{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.

{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.

{happy monday . . ?}

Sorry things have been a little quiet around here recently; the last few days have been a bit shaky for me, I had to have a poorly tooth removed on Friday afternoon under IV sedation (which definitely wasn't fun..) so I've been keeping my poor mouth warm at home snuggled on the sofa with a pile of blankets half watching mindless TV and half watching the snow fall . . . 

{fashion inspiration : icons in fur}

I'm certain that similarly to most British girls, faux fur forms a big part of my autumn/winter wardrobe. Fur coats, scarves, gilets and garments trimmed with the stuff are currently in the go-to section of my collection to keep away the January chills.

Most fur styles are classic, channel your inner Kate Moss in leopard print fur (I got the most amazing animal print cropped faux fur jacket from Oasis about three years ago but they keep releasing similar styles, and I've heard very good things from Marks & Spencer in this department) or a more modern take on faux fur would be a hugely oversized and shaggy style also seen on Kate, for this style I cant think of anywhere on the high street to do this better than Zara.

If you're more Wintour than Moss and prefer something more elegant nothing screams luxury like wrapping your neck up in the finest fur. Lets face it, nothing will live up to vintage Chanel but the best I've found for a half decent price is this camel Michael Kors version, reduced in the Net a Porter Sale to £276. Bargain. For an even more purse-friendly option, pick up a fur scarf/stole, I got one last winter for about £12 from H&M and it adds another luxe texture to just about any look. 

{the rachelle lust list : 7th january 2013)

Well, its been a while. A month in fact since I last shared my lusts for the week, during which things have undergone a massive shift-focus from sparkly festive nails and Christmas pyjamas - all of a sudden we're in the depths of the dark nights of January with no Christmas, festive cocktails or NYE to think about.. all we have to look forward to is the rest of this new year. Wow. So many possibilities ahead; many within my wardrobe. I'm already compiling my new-season wish-list (yes, really) and these beauties have caught my eye this week..

s e v e n t h  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. During December I lost my midi-virginity and I'm craving more. The longer cut allows skin-tight dresses to be flattering, sexy and subtle. This black number is a River Island bargain at a mere £22 - I can already picture it filling a void in my day-to-day wardrobe.

2. Essie Bahama Mama was a Christmas present from my Mum and in two weeks I've found myself applying it to my digits and toes three times already! The perfect dark plum shade for my already extensive black/deep red/plum nail collection. 

3. A baby pink coat is probably not an essential, neither do I expect it to last the test of time - but there's something so Jil Sander I want it anyway. River Island, £80.

The Rachelle Edit: Styling your Shorts

Even for a Northern girl; its a touch too chilly at this late stage in November to be running around in short dresses, skirts and shorts while being drenched with rain, caught in snow or blasted with gale-force winds. But - when I spied these gorgeous floaty chiffon shorts from Topshop Boutique (£45), an exception needed to be made. I love the juxtaposition of the silky shorts against a fairly thick jumper in contrasting grey marl, Rag & Bone Kintwear is always of amazing quality in timeless, flattering shapes ('Lancaster Pullover' £180). Throw on another layer in my favourite autumn hue, burgundy. This Topshop Ponte Blazer (£45) fits the bill nicely. A few simple accessories; a Danjo Gold Necklace, Proenza Schouler PS11 tote and some studded Christian Louboutin Spiked Loafers (for which I cant find a link, blame my new Louboutin app...). How would you style bare legs for the winter? rachelle xo

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

the new essentials : ankle boots  |  the new essentials: the leather pants  |  autumn workwear  |  gothic glamour  |  the army jacket  |  fall 2012 - all saints  |  new in - valentino  |  winning style  |  kiss-worthy accessories  |  jil sander fall 2012  |  nineties: the new vintage  |  fifty shades of fashion  |  resort 2013: proenza schouler vs valentino  |  resort 2013: chloe vs erdem  |  summer sorbet  |  laid-back sundays  |  summer shoes at zara  |  zadig & voltaire  |  ibiza: sunlounger to superclub

The Rachelle Edit: Autumn Workwear

I'll be the first to admit, even I can find myself easily falling into a trap of comfortable, warm but not particularly fashionable work wear during the colder months. One morning (this morning) I looked at myself in the mirror in despair; clad in black wide leg trousers, a black cashmere vest and blazer. With a burgundy lip, I looked half Mac-girl and half goth. And not in a good way. A quick change into a not-so-well planned outfit has actually been a triumph; high waisted shorts, a white blouse and printed coat teamed with heeled brogues and a clutch big enough to carry my daily essentials. Had I been allowed the luxury of time (and this amazing Roland Mouret coat) this is how I would have looked. Take note. Roland Mouret Printed Coat available at Net a Porter - reduced to £465, Opening Ceremony Silk Shirt £135, Tweed Shorts from an amazing Sweedish fashion site, Romwe £25, Alexander McQueen Stingray Skull Clutch £515 at Harvey Nicholls. Do you ever need some serious fashion inspiration at the turn of seasons? rachelle xo

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

gothic glamour  |  the army jacket  |  fall 2012 - all saints  |  new in - valentino  |  winning style  |  kiss-worthy accessories  |  jil sander fall 2012  |  nineties: the new vintage  |  fifty shades of fashion  |  resort 2013: proenza schouler vs valentino  |  resort 2013: chloe vs erdem  |  summer sorbet  |  laid-back sundays  |  summer shoes at zara  |  zadig & voltaire  |  ibiza: sunlounger to superclub

Fashion Inspiration: Fashion Week on the Streets of Paris

five days back in the country (and counting...) I've missed the international fashion collections just about in their entirety and I'm struggling right now to scrape together enough time to sleep in a vain attempt to cure this hellish jetlag, so please forgive me fashionistas for not yet being upto speed on the sandals at Isabel Marant in Paris, or the prints at Peter Pilotto, or which well-dressed canine worked the runway at Mulberry...

one thing I have managed, is to spend probably too much time pouring over new snaps from the streets of Paris. I get as excited about these images as I do from the runway shots, seeing how the worlds fashion elite pull together looks for this season. Please, let me get over the jet lag before thinking about next season!

The Rachelle Edit: The Army Jacket

Somehow, a combat print can be made feminine. Look to the streets of Paris where hundreds of models are currently running round in their off-duty-chic uniforms of high-fashion pieces brought down to earth with the likes of chunky knits and camo jackets. Be still, my beating heart. I decided to take the plunge & purchase my first ever military-inspired piece (I've never been a fan of those god-awful button-down jackets) which is this Topshop Studded Camo Jacket (£75), it was the studded shoulders that won me over, and it really does look good casually thrown over a chic outfit. This La Garconne Moderne Oversized Jumper (£220) is perfectly chunky to be paired with these sleek Zero + Maria Cornejo silk shorts (£330), Topshop Boutique do an excellent cheaper alternative. I'm obsessed with throwing on a gold, edgy piece of jewellery, be it a subtle skull or spiked chain to add another layer of texture and interest to an outfit. Cheapo ones will do, this £7 marvel from the site Chic Nova does the job perfectly. I'm not a high-street bag well, and firmly believe if you invest in the bones - they'll last forever. The Celine Luggage Bag is no exception. I've expressed my love for these beautiful Isabel Marant Lazio Wedge Boots before, expect to see them featured many, many times so I can convince myself they're versatile enough to go with pretty much any outfit...

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

fall 2012 - all saints  |  new in - valentino  |  winning style  |  kiss-worthy accessories  |  jil sander fall 2012  |  nineties: the new vintage  |  fifty shades of fashion  |  resort 2013: proenza schouler vs valentino  |  resort 2013: chloe vs erdem  |  summer sorbet  |  laid-back sundays  |  summer shoes at zara  |  zadig & voltaire  |  ibiza: sunlounger to superclub

rachel xo

The Rachelle Edit: Fall 2012 | All Saints

Its no secret that I'm a huge All Saints fan. A massive proportion of my high-street wardrobe (and the boys) is from the cool London brand. I adore the off-duty model look All Saints does so well, the pieces last forever, are excellent quality with designer-esque cuts and always look fabulous thrown on with pretty much anything. The new Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is no different, continue reading for more of my favourite outfits from the lookbook and my edit of the best new season pieces...

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

What to Wear: Chanel-Inspired Jackets

The Chanel jacket is the epitome of class. Fact. Tweed, intricate stitching and phenomenal button detailing - what could be better? Karl Largerfeld once said, "Some things never go out of fashion: jeans, the white shirt, and the Chanel jacket." Introduced to the fashion world in 1954,  the Chanel jacket will forever remain a classic, and many designers and brands alike have taken note. Brands such as Zara, Topshop and Mango have released an assortment of excellent Chanel-inspired jackets & designers like Tory Burch and Alice + Olivia are playing off of the classic by creating tweed suits in fun colours like pastel blues and bubblegum pinks.  These jackets, like true classics, can be worn from work, dates, casual afternoons and nights on the town - read on to see some of my favourite jackets currently available, and how to wear them.

The intricate detail on this Rebecca Taylor Sequin-Trimmed tweed jacket (£250) makes this beauty an incredibly chic talking point, and makes for verrry quick outfit planning, it wont look better than paired with good quality basics like this Theyskens' Theory Yellow Top (£98) D&G Cotton Trousers (£88) and classic black accessories that go with anything, a small Marc by Marc Jacobs leather shoulder bag (£152) and stunning Christian Louboutin Just Picks shoes (£750).

The Rachelle Edit: Topshop Treats

I've spent the past hour of my life unproductively yet enjoyably perving over the New In section at Topshop. There are so many amazing new items to hit stores this week, these are my favourites. . .

Loaded Black Platform Sandals (£65) - Lace Peplum Zip Back Top (£36) - Geometric Print Bodycon Dress (£36). Co-Ord Boucle Biker Jacket in Mint Green (£65). Fringe Corset Top (£24). Floral Print Cigarette Trousers (£36). Drop Waist Shift Dress (£48). Textured Peplum Top (£30). rachel xo

The Rachelle Edit: Resort 2013 | Proenza Schouler vs Valentino

Another two of my favourite collections to emerge from the Resort 2013 shoots came from Proenza Schouler and Valentino. Each keeping to their houses typical style; strong colours and shapes from Proenza, and romantic dresses finished with pretty pastels and plenty of lace from Valentino.