Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Modern Day Style :: Grace Kelly

Hi friends! I'm thrilled to introduce you to the lovely Viv from Fashion Truffles who is today sharing her Modern Day Style inspiration for Grace Kelly. Thank you Viv!


***

Hi lovelies! It's Viv from the fashion and style blog, Fashion Truffles, and I'm so happy that Rachel has invited me to take part of this fabulous series! Princess Grace has always been an inspiration to me. Her classic beauty and elegance have provided fashion and style inspiration to women worldwide for decades now. The question now is, what would Princess Grace wear today? Look no further...

A Modern Day: Grace Kelly



Milly pattern dress, $234 / Alice by Temperley jumpsuits romper, $195 / Nina Ricci floral sandals, $565 / Christian Louboutin platform pumps, $768 / Prada tote handbag, $1,030 / Clutch handbag / Kate Spade tahitian pearl necklace, $128/ Lauren Conrad button pearl earrings / Grace- Vintage French Vogue Paris Watercolor Print Fashion...


A big thanks to Rachel for having me over today! And don't forget to stop by Fashion Truffles for more daily fashion and style inspiration! xx


***

 See last week's post: Modern Day Style {Jane Birkin} Gaby, The Vault Files

Monday, July 30, 2012

Thoughts for a new week :: a word on gratitude


Hi lovelies! Seems I fell into the busy trap last week and missed Friday’s post! I’m back now and wanted to share with you the things I learnt from putting last week’s goal into action. For anyone who missed last week’s post, you can read it here.

+ Keeping positive thoughts in your head all the time is hard.  It’s very easy to let it slip but once you get into the groove and steer your thoughts in the right direction it became easier and was kinda fun.

+ All of the positivity going around had a calming effect on me. I was less worried about what might happen/if it is going to happen and started going with the flow a lot more.

+  In one of my favourite blogs, a life of perfect days, Connie recommends keeping a gratitude journal as a way to record and remind yourself all of all the things you are grateful for. So any time I started thinking negative thoughts, I pulled out my journal and start redirecting my energy. I can honestly say this not only kept me accountable of my thoughts, but it also showed me that life is pretty good and there are many, many reasons to be thankful. 

Did you follow along last week? I’d love to know how you went!

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Rachel xo 



Thursday, July 26, 2012

Love her style :: Jenna Lyons

After seeing the latest arrivals at J.Crew I am reminded yet again of the genius of creative director, Jenna Lyons. Her masculine, yet chic style has been well-documented, as has her trademark  of jeans, heels and her penchant for blazers.

Here are a few of my favourite looks…








Are you a fan of Jenna's style?

Rachel xo




Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wednesday Workspace {natalie bloom}


Natalie Bloom's workspace {owner + creator of Bloom Cosmetics} ticks all of the boxes of a dream space for me: white, layered with pops of colour; light streaming in through the window; and an inspiration board overflowing with super-pretty ideas.

Are you loving Natalie's workspace as much as I am?

Rachel xo



Image credit: The Design Files



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Modern Day Style :: Jane Birkin

Hi lovelies! Today I'm excited to be kicking off a new mini series: Modern Day Style, based on a post I did a little while ago that was a modern day take on Audrey Hepburn's style. Because it was such a fun post to pull together, I thought I would ask a few of my favourite bloggers to create their own looks, inspired by an iconic woman who is still being remembered today for her innate sense of style.

So today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Gaby from The Vault Files, who not only has an amazing blog, but also has her own line of beautiful hand-crafted jewellery. Thank you Gaby!

***

Hi everyone! Gaby from The Vault Files here, thrilled to be participating in this fun mini series on Little Bits of Lovely. Rachel's blog is one of my daily reads, so I was beyond excited when she asked me to take part in "Modern Day Style".  I chose Jane Birkin because I love her laid-back, free spirited yet chic style. Plus, she sure knows how to rock some denim and if there's something I love is jeans!


One: Madewell Striped Tagalong Tank / Two: J.Brand Bette High Waisted Flared jeans / Three: Ralph Lauren Collection Saddle Leather Shoulder Bag / Four: Madewell The Two-Tone Flatsack Platform / Five: Miu Miu Sunglasses / Six: Gorjana Cross Over Long Necklace / Seven: Madewell Feather Pendant Necklace


Jane Birkin photos via Vogue Daily / Birkin Tumblr

Monday, July 23, 2012

Thoughts for a new week :: we are shaped by our thoughts


Welcome to Monday lovelies! 

I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject of happiness lately: how to create it and how to live it as part of your daily life, rather than it being this elusive fleeting moment you find yourself constantly chasing after.

Then I came across this quote, suggesting that creating joy is simply a by-product of our thoughts and by filling our minds with only good and uplifting thoughts can change your whole perspective, leading to that wonderful state of happy.

So this week I'm on a mission to follow the wisdom that Buddha speaks and only fill my mind with positive and happy thoughts and see where it leads me. It will require some steely determination on my part and I'm guessing, continual introspection, but I'm going to try + report back on how it went in next week's post. 

Anyone else keen to give it a go?

On a side note, my weekend was filled with all kinds of happy. I've been planning my trip (who knew there was so much to organise before going away for 5 weeks?!) and loving the whole process of reading and researching the parts of Europe I'm travelling to. 

I hope you have a wonderful start to the week!

Rachel xo

P.S tomorrow marks the start of an excting new mini series on the blog, so make sure you stop by!

Image via.



Saturday, July 21, 2012

Happy weekend + lovely links



Happy weekend! Its freezing here so its a good excuse to stay indoors to make some homemade soup  (this one), do some trip planning and catch up on a few movies I've wanted to see. On my list to watch is Delicacy, the charming French comedy with Audrey Tautou + My Week with Marilyn. Have you seen anything good lately?

:: Here are this week's lovely picks...

+ These Shark bite cupcakes are adorable!

+ The Man Repeller had an extremely entertaining interview with herself.

+ This blueberry+blackberry crumble looks delicious! 


:: And in case you missed it...

+ Thoughts for a new week :: adjust your sails.


+ A charming vintage workspace.


+ I also stopped over at A Creative Day to take part in Eileen's Everday series - take a look here.

Next week I'm super excited to be kicking off a new mini-series here on the blog featuring some of my favourite bloggers, so pop by and check it out!

Enjoy the weekend friends,

Rachel xo









Thursday, July 19, 2012

Miranda Kerr in NYC :: get her style



one // two // three // four // five // six


Ok, so I will admit I am a little bit obsessed with Miranda Kerr's style. I've featured her here + here and am always pinning away her fab street style outfits.


This super-chic ensemble she wore out in NY last week is no exception; she looks utterly amazing, don't you think? I did a bit of hunting around and put together all the items in her look. I will say that the stunning Celine Cabas bag is very high on my wishlist; perhaps I will splurge when I'm in Paris... Of course it seems only fitting that I buy a ridiculously expensive (yet extremely chic) bag when in Paris ;)


Only one more day until the weekend!


Rachel xo


Image credit: Vogue

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wednesday Workspace {vintage inspired}


This vintage workspace, belonging to illustrator Paula Mills inspired me today. I love the creative vibe Paula has created with her collection of gorgeous vintage pieces, accumulated through her travels and years spent living in South Africa + England.


The rest of Paula's home is equally amazing; see the full house tour here


Happy Wednesday lovelies!


Rachel xo




Image via Design*Sponge.



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Currently Coveting :: White // Denim + a guest post!





White + denim is such a classic look that will never go out of style and is pretty much my uniform most of the time. The reason why I love it is that there are so many different ways it can be worn. Whether dressing it up with heels + jewellery, or going for a more tailored look with a blazer + ballet flats, the styling opportunities are endless.

I have put together two of my favourite ways to wear white + denim: a casual look + a more glam look...


1. Blazer // 2. Boyfriend Jeans // 3. Scarf // 4. T-shirt // 5. Ballet flats // 6. T-shirt // 7. Skinny Jeans // 8. Necklace // 9. Bag // 10. Flats 



So tell me, what is your favourite way to wear white + denim?


I'm also over at A Creative Day, taking part in Eileen's fab Everyday Series; so head on over and say hello!


Rachel xo


Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Monday, July 16, 2012

Thoughts for a new week :: adjust your sails



Happy Monday lovelies, I hope you enjoyed a lovely weekend! Even though its winter here, we had so much sunshine and it was nice to get outside and soak it up!

I love the sentiment of this quote that reminds us to keep calm in the face of challenges that have come our way. 

Removing the stress and forcing ourselves to look at challenges in a new light is a positive way to respond to tough situations; and adjusting our mindset to this way of thinking will give us the strength and confidence to move forward in a new direction.

I hope you're having a wonderful start to the week!

Rachel xo



Saturday, July 14, 2012

Happy weekend + lovely links


Happy weekend my lovely friends! I have a bit of a spring in my step at the moment as I've just planned to take a full month off work in September/October to travel to Europe! 

I tried to recall the last time I had a proper holiday and scarily realised that I’ve not taken a month off work in over 8 years, so to say I'm excited would be a complete understatement! I'm looking forward to spending the weekend planning my trip and starting to brush up on my French as I know I'll be spending a couple of weeks in Paris and the south of France.
I would love to know any tips you have! 

Do you have any plans?

Here were my favourite lovelies this week...

+ Crystal Gentilllo shared her San Francisco house tour over at Apartment Therapy.


+ I loved this Day in the Life interview + photo shoot with Erin Gates over at Sous Style.


+ Sophie shared this tasty grilled hallmoui recipe - a perfect weekend lunch idea!


:: And in case you missed it...

+ Inspiration for a new week :: be the person you are.

+ House tour :: Handmade with vintage charm.




Have a wonderful weekend!

Rachel xo


Image via

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Love her style :: Alexa Chung

If one were to make the assumption that Alexa Chung is synonymous with style, my guess is they would be right. The fashionable Brit who has been the face of countless advertising campaigns including Madewell, Supergra, Vero Moda and Lacoste; has graced the covers of numerous magazines and is a front row fixture at every major fashion show; can also count having the widely coveted Mulberry Alexa bag named after her as one of her many fashionable achievements.

What I love about Alexa's style is that she manages to pull off an adorable mix of quirky/classic/tomboy meets edgy/glam - all at the same time, and each outfit she creates bears the distinct air of her unique style.


Here are some of my favourite looks....












Are you a fan of Alexa's style?


Rachel xo



Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wednesday Workspace


Hi lovelies! Is this inspiration board not one of the coolest you have seen?  Not only does it take up a whole wall  but the textured cork makes for such an interesting effect.


This workspace was actually created and styled by Laure Joliet as part of a campaign for Jambox but I didn't even notice the Jambox in the shot to be honest, I was more interested in the inspiration wall!


Hope you're having a great Wednesday!


Rachel xo


Image via: Laurie Joliet

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Handmade, with loads of vintage charm + the giveaway winner!

I spied this lovely house tour over at Apartment Therapy filled to the brim with vintage charm and lovingly decorated by wedding dress designer, Veronica and her husband Keith.

I couldn't help but fall head over heels seeing these fabulous chevron curtains and vintage lamps....Incredible!

Although I'm not normally a fan of dark walls in a kitchen, in this case I think it works well given the streaming light coming through the windows and the white dining room walls flowing into the kitchen. Plus, I love the choice of adding the green + red accent colours.




I love how the subtle touches of black against the soft pink walls + artwork really make the living room pop - the piping on the couch, the vintage lamp and the studded coffee table....


So many lovely handmade touches in the bedroom + mixed with the vintage pieces give this room such a warm and cozy vibe, don't you think?



What are you loving about this home?


See more loveliness in the full house tour here


Thank you so much to everyone who entered the Charlee Le More giveaway! The lucky winner was Courtney P! Congratulations, you will be receiving an email shortly!


Happy Tuesday lovelies,


Rachel xo


Image credits: Apartment Therapy.


Monday, July 9, 2012

Thoughts for a new week :: be the person you are


It is so easy to get caught up in negativity when you start comparing yourself to other people (who lead seemingly perfect lives), where you end up going down a train of thought that leaves you feeling rather dejected. But with a little practice it is possible to shift this thinking into a positive mindset that makes you feel grateful for the person you are and celebrate all the joyous reasons why its great to be you.

Our individual traits (love them or loathe them) are what makes each of us unique and special. No, not everyone is going to like you, but be ok with that, and instead be thankful for the people you have in your life who love you for who you are.

A few simple daily reminders...
1. Find yourself and accept yourself on your own terms.
2. Don't let yourself be defined by your past; allow yourself to grow and move forward.
3. Be honest and open with who you are.
4. Be your own best friend.
5. Don't be afraid to create and follow your own style.


Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!


Rachel xo


Image credit

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Happy weekend + lovely links



Hi lovelies! The weekend snuck up on me but I'm glad its finally arrived! Its a cold + rainy here so I'm looking forward to relaxing and recharging, curling up with a few books on my reading list, namely two classics that I'm re-reading: The Great Gatsby + Anna Karenina. Other than that I'm planning to visit the markets, pick up some fresh flowers and indulge from a few sweet treats in the patisserie next door to me - this is going to be dangerous, I can tell! 

A few favourite lovelies this week ::


+ The new photographs Leigh Viner released in her Etsy store from her recent European travels are incredible. The Paris shots are my favourites.


+ The Matchbook Mag July Issue is dedicated to female entrepreneurs and I have to say, it was incredibly inspiring to read each of their stories. 


+ Meg just launched a great new series, Get Shit Done and the first interview was with Grace from Stripes + Sequins. I love reading how other people keep organised to GSD!


+ The home of Kyle DeWoody, creative director and co-founder of the art-meets-design store Grey Area, is all kinds of amazing. 


Don't forget the cushion giveaway ends tomorrow night, so make sure you enter for the chance to win your choice of any two cushions from Charlee Le More's Etsy store.


Have a lovely weekend friends!




Rachel xo


Image credits: Matchbook Mag, July 2012

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Wednesday Workspace {minimalist black + white}


As you know I can never resist a black and white combination, so today's workspace immediately grabbed by attention! I'm loving that there is zero room for clutter and that everything is neatly organised on those shelves + boxes. 

I also really like this style of calendar. Its size means not only is it easy to read (AKA plan from afar with ease), it also doubles as art, which works well given the minimalist style of the room. The calendar is by Stendig + you can buy them online here.

Happy 4th of July to my US friends!

Rachel xo



Image credit: Design*Sponge


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Charlee Le More Cushion Giveaway!



Hi lovelies! I hinted yesterday that I would be hosting an exciting giveaway today! As you know I rarely do giveaways on the blog, but when Rochelle from Charlee Le More approached me to do this one I couldn't refuse. I bought one of her gorgeous cushions for my workspace a few months ago and love it (of course I chose black + white!). 


So today, to celebrate the launch of the new "Lace" range, Rochelle is generously offering any two cushions (of your choice!) from her Etsy store to one lucky winner!

{How to enter}
1. Be a follower of Little Bits of Lovely.
2. Visit the Charlee Le More Etsy store + let me know in the comments below which two cushions you would choose + which room you would use them in if you won.


{For additional entries}
+ Tweet about the competition using hashtag #littlebitsoflovelycushiongiveaway
+ Pin your favourite Charlee Le More cushion on Pinterest, along with hashtag #littlebitsoflovelycushiongiveaway 
+ 'Like' Charlee Le More on Facebook.
Make sure you leave a comment below for any extra entries.


Entries close on Sunday 8th July at 11:59pm (AEST). The winner announced on Tuesday 10th July.


Good luck!



Rachel xo



Monday, July 2, 2012

Thoughts for a new week :: a word on magic


Lovelies, can you believe July has arrived already? Time is flying and it must be because I'm having fun; well, having fun planning ideas + {just maybe} creating a little magic...

I'll be hosting an exciting giveaway tomorrow, so make sure you stop by!


Rachel xo