{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. 

{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..

{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. 

Fashion Inspiration: Autumn & Winter Dressing | New In

cooler temperatures are ever-present in the lovely UK, and its about time I really invested some time, and money, into this years winter wardrobe. This time last month, I was en route to Thailand - with a suitcase full of plentiful planning & preparation (23kg of summer, 40 degree heat resistant clothing). Leaving the house in conditions currently around 2 degrees, I'm currently craving warm and luxurious clothing like leather and faux furs...

My shopping baskets and home deliveries during the last few weeks have ranged from sequin-sleeved parka jackets, iPhones, Diptyque and Tom Ford candles, books to snuggle up with while I burning the them and too much from Topshop, namely a pair of leather leggings and perfect fur gilet...

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

{hot} Men in Suits...

Flicking through my Tumblr feed, I managed to stumble across this rather lovely site of rather handsome men in expensive suits, apltly named 'Guys in Suits'. Bravo. What can only be described as office-acceptable porn. Swooooon.

Style Icon: Poppy Delevinge

British it-girl, model, regular on the fashion circuit and sibling to the equally stunning Cara, Poppy Delevinge epitomises Bristish fashion today, I want her wardrobe!

How would you describe your style? "Temperamental, eclectic, spontaneous... I dress to suit my mood — there's no method to the madness." Do you have one favorite piece in your wardrobe? "A Chanel black & gold star jumpsuit — very Studio 54." What's on your fashion wish list for fall? "Anything from Isabel Marant. I plan to embrace my inner cowgirl!"

Style Icon: Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo is one of those lucky ladies born with style in her DNA. She mixes pieces in her unique way and manages to always get it right.

The socialite and style icon first caught our attention on the MTV reality show, The Hills, Olivia is now arguably the most stylist socialite in New York.

The beautiful front-row-fixture talks through her go-to labels, and what she's happiest wearing...

The Rachelle Edit: Laid-Back Sundays

 

Perfect neutral summery Sunday attire. Simple and stylish.

T By Alexander Wang Sweater (£155). Eighteenth Racer Back Dress (£72). La Perla Triange Bra (£335). Chloe Ankle Strap Heels (£424). Jil Sander Nude Leather Tote (£949). Michael Kors Gold Plated Watch (£123). Ray Ban Oversized Brown Mirrored Original Aviators (£100).

Who said casual wear can't be beautiful? What have you been wearing this weekend?

Rachel x

The Rachelle Edit: Summer Shoes at Zara

I'm positive every woman with an internet connection and a link to the Zara Website or a nearby store will agree that this seasons collection has been, quite simply, on fire. My favourite investments made so far include; THAT yellow blazer (which I've since seen worn in three consecutive episodes of 'Made in Chelsea' on three consecutive girls), printed trousers and probably one too many pairs of shoes... Everyone knows that a girl can never quite have enough pairs of shoes and these eight ankle stapped, high heeled lovelies are on my to-buy radar.

From Left:

Wooden Wedges - £59.99. Contrasting Platform Sandals £59.99. Laminated Heel Sandal - £79.99. Sandals with Snakeskin Straps & Wooden Heel - £49.99. Black Leather with Wooden Platform - £49.99. Sandal with Methacrylate Heel - £69.99. Pink Sandal - £59.99. Wide Heel Sling-Back with Stones - £69.99.

Rachel x

In Stores This Week: 21.05.12

Everyone needs plenty of hardworking separates in their wardrobe to throw on without a moments thought and to incorporate in tons of simple & chic outfits. When keeping my eye on what was new into stores over the last week it seems its time for everyone to start stocking up on summer separates, from Marini t-shirts to Reiss camis, theres no shortage of gorgeous tops, bottoms & everything inbetween.

Reiss Yellow Camisole (£75) I love a bright colour injection, this cami will look perfect with skinny white ankle grazers & summer sandals. Zara Colour Block Platform Heels (£49.99). EA Burns Neon Triangle Necklace (£20). J Crew Blue Suede Tote (£220) available at Net a Porter. The Kooples Print T-Shirt (£90) The Kooples are doing off duty chic like no one else at the moment, this tee is achingly cool. Helmut Lang Cotton & Leather Draped Jacket (£695). Jimmy Choo Giovanna Patent Leather Wedge Sandals (£450). Alexander McQueen Swarvoski Skull Ring (£155). Marni Printed Cotton T-Shirt (£130) at thecorner.com. Reiss "Melanie" Blue Gradient Floral Cotton Top (£59).

Rachel x

What to Wear: Sheer Delights

Although it has been making an appearance for seasons now, the catwalks have never been as dominated by sheer pieces as at the SS12 shows. One part provocative, one part ultra sophisticated - I adore sheer garments.

I find one of the easiest ways to tap into the sheer look, is with semi-sheer top. This pussy-bowed beauty from French Connection (£57) is ideal. I love to toughen up a soft, pretty look (sheer AND bows?!) with an edgy look - any skinny leather or leather effect trousers contrast so well against the white chiffon, I love these Helmut Lang rinsed leather skinny trousers (£400). The shoes, the shoes, the shoes. Oscar De La Renta Marlene Leather Pumps (£615) don't come cheap, but from the pointed toes to the monochome colouring, are perfect for this look. I'm fortunate enough to have my very own Mulberry Taylor Satchel and one of my favourite ways to wear it is with shiny leather, the brushed leather contrasts so beautifully.

Take Me Away: Cannes

Formerly a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town. Each May, the Film Festival rolls into town and the A-List descend onto the French Riviera.

Cannes is located just half hour drive north east of Nice, 45 minutes from Monaco and around an hour and a half of Saint Tropez. The beautiful beaches, streets and architecture combined with the glamorous hotels, restaurants and nightlife make Cannes my favourite stop along the South coast of France.

What to Wear: To My Birthday Party

 Saturday 19th May marks a very special day to me - my birthday! With just eight days to go, I should really be more prepared for the occasion than I currently am, whilst no outfits are sorted as of yet I have my eye on three very beautiful, yet very different styles.

Tosphop dresses dont get much more exquisite than this beauty. At £225 it retails at the higher end of the Dress Up for Topshop collection but the yellow silk & tuelle certainly will set you aside from the crowd - you only get one birthday each year, why not?.. Although the bodice is backless & heavily embellished these Christian Louboutin Just Picks (£750) leather, perspex & studded shoes are arguable, yet I feel suit the dress perfectly. The Diane Von Furstenberg yellow raffia clutch (£263) is an exact colour match for the lower half of the dress and is a great alternative to silver - I cannot abide metallic clutch bags! A simple pair of diamond stud earrings (a birthday present from a special someone perhaps?...) completes the look, anything more I fear I'd start to resemble a Christmas tree.

Simple, sleek & sexy - I love this look. Miles aside from the sugar sweet yellow number, this French Connection bodycon dress (£115) is a dead ringer for a Herve Leger number, for around two grand less. Whilst some may argue the bodycon shape is a little three years ago, I find this style to be incredibly flattering - I'd far rather pour my body into this than some Mumsy 'midi' style. In the words of Coco Chanel, "Fashion fades, style stays". A firm believer in wearing what suits, not being a fashion victim! The Christian Louboutin Asteroid spiked shoes (£795) and clutch bag (£650) add further sex appeal and fit the rule - a girl must wear Louboutins on her birthday!

Yes, I managed to be one of the very lucky few who happened to be at the right place, at the right time to scoop up this Mary Katrantzou for Topshop dress (£350). I'm obsessed with the labels designs, and quite frankly - whats good enough for Poppy Delevinge at the Elle Style Awards is good enough for me! I havent yet worn this dress for an occasion (other than prancing around in my mirror) so this may be the one... Paired with some simple nude or cream heels, Kurt Geiger clutch and my hair swept back this is a very strong contender for this years winner!

Which option shall I go for?

Rachel x