Saturday, August 17, 2013

An update + a fond farewell



In case you have found your way here, I wanted to let you know that I'm set up with my new digs and am back blogging again!

I had a slight change in direction which you can read more about here - I'd love you to stop by and check out my new site, One Beautiful Life.

This will be my final post on this blog, but I'd still love you to take a look around at the archives here as there is a tonne of inspiration.

Here are some favourites:
+ Inspired life
+ Currently Coveting
+ Weekend Wear
+ Love Her Style
+ Modern Day Style
+ Wednesday Workspace

Otherwise, see you over at One Beautiful Life!

Much love,
Rachel xo


Monday, March 4, 2013

A confident change in direction




Many of you know that the last year or so has been one of huge change for me, one which has also seen my self confidence quietly diminish as I questioned over and over again what exactly I am meant to be doing, whether or not I should keep this blog and whether I even have anything meaningful to contribute to the blogopshere. It would be a hard decision to end the blog as I love being able connect with all of you and I also love having a little corner of the internet where I get to create everyday.

Yet for a while now something has been bothering me; I haven't felt that this little space is a true reflection of me anymore, or rather, who I am today. While I will always appreciate the lovely, I guess I have changed so much from when I first started this blog and now I can't get over the feeling that I want more. I want more satisfaction from being able to help people and I want more satisfaction from knowing that my blog is a reflection of my true self, which I am afraid it is not.  

I started this blog from a very different place to where I am now, a whole lifetime ago. I was newly married and in need of inspiration for setting up our first home together. But since then, things have changed dramatically - I am on a different journey, and now it is time for a new direction.

Fashion and style will always be my first love, and while it may be considered superfluous, I love it not because of the trends, or the latest from the runway, I love it because as women, we have the ability to define our own style. And with the style we create comes confidence, a confidence which allows us to shine and be the very best version of ourselves.

My other love that has been left off this blog is my overwhelming passion for health and fitness. Yes I have touched on it, but I have never really felt this was the right space to fully explore the topic and how big a part of my daily life it actually is. This passion has in fact prompted me to begin the next part of my journey where I have just enrolled to become a Holistic Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition

I have had so much angst over these two conflicting passions of mine and trying to figure out how they could fit together harmoniously. But only recently has it all started making sense: the common thread between the two is confidence and self love. When we commit to loving ourselves and are healthy, exercising and feeling our best, our self-confidence soars. By the same token, when we define our own style and our exterior matches what our heart is telling us on the inside, we develop the confidence to truly be comfortable with who we are.

So, I will be launching a new blog where I will be making it my mission to inspire women everywhere to create a life that is led by self love: one that is underpinned by living a healthy lifestyle and defining your own style; a life where you are overflowing with confidence, feeling good on the inside and not just looking good on the outside.

What does this all mean I hear you say? Well I'm in the process of setting up my new digs. I'm going all fancy with a grown up .com domain and will be making the move over to Wordpress. This is going to take a little while as I'm working with an amazingly talented lady to get it all designed and looking pretty. The next few months will be crazy as I dive head first into my course and really immerse myself into my new world, so I have decided to take a hiatus from blogging until the dust has settled and I have my new digs set up.

Thank you for bearing with me here and the long essay, but I wanted to give you an honest update on where my head and heart are at and what has been keeping me pre-occupied over the last few months. 

In the meantime, I will still be on Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram and I will definitely pop back in here to let you know where my new place is at! {you will also notice that I have updated my profile handles to my full name}.

Before I go, I want to thank everyone who has been reading this little blog - whether you are new here or have been a long-time reader - I truly am grateful that you have taken the time out of your day to stop by and I hope you are excited to continue the journey with me.

Much love,
Rachel xx


Image via

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Weekend Wear {denim}

Chambray shirt // Jeans // Ballet flats // Bag // Glasses // Chanel nail colour, Pirate // Christian Dior lip colour, Nude rouge

I am loving this super chic and simple denim ensemble for the weekend. These nude ballet flats are a wardrobe staple given how incredibly versatile they are, and I do love how the red nails add the perfect touch of glam!

Enjoy your weekend!

Rachel xo


Image via




Thursday, February 28, 2013

Colour Crush :: Chartreuse




I've been crushing over chartreuse lately and have to say how much I'm unexpectedly loving this colour. It pairs beautifully with neutrals like black and grey and of course, makes for a fabulous statement.

In my dream wardrobe, I'm imagining wearing a minimalistic + chic outfit, something like this...



What do you think of chartreuse? How would  you incorporate it in your closet?

Rachel xo



Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A peek into my closet....


Hi lovelies! I'm over visiting my friend Gaby's blog, The Vault Files today where I'm featured in her In My Closet series. Hop on over for a peek!


Rachel xo

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Life In Style, Sydney


If you follow me on instagram you'll know that on Saturday I went to check out Sydney's Life InStyle trade show. The weather was crappy (we had torrential rain all weekend!) but seeing all of these obscenely creative people in one space more than made up for it.

 I left feeling really inspired after meeting so many passionate + talented peeps who were showcasing their wares, so I thought I'd give you a bit of a peek of the highlights today....


One of the highlights was seeing Cool Edie's stylists Lucy Weight + Jane Frosh's 'Style Lab' where they showcased a themed + styled product shoot each day over the four day event. Day #3's theme was Harlequins and Metallics. Don't you just love the exaggerated use of pattern + colour?


These gorgeous stationery pieces are from Korean company, O-Check Design Graphics. The boxes of twine were so lovely, as were these Chinese medicine vases which would be put to great use in styling a vintage-inspired workspace.


Sydney based duo Me + Amber's range of cushions, prints and greeting cards were one of my favourites and I loved their minimalist take on design. Their whimsical and charming creations are all handmade from recycled paper and sustainable and durable fabrics.  


Rifle Paper Co. had a stand so I had to take a pic of their beautiful stationary. I'm only slightly obsessed with their gorgeous range of notepads and cards!


For more happenings from the event, check out the Life InStyle blog.

Rachel xo

All image via my instagram.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Thoughts for a new week :: be your own best friend


Over the years as I have gotten older (and of course, wiser), I have learned to become my own best friend. Sometimes this means making a 'boring' decision or saying no, when in another lifetime I would have definitely said yes; but I know that living with myself everyday I have to make choices and decisions that are going to lead me to a better tomorrow. 

Carrie Bradshaw summed up this line of thinking beautifully in the final episode of Sex and the City, when she said "The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself".


The best thing we can do is to get to know our inner-most self, for better or for worse. There's a long road ahead, but it's bound to be an incredible journey if we pay close attention to what it is our heart truly desires.


Happy Monday friends,

Rachel xo


Image via

Friday, February 22, 2013

Weekend Wear + links


one. // two. // three. // four. // five. // six. // seven. // eight. // nine.

Happy weekend loves! This week has been incredibly long so I am very much looking forward to two days of bliss and playing catch up. The Life In Style trade show is on in Sydney this weekend so I will be heading down there tomorrow to check it out. I've been seeing loads of pics pop up on instagram so I'm keen to see all of the exhibits first hand! 
Will anyone else be there over the weekend? Would love to say hi if you are!

Here are a few favourites from this week....


+ The Everygirl turns one + Danielle + Alaina share their incredibly inspiring personal journeys + a peek inside their workspaces.

+ Natalia shared some great tips on wearing white jeans.

Pardon My French :: Garance Dore's NY Fashion week diary.

+ The Design Files interviews the talented duo behind Dinorsaur Designs: Louise Olsen + Stephen Ormandy.


Thank you so much for stopping by this week, I hope you have an amazing weekend!


Rachel xo



Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Camilla Freeman-Topper :: Modern French Glamour


I recently stumbled across the home of Camilla Freeman-Topper (one half of Aussie label Camilla + Marc) and loved everything about the modern French look she created, which oozes nothing short of glamour.


Her clever mix of traditional French provincial themed pieces with colourful and overly feminine touches give her home an incredible sense of warmth. 

Evidence of Camilla's artistic flair is everywhere with elements like the graffiti mirror and bold artwork creating eye-catching focal points. 



The stand out for me has to be that divine velvet vintage couch and I do love this idea of stacking magazines too.

Here's how to recreate Camilla's style....




Would you consider this style for your home?

Rachel xo


Image credit: vogue.com.au

Monday, February 18, 2013

Thoughts for a new week :: living in the moment


The art of happiness: so much has been written and spoken about it, but I love how Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, sums it up so beautifully and succinctly in this quote. 

Be present. Express gratitude. Love yourself first. 

Happy Monday friends,

Rachel xo



Image credit: Tommy Ton for US Harper's Bazaar, March 2013



Thursday, February 14, 2013

Pretty "love" prints




I thought it would be fitting today to share with you the "Love" prints from a new blog + shop discovery I made recently from Stephanie Sterjovskiphotographer, blogger and designer extraordinaire, based in Canada. 

Not only does Stephanie have a gorgeous blog with loads of outfit inspiration, she is also the creator of SS Print Shop, which is filled with the prettiest of prints. On her Facebook page she has just revealed her newest creation - the Colossians print {my top pick}, in a blush and gold version - I can't wait for this one!

Do you have a favourite?

Hop on over and take a peek at Stephanie's other prints here.


Rachel xo




Wednesday, February 13, 2013

5 Pinners to follow

I have a confession to make...One of my favourite distractions is Pinterest. Out of all the social media platforms out there I think Pinterest has to be top of my list. I love being able to organise my boards into collections of stuff I like and most of all, I love it as a way to discover new things. And yep, I'm never short of inspiration each time after I visit. 

So today I thought I'd share 5 of my favourite pinners with you, who all have the most amazingly curated boards that you need to check out immediately.


{who} Stephanie is a stylist and has her personal styling business, Simple and Chic. She also has a pretty amazing Tumblr that I have been following for a while now.

{what} Impossibly chic fashion, street and runway style; and the classics.



# 2 Dust Jacket Attic


{who} Debra pens the blog, Dust Jacket Attic which is always filled with the loveliest editorials and endless inspiration. Her Pinterest is an extension of her blog with an exquisite collection of imagery spanning over 7k pins.

{what} Editorials, fashion, entertaining and travel.

{best boards} Fashion-Editorial // Vignettes // Interiors



# 3 Le Fashion



{who} Jenn is the mastermind behind the blogs Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous, plus she is also the blog editor for Who What Wear. 

{what} Mainly fashion; loads of beauty + hair; fabulous street style and some minimalist decor thrown in for good measure.

{best boards} Style inspiration // Outfit collages // Beauty | Hair

# 4 Live Charmed




{who} DeeAnne, the blogger behind one of my favourite blogs, Live the Charmed Life.

{what} Dreamy images that conjure romance and loads of exotic locations. My favourites are her collection of inspirational quotes.

{best boards} Relaxed sophistication + Intelligent luxury // Intelligence is elegant // Sweet success

# 5 Aaron De Simone


{who} Aaron is a graphic designer and the curator behind I Heart Luxe. Trust me, this guy has got amazing style.

{what} A great mix of fashion, design, paper and inspiring words.

{best boards} Style // Words // Design


Are you on Pinterest? Would love to know who your favourites are!

You can find me on Pinterest here :)

Rachel xo

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Pink + Pretty


I adore pink, always have and probably always will. I may go overboard on occasion, but whenever I get the choice to pick a colour for something, whether it be a notebook, pen or lip balm, I will always go for the pink option. Even my wallet is now pink! Pink is such a  playful and fun colour; and in my view a girl can never have enough pink in her life.



So much prettiness! Are you loving pink as much a I am?


Rachel xo


Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3


Monday, February 11, 2013

Thoughts for a new week :: a beautiful symphony






Wise words and a beautiful note to start the week on, don't you think lovelies?

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Rachel xo



Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3





Saturday, February 9, 2013

Happy weekend + NYFW street style faves


'


Happy weekend loves! Well, NYFW is underway and already we're starting to see some of the fabulous looks from the street, which, in my view are always the best part.

What are your plans this weekend? I'm planning to try out a new quinoa recipe that I've had on my radar and a little decorating is in order too. I've been meaning to do something with my workspace for a while now and with loads of inspiration around lately I've got some good ideas up my sleeve.

Here are a few of my favourites from this week....

+ Will shared this really awesome 'all you need to know' infographic on blogging.

Gaby sparked my love of graphic t-shirts. How cool is the Grace Coddington version?

+ Lovely + white San Fran home :: Caitlin revealed her latest decorating project.

+ Tiffany shared how to make the perfect kale salad.

And in case you missed it....


+ My February Style list


+ I made this healthy + delicious muesli slice recipe


Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends + thank you so much for stopping by this week!

Rachel xo


Image credits: Harper's Bazaar



Thursday, February 7, 2013

Healthy eats :: muesli slice


Trying to be healthy when you have a sweet tooth is a challenge, but this super easy muesli slice recipe is a way you can be {mostly} good and whilst enjoying a treat.

To try and make the slice as natural + nutritious as possible I used organic ingredients where I could, but of course this isn't essential.

Ingredients:

* 3 cups of muesli

* 1/4 cup of honey

* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

* 1/4 cup shredded coconut

* 3/4 cup dried cranberries

* 100mL coconut oil

* 2 eggs


Method:

* Mix together the muesli, honey cinnamon, coconut + oil and bind together with the 2 eggs

* Add mixture to a shallow tin

* Bake in a fan forced oven at 160 degrees for 25-30 min or until lightly golden.


See, super easy right?


Enjoy!

Rachel xo





Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wednesday Workspace {glam + modern eclectic}

It's been a while since my last Wednesday Workspace post but today I have not one, but two spaces that have caught my eye recently...


The first is blogger + photographer, Shay's workspace, which she has decorated in a fun + feminine glam style. I was immediately drawn to the gold striped wall, but then I saw that fabulous chandelier and chalk board wall and was hooked. I also love the idea of turning a picture frame into a pin board.


The second is a delightfully modern eclectic workspace, owned by interior stylist Briar Stanley. The vintage mirror looks super cool, as does the the pin board, which is actually a really simple {and clever} idea of using pegboard cut to size from Bunnings. I love the approach Briar used to decorate her space where she simply 'raided her craft cupboard and had a play' piecing everything together. I think it turned out pretty well, don't you think?


Which style of workspace would you choose?


Rachel xo



Credits: Made By Girl // Sunday Collector

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February Style


What I'm crushing on this month...

{one}  The new Rose Duet is a duo of Diptique's most popular fragrances: Roses + Baises. I can only imagine how divine this sweet smelling scent must be.

{two + three} Kikki-K just launched a new range of homewares which have all been designed in their distinct simple and lovely Scandinavian style. I just bought these tea towels + pretty little bowels which are the perfect size to store jewellery and other trinkets.

{four} Statement necklaces are the perfect way to glam up an outfit and I am crushing over this elegant gold piece from Madewell.

{five} This Pierre Hardy tote would make the perfect carry-all and I just love the pink trim!

{six} How sweet is this heart-shaped ring

{seven} Can you tell I am crushing over gold accessories at the moment? I need a pair of gold flats and these Joie loafers caught my eye.

{eight} This Theory collarless white blazer is a wardrobe staple + would easily add polish to any outfit.


Rachel xo