{beautiful details : smokey violet}

Loving the juxtaposition of bright spring bouquets against smoky lavender and charcoal grey marble, of course with some ornate details; chandeliers, gilded mirrors and marble . . .

{happy weekend : ponytails & unmade beds}

More than a little excited for this weekend; although the pleasantly mild weather I mentioned last week has been predicted to be replaced with an intense 'cold snap' as the weatherman likes to call it - the boy has the weekend off too and we'll be spending the majority of it entwined in duvets and blankets, with perhaps a spot of shopping, lunch, too much wine?

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...

Happy Weekend: Nicely Neutral

once again, the beautiful time of the week known as Saturday morning is upon us! I haven't been as excited about a weekend since the boy & I took a trip to Leeds a few months back.

I'm currently enjoying every second of a luxuriously long lazy morning in bed (don't judge - its my first day off since I returned from holiday sixteen days ago.. ahem) before a relaxed afternoon shopping and lunching with the boy. Tonight will be more lively; cocktails with the best lady and her crazy student friends - I can see me lying in this same place this time tomorrow, but in the fetal position and a gin hangover...

Inspired Interior: A Sense Of Grandeur

I adore the idea of painting the walls of light & airy spaces a deep charcoal hue and filling every corner with perfectly ornate and beautiful details; chandeliers, velvet, silk curtains & tufted headboards...

Table for Two: Cherry Trifle

Simplicity in its very finest form, these beauties take just ten minutes to (literally) whip up and, of course, they're truly delicious. You could make them with any kind of fruit, berry or chocolate; sort of depending what you have lying around or what you fancy . . .

y o u ' l l  n e e d  . . .

4 ladyfinger busicuts

2 tbsp kirsch liqeur
2 dl heavy cream
1 tbsp sugar
15 pitted cherries
grated dark chocolate
toasted walnuts

The Rachelle Edit: Jil Sander

The fashion obsessive within me was, ashamedly, actually upset by the departure of Raf Simons at Jil Sander. In the last seven years, the brand has grown from strength to strength; for me - this show is not only the strongest to date, but my favourite collection of all the Fall 2012 shows.

I'm obsessed with the pink, white, grey and nude white colour palette (see all blog colours for reference to my love-affair...) sex'd up (is that really a term? It is now) with hints of red and black leather. Mmmmmm. Those luxurious double-face coats with their welted seams, a classic Jil Sander signature, were cut like balmacaans or full-bodied swing coats in fine meltons or even a stiff cotton - my favourite single item from the show. 

Happy Weekend: Welcome, July

"Be in love with your life. Every detail of it."

~ Jack Kerouac

Good Morning beauties, happy Sunday! This weekend has been jam-packed; working overtime, sales browsing and buying my favourite lady's birthday presents, Saturday night cocktails, Sunday brunch and yet more overtime to work . . .

Shoe Porn: Lanvin SS12

Lanvin has always been about the dress. Yet, this season, Elbaz tackled separates in the form of beautiful, powerful tops and bottoms - not to mention shoes. The shoes.

The slits and cut-out features of the dresses were mirrored and complemented in the cut-out proportions of the shoes. Fierce heels, sexy platforms and slingbacks create the perfect evening heel.