{the rachelle lust list : 14th january 2013}

The only thing good about a Monday morning is the Rachelle Lust List, no? A collection of my new favourite things - even if it is a bikini in January; of which the best thing to come of the month is the re-release of the Cadburys Creme Egg.. 

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

1. One positive aspect of endless dull winter nights is being able to socially close your blinds at 4pm (the only other benefit is being able to car-sing-and-dance without inhibitions and curious looks from passing traffic) and begin burning candles in the fashion of a large church, my favourite scent at the moment is - of course - a Diptyque number, Ambre (£40 at John Lewis) Yum. 

2. Another River Island bikini to tempt me. I'm going to order this cut-out beauty and pretend I'm not sat at my desk shivering over a cup of green tea watching snow fall through the window. 

3. After about three weeks of use, I think I'm finally qualified to say I'm suitably impressed with Mac Prep & Prime 'Skin Base' primer. I have dry skin, yet my t-zone and chin often get incredibly oily throughout the day. I need a primer to keep my makeup in place all day (who can be bothered with hourly touch ups?) but also provide a silky base to keep my dry skin nourished and behaving well. This is performing very well so far; I'm not a one-product-review kinda girl but this may require a dedicated post..

{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: The Best Beauty of 2012

You know me; I believe that if something isn't broke - don't fix it. This motto rings true when it comes to my skincare and makeup routine, I have favourites that consistently work for me which I've used for a number of years. It is fun to try new products and replace something which isn't doing what it used to for ya so I've made a list over the last few weeks of my very favourite products I've discovered throughout 2012..

1. We saw the launch of the new Creme de la Mer Soft Cream this year, and it is bloody amazing. All the benefits of the original version but a million times easier to work with, and more effective. 

2. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep was always my go-to bronzer until one fateful day browsing the stands of Space NK, leading to the swatching of the famous NARS Laguna - and I've never looked back. The perfect tanned but never orange colour, perfect for both contouring and adding some warmth to my face all year round - its everything I ever looked for in a bronzer! 

3. Come the beginning of October, I was ready for a darker lip to embrace the colder months, Mac matte lipstick in Diva has been my the answer to my prayers. A beautiful deep lip looks so striking with creamy skin and a slick of gel liner; my lips are far from the luscious loveliness of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's, but when filled in neatly with a lip brush I definetley feel a step closer! 

4. This year is the first that I've had the pleasure to try the famous Essie Nail Polishes; I bought Peach Daiquri to wear on my toes with summer sandals and was amazed by the creamy consistency, fan-brush which applies like a dream and the incredible chip-resistant finish. No nail polish lasts like Essie. Fast-forward a few months and my finger nails are pretty much a continuous loop of (left to right) Leading Lady (a deep red with gorgeous glitter), Jazz (the perfect greigey nude), Wicked (my favourite EVER shade - it goes with everything and makes your nails look longer) and Muchi Muchi (a Kardashian-esque soft pink). 

The Rachelle Lust List: 10th December 2012

1. Be warned - I'm well and truly into Christmas mode! Obsessing over these Equipment silk pyjamas (£465), cant think of a chicer ensemble to lounge in on Christmas morning! 2. Treated myself to a polish from the new Essie Winter 2012 collection, Leading Lady with some Boots points - a beautiful full on glitter shade, this could be the beauty to grace my nails on Christmas! Yes, there will be a chosen polish... 3. I've currently no plans to jet abroad until well into 2013, but should you be off somewhere hot over Christmas this Topshop bikini is so sexy for an amazing price, £32! 4. I've been after a new powder highlight for months, I'm a little bored of the silvery tone of Mac MSF in Soft & Gentle, I've swatched Bobbi Browns Shimmer Brick in Bronze (£32) countless times and finally took the plunge this weekend! Now to not be wasteful and finish off the MSF first... 5. Loving the colour combination and drop shape of these Marni earrings, £325. 6. & 7. How fun are these Charlotte Olympia shoes? Okay, maybe only socially acceptably worn on one day of the year but should you have heavily lined pockets and a sense of humour, why wouldnt you indulge in Christmas Pudding pumps?! 8. This Topshop playsuit is just too pretty (£50), perfect for Christmas nights out! As is no 9, the V-Back and intricate embellishment give the flattering skater style a festive lift (£65). 10. Okay, I'm still not over this hiking boot style and potentially never will be.. River Island Boots (£120). rachelle xo

The Rachelle Lust List: 20th November 2012

1. Laura Mercier bath and body products are in my eyes, second to none. The Ambre Vanilla Honey bath creme and body scrub are a combination made in heaven to transform tired winter skin to LBD ready while you relax in a bath that literally smells like heaven (£25 each). 2. I love this gift concept from Harvey Nichols, the 'Twos Company' hamper includes a bottle of brut rosé champagne and two Riedel Champagne Flutes £40. 3. Believe it or not, its the end of November and I'm still yet to fall in love with this years ultimate winter coat. I've been heavily reliant on a fur-lined Parka I found last year in Zara and on more mild days, simply running around in amazing little jackets I've collected over the years but, I think I've found a winner here from none other than New Look! For £50, its got lovely faux leather detailing, a laid-back boyfriend feel and Stella McCartney-esque cut to the neckline. 4. If you've an excitingly high bank balance and need somewhere luxurious to store all of your jewels, look no further than this stunning Smythson croc-effect leather jewellery box.. there are no words! (£2,215). 5. I've fallen in love with the Essie nail varnish formula and colour range, the most recent hue thats got me is the soft nudey/beigey shade of Jazz. This will be mine, soon. Probably the next time I pass Boots to be honest... 6. Sunglasses this good, should be worn all year round. An expertly-shaped cat-eye are the perfect size to suit any face shape - Linda Farrow Luxe do sunnies SO well (£350). 7. NARS eyeshadows are incredibly popular, with good reason. Long lasting and highly pigmented; they're some of the best - the beautiful Douceurs de Paris palette (£37) has the perfect collection of shades to compliment your peepers through any occasion. 8. Possibly the most hyped nude lipstick ever to be released ever, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Blush Nude has me drooling all the way to the counter in search of my go-to winter nude lip. Yes, there is one. rachelle xo

The Rachelle Lust List: 23rd October 2012

I'm writing this from what can be described as just about my death bed, with a horrendous case of cold. Rather than filling this weeks lust list with all manner of drugs aimed to nurse me back to health, I'll dream of the material goods that offer similar effects... 1. I'd give my right arm to snuggle up in this modern classic French Connection faux fur jacket (£350), the shape is so chic and different to all the other bulky fur numbers I own, and the nude colour is winter perfection. 2. I've been cursed with painfully skinny fingers, which some mightn't think is an issue - until you attempt to buy high-street rings. River Island are the only store I've found to cater for my measly digits, with good colour staying power. This claw is so Rachelle, and only a fiver. 3. All Saints always pull out some incredible embellished numbers in time for Christmas parties, this is my favourite to be released so far (£295), the intricate beading and subtle cut out is amazing. It does weigh about the same as I do, but who said fashion wasn't painful? 4. Shoe Porn always cheers me up, especially when its in the form of Swarovski embellished Jimmy Choo sandals (£1,295). There are no words. mentally adding to my ever-expanding christmas list... 5. Until the aforementioned beauties become mine, I'll make do with my sparkles in the form of this stunning grey-glitter Topshop nail varnish in Panther (£6.50). 6. More 'Choo porn to sate my current texture fetish, the Teazer Feather Sandals (£695) are equally as lust-worthy. These could work in SO many different ways. 7. I've tried and loved the original Crème de la Mer moisturising cream, but heard even better things about the new 'soft cream' version (£190). This is exactly what my dull, cold-ridden and red face needs. 8. Another day, another textured jumper (Topshop - £46) - I think this is another Topshop re-release from Winter 2011, I need this in my wardrobe for lazy days where I throw on all black, jazzed up with a ton of different textures. 9. Not really sure what the boy was thinking when he turned up with this Mimi Holliday by Damaris Lace Body to ease my cold, but it certainly has made me feel ten times sexier, its undoubtedly one of my favourite lingerie brands - the lace is exquisite. rachelle xo

My Happy List { № 3 } : A Good Manicure

one fail-safe, quick, easy and cheap way to give both your mood and appearance a quick lift is to indulge a little 'me time' with a manicure. You don't need to spend £30 in the salon having freakish false talons applied (eurgh, pet hate of mine..), just set aside either ten minutes to throw on a coat or two of colour and a top coat; or really treat yourself to a hand massage, show those cuticles some attention and get creative with one of my favourites - a glitter ombre manicure or the effective ring-finger-mani.

Either way, I'm sure every female feels more glamorous, polished and pulled-together when she has beautifully cared for, glossy nails. rachelle xo

r a c h e l l e ' s h a p p y l i s t . . .

the first coffee  |  morning cuddles  |  a thick stack of magazines 

Lust List - 6th August 2012

1. Same old story, a new season rolls around, Zara releases some bloody amazing shoes. Got my heart set on these Pointed Court Shoes with Straps (£49.99) & these Ankle-Strap Wedges (£69.99). 2. The highly anticipated new Victoria by Victoria Beckham has finally hit Net a Porter, this satin skater-style dress (£710) has a space in my wardrobe waiting for it... 3. I've been using Nails Inc a&e nail treatment (£12) for around a month as a base coat each time I paint my nails or when I havent the time to do a full manicure, I'll quickly throw this on. As a result, I can honestly say my nails havent been as strong so collectively as long, or moisturised and smooth in years. Amazing. 4. I get a little too excited when the new years Smythson range hits stores. Good job they arrive in August, it'll take until January to save up for this £180 croc-effect beauty. 5. As a rule, I'm not a t-shirt girl, but I'll happily make an exception for this Mary Katrantzou jersey (£255). 6. I love a pretty teddy to lounge around the house in, this Topshop strappy-lovely (£20)  is as comfortable as it is pretty. 7. I fell in love with the black version of this Christian Louboutin Marquise clutch (£875) when I first spied it in Harrods about a year ago, yet the new nude version has just fallen under my radar. The soft colour   takes an edge off the spikes, I love the idea of jumping straight to the front of the Saturday night bar que waving this beauty/weapon around... 8. No high street store does embellishment quite like All Saints. I need these sparkly shorts (£120) in my life, the jet black version are so understated. 9. Parisian patisser Pierre Hermes macaroons are available in cute London landmarks boxes for the duration of the Olympics, £33 for 16. rachel xo

Five Favourites: Summer Nails

I'm well aware I've broken my 'five' favourites rule. Again. Its too hard for a beauty junkie/obsessive/addict to choose between beauty products, its like selecting a favourite child. Typically, I shy from wearing bright colours on my fingernails. I find dark shades; plums, blacks, verrrrrry dark reds or neutral taupes and pinks tend to look far more classic and sophisticated than a bright colour on the talons. My toes, however, are the opposite. Dark colours give me diseased-looking tootsies, whereas a bright flash of varnish through open-toed sandals are so chic. My favourite toe-nail varnishes;

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Corail Colisee (£18). Butter London Cantaloupe Nail Polish in Trout Pout (£14). Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple (£9.50). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Caress (£14). Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Rose Futuriste (£18). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Lament (£14).

 b a c k s t a g e  s e c r e t s  . . .

Treat your feet like a model treats theirs - as their face. Cleanse them at least once a day, applying moisturiser straight afterwards and just before bed. Exfoliate them once a week, and use a deep conditioning lotion or butter at least once week to keep them Celine-sandal ready.

Rachel x