{the month : have a romantic february}

We've done it - gotten through the unmistakably most miserable month of the year, and now one more month of winter bleakness resumes before we are greeted with the promise of spring and the excitement the rest of the year has to follow...

My favourite part of February is Valentines Day, which I posted a little more about here (and expect to see quite a lot more of where that came from..).

I always feel really positive at the start of January, there have been celebrations to say farewell to 2012 and excitement that 2013 promises and of course - resolutions made. A Rachelle regular - the Lust List - made a popular return and there has been fashion inspiration aplenty...

{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. 

{happy weekend: beating the january blues}

The best way to avoid the January blues, is to simply not think about it. The mild 11 degree temperature outside make this far easier than having to plod around in sensible shoes and scrape ice from your car at 7am, as has it prevented me from becoming a pyjama-clad recluse in bed or tucked up on the sofa from 6pm onwards - I've actually been braving a pair of sandals to go out to dinner and a few other fun things with my ladies after office hours.

After just three working days I'm so ready for the weekend; plenty of time may well be spent pyjama-clad relaxing with the boy and cooking slutty brownies (yes, so far I am sticking to my New Years Resolutions..) but plenty of time will also be spent browsing the shops, lunching and catching up with friends.

Two Lovely Things: Golden Lights

Fear not lovelies, I am still alive and well; just crazily busy with all of Decembers festivities and fun - Christmas shopping is now just about done, tonight I'm going to wrestle with a mountain of wrapping paper and piles of presents to stuff under the Christmas tree.. I should be accompanied by a large glass of mulled wine but I'm unfortunately still sporting a heavy head after indulging in one too many gins last night with some of my favourite ladies.. Is it bed time yet? Hope you're all well and on the countdown to Christmas!.. How many times can I use that C word in one post? rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | Sexy Knits

Knitwear has long been a cold-weather-essential in all of our wardrobes; but this season its been given a sexy lift - thin sheer wool, sequin details, flattering stripes and bejewelled accents make the traditional jumper a little more sexy.

Besides pairing simply with your underwear to lounge around the house (or garden in this editorial with the stunning Kendra Spears..), I love teaming statement knitwear with your favourite comfy 'boyfriend' jeans and nude heels, a hip-length sweater over a mini-dress in a similar hue is entirely chic, or throwing a cosy cashmere knit over one of Dolce & Gabannas silk baroque printed silk trousers or skirts makes the perfect winter day-to-night look.

My Happy List { № 6 } : Pamper Time

Tensions are running high, tempers are fraying and my mental state isn't as it should be after the crazy few weeks I've had at work (and a night out on a school night last night..); in approximately one hour I'll commence my night-in with a pot of my current favourite tea blend, a fresh Diptyque candle and a ton of lovely treatments to restore my hungover, dehydrated and cold-weather-beaten skin into something hopefully slightly more attractive: hair-masks, manicures and pedicures, exfoliating scrubs and a rich slathering of body butter - sometimes a little DIY TLC is all you need to pull yourself around... 

I'll get around to popping up a post on my favourite products for these lovely little nights in but not today, I'm too busy rushing through a mountain of work so I can get started! What are your fail-safe pampering rituals? rachelle xo

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

wearing heels  |  finding the perfect cup of tea  |  the first coffee  |  morning cuddles  |  a thick stack of magazines  |  a good manicure 

Happy Weekend: Sleepy Sunday Nights

Its been a lovely week, finished off with an equally lovely weekend. These cold nights, frosty mornings and snuggly, cosy nights in are making me feel so festive; I finally started my Christmas shopping on Friday and I'm getting horribly excited about this coming month!

Saturday morning shopping was far from ideal, forty minutes fighting with other cars to find a car parking space, wrestling through more crowds and several near-death experiences with pushchairs, running around in heeled boots with about thirteen bags isnt my idea of a fun, laid-back Saturday afternoon.. I did thankfully get the majority of the shopping in one mad-dash so I'll now be heavily reliant on online shopping; take this as a hint as it wont get any easier!

The Rachelle Edit: The New Essentials | Ankle Boots

What would we wear without the essential wardrobe staple, the boot? Rocked in summer with bare legs ala the stunning Anja Rubik or completely naked ala the equally beautiful Miranda Kerr, or in the colder months with leather skinnies and oversized coats.

The boot as you may have known it has had a makeover for this season. Isabel Marant takes the lead in this boot competition as per, this season with her typical western flair creating covetable cowboy style boots with wedges or bejazzled detailing. Givenchy comes in a close second with those knee-high slouchy leather boots and the amazing, far more wearable ankle-high version. Chloe and Alexander Wang also offer some impressive styles, but the high street have produced some gems; namely Topshop, Zara and Missguided.

{read on for my full edit}...

Five Favourites: Autumn Candles

at my house, candles are always burning. Year-round. Nothing is more inviting than the warm flicker and unique scent they disperse through the entire building. As the dark nights draw in and the temperature drops, my house ends up looking like an episode of the American show, 'Hoarders' waiting to happen: pretty little glass and ceramic jars on every surface, matches strewn everywhere. The wick maintenance in and of itself has me shuffling around like a crazy cat lady, nipping away at the charred tips so they stay just ¼” long—optimal for burning and advisable to minimize smoking. I keep doubles - triples even - of the favorites, stacked in boxes just in case one should evaporate before I’d thought to restock. Of course, a nice candle also makes a lovely gift, and having a cache of the best ones means you’ll never scramble to a house warming/dinner party/office gifting empty-handed.

My current roster is made up of earthy, smoky, full-bodied scents that pretty much all fall under the umbrella of “sexy”. There are no springtime florals or sparkling citrus top notes over here between October and February. I want to feel like I’ve sunken into a silk velvet sofa in the lobby of a very chic, dimly lit French hotel, listening to groovy music that I’ve never heard of and having a glass of Pinot Noir with someone very good looking. In reality, I'll be sprawled along the sofa with some trashy TV or glossy magazine, but the candles (and a glass of wine) makes my fantasy much easier to visualise...

I've rounded up my five favourites of the past few weeks, so you can enjoy my indulgement of these mini-pleasures. 1. Catbird “Campfire” - This Brooklyn-based jewelry shop has been producing hand-poured candles in New York for a few years. Campfire is “refined and animalistic”, with notes of wood smoke, saddle leather and honey. This was a gift, and as I'm running low, I'm trying to convince the boy to take me to New York for another pot...

The Rachelle Lust List: 15th October 2012

1. Knitwear is such huge essential in my wardrobe from October to April (and often into the summer in the fantastic British weather..) so I'm always on the look out for amazing jumpers. This J Brand knitted top (£300) has fine golden flecks running through the wool as well as an incredible leather back. 2. I've raved about my love for the new season All Saints collection before, but cannot get these particular boots off my  mind! Everything about them is perfection; and I think they'll stand the test of time at £225. 3. My gold Michael Kors Chronograph watch has graced my wrist pretty much each day for the last three years, I think its about time a new sister for her was justified. With more than a little Chanel, this black beauty is the object of my desires. 4. When shopping at the weekend, the boy and I of course found ourselves in Selfridges food hall, and then, wandering into the alcohol shop... It was love at first sight for this cute little skull and I, full of Crystal Head Vodka (£45), I couldn't resist.. Especially for the imminent Halloween  Not that I can resist a skull at any time of year, I'll be decanting my Goose into this in future! 5. I missed out on this coat £135 (or a very similar style) in Topshop last winter, and I'm not leaving anything to chance this time! This little beauty is on order, I love an alternative to the plain black winter coat. And I'm a self-confessed-faux-fur-aholic. 6. Simple, stylish and timeless shoes are part of what Zara does best, I need these pointed toe courts (£59.99) for winter days where boots aren't totally necessary  7. If anyone happens to be stuck on what clutch to buy me for Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, Guy Fawkes... the list can go on... this Givenchy quilted leather clutch (£1,100) will do nicely. Ta! 8. The lip colour of this week is a re-discovered old favourite, a pinky/plumy shade from MAC with a lustre finish, Syrup. Its so wearable for any occasion with any makeup so I've found myself reaching for it each day last week. 9. Although I am a religious body moisturiser, I like to pamper my skin even more on lazy nights in, nothing beats any Laura Mercier body butter, my current bottle in use is the Almond & Coconut Milk variation (£22). rachelle xo

Hello: A Brand New Month | October

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

~ Roald Dahl

. . . I love watching the traditional British seasons changing, and the transition from late summer to autumn is a particular favourite. hues of  burnt orange, gold, taupe, sable and bronze act as inspiration to transport us into the later end of the year (where has 2012 gone?) as always; much more below...

The Rachelle Trend Report: Fall 2012 | Black Leather

High on gothic glamour and rich with suggestion (rebel, vixen, dominatrix...), glossy black leather offers a sleek take on autumn's new decadent air. 

The Rachelle Trend Report: Fall 2012 | Winter in Bloom

With their hothouse hues and perfectly cultivated patterns, winter's florals - be they single stems or hand-picked bouquets - have a dazzling, hyper-real quality.

Less feminine than summer's pretty bunch, this season's prints were dark, edgy and luxe. "Flocked fabrics and lace overlays added an air of ornateness, putting a fresh spin on the idea of flowers in winter," explained Lucinda Chambers,Vogue fashion director. Think less prissy, more powerful.

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...