{take me away : the caribbean islands}

By the time you read this, I'll probably be en-route to our romantic Caribbean break the boy and I have been planning for a little while - the product of what's kept me going through a particularly shit few weeks. I'll be mostly lying under the hot sun all loub-ed up with coconut oil drinking endless mojitos and gin & tonics. See you in a few weeks - and try not to miss me too much, rachelle xo

{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.

Lust List - 13th August 2012

1. Alexander McQueen is not a brand to shy away from statement-making. It was love at first sight when I set my eyes upon this Unicorn Skull Embroidered Box Clutch, which will most probably, always be a lust at an impressive £1,435... 2. Behold, my daily go-to lip colour - Mac Angel in satin, I finished my fourth tube yesterday and the realisation has hit, I may be slightly obsessed... 3. As you probably already know, as I haven't shut up about it, I'm off for a fortnight in Phuket in a mere thirty sleeps (!!!) and I'm swimwear-searching and currently swooning over these Zimmerman styles. 4. I've previously raved about my love for  the highly-acclaimed Moroccan Oil, I cannot stop using it! I've been putting a little extra in my hair when drying it & smoothing a tiny little blob through the ends which has resulted in verrrry smooth & glossy hair. 5.   Winter buys are filtering into stores, I've fallen for this Cos coat (£175) the pastel hue is so refreshing for the winter. 6. As a gold jewellery fanatic, Alexander McQueen ring wins every time, this ring is 100% me. 7. These Christian Louboutin Just Picks need no further description. LOVE. 8. Love the idea of these surprises in the post each month, a non-beauty Glossybox! 9. Feeling incredibly sporty following the closing ceremony of the Olympics, this gold Stella McCartney necklace is as near to sporting as I get... rachel xo

A Guide To: Faking it on the Beach

Bikini 101. We've all been there; two days prior to jetting to faraway shores, recoiling in fear at the thought of baring all at the watersedge... Keep these tips in mind when buying swimwear to flatter your best bits.

 t a n  u p  . . .

Changing rooms truly are the worst. The light is unflattering, and those sock-marks really can ruin the look. Give yourself the best possible chance and apply a self tanner a day in advance if you aren't already sporting the bronzed look, shave those legs and look your best - as you strive to on the beach. Otherwise, order online where you can try on at home, and send the rejects back.

 w h a t ' l l  s u i t  y o u  ? . . .

Look at what already suits you in your wardrobe. If you like the way a V-Neck fits, then chances are you'll like the way a halter neck fits too.

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).