A Guide To: Building a Bar

Little is more chic than having friends over for cocktails. For some, including me, the idea of building a bar a home was somewhat intimidating, being so unsure of where to start. Recently, with the help of the boy and a load of girlfriends who love alcohol from mojitos to martinis, I've grown my collection from a trusty, dusty bottle of vodka on standby for friends popping in, to a small bar.

Lust List - 23rd July 2012

1. I've probably been going a little too crazy with the online shopping this past week, as soon as I have a trip arranged I decide I need an entire new wardrobe for the occasion... The boy & I are leaving on Friday for a break in Leeds, and with the bipolar weather, I couldn't resist this Tibi Jacket (£570), which will work with everything else I'm taking for the chillier moments. 2. I'm trying to justify the Tibi splurge with this Topshop Drop Back Tunic (£26) which I'll pair with the jacket. 3. I've had this Nails Inc varnish in Birdcage Walk (£11) for about a year, but completely neglected it as an unexciting bore. I tried it for a quick Monday morning manicure and love it. The perfect nude for my tanned skin, it lasted five days looking good as new. A must have. 4. These ASOS Porter Platforms (£50) are another new purchase in time for Leeds, they may not be groundbreaking but they are classic, timeless and a very sexy shape! 5. The sunglass shape I'm obsessing over this week are these Fendi Tortiseshell Shades (call 0800-722020 for stockists) have the most amazing yellow colour-pop arms! 6. If you want to buy me a present, buy me this bottle of gin (£35), complete with a china teacup. If you've ever drank gin from a teacup, you'll know why. 7. After running out of my favourite Elizabeth Arden moisturiser, alongside everyone else in the country (I couldn't get a tube for love-nor-money) I panic bought Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (£9.40) after hearing a few good reviews. I've been using it about a week, and so far I'm verrry impressed. Its perfect for dry skin and leaves a great long-lasting & perfectly hydrated base for makeup, I shall keep you ladies informed as the usage continues. For less than £10 for 100ml, you really cant complain. 8. No 'dirty' weekend away would be complete without a new set of Agent Provocateur, this luxurious Zsa Zsa set (£395) is courtesy of the boy. 9. Mojitos are not only the drink of Thursday evenings 'date night', but the drink of the week. Find the perfect Strawberry recipe here.10. One last weekend purchase, this ASOS Midi Dress was a no brainer for £30 (sorry, model, for chopping off your head...) rachel xo

Lust List - 16th July 2012

1. Thanks to the August edition of Harpers Bazaar, I got a full sized 75ml sample of Neom Organics Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose Hand Cream (£20). Wow. Beautifully moisturising, 83% organic and possibly my new favourite scent in the world, this has me craving more Neom products. 2. Charlotte Olympia has done it again with the pre-fall collection, expect further obsession to arrive onsite in the near future. I'm a firm believer in the 'why wear one ring when you can stack four?' philosophy. 3. These Pandora rings are top of my stacking list, from £40. 4. Half Baked Cakes = genius. If you aren't the most able cook, fool your friends by sticking one of these ready made beauties into the oven for £5, decorate it and greet the impressed girls with the waft of fresh baking. Mmmm. 5. As a gin lover, Bulldog (£22 at Waitrose) is definitely worth a try - even if it may just be for the beefy bottle alone... 6. Who doesnt love picnics? This beautiful hamper is picnic ready, and you can even personalise it with  names & dates (£139.99 at ToxicFox). 7. I've tried the Garnier Sunkissed Summer Body Milk in Dark (£3.55) two or three times over the last week & it is perfect for my current tanning needs. Expect a full review in the very near future. 8. Hiya, the new Hervé Léger shape. How amazing? This horrifically expensive (£2,175) beauty needs to be on my back for a summer wedding. Obsessed. 9. I'm a huge fan of Gucci by Gucci fragrance, its been my go-to daytime staple for about two years. I cant wait to try the new Gucci Première which blends notes of leather, wood and orange blossoms, it  arrives in Harrods towards the end of July (£64). rachel xo