Happy weekend + lovely links

Happy weekend friends! I can't believe this is the last weekend before my trip + to say I'm excited would be a complete understatement! This weekend I need to get organised; I have a long overdue hair appointment (I've been holding out as long as possible so I can have it done at the last minute before I leave!); picking up last minute things I need for my trip and starting to pack. 

Here are this week's lovely picks...

+ 50 of the best quotes from the incredibly inspiring Diana Vreeland.

+ Liz took these amazing shots of Versailles on her recent trip to Paris; they are just exquisite.

+ For my fellow stationery lovers, I just discovered OliveBox, which is a new subscription service where members receive the loveliest box of paper + lifestyle products delivered to their door each month. Sign me up!

+ I love these beautiful Fashion Week illustrations Samantha Hahn created.

+ Rach wrote this love-soaked letter of encouragement that needs to be pulled out whenever you need reassurance.

On that note, with my impending trip and the last few weeks of craziness since starting my new job, I haven't had as much time to dedicate to the blog as I would have liked, which has forced me to reflect and take stock of what it is that really want to be doing. I know there are going to be big changes when I get back and I really am so excited about the future of this blog and the plans I have. 

I am reminded of this everyday + am busily working on putting my plans into action...

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter the super sweet Typo giveaway to win a gift pack of your choice!

Wishing you an amazing weekend,

Rachel xo


Image credits: 1 | 2

Shoe love

I'm definitely what you would describe as a 'bag person" over a "shoe person" and normally  stick to flats, but lately I've been feeling more adventurous and thinking that I'd like to start wearing heels more often. 

I've seen so many I've fallen in love with but here are the ones I wouldn't mind having in my closet...

1. Christian Louboutin pumps // 2. Valentino Rockstud slingbacks //  3. Emerson Fry python slingbacks // 4. Christian Louboutin pumps // 5. Kate Spade Licorice  // 6. J.Crew Etta cap toe shoes

Don't forget to enter the Typo giveaway to win a gift pack to match your favourite workspace! 

Rachel xo

Win a Typo gift pack to match your favourite workspace!

Hi lovelies! I have a bit of a treat for you today with a slight spin on the usual Wednesday Workspace post.... I have partnered with the lovely folk over at Typo who are offering one lucky winner their choice of a specially designed gift pack that will ensure you stay stylishly organised. 

To enter, all you have to do is choose from one of the three workspaces below and tell me which one reflects your personality best and the winner will receive the matching prize pack!

1. Pink polka dot notepad // 2. Needle me pink pen // 3. White pearl pen // 4. Ceramic deer // 5. Mini notebook 3 pack // 6. Confetti desk stack // 7. Pencil cup // 8. Tape on a roll  9. Flip clock  // 10. Calculator

1. Frankie Floral notebook // 2. Spooled ribbon // 3. Cupcake paperclips // 4. Cupcake set of 3 notebooks // 5. Spinout pen pack // 6. Give it to me tags // 7. To The Point paper flags

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1. Screen printed canvas "&" // 2. Wooden pencil set // 3. Big Ideas Notebook // 4.  // 5. White Skull // 6. Artists Marker // 7. Bomb bank // 8. Thin notebook

{How to enter}

+ Be a follower of Little Bits of Lovely through Google Connect 

+ In 25 words or less, tell me in the comments section below in which of the three featured 

workspaces {vintage pretty, perfect pastels or black + white minimalist} matches your 

personality the best and why.


{For additional entries}

+ Tweet about the competition

+ Pin your favourite item on Pinterest with the hashtag

 #littlebitsoflovelytypogiveaway

(leave a comment for each additional entry)

{Terms}

+ The giveaway is open to all international entrants

+ The winner will be chosen based on their response to the giveaway question


+ The competition will close next Tuesday 25th September at 11:59 AEST + the winner will

be announced on Wednesday 26th September.




Good luck!

Rachel xo



Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3

What I'm packing {part deux}

I filled you in on what will be in my suitcase for the first part of my trip here, so today I'm going to share what I'm taking for the second part of my trip. Part deux of my trip will see me flying out of Marrakesh directly into Paris, where I'll be staying in an apartment in the Latin Quarter for a week. Following that, I will be jumping on the Eurostar over to London where I will be staying for another week.

The key is to pack as light as possible so that I have enough room in my suitcase to do plenty of shopping when I'm over there...

After seeing some street style shots from LFW this week, I am slightly concerned about how cold it will be and hoping I will survive with my just my leather jacket to keep me warm - at least until I can make it to the nearest Zara! 

8 days + counting!

Rachel xo

The perfect t-shirt

Helmut, Kinetic jersey t-shirts 

So I realise this may be a stretch, but I really think that I have found the perfect t-shirt. For a while now I have been wearing James Perse, but I recently discovered these beauties from Helmut. Because I'm tall I always have trouble finding t-shirts that are long enough, but these are the perfect 'extra long' length. Plus because they are made out of jersey material they feel lovely and are extremely comfy. 

I did what any other person would do when they discovered the perfect t - bought one in every colour! 

Do you buy 'one in every colour' when you find something you love?

Rachel xo

Thought for a new week :: never dull your sparkle

Happy Monday lovelies, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was spent busily prepping for my trip and getting things organised for when I'm away. Only 9 days until I'm jumping on that plane! 

I couldn't resist starting the week of with a bit of sparkle* and with the little reminder that we are meant to shine. It is so easy to listen to the little voice that pops up in your head telling you when things are not possible; but by instead focusing your energy on what you can do, and not what you can't, will reveal a new perspective where even the impossible can be achieved.

Have a fabulous start to the week!

Rachel xo

Image //quote

Happy weekend + lovely links

Hurray for the weekend! This has been really long week for me with work, so I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend + catching up on life.  Plus with only 12 days to go until I leave for my trip, I have lots to do to get organised before I go!

Here are my favourite lovelies from this week....

+ I've been loving Garance Dore's Pardon My French series. A few highlights have been   her interviews with Bryan Boy + Anna Dello Russo; behind the scenes at the Alexander Wang party; and her take on both the Proenza Schouler + the Marc Jacobs shows.

+ A new perspective: why setting standards means leading a high quality life.

+ I loved Emily's travelling tips.

+ The new issues are out for Rue, Lonny + Matchbook Mag

+ Emerson Fry's Fall Collection has arrived and I'm crushing over just about everything; especially this coat + this one;  these shoes + this bag.

+ More NFYW favourites: Kate Spade | Oscar de la Renta | Holmes + Yang | J. Mendel | Sass & Bide

And in case you missed it....

I visited Ada's blog, taking part in her Chic Files series + my first-ever outfit post 

+ NYFW :: Carolina Herrera

+ A bright + chic workspace

+ NYFW :: street style round up

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Rachel xo

Guest post {the chic files series}

Hi lovelies! Today I'm over visiting Ada's gorgeous blog + one of my daily reads, where I'm taking part in her Chic Files series + my first ever outfit post. I'm super nervous about this, but I hope you enjoy it! 

Rachel xx

Carolina Herrera :: Spring 2013

I mentioned yesterday that Carolina Herrera has been one of my favourite collections so far at NYFW, so I just couldn't resist posting about it today. I thought whole collection was so feminine, chic and incredibly modern. I love the soft palette of blues and warm greys; and the introduction of orange is perfection. 

See the full collection here.

Rachel xo

Wednesday Workspace {bright + chic}

The gorgeous mix of colours in this workspace immediately grabbed my attention; the vibrant orange, gold, green + brown all work in harmony together. I love the vintage desk + how it has been completely transformed and modernised; making a lovely statement piece in the room.

Such a chic + charming workspace, don't you think?

Rachel xo

Image credit: Style at Home via Brunch at Saks

NYFW :: Street Style round up

New York Fashion Week is well underway with some of my favourites showing the last few days: Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Jason Wu, Thakoon + Zac Posen.

But the best part of Fashion Week for me will always be the street style looks, where stylish fashionistas have spent weeks leading up to the event planning their outfits down to the very last detail.

Here are a few highlights from the past week...

What have been your highlights from NYFW?

Rachel xo

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Snaps from the weekend +the Shopbop giveaway winner

Hi lovelies! I was playing around with my camera yesterday when I took my nieces to a local fair + had to share these adorable pics of Tahlia, who was happily posing for me + loved being in front of the camera!

And now to announce the winner of the Shopbop giveaway...

The winner of the $100 gift-card is....Samantha Tedesco.

Congratulations Samantha, you will receive an email shortly.

A big thank you to everyone who entered the competition! 

Hope you're having a lovely Monday,

Rachel xo

10 reasons to smile...+ a guest post

Hi lovelies! I thought these 10 reasons to smile would be the perfect pick-me-up on a Monday morning after a glorious weekend of Spring sunshine!

You'll also find me over on Natalie's gorgeous blog today, sharing a few ways to style my latest crush: the Acne Mape Stamped leather jacket. Hop on over to take a peek! 

I will be back a little later to announce the Shopbop giveaway winner + share a few snaps from the weekend.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Rachel xo

Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

Colour crush {cobalt blue}

There is something about cobalt blue that gives off a positive vibe, don't you think? I'm really loving this colour as we move into the warmer months.

Here are my favourite picks...

1. Rag + Bone contrast-stripe skinny jeans 2. Marc Jacobs hobo bag // 3. Nicholas Kirkwood glitter loafers // 4. Ciccio glasses //  5. Kate Spade 'give it a swirl' necklace // 6. Marc Jacobs camera bag  7. J.Crew patent skinny belt // 8. J.Crew blazer

Wednesday Workspace {minimalist}

I love the simplicity of this workspace. The black wall with the curtain rod used as an inspiration wall of sorts is a really fun idea + makes for a striking feature in the midst of such a minimalist space.

What are you loving about this workspace?

Rachel xo

Image credit: Daily Dream Decor

What I'm packing {part one}

Hi lovelies! With just 3 weeks to go now before I leave on my trip (!) I thought I'd give you a bit of a peek into what I will be packing. I've split this up into two posts because I'm essentially going on two different trips in the month that I will be away. 

For the first 15 days I will be travelling to Spain, Portugal + Morocco: starting in Madrid and making my way across to Portugal and then down the coast of Portugal and into Morocco. From what I can gather, it will still be quite warm in all of these countries, yet in Morocco I need to make sure I have appropriate clothing to respect the cultural differences.

1. Supergra sneakers //  2. Repetto ballet flats // 3. J.Crew Western Denim shirt // 4. J.Crew boat neck t // 5. Scarfs: 1, 2 + 3 // 6. J.Crew tank //7. Victoria Beckham super skinny jeans // 8. Bassike jersey slouch pants.

I will be taking a lot of basics that I plan on mixing up with scarves and accessories. I'd love to be taking more, but the reality is that I need to be travelling as light as possible, which is easier said than done!

Have you been to any of these countries? Are there any essentials that I am missing?

Stay tuned for part two,

Rachel xo

Spotted! Blake Lively + the Burberry striped suede tote

I have a massive crush on the Burberry striped suede tote that Blake Lively was recently seen sporting on the set of Gossip Girl. Who else is excited about the 6th {and final} season starting next month? I can't wait!

Rachel xo

P.S Don't forget to enter the Shopbop giveaway to win a $100 gift card! 

Guest post :: The Vault Files

Hi lovelies, welcome to a brand new week. This is going to be a crazy one for me so I'm just hanging on for the ride! The new job started today and there will be no easing into it, just diving straight in and rolling with it. 

Today you'll find me over on The Vault Files {one of my fave daily reads} filling in for Gab while she is of on her NZ adventure. Hop on over to see my latest colour crush :: orange + black, plus two different looks I pulled together. 

Happy Monday!

Rachel xo

P.S Have you entered the Shopbop giveaway to win a $100 Gift card?

Happy {spring} weekend + lovely links

Happy weekend + first day of spring! I celebrated the last day of my job yesterday so I'm officially unemployed until Monday when I start my new gig :) This weekend I'm going to be enjoying the lovely spring sunshine + getting my camera out to get as much shooting practise in as possible; then we're having a big family dinner get together to celebrate Father's Day tomorrow.

Here are my favourite picks this week...

+ Kelly Framel, Jamie Beck + Kevin Burg collaborated to create this utterly incredible Gatsby-inspired Summer's End series

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

+ Sarah from Note to Self shared her insights from Alt Summit + a brilliant infographic on Steps for a Creative Life

+ Solange Knowles + Madewell = a fun collaboration

+ I loved this piece Sarah wrote on how to release your inner Parisian

+ The gorgeous Rach from In Spaces Between just launched her super-inspiring e-Book: 20 ways to create your best life ever

+ One of my favourite bloggers, Sarah Klassen of Haute Design has opened up a the loveliest online children's boutique, Leuie - you must take a peek! 

I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

+ if you haven't already, don't forget to enter the Shopbop giveaway to win a $100 gift card!

Rachel xo

Image credit