Thoughts for a new week :: the best is yet to come

I’ve have had this quote in my room staring boldly at me for a while now and honestly, it has kept me sane this past year during times where I have felt life was letting me down or when things have not turned out the way I had originally hoped. I’ve had to consciously keep reminding myself that there are truly some amazing things ahead, knowing that no matter how bad things were I had to just keep going.

Not only have things been rocky in my personal life, but things in my day job have not been all that stable either; I have been extremely anxious for months now about the future of this situation. All of which had me questioning whether I was on the right path and furthermore, trying to figure out exactly the right path was. I knew I had to follow my heart, so that is what I focused on. A large part of that has been this blog which has almost become a kind of therapy for me, allowing me to explore my creative side and share with you everything that I am passionate about. It is also place I have where I have made friendships and connected with some truly inspiring people. I can't begin to express my gratitude for the opportunities this blog has opened up for me and I want to thank each person who has ever visited or commented, giving me words of encouragement and support that have all inspired me to keep going.

Unfolding over the past few weeks have been some exciting things that I am still pinching myself about. On Friday I found out that an unbelievable career opportunity has come my way which is going to finally put me on the right path, one that I have been waiting for a long time. My Europe trip, that I’m beyond ecstatic about, is coming around quickly and I’m really excited to be meeting up with a few bloggers when I’m over there who have become friends over the past few years. I'm thrilled to be a contributor for the first issue of new online magazine Latitude, where I have just had my first ever article published. And I’m beginning to cross things off my ‘someday’ to-do list, one of which had been to learn how to become a better photographer - I’m about to buy a DSLR + have enrolled in a photography course at the end of the month.

My point is that things don’t always stay the same and that life is always going to be about what you make it. There are many twists and turns and when opportunities come your way you just have to grab them and run with them. Follow what your heart is telling you. Always. And never give up hope that the best is yet to come.

Rachel xo

Happy Sunday + a few lovely links

Hi lovelies! Just popping in as I've had a super busy couple of days. Yesterday and last night was spent celebrating with my family for my sister's birthday {the first time we have seen her since her 7 week adventure!} and my little niece's 7th birthday; then today I'm headed off on a mini road trip to visit my grandmother who is unfortunately not very well.


Here are a few of favourites from around the web...


+ I'm excited to hear that Alexa Chung will be making an appearance in the final season of Gossip Girl {although the story lines lately have taken a nose-dive, I still find this show somehow deliciously intoxicating}.

+ I had the same reaction as Claudia when I saw the beautiful Hermes wallpaper collection.


+  I love these stylish ideas for storing magazines.


+ Victoria Beckham is the guest editor of Glamour's September issue. Read her interview + see the shoot here.


On a side note, I'm thrilled to have my first published article {cue squeals!} featured in the new online luxury travel magazine, Latitude. Take a read of my Sydney City Guide here + make sure you check out the rest of the gorgeous issue!

I hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend!


Rachel xo


Image credit.

Loving lately...

Now that we're officially in August I can start getting excited about the arrival of Spring next month. Hints of Spring are already in the air with the days getting longer; plus we're now starting to see the new seasons collections hitting stores, which is a good sign. It has been such a cold winter here, so I'm definitely ready for the warmer weather to arrive!

Today I wanted to share a few lovely things that have caught my eye lately...  

+ I loved this fun shoot with Olivia Palermo for Russian Tatler.

+ I've been seeing polka dots everywhere lately and I'm loving it! 

Are polka dots the next big thing? I hope so! 

+ This has to be the most amazing + delicious-looking cherry cake I've ever seen!

+ I love these pretty illustrations by 23 Maison Studio.

+ This English High Tea, inspired by the Olympics is so fun!

Hope you're having a lovely Thursday!

Rachel xo

Wednesday Workspace {understated glamour}

 At first glance this could appear to be a rather neutral, and dare I say a boring space, but taking a closer look at the textures at play, you can see there have been many layers added to create an incredibly understated glamorous corner.

I really can't get past the awesomeness of this lucite chair which is complemented so well by the fur throw. Yes, this would be workspace heaven for me.

What do you think: is this space too neutral and safe; or full of understated glamour goodness?

A big thank you to Claudia who put this workspace on my radar!

Rachel xo

Image credit

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!

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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...

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

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

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 

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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 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

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!

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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

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.

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.

+ Currently coveting :: White + denim.

+ A charming vintage workspace.

+ Miranda Kerr in NYC :: get her style.

+ 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

Image credit.

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 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.

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

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

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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.

+ How to do anything that you want.

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

+ 10 timeless lessons for a life well lived.

+ 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.

+ Wednesday Workspace :: a very cool inspiration wall.

+ Love her style :: Alexa Chung.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rachel xo

Image via

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 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

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.