SS16

 It's that time of year again! 

My birthday month of June has officially arrived, and we've even been graced by a few hot & sunny days here in Scotland. (*Still not reached 20 degrees, but this is hot for us Scot's).

And because of the lack of exotic weather in the UK, I really don't invest into Spring Summer as much as I would actually love to. "Will I ever get to wear this?" is the question that halts the majority of my summer buying decisions. Particularly when I don't have an abroad summer holiday planned out, as is the case this year.

But despite my usual hesitation, I've decided to throw caution to the wind & pick up some which I can't wait to wear on these summery weekends.  Grab yourself a cuppa, and let's take a look shall we?

1. Topshop 2. Topshop 3.Topshop

 The off-shoulder trend has been huuuuuuuge this season, and with it's bohemian, relaxed vibes - why on earth not?! At first, I wasn't convinced this was a trend for me due to my own physique and shape.  Clearly having a moment of fashion bravery, I went ahead and bought the above three styles from Topshop anyway!

The verdict? I LOVE these. Sure they're a tad inconvenient & annoying to wear, but for evening drinks I'm hardly struggling to reach for any top shelves. My current challenge? Mastering the art of how to elegantly put on and take off my leather jacket while wearing these.  For the record, I'm determined to eventually succeed. 

1. Zara 2. Topshop 3. Zara 

Unless you know me from my awkward teenage years, or see me laze around the house, you're highly likely to have never seen me wear a zip up anything. I couldn't even bear going to the Zoo last week wearing my zipper hoody. (Sorry, not sorry for that pun!)

But embracing a slightly more casual fashion side, I've fallen completely for Bomber jackets. Somewhere inside, there's something no true 90's girl can resist. My neon Le Coq Sportif days may be well behind me, but I've embraced these Topshop & Zara lovelies instead.

From this selection, I've purchased jackets no.1 and no.2 and I'm really really happy that I did. Sure they both have pink tones, but I was keen to purchase one that was a plain colour & one which made more of a statement. The Zara jacket especially, I have barely taken off since I bought this! Often worn with a loose t-shirt, black jeans and my sparkly flats - this is a simplistic and easy outfit, which still looks thoughtfully put together. 

1. Topshop 2. Topshop 3. Topshop 

I often find dress shopping particularly difficult. From spending most of my days at work in jeans and a jumper, I'm perhaps un-used to embracing my more feminine fashion side. My body shape too, makes dress shopping a bit of a nightmare, leaving me giving up shopping attempts and resulting with a lack of options in my wardrobe. While shopping in Topshop on Princes St last weekend,  I promised myself that I would leave with a dress! Pushing aside my usual complaints of "but I never have anything to wear it for," I was a very happy Rachel when I spied these three dresses in-store!

Dress 1 - The only dress from the three that I didn't have the time to try on. I actually only spotted this when leaving, but I do wish I'd gone back to try this - it's gorgeous! The metallic, blush hue strikes me as very 1920's inspired, and a great occasion dress. I keep admiring this online, so I'm pretty sure I will place an order for this, just so I can at least try it...

Dress 2 was actually spotted by Paul, and I must admit he can uncover a good fashion find. The bold orange hue, the flattering wrap at the front - such a good staple dress for my wardrobe. But at the time, I wasn't 100% so didn't pick it up. After looking back at my changing room photos in this, if the Aberdeen stores have this in stock I'm pretty certain it may be another Topshop purchase for me!

I don't usually go for a wrap style dresses, but Dress 3 was flattering on my shape - while the floral and spot contrast looks really striking! It's so different from anything else in my wardrobe, so it's about time I added something fresh and different. This dress is small sized though, as I had to go all the way up to a size 14. Maybe it's more personal preference, but with my shape I still felt too busty in the 12.

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If you've made it this far, Congratulations! I hope you enjoyed this post, and a chance to see some of the SS16 pieces I've already purchased - and those I'd still like to! I've never been so into Topshop, and right now they seem to be pretty on point. 

Let me know if you've purchased the same or similar, and comment below with anything else I should check out. 

A GROWN UP CHRISTMAS GUIDE

It’s amazing how quickly 2015 has flown, and incredible that it’s already Christmas Eve (Or, Christmas Eve Eve as I finish this. Any Friends fans out there?...) 

While on the topic of New Yorkers, I was recently introduced to Spring, a lovely NYC fashion & beauty brand,  who kindly asked me to curate my ideal grown up Christmas wish list. All the pieces listed are available on their site, shopspring.com, but for those who are not stateside - these garments are also available on sites direct from the designers, or on Selfridges/ Harvey Nichols/ Harrods also.

Gone are the days where as a kid I would sit down to basically re-write the Argos catalogue, but now here  I am -  preparing my list as a young woman who has a strong & concrete knowledge of her own personal style.  Maybe this is why I’m described as difficult to buy for?

I’m tackling this wish list confidently and head on, under the 4 key categories which I am always scouting for. Even if these don’t find their way to me on Christmas morning, why not think of this as Rachel’s guide to the sales #1? The key - always invest in pieces you love, that more expensive (and better quality piece) will satisfy you much more than 10,000 second best pieces.

1. The Accessory

Jo Malone |  Mary Katrantzou | Diptyque | Salvatore Ferragamo

Versatile, personal and full of personality, accessories are the perfect gift for those who seem to have everything - without the panic of, "which size would they be?"

The correct accessories give you a real insight to an individuals style & personality, and are the way to accentuate an outfit. Whether for yourself or as a gift, find something of quality which is unique, and it will be forever worn & treasured. Think along the lines of these wonderful creations by Mary Katrantzou & Salvatore Ferragamo - full of statement, colour, class & not a hint of boring.

Accessorising needn’t only be reserved as the perfect excuse to wrap ourselves up in beautiful scarves, remember to turn your thoughts to the home too. Diptyque are the home fragrance brand at the moment, and Baies seems to have taken the bloggers by storm with this floral scent. 

Jo Malone perfumes have been well regarded for a long time, and my fragrance Nectarine Blossom & Honey (which you can read here), needs another JM bottle to sit next to. Just so it’s not lonely on the shelf, you know? Wild Bluebells or Earl Grey & Cucumber would be absolutely perfect, and will be the fragrances I pick up in the future. 

2. The Beauty

Herbivore Botanicals | Charlotte Tilbury | Charlotte Tilbury | Smashbox Cosmetics 

With or without makeup, you ladies are always beautiful. 

But if you’re anything like myself, putting on makeup makes me look, and feel, more prepared to face the outside world. With such cold weather, lips are often take the hit of this and become dry, chapped & uncomfortable.  This lip butter set (blood orange, mint & rose) offer a little TLC this winter, keeping your pout perfected, before later applying your favourite lip colour!

British Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury has recently taken the beauty world by storm, with her stunning and wide variety of products. The Vintage Vamp & Eyes to Mesmerise sets have been firmly on my wish list for a long time now, as who can ever have too many beautiful eyeshadows? And to give your entire look a perfected finish, there’s nothing better than a brand new set of Smashbox Cosmetics Studio Pro brushes.

3. The Dancing Shoes

Brian Atwood | Sophia Webster | Sophia Webster | Pierre Hardy

No matter how good your dance moves actually are, you’re guaranteed to be given extra kudos for some stunning footwear. Who will be paying attention to your dancing in these statement heels?

High heels are the one department where I am severely lacking in choice, both in classic styles & something more snazzy. To boost my classics collection, I’m looking no further than these Sophia Webster heels & boots. SW is such a fun brand, so lively & fun, and these styles are quite conservative for her. Who knew you needed a pair of heels with wings?

To make a statement, I’m turning to Brian Atwood’s Classic Gold heels, as with an all metallic shoe - you really don’t want an over complicated design. Gold, metallic while keeping it completely classy ladies! When it’s time to play with colour, there’s nothing shy about these pink & orange Pierre Hardy Majorelle pretties. A combination that sounds so wrong, but looks so right. With the added ankle tie & side tassel, you’re on trend and hot to trot.

4. Cold Outdoors

Rebecca Taylor | Datura |  Modern Citizen  | French Connection 

Scotland is hardly known for it’s soaring heat, so it’s probably unsurprising to find that clothes to keep me warm, yet stylish, is a constant for my wardrobe. The first garment which stood out to me was this Rebecca Taylor Tweed blazer. Perfect for the office with a cashmere stole, or to glam up a simple tee, jeans and heels combination for evening cocktails. It immediately oozes Chanel-esque elegance, and which girl would deny such appeal?

I adore styles which are a bit more relaxed, which brought both the Datura & Modern Citizen coats into the wish list. The Cashmere/Wool composition of the Datura garments makes it great for a more luxurious occasion, while the Modern Citizen I would also love to wear belted up, for more casual outings. No Scottish girls fashion guide is complete without a piece of chunky knitwear. This white number by French Connection has a unique knit pattern on the garment sleeves, which may let the cold in a little - but at least I would still look super stylish.

I know this has turned into a bit of a long one, but I hope this has provided your with a bit if inspiration this festive season! Be it for outfits of your own, delayed gift giving, or a little bit of Boxing Day sale indulgence.

As ever, let me know which pieces are your favourites, and what would feature in your gift guide?

Much love & a very  Merry Christmas to every single one of you beauties,

FESTIVE EDIT: THE CHRISTMAS JUMPER

With Christmas just right around the corner, pretty much literally, you might think I’m a little late to the game with this latest edit.

But if your like me, you maybe have only just finished your Christmas shopping, forget having them all wrapped and ready. You're may also be waiting tentatively for one very key present to arrive in the post, after a 1am realisation it was a) not even ordered, and then, b) realising it’s not coming from within the UK. Great work, Rachel, but I severely digress.

Along with all the Christmas shopping, I decided that 2015 was the year for a new and improved Christmas jumper. My good little Primark ‘Happy Hollydays’ jumper has had it’s good time, but it’s time to shake things up a little. With the Christmas novelty jumper market exploding every single festive season, the once dimly viewed tacky jumper is now a novelty of which we have an endless choice.

So before you go running out the door to your nearest shopping centre, how about I give you a little run-down of my favourites for 2015, and a little sneak at the newest member to my knitwear collection? The “tacky jumper” look doesn’t float everyone’s boat (ahem, not mine) so I’ve carefully curated a selection for those who love it, but also for those who want to join in the jumper fun with their style credentials remaining firm. 

ASOS, Warehouse, H&M, H&M

But who am I kidding? I love a scattering of sequins - so why don’t we start here... The first to catch my eye this season was this stylish, navy Bauble number from Warehouse. It has plenty suggestion of festive fun, while perfect for the conscious fashionista. Were it not for the fact I couldn’t find this in my size in Aberdeen, this would have been this years sweater of choice. 

The Oxblood shade of this ASOS embellished jumper is very 2015, but give me a sequin & beaded sweater with presents, robins & holly & you have my attention. H&M’s offering this year seems to be amazing, but unfortunately none were available in my ‘local’ store. Red & Gold always remains classic, and if I’d wanted to go for matching couple - the penguin would have been mine to compliment my boyfriends new Next penguin number. He’s been almost too keen this year for matching couple sweaters. Maybe next year, Honey....

ASOS, ASOS, NEXT, M&S

Keeping away from all things sparkly, is a good ol’ fashioned knit. But by no means a boring, as almost everywhere you turn you can pick up ones which are so cute & festive! Knitted pattern Christmas jumpers have a lovely homely, home-made feeling to them, and less high street fashion which at times is just so appealing. 

My jumper of choice for 2015 is the Candy Cane Navy Knit by Next (above), which is so cosy - and different to any other jumper I own. As much as it will be reserved for Christmas time only, I’m looking forward to give this one it’s first outing in the next few days!

If my fairisle inspired choice is too on the tradiitonal side for you, these Camel, Penguin & Gingerbread couple knits will not disappoint, and are the perfect Christmas anecdote for your wardrobe. 

Fashion Union @ Next, H&M, M&S, H&M

And now, a selection for those of you who’s ‘go big or go home’ attitude especially applies to your Christmas jumper, but still treading with some fashion caution. Not too cringe, but not too safe.

I must say, I LOVE these (particularly the Christmas present H&M number) so I surprised myself when I chose the Next knit I did. I am usually all over sequins at Christmas time, and who can ignore a sequin Christmas tree, brightly If that Christmas feel is really on the go, why not sport some sequin portraits of Mr Clause himself?

I would love to know what you think of my Christmas jumper edit? Do you own any of these, or which are your favourites? Don’t forget to connect with me across all my social media channels, and I look forward to sharing my next post with you very soon. Hint, more Christmas wish lists!

Much love,

Friend or Foe: 70’s Suede Cape

When I first heard about the resurgence of the 70s trend, I proudly proclaimed that this would not be one for me, and I would spend the entire season passing up on its styles & influence - thank you very much.  

But now, here I am, as I admit that this is a trend I am slowly, but definitely surely falling for...

There’s been a couple 70’s style pieces I’ve admired over the last little while, but last weekend when I spied this River Island beauty, I immediately loved it! I tried it on, loved it & then my boyfriend walked over and completely burst my little happy bubble when he declared his dislike for it. 

Who agrees that sometimes men are just too honest?! 

Limited Edition Brown Faux-Suede Cape - River Island

Laying my lawyer-boyfriend’s concept of fashion sense to one side, I knew the only ones I needed to consult for their yay-or-nae opinion were my trusty fashion gals.

Expecting them to also love the trend, it was interesting how split their comments were. From the blunt “no ways” to 70s fashion converts, to “you look like a modern-day Pocahontas, which I love” (which made my day, Pocahontas was my ultimate favourite Disney princess. Yes, I’m aware I’m now 23...)

Images taken from River Island website. Mine were no-where near as good!

So it turns out even the fashion pack are divided on this, and the jury’s not quite out on the 70’s trend. But I’d love to know what your thoughts are on this?

The cape trend is one I have been on the bandwagon for for a while now, as I just love the east and versatility of them. So, it’s just logical I’d love a fringed one in my wardrobe to keep me right this AW15. 

While I swoon over the suede cape, I have a feeling my next fashion debate will be over the suede skirt... 

Don’t forget to leave your thoughts & comments below!

Until next time,

Travel Diaries #1: Tunisia, Sidi Bou Said

How beautiful is Sidi Bou Said?!

If you've been following my latest adventures across on Facebook & Instagram (If not, there's a hint and a half ;) ) you'll know that last week I was on holiday in Hammamet, Tunisia with my boyfriend. It was nice to go away & have a break as a little celebration of all our work & the changes we've had in the past year. We've both graduated, he's now finished his legal diploma (& gets to graduate again!), I'm in my first fashion graduate role, he's secured his legal traineeship with a firm in Aberdeen. So, before he gets into the world of law, we decided a nice last minute holiday would be just what he/ we needed!

As much as I enjoy simply sitting in the sun, hoping my pale skin turns into a lovely golden colour, Paul loves a bit of history, so we took the opportunity to do some adventuring around Tunisia. We visited some absolutely stunning, photogenic places but since I am too snap happy, I can't fit everything into one post, so this is #1 Travel Diaries series for Tunisia. It would be a shame not to share these beautiful places with you! Bias as I may be towards anything artistic, visiting the pretty town of Sidi Bou Said was one of my favourites of the entire holiday.

    Paul & the beautiful blue Mediterranean sea! 

Considering I was in the North of Africa, I felt transported right the heart of the Mediterranean. The town is famous for it's crisp white & blue buildings, which are absolutely spectacular & so striking.

I was enchanted by just how beautiful the place is, and all the intricate detailing found in the architecture and design of the village. Thankfully, the residents are so used to tourists being there & it was lovely to just freely wander around the town & happily stumble across many beautiful houses and quiet corners. 

 I've never been so interested by doors and latticed windows in all my days. But just look at the beautiful blue doors, each one individual in their design and they bring such a unique aesthetic to the town. This theme was supposedly introduced to Sidi Bou Said in the 1920's by French Artist, Rodolph d'Erlanger when he was a resident here. 

When we asked one of the locals, he explained that the doors are all individually designed - and often feature designs such as fish & fatima hands, as these are said to bring luck & happiness, as well as religious symbols. However, we did stumble across a rebellious yellow door - which I think is just gorgeous too.  Why are we not this courageous with colour in Scotland?!

 As a home for artists and creatives too, by simply walking around there is such an artistic & creative vibe, with the main street lined with stalls of beautiful food, ceramic & jewellery. I did dabble in a bit of bartering (my boyfriends lawyer nature came in handy during negotiations..) & I bought a lovely Tunisian, hand painted ornamental ceramic bowl & plate which are to become my new jewellery holders. Keep watch for these across on my instagram, they are stunning & only cost me the equivalent of £13 or so which I think is not too bad. 

Although I took so many more photos than these few, and these don't completely capture the full beauty of the place, I hope it gives you just a glimpse of how beautiful it is!

I would love for you to share your thoughts below, & if you have been here before?