Introducing Summer Style Series :: Part 1 {decor}

Hello lovelies! Melbourne Cup day unofficially signals the start of the festive season here in Aussie-land, so its fitting that I kick off the brand new Summer Style series today. 

With the help of some fabulous bloggers who will be sharing what Summer means to them over the next four weeks, I hope to inspire you to start the new season armed with ideas for creating an unforgettable Summer.

So allow me to introduce you Abbey from Gild & Grace with the first instalment of the series, who is going to share her decor inspirations for the warmer months...

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Hi there, Abbey here from Gild & Grace. I'm very excited to be here at Little Bits of Lovely bringing you this guest post about great Summer decor! For me Summer decor is all about breezy whites, airy open spaces and bright pops of colour and pattern. Think Hamptons classic meets Palm Beach fun - all blended into a relaxed yet sophisticated finish by India Hicks....

Here are my decor style essentials for the summer season ahead:

1. Nina Campbell 'Paradiso' wallpaper 2. Ada & Darcy Bamboo cushion 3. Kristy Lee Interiors Green drum stool 4. Whiteport 'Casablanca' table lamp 5. Ada & Darcy Chippendale chair 

***

Thank you Abbey for this gorgeous post. I'm already dreaming about endless Summer days at the beach; bbq's and cocktails!

Stay tuned for the second instalment next week,

Rachel xo

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

{a vampish halloween}

Happy Monday lovelies!  Thank you for all my birthday wishes last week; I had a brilliant weekend celebrating and after eating so much food I will be definitely hitting the gym this week! 

To mark the occasion of Halloween I thought I would share this vampish editorial shot by Louis Christopher and styled by Andrew Holden for Grazia UK. Very fitting don't you think?

And don't forget that tomorrow I will be sharing with you the first

of four guest bloggers who are taking part in a new mini-series!

Wishing you a {vampish} Halloween,


Rachel xo


Image credits: Grazia UK (October} via Fashion Gone Rogue

happy {birthday} weekend & lovely links

Happy Friday lovelies; finally the weekend has arrived! 

This weekend is going to be fabulous as I will be celebrating my birthday with lots of eating, drinking and being merry to look forward to!

Here were the lovelies that caught my eye this week...

* Love this pretty 2012 calendar round up

* ...And these 2012 day planners

* Caitlin Wilson's beautiful new store has opened and I already have my eye on these cushions

* These pretty labels are free to download and are perfect for gifting homemade jam, or the like, to someone special!

* A moment in time: classic fashion photography from Norman Parkinson

Stay tuned because next week I will be kicking off an exciting new series featuring some of my favourite bloggers who I know you will love!

Until then, I wish you all an amazing weekend!

Rachel xo

Image credits, clock wise from left to right: 1 | 2 | 3 & 4

Wednesday Workspace {gallery wall inspiration}

I stumbled across this lovely workspace designed by Erika, and was instantly drawn to her striking gallery wall & inspiration board. 


Creating a focal point of the gallery wall {artwork by Erin Ashley}, immediately grabs your attention & the idea of framing vintage magazine covers is so clever! 


I also couldn't resist the brights pops of colour against the grey walls; it makes quite a statement, don't you agree?


Happy hump day friends!


Rachel xo



All images via Small Shop Studio

5 things making me happy right now...

Ah Tuesday, we meet again. Not quite hump day and a yet still long way off from the weekend; so today I need a few little reminders of things that make me happy...

{one} Beyonce's new video clip for Countdown - she is positively glowing!

{two} An early birthday present from my lovely sister and these beautiful poppies!

{three} Going for a run with this little guy

{four} Striped goodies from Country Road

{five} This pretty JCrew necklace that arrived today - love!

I'm also having fun with instagr.am :)

What's making you happy today?

Rachel xo

currently coveting {hello yellow}

Lately I've been having a love affair with yellow. I've not really been a huge fan of yellow decor before, so for me this crush is something I'm having fun with, slowly introducing it into our home.

Here are few things I've had my eye on recently...

1. Vase 2. Print 3. Moroccan Pouffe 4. Illustration 5. Lamp 6. Cushion

Paired with black makes a striking combination, don't you think?

Rachel xo

Image credits, clockwise from left to right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

{happy weekend & lovely links}

Happy weekend lovelies! I'm looking forward to two days of sunshine, friends and family - I can't wait! 
Do you have any exciting plans?


I wanted to share with you a little snippet from behind the scenes at the 2012 Campari calendar shoot {being released oct 28}, featuring the ever lovely Milla Jovovich. I couldn't resist the vibrant colours of those divine looking outfits!


Here are a few more lovelies that caught my eye this week...


* I adore this gorgeous studio owned by Sea of Shoes blogger, Jane Aldridge
* Lili Radu: an exquisite collection of iPad & laptop cases
* Stylish decadence
* The Coveteur takes a peek inside the fashion offices of Rachel Zoe
* One of my favourite photographers, Abigail Ahern, shows The Selby around her home in London. 


Thank you for all for your company this week; I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!




Rachel xo






Photography by Dimitri Daniloff for Campari 

{pinterest pretties}

Happy Thursday lovelies! Only one more day until the weekend and I can't wait. It's starting to feel more like summer here now; the weather has been beautiful for the past few days and sunshine is expected on the weekend too!

I have found myself using Pinterest more and more recently; I'm having fun categorising boards and creating collections. Whilst I mainly use Tumblr for random lovelies I find, I think I will be using Pinterest a lot more from now on. 

Are you using Pinterest? Do let me know so I can follow your boards!

Rachel xo

all images via Pinterest

Wednesday Workspace {feminine luxe}

This incredibly luxe workspace, caught my eye today. I couldn't resist the distinctly feminine touches like the pink leather chair and lilac floral arrangement and complete with a Jimmy Choo shopping bag - love!


On a side note, in my aim to get ready summer, today I registered for Yoga Online. I found out about it after reading a blog post Garance Dore wrote and I can't recommend it enough; I did my first video tonight and felt so energised afterwards! Registration is only $10 per month and you receive complete access to all of the videos.  Has anyone else registered for Yoga Online? Would love to know any recommendations you have!


Rachel xo






Image credit: Elle Decor via Pretty Stuff

Get the look {sophisticated stripes}

1. Pencil Skirt 2. Earrings 3. Sunglasses 4. Clutch 5. Striped blouse

I love classic stripes paired with workwear pieces to create a timeless look; so chic and sophisticated don't you think?


Happy Tuesday lovelies!


Rachel xo


Image credit

{small space style}

Our new place has extremely limited storage and space so one of the key challenges we faced was where are we going to put all of our stuff?  We had to be creative and work out some clever ideas to maximise space, so for the past few weeks I have been gleaning as much inspiration as possible that I thought I would share.

{open shelving}

I love the idea of open bookshelves; not only can they be styled so they are visually nice to look at, but because the sides and back are open they automatically create a sense of space.

{living room}

                                     {kitchen}

Where to buy: West Elm; Howards Storage

{closet inspiration}

For the first time ever I am lucky enough to have designed my own closet space. Of course, its not as big as I would like, but its definitely the best closet space I have owned! I designed an IKEA Pax system that includes a shoe organiser, a special drawer to hold all of my jewellery and accessories, plus plenty of hanging space with different heights. Having a well organised closet makes getting dressed in the morning rather fun :)

Where to buy: IKEA


{make up /  drawer organisers} 

Drawer and make up organisers have become my new best friend. I didn't even know that such elaborate systems existed, but now that I do, my bathroom drawers have never looked so good.

Where to buy: Howards Storage

So there you have it, a few ideas that have inspired me lately. I will be sharing my progress soon, but in the meantime, I'd love to know what other space saving ideas you have!

I hope your week is off to a great start!

Rachel xo

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

{happy weekend & lovely links}

Thank goodness the weekend has arrived! The skies are gloomy here but fingers crossed the sun makes an appearance. We have another weekend of getting organised - a shelf we bought for the hallway and our new bed base are going to be delivered; I also plan to visit some antique stores to try and find a coffee table - so a fun weekend ahead!


Here were a few lovelies that caught my eye this week...


* This movie, directed by Madonna and starring Abbie Cornish, looks a-mazing!
* Love this pretty editorial: Alexa Chung for US Teen Vogue
* "Bloggers are more informed than anyone, about everything" - Fashion Week Perspectives from Emmanuelle Alt
* A beautiful collection of wallpapers
* Tablescape 101 - a new series I'm looking forward to!
And finally, some thoughts to inspire you for the weekend ahead;
"Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.

— Mary Anne Radmacher

Thank you for your company this week; I wish you all a most wonderful weekend!


Rachel xo




Image credit
Quote credit 

Love her style {miranda kerr}

Every time Australian model, Miranda Kerr steps out she makes a statement with her chic and classic style. She plays it safe with wardrobe staples like skinny jeans, blazers, but always has a fabulous bag on her arm and her trusty Wayfarers.

 Of course her best accessories are her husband Orlando and adorable baby Flynn!

Rachel xo

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Wednesday Workspace {oh the glamour}

The latest issue of Adore Magazine features the newly revamped office of New York agency, Cameo PR. I was instantly drawn into the decadent glamour of the space, which has been predominately styled in black and white. The mix of old and new is evident with the stunning vintage tufted sofa, sourced from Craigslist, being the statement piece of the room. I love all of the details in the space including the beautifully styled shelf and the entry table. Hard to resist, don't you think? 


On a side note - thank you so much for all of your beautiful comments yesterday - we had an incredible evening spoiling ourselves at one of our favourite restaurants, Toko. 


Happy hump day lovelies!


Rachel xo





Image credits: Adore Magazine

Celebrating two years today

2 years on and I still consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the world.


To my wonderful husband, happy anniversary.


Now we're off to celebrate; see you tomorrow lovelies!


Rachel xo

{Hello Monday}

Welcome to a brand new week my dears! After a busy weekend getting organised in our new place, the whole two days flew past at lightening speed; how is it that time flies so fast? We made good progress though and have fewer boxes sitting in our hallway so that is good thing! 


Here are a few lovelies to start the week...


* Beautiful October desktop calendar
* Be more productive
* The New York edition of Adore Home; not to be missed!
* How to wear a silk scarf
* In pictures: Vogue's round up of the 2012 Spring RTW collections
* A fabulous, vintage Sydney apartment



Wishing you a happy and productive week ahead!


Rachel xo






Images: clockwise from L to R: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

{October Style}

Hello lovelies! Can you believe we are in October already? How this year has flown by! October is my favourite month of the year - it is Spring here, so the weather is just lovely and the trees are starting to turn green, whilst there are so many flowers coming into bloom. It's also my birthday month and the anniversary of our wedding, so there is much to celebrate!


Here's what I'm coveting this month...

{one} Blue maxi pleat skirt - after seeing this gorgeous outfit from Helena, I'm craving a bright blue maxi skirt for the season ahead - how fabulous does it look paired with the leopard print belt?

{two} Donna Hay iPad app - this app is a perfect extension of the ever-beautiful magazine and definitely a must to download.

{three} Sleepy Hollow Pencil Cup - how sweet is this pencil cup? Currently on the wishlist for my new workspace.

{four} Jonathan Saunders, Soho 2012 diary - I'm loving this stylish two-tone Soho diary. With a week to a page view, plus a to-do list, there would be no excuse not to be organised!

{five} Valorie snakeskin clutch - the perfect clutch for the warmer months, being incredibly versatile and easily paired with the classics: black, denim and white. Love!

{six} Glasshouse, Rodeo Drive candle - with the aromatic scents of neroli and sweet myrrh, this divine smelling candle is a fresh take on Hollywood glamour.

Happy Thursday my dears!

Rachel xo

The end of an era: RIP Steve Jobs

Today the world lost one of the great visionaries of our time, Steve Jobs.


A truly inspirational man, who despite all of the challenges he faced, stayed true to himself and produced incredible things.


Steve Jobs, you will be remembered by our generation and many more to come. RIP.


“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

-Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement speech, June 2005.




Image credits: 1 | 2

Wednesday Workspace {small space style}

Hello lovelies! Wow, I can't believe it has been 2 weeks already! So glad to be back though; our new home is starting to take shape nicely. No longer being surrounded by boxes is a nice feeling and it also feels good to have my clothes all organised where I can see them!


We had a few dramas in the move - the main one being that our couch didn't fit through the door. So, sadly we had to say goodbye to our old couch, but on the plus side, we did buy a new one which is going to look amazing when it arrives in 4 weeks - eek!


But today, I wanted to share Lonny's associate market editor, Ellie Somerville, new workspace with you.


Ellie had only a small space to work with, but has definitely proved that you don't need a large area to create a truly elegant and stylish space - don't you agree? 

I'll be back tomorrow with the {slightly late} October style post! 


Rachel xo






Image credit: Lonny Blog