{the rachelle edit : summer workwear}

In the summer, workwear transforms into the simplest of task of the day - throw on a sleek shift dress, accessorised with a classic handbag and sophisticated heels before upping the glamour accordingly with cat-eye sunglasses and statement jewellery.

Temperatures may only be heating up slowly (but surely) and I'm already ditching heavy blazers and tights for something that screams summer in New York City. Even if I am just in England. Does it detract from the glamour if I admit that rain has begun hammering at my office window since starting this post?...

g e t  t h e  l o o k . . .

Gucci leather dress | Charlotte Olympia Heeled Pumps | Vintage Hermes Kelly Bag |Vintage Cat-Eye Sunglasses

{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..

{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 . . . 

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

A Guide To: The Boys Birthday

Buying occasion gifts for the men in our lives is notoriously difficult. I've been with my man almost four years, know him inside out and he truly knows me better than I know myself. But still; I can find it difficult choosing what to buy him each time his birthday rolls around.

Anniversaries are easy, as are little moments throughout the year when you spot something & just have to give it to them, "saw this & thought of you", but I must admit - I generally rely on the same fail-safe gifts on occasions like Christmas.

Whilst he doesn't have any hobbies I can stock up on, (unless I buy him a car - ladies if your man is a passionate sportsman or even trainspotter, think yourself lucky!) he does love whiskey. And clothes. And trips away. So I take advantage of my strengths  I can pick an outfit for him he'll adore (even if it is purely because he knows I'll love him in it) with my eyes closed, I know enough about any alcohol to see me through a gift purchase, and as you all know I adore travelling, so can plan a trip the pair of us will love.

If you follow me on twitter, luckily he doesn't use it.. you'll know I arranged a little trip to Barcelona for him this time around. Believe it or not, neither of us have been before - its a place we've always fancied but never gotten around to it, we tend to pick faraway shores and the amazing Europe breaks can get pushed aside. I also picked up a few jumpers from All Saints for him, a ton of Calvin Klein shorts and a couple of little 'stocking filler' type gifts. I've created a fail-proof collection of gifts for your boy, suitable for all gentlemen for any occasion...

Lately: Via Instagram | Phuket

Its only been a matter of weeks since I returned from Phuket, and I'm finally uploading some (rather poor) instagram shots! I'm sure you know, I finally upgraded to the new iPhone, leaving these shots taken on the old mobile somewhat forgotten about... As you can see, the island truly is a paradise of clear unpolluted Andaman ocean, white powder beaches, more palm trees and stunning greenery and a true melting pot of traditional Thai culture - I cannot recommend the place enough.

As we were staying on the south west coast of the island, the sunsets were breathtaking. The small temple structure was the scene of a few weddings during our two week stay, positioned right above the beach the views over the island were stunning. I cannot praise our hotel, the staff and grounds at the Kata Beach Resort & Spa enough.

Lazing by the pool (within an excellent proximity to the swim-up bar), many hours were spent relaxing to this beautiful view. An afternoon stroll up the beach to our favourite beach club.

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!"

Five Favourites: Rose Tinted Glasses

The world is a happier place through the lenses of an ultra-chic pair of rose-tinted shades. Fact. These five beauties are my favourite available to buy now...

{ clockwise from top }Prada Scultpted Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses (£215) - the cult buy turned classic. Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses (from £83) - the much-desired shape; when something has been a classic for so long, you know you're onto something good. Charlotte Olympia for Linda Farrow Cat Eye Sunglasses (£255) - too chic for words, sometimes you just need a bloody good oversized cat eye to hide a multitude of sins. The Row X Linda Farrow Round Frame Metal Sunglasses (£220) - if round shapes are good enough for just about every fashionista in Paris and the Olsen sisters, they're certainly worth trying. Celine New Audery Sunglasses (£200) - the fail-safe investment, these classic beauties will suit any face shape.

p r e v i o u s  f a v o u r i t e s  . . .

face masks  |  liberty beauty hall splurges  |  beauty oils  |  summer nails  |  may 2012  | british beauty buys  |  tom ford spring/summer beauty  | matte lipsticks  

rachel xo

The Rachelle Edit: Winning Style

The biggest event of the sporting calendar is all over the country; its time to get inspired to exercise those asses into shape, looking good whilst getting fit. Or, you could take a leaf from my own book & hang around in the gym bar, at least looking the part. . .

Markus Lupfer Sequin Sweater (£260) - Rag & Bone Cut Off Shorts (£120) - Jimmy Choo Glitter Sneakers (£325) - Illesteva Round Sunglasses (£180) - Jerome Dreyfuss Carlos Leather Tote (£880) - Haute Hippie Leather Shorts (£355) - Zoe Karssen Vest (£50) - Aubin & Wills Printed Cotton Sweater (£70) - Miu Miu Studded Suede Sneakers (£310) - Jil Sander Metallic Leather Clutch (£350) - Alexander Wang Aviator Sunglasses (£260) - Markus Lupfer Rosette Sequin Cotton Tee (£125) - Adidas by Stella McCartney Printed Showerproof Cape (£100).

p r e v i o u s  e d i t s  . . .

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

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

Spotlight On: A-Morir

A relatively new discovery to me, A-Morir, a hand embellished eyewear line was founded in the Autumn of 2008 and has since been commissioned by celebrities and fashion royalty from Rihanna, Lady Gaga & Beyonce to Anna Dello Russo & Karlie Kloss.

Each item is hand made with premium materials and adorned in Swarovski crystals, spikes, chains, lace, studs or pearls - all of which reflect the designer, Kerin Rose Weinberg's love all all things theatrical, luxurious - and most importantly - glamorous.

The oversized and oh-so-expertly obnoxious frames are incredibly fun (didn't Victoria Beckham tell us accessories are toys for grown ups?) and will certainly have the ladies asking where they can pick up a pair! Shop quickly for your summer style; the hand crafted designs are made to order and can take around a month to be delivered. rachel xo

What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Miami

The most fashionable destination in Florida - Miami. The white sandy beaches, all-nighter-nightlife, cool rooftop pool bars and amazing restaurants make the ideal summer holiday destination.

Pink & red is definitely a "yes", in my book - especially in Miami. The retro style Zimmerman Svannah one-piece swimsuit (£250) is the perfect mix of the two hues for these unreal Christian Louboutin wedges (£545). Too good for the pool? Trust me, with the pool bars in Miami, you wont be swimming. Cover up with a sheer Diane von Furstenberg silk blouse (£122.50) and hide those hungover peepers with even-more-retro Miu Miu glitter cat-eye sunglasses (£225). The only thing left to consider is a slick of Nars sheer lipstick in Roman Holiday (£17.50).

The Rachelle Edit: Ibiza Sunlounger to Superclub

The clubbing capital of the world - Ibiza. Throughout the month of May arrives the opening nights of the islands biggest & best superclubs - this weekend welcomed Space back onto the international party circut. A sunny afternoon spent sipping on cocktails on the day beds at Blue Marlin can easily turn into dancing until dawn at Amnesia, so make sure you pack your 10kg allowace with colourful pieces that transform well & clash together in brilliantly bohemian style.

Your staples for Ibiza 2012? Bold one-pieces that slip seamlessly from day to night, wedge heels to see you from the beach to bar and big sunglasses to hide the shadows the next day. From left:

Topshop Lassie Suede Stacked Wedges (£55). Acne Capri Sandals (£260). Topshop Poppy Printed Corset (£30). Seventh Wonderland "Fiorella" Cut-Out One Piece (£170). Reiss Ziggy Playsuit (£149). Whistles Sunglasses (£50). Topshop Floral Cross-Back Suntop (£26). Topshop Rio Print One Piece (£34). Topshop High Beaded Gladiator Sandals (£30). Agent Provocateur Mazzy One Piece (£295). Finsk Chunky Wedges (£380). House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Cat-Eye Sunglasses (£130). Christopher Kane Studded Shorts - Made to Order. Astley Clarke Blue Quartz Earrings (£150). McQ Alexander McQueen Amwell Cross Body Bag (£370). Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring (£165). Christian Louboutin Trotilita Wedges (£425).

Rachel x