February Ponders + Wishlist

I sort of dread February's- it's birthday month and being the impossible goal setter, every year I get older, I build up this sense of dread and vast feeling of anxiety! I hate that I'm not where I want to be at my age. I'm totally forward thinking, but the finish line seems so far away...

I really hoped for more control at the age of 26 going on 27. I always read about these successful ladies- doing it all, all so young... (and with a smile!) and fret as to why I am not achieving like these beautiful ladies. Have I taken too much on? Have I set my ambitions too high? My parents always taught me that what ever I want in life, I have to go out and work my bum for it. But sitting in my parents house in the converted attic, with a nasty bout of teenage skin and on the second season of Chicago Fire, I'm having a real sorry for myself moment! 

My life isn't really that bad! Is it? And when I think about it more, my fear of failure turns into pangs of guilt. I have lots going on for me. I'm off to Barcelona and Galway in two weeks, and I'm reasonably healthy and happy! Or at least I should be...What right have I got for having a feel sorry for me moment. And then I realised that it's ok to be having a bad day (or month in my case!). It's ok to cry in the car! And it's certainly ok to not be content with how your life is panning out. It means I am ambitious and I have a desire to want to better myself. Nothing wrong with not wanting to be complacent....

So biting the bullet, and wanting to shake off this rut, I have booked a few meals out with friends, made a reservation with the lovely ladies at Tropical Popical and created a February Wishlist...well because shopping make me happy!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Clarisonic Smart Brush (Brown Thomas)- ...heck I'm nearly 27, but my skin is currently having a teen crisis. I have recently started Microdermabrasion- but this bad boy would actually be value for money compared to all the sessions I would have to get...

Camo print joggers (Topshop)- let's be real, I'm never going to be able to afford anything of the Yeezy collection?!

Alive perspex court heels (Office)- a dupe of the Gianvito Rossi pumps that Miss Kim K always wears...

Pink appliqué triangle bra (River Island)- because this is too pretty!

This Works Deep Sleep+ Pillow spray (Beauty Bay)- I bought Ev this and he hasn't stopped raving about it plus Beauty Bay have a great deal on with the product.

Dr Lipp lip balm (Beauty Bay)- not only is my facial skin super inflamed at the moment, but my lips are dry and white- rave reviews have made we want this bad boy!

Vans Sk8-Hi (Size?)- Sunday brunch shoes...

Brooch detailed high waist belt (ASOS)- how pretty?!

Airtex stripe midi dress (Topshop)- Super flattering panelling (esp. for big hipped ladies like myself!), love the airtex material and the colour is very seductive looking.

Kusmi Jasmine tea (Amazon)- my favourite tea flavour ever.

Leopard Bikini (River Island)- Holiday prep + it's leopard! That's enough of an excuse

Saint Laurent Monogramme sac Universite (Net-a-porter)- hey a girl can dream right?! Plus isn't this the perfect size...

January Wishlist...

The bank balance may be in the red...but I see nothing wrong with a bit of virtual shopping to get you focused and working hard for what you want! Here is my January wishlist.

Happy Shopping!

ASOS Leather look Culottes (ASOS)- I love culottes, I love this colour and I love the price!

Spectrum 4 piece contour set (Beauty Bay)- Because I have tired out my current brushes + I also love the colour of these ones...thats a reason right?!

MAGNIFICENT Sock boots (Topshop)- I have these in black and all though quite pricey for a high street shoe (€120), they are sooo comfy. So of course I have to have these...

Saint Laurent card holder (Brown Thomas)- because its pretty...and I could justify it!

Lace crop top (Topshop)- how pretty is this number? Ok I wouldn't wear it by itself, but just a peak of it under a shirt is super sexy!

Bamboo print bikini (Topshop)- because that's summer motivation right there!

Handmade wool hat (Zara)- a forever growing collection of mine, perfect for in between hair wash days and I think they jazz up any jeans/tee outfit.

ABH Brow definer (Beauty Bay)- I've heard really good things about this product. Have you?

Maison Martin Margiela- Replica Lazy Sunday Morning fragrance (Brown Thomas)- smells simply divine...

Round sunglasses by Prada (Brown Thomas)- because the winter sun is just far too strong for my 

eyes...cough cough!

Black cigarette pants (River Island)- I'm off to Barcelona in February and these paired with a polo-neck and loafers is tres European right?!

Weekend J'taime tee by Sundry (ASOS)- for brunch yah?!

Leather whipstitch heel boots (River Island)- Gahhhh! Died and gone to boot heaven!

Suede leather coat (River Island)- timeless investment piece!

Pink tones animal a-line skirt (Topshop)- always partial to leopard...Pair with a sports vintage tee and ankle boots...tres chic!

Autumn Wishlist

Is it just me or have the shops got the most amazing pieces in when you are the most broke?! Ugh! I'm so obsessed with the following pieces that I am seriously considering selling my body for them...no really I am! I tried on the Zara checked caped coat during the week and spent a few hours debating how I could buy it there and then lol! I love capes and could totally justify adding to the collection...

Links for items:

Leather Brogues (Zara) || Checked caped coat (Zara) || High neck tunic by Love (Topshop) || Pom Pom bangle by River Island (ASOS) || Snake print shirt dress (River Island) || Black lace up boots (River Island) || Chambray layered shell shirt (River Island) || Suede embossed croc purse (ASOS) || Boiled wool culottes (Topshop) || Unicorn print iPhone 6 cover by Skinny-dip (Nasty Gal) || OPI nail polish (Beauty Bay)



Happy Shopping x

Favourite Summer Looks

So this Summer I was very very lucky in that I got to travel to three different cities; Beijing, Dubai and Casablanca. And this meant that I got to wear a lot of clothes that I wouldn't be able to wear back home in Ireland (boo rain!)- here are my top 3 favourite outfits from my five-week long vacation. I re-used a lot of my pieces over the three cities as you could see in my Insta posts (follow me @ yasmina aniss) Links to exact items or similar have been posted- Happy Shopping!

*Note-for Irish & UK subbies- there is 20% of ASOS at the minute with a student code, and for Irish only subbies- there is 10% of Topshop for their newly launched Euro site with the code 'IETREAT10'

HOLIDAY LOOK 1-
Badass T-shirt (ASOS) || Collarless waistcoat on sale (Zara)- Similar here  || AM90 Premium (Size) || Levi's shorts (ASOS) || Tassle wallet on sale (Zara)- Similar here









HOLIDAY LOOK 2-
Sleeveless Belted duster- sold out (Topshop)- Similar here and here || Striped midi- sold out (New Look)- Similar here || Alexander Wang Rocco (NET-A-PORTER) || Spiked sandals- sold out (Zara)- similar here || HRH Delicate choker set in gold (HRH COLLECTION) || Pom Pom keyring- mine was is black but I am definitely getting this berry one (River Island)





HOLIDAY LOOK 3-
Black culottes (Primark/Pennys)- similar here || Plunge neck cami (Topshop) || Lace up wedged sandals- sold out (Topshop)- Similar here and here || MK watch (ASOS)

Florals and Fun

To celebrate the end of the stage school year yesterday, here is a little outfit of the day I whipped up before my Dublin date with my sister Grace. We went to our favourite sushi restaurant in Dublin to celebrate- Musashi on Capel Street (get the Ebi Tempura Masago rolls!)- it was her treat...luck me eh?! and we then went to Brother Hubbard for cake and coffee and their takeout iced tea. I popped into Folkster and bought a lovely pair of Indian Rose coloured culottes that I can't wait to wear on holidays in August and added these pair of Air Max 90's from Size? to my collection. I live in trainers, and having worked in Size? for over six years, biasedly, I still think the shop does the best collection of trainers in Ireland.

I am wearing a Zara waistcoat that I got in the recent Summer sale (similar here and here) || these Binx jeans from Topshop- I usually buy Joni, however these have more of a relaxed feel but are still high waisted || Nike AM 90 in black croc, similar here and here || this crepe tank top that I also got in the sale || a Michael Kors watch that was a gift- similar here || a beautiful bunch of pink flowers that I received from one of my students and had to accessorise with...(so lucky!)

Hope your all having a lovely Sunday, x

Sleeve-less Me Up!

Sleeveless jackets are my new favourite thing to dress up an outfit! Be it a duster, a waistcoat or a gilet. I think they are even topping a kimono...which is a big deal for me, as I love nothing more then a ankle length hocus pocus shawl (as my mum likes to call them!) You can throw them over a pair of jeans and a tee and your outfit is instantly updated! 

I recently bought this coral number in Topshop and loving the duster loose feel to it.

Below,  are my top pics from my two High Street favourites- Topshop and Zara- which ones are going in your basket?

1. Leather fringed waistcoat (obsessed, totally coachella-esque and so reasonable!)- Zara 

2. Long waistcoat- Zara

3. Sleeveless Ponte Jacket- Topshop (I actually have this one in grey, and its in a really comfy jersey material- and they also have it in a rust colour which would look awesome with a tan)

4. Premium Belted Jacket - Topshop 

5. Ok...so this one isn't High Street, but can we take a moment to appreciate this Isabel Marant number. Hey, it's all about goals right?! Cadiz feather and faux raffia vest by Isabel Marant- Netaporter

50 shade of GREY!

I'm heading with some friends to see the '50 shades of grey' movie tonight and we decided to treat ourselves and go for a VIP screening in the Mezz in Swords. So yes, i'll be having a glass of something cheeky with Popcorn and drooling over Jamie Dornan. I have yet to read the books, so I actually have no idea what most of the film will be about (*shock horror*) and have dedicated this post to all things shades of grey. A colour staple in my wardrobe lol!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend,

Yas x

(follow links to purchase items...go on...you deserve it!)

1. Premium 'Ghillie' shoes (Topshop)

2. Long duster knitted cardigan (Topshop)

3. Rib Tunic (Topshop)

4. Suede shopper bag (Zara)

5. Whistles felt fedora (ASOS) - *on sale

6. Vans classic slip ons (ASOS)

7. 'Obviously' t-shirt dress (River Island)

8. A-line mini skirt (River Island)

9. O.P.I nail polish (ASOS)

10. Cigarette slim trousers (Topshop)

11. Satin hair scrunchie (River Island)

12. Yasmine Eslami lace bra (Net-a-porter)

13. Yasmina Eslami lace briefs (Net-a-porter)

14. Prism cat eye sunglasses (Net-a-porter)

15. Designsix ear cuffs (ASOS)

L & B Christmas Guide- Gifts for Her

I hate starting the Christmas business too early as I feel it taints the actual day! But trying to be better with my funds, I'm buying 1-2 presents a week in the run up so I'm not totally broke for the whole of the Christmas holidays. My gift guides have been one of the most popular posts to date on this blog, so thought I would do them again this year! Have you somebody you need an idea for? Is there a gift guide you would like to see?

Today's 'Gifts for Her' post is really a gifts for me post lol! Hey, at least I'm honest! What's on your Christmas list? Happy Shopping!

Grey maxi Kimono (Folkster)

Vintage Chanel Vanity Case (NastyGal)

Patent court shoes (Topshop)

Girl boss book (Easons) ps- really want this lol!

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow primer (Brown Thomas)

Leopard print pelmet skirt (Topshop)

Nars Multiple (Brown Thomas)

Nike free run 2 (JD Sports)

Jurlique cleanser (BeautyBay)

Sleevless Ponte Jacket (Topshop)

Babyliss Pro Porcelain wand (BeautyBay)

Rainbow fur bag charm (ASOS)

Cocktail earrings (Folkster)

Moleskin notepad (Easons)

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume (Boots)

Saint Laurent wallet (Net-a-porter)

Le Specs D-Frame (Net-a-porter)

Carton House Spa Package (Carton House)

Fur me Fabulous

Fur is huge this season! Whether you choose to do just a pom pom keyring or a Cruella da Ville inspired jacket, there are so many ways to fluff up your outfit! I have lusted over Charlotte Simone's kitsch insta feed the last few months (think fruit loops inspired scarves!), but if her Popsicles are out of your budget, head over to the high street where you are guaranteed to find some furry gems. I have added two new stoles and a fluffy pom pom key ring that I am going to use as a bag charm to my winter wardrobe and I think a fur clutch is now in order too...

Are you just as fabulously obsessed with fur as me? These are my top picks-

Camel fur stole- Zara

Neon fur clutch- Zara

Colour-block fur scarf- ASOS

Stripe roll top clutch- ASOS

Faux fur gillet- Topshop

Faux fur paw mittens- Topshop

Nasty Gal x Nila Anthony ever after bag- Nasty Gal

Racoon tail keyring- ASOS 

Popsicle stole- Charlotte Simone

Leopard fur lapel- ASOS

Monochrome fur jacket by Rare- Topshop

Feather strapped heel- Missguided

Marques Almeida x Topshop key chain- Topshop

Pop of Neon

So, a few weekends ago I decided to base two very different outfits (but with an all black errthang theme...) around my neon clutch. Black is such a staple colour of my wardrobe- I undeniably feel the most comfortable in this colour! However, a pop of colour is sometimes needed- and this neon clutch was just that!

The weekend was pure bliss! It was spent with friends (we unintentionally all wore black and white lol!) on the Saturday afternoon gossiping about life in one of my favourite local cafes in Meath 'The Donkey Shed'. Saturday evening saw myself and Ev with a bottle of Prosecco, some cheeky sticky toffee pudding and us finally starting Season three of Homeland. I know I'm a bit late to the Homeland buzz....but I'm slowly but surely making my way through every series on Netflix lol!

Sunday was spent in Dublin City Centre trying out a joint called 3fe- famous for its coffee and very small menu range (there were only three things on the brunch menu which is surprisingly refreshing for a change to not have such a choice!). We got the fish tacos, the corn fritters, the tasting espresso set (one Ethiopian bean, and one Mexican I think!), a chocolate and beetroot cake (yes I said beetroot- it was so moist and delish!) and one scone! It was some of the best brunch I have had in Dublin yet, and not too hard on the wallet! A stroll round grand canal dock and seeing blue skies ended a peaceful weekend! 

What do you like to get up to in Dublin? Have you a gem of a place for brunch? Do you recommend anywhere in Dublin?

Outfit details- SATURDAY

Wearing a Topshop jumper- similar here || these Topshop Joni jeans || Topshop chelsea boots, similar here || Zara neon clutch, similar here || this Topshop fedora ||

Outfit details- SUNDAY

Wearing this Topshop Shirt || these wax coat Topshop Joni jeans || Topshop Chelsea boots, similar here || this Zara fur stole- which now comes in a few other colours that I NEED!!! || Neon clutch bag by Zara, similar here|| MK watch, similar here ||

Happy Halloween

Yep, it's that time of the year where you can channel your inner goth a la Mortica Adams or prep it up like Cher from Clueless! Halloween falls on the weekend this year, so plenty of opportunities to spend it in dress up!

And if rocking a full PVC 'Sluts r Us' nurse suit is not your cup of tea...and you want some subtle additions to get in the Halloween spirit- 

Here are my top picks for this spooky season! Click on the links below to shop directly!

What are you dressing up as?

'Twerk or Treat' Crop (Missguided)

Paisley Velvet leggings (Topshop)

High leg boot (Topshop)

Skeleton Gloves (ASOS)

Barry M Black Lipstick (ASOS)

Barry M nail polish (ASOS)

Eye clutch bag (ASOS)

Teen Witch jumper (ASOS)

Cross charm  necklace (Urban Outfitters)

Red dogtooth leggings (River Island)

Hooch nail polish (Urban Outfitters)

Feather cape (Topshop)

Alexander Wang Diego bag (Netaporter)

Giuseppe Zanotti Snake sandals (Netaporter)

Black lace cat ears (River Island)

Charlotte Simone popsicle (Matches)

Bare bones handpiece (Nasty Gal)

Red velvet cami (River Island)