to 2012 and excitement that 2013 promises and of course - resolutions made. A Rachelle regular - the Lust List - made a popular return and there has been fashion inspiration aplenty...

{the rachelle edit : agent provocateur}

I love Valentines Day. I love any excuse for a celebration to be fair, and a day dedicated to celebrating your love to your better half is surely more of an excuse to celebrate than most?

Girls; if you're stuck on what to get the boy - nothing will go down better than a saucy set of undies for his enjoyment. Men; if you're stuck on what to get your lady, nothing will make her feel better in the nuddy than a beautiful, sexy set of lingerie. Agent Provocateur has been a long-term favourite of mine (and pretty much every woman I know), you cannot go wrong here . . .

{the rachelle lust list : 29th january 2013}

After last weeks somewhat sparse Lust List, I'm back in full force this week, with a list of wants as long as my boyfriends 6'4" frame. . . 

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

1. Rosé champagne is one of the things that makes me happiest in life, it may be a little OTT but my inner-super-girly-girl loves this Piper-Heidsieck (£44.95 at Selfridges) bottle.

2. A leather-sleeved jacket of some description has become somewhat of a wardrobe essential these days, All Saints have nailed the look with this draped cardigan, which will be so versatile as the weather (hopefully) warms up a little, £228.

3. Another beauty from the spring All Saints collection is this little slip dress, if you don't have one I highly recommend this - you wont stop using it as a base to layer upon come any season, £60.

4. Blame the rosé champagne but this lipstick pink Topshop blazer has me all flustered, if you've read my blog for a while you'll know I adore a statement jacket to add some much needed life to a basic ensemble (see black leather trousers and an Alexander Wang T jersey.. ahem, my daily uniform..) - I really need this jacket in my life - the fabric and cut look so much more expensive than the £40 price tag.