L & B CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER

I can't believe it's that time of the year again...


Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2016: Gifts for Her

Adidas Original NMD XR1- (JD SPORTS)- I have always been a Nike girl, but the last few season's, Adidas have upped their game. These are dope!

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle- (Debenhams)- Will always be my favourite and there is 15% off still!

Givenchy Antigona mini pink tote (Harvey Nichols)- Sooo cute and Barbie-esque. I would pop a fluffy pom pom key chain on the end and voila.

Victoria Secret Varsity crew jumper (Victoria's Secret) and these yoga tights I swear by- January sofa sloth's outfit sorted.

Shonda Rhimes 'Year of Yes' (Amazon)- This women is amazing and I have been dying to read this book.

Miasma essential oils (Holland and Barretts)- They are currently half price and I swear by them. I put oils in my diffuser at night time and totally chill out.

MAC Eye shadow Amber times Nine (Brown Thomas)- must have neutrals.

Helen Moore leopard faux fur scarf (My Shining Armour)- obligatory leopard.

Lace Triangle bra (Topshop)- every day I am loving more wireless bras. It's like letting them breathe.

Gucci Blooms pouch (Gucci)- to fit your phone and your debit card and off you go to brunch...

Olympus E-PL8 (Camera.ie)- the Pen's have a good reputation of taking decent still shots while also filming.

This Works Sleep Plus spray (Look Fantastic)- I've used this product before and it's amazing! Highly recommended.

Terrys Orange (Tesco)- Because it's Christmas right?!

L & B Gift Guide 2015: Presents for Him

Stuck on what to buy for your boyfriend this year? Sick of buying a new shirt for him every Christmas? These are my top picks that any gent would be delighted to see under the tree...

Happy Shopping!

Men's Society Beard Oil (ASOS)- whose man doesn't have a beard?

Apple Watch 42mm Stainless Steel Case with Saddle Brown Classic Buckle (Apple)- I love this particular strap as it tones down the geeky element of the watch.

Tom Dixon Charcoal Scent diffuser (Mr Porter)- for the house proud...

Phaidon set of 10 paperback city books (Mr Porter)- for the travelling guru...

Ray-Ban Aviators (ASOS)- nothing beats a classic pair.

Nike AM 1 Leather Premium (Size?)- sick colourway and the premium design means the finish should be that little bit tighter.

Nike SB X Polar Beanie (Size?)- because his county colours beanie never matches his clothes and THIS will!

Vitamix Pro 300 (Brown Thomas)- for the gains and all that malarky...

Gentleman's Afternoon Tea (Morrison Hotel)- While you go shopping obvs...

GoPro HERO 4 (Amazon)- Ev has one of these and absolutely loves it. He brings it away on all his trips, even when he goes running...

L & B Gift Guide 2015: Gifts under €45 for Him and Her

Sometimes a lavish gift isn't feasible! Heck, I'm at that uncomfortable mid 20's age where I am supposed to be seeing more greens then red arrows in my e-banking and so splurging isn't a big factor in this years shopping! Below are gifts for him and her under €45 and in fact most of the gifts below are actually under €25! Winning! I debated about classifying them as stocking fillers...but they seem too good to be grouped with a clementine and chocolate coins and if I received one of these presents, i'd be absolutely delighted!

Happy E-shopping on this most miserable day!

Mock Croc Bag (Zara) €29.95- how luscious is this bag. Mock croc and bottle green. Perfection.

Velvet bow tie (Zara) €17.95- jazz up your white shirt!

Wide brim felt hat (Zara) €29.95- because men in hats are yum!

Kusmi Tea Wellness box (Brown Thomas) €26- perfect way to find a new favourite blend.

Almond Petit Gift (L'Occitane) €24- the smell is simply divine and make the perfect travel/handbag companion.

4 pack emoji briefs (Brown Thomas) €40- because who can't cope without an emoji in their life!

Calvin Klein 3 pack trunks (Brown Thomas) €46- bieber fever!

Adele- '25' (HMV) €13.99- how is she only 25!

Coco Chanel Life Portraits book (ASOS) €17.65- for my big adult real world future house I never seem to be able to save for.

Fantastic Cities colouring book (ASOS) €16.16- mindfulness and all that.

Green & Blacks Miniature Bar Collection (Tesco) €6- because Green & Blacks chocolate is good for you right?!

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Tesco) €20- in celebration of Olivia Pope returning to our screens.

L & B Gift Guide 2015- Gifts for Her (and me...)

It's that time of the year where we are spending something little (or a lot!) on our loved ones. This is a gift guide of things that I would be (very,very!) happy to see under the tree!

What would you like under your tree on the 25th?

1. iPhone 6s 64GB Rose Gold (Apple)

2. Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot (Brown Thomas)

3. Gucci Guilty (Boots) - free gift with purchase!

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (Easons)

5. UGG Scuffette slippers (Brown Thomas) - currently 20% off!

6. ElectiQ slow masticating juicer (Amazon)

7. LookFantastic Beauty Box subscription (Look Fantastic)

9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator (Cult Beauty)

8. Comme des Garcons leather wallet (Net-a-porter)

10. Olympus Pen E-PL Camera (Very/ Currys/ PC World)

11. LOVE bracelet pink gold (Cartier) - a girl can dream right?!

Advent Calendars

Before you do the traditional route this year and opt for standard milky chocolate shapes in your advent, have a look at some of the tasty options below...Gin fanatic? Growing a beard? I'm totally lusting over the Lancome Luxe advent calendar- a great way to try out new products!

You still have a few days left... but if your already sorted, save this post for some cheeky ideas for 2016! Advents that were a SELL OUT this year were this beard oil calendar, this this craft beer calendar and this beauty calendar!

1. Lancome Luxe Advent Calendar (Brown Thomas- the actual value this advent is outstanding and great way to try new products without committing to buying them in full size!

2. Yankee Candle Advent Calendar (Boots)- because who doesn't love a yankee candle!

3. Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar (Boots)- satisfying that man's obsession with all this Lego and Star Wars.

4. Gin Advent Calendar (Selfridges)- we all know someone who is a bit fond of the oil booze...

5. Tea Advent Calendar (Amazon)- great way to try out different flavours!




Happy Friday!

Merry Christmas

What a year...

Wishing all my beautiful readers a very Merry Christmas. While we can get caught up in all the pre Christmas malark, nothing is better on Christmas Day then chilling in front of the tv, with your family, feet up and a tub of choccies and tea (or in my case a glass of bubbly!)

Most my shopping was done via online...so it was very stress free, and having just got back from Morocco- I spent the start of the week enjoying life and having lots of me time! I got the hair and nails done, met with friends, went for traditional brunch with Ev in town on Christmas Eve and ran last minute errands.

I'm so grateful for a healthy and happy surroundings with my family and friends! 

2014 has been a busy but beautiful year- and I can't wait for 2015 to kick start! 

Merry Christmas All! 

Yas xxx

L & B Christmas Guide- Gifts under €30

On a budget this year? Do you have a Kris Kindle in work? Or want to put something nice in the stocking?
Here are my top Gifts for guys and gals under €30! 

P.S- Loads of sites have 20% off almost everything etc. on the checkouts this weekend- so avoid those shopping queues and click away while your in your pj's....your welcome!

Happy Shopping!

Hologram Make-up bag (ASOS)

Oasis floral drop earrings (ASOS)

Camo print clutch (Missguided)

Cuff Braclet (ASOS)

Jewelled Beanie (BooHoo)

Anti-Social Network Journal (Urban Outfitters) 

I'd rather be at the beach notebook (Urban Outfitters)

Skull and roses money bank (Urban Outfitters)

Geisha smoothing towel (Urban Outfitters)

Round sunglasses (Zara)

Models Own nail polish (ASOS)

Jewel body cross bag (Zara)

Faux leather and fur hat (Zara)

'1984' by George Orwell (Easons)

Nice Parking cards (Jack Spade)

Eat cake for breakfast mug (Kate Spade)

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)

L & B Gift Guide 2013: Presents for Friends

Whether it's a work Kris Kindle or a best buddies present - you are sure to find a gem in here to tick of your present list. Pinterest and Instagram have some really great ideas about chic presents (big time bloggers get the first look at cool products and often share great reviews...), which is where I have gotten all my ideas from. I'm halfway there with the presents...yey! The Toy Show was on TV last week and I marked the 1st December with making Orange and clove decorations (an old school project I do every year!) so I guess I am officially in the Christmas spirit!

1. Alexa Chung 'It' Book- for the self confessed fashionista- Urban Outfitters

2. Gemstone hip flask- for the party girl- Urban Outfitters  
3. Kate Spade iPad cover- for the utter flirt- Kate Spade
4. The 'Bacon' money clip- for the gent who has it all- Jack Spade
5. Camo iPhone case- for the adventurer- Jack Spade
6. Alife x Adam Attia Morning Wood T-shirt- for the lad who oozes swag- Size
7. Odd Future Donut socks- for the Hipster- Size 
8. Nail Rock nail wraps- for the beauty junkie- ASOS
9. Split back sequin tee- for the disco diva- Topshop
10. Ciroc coconut vodka- for the...well no one is gonna pass on a bottle of big pimpin vodka are they?!- Selfridges

L & B Gift Guide 2013: Presents for the Parents

Parents are quite hard to buy for. Forget the stereotypical aftershave set for Dad and the candles and slipper set for Mam. Be Creative! Add something to the home they will value. Purchase a voucher/tickets for a night out/hotel stay. Buy a luxury item you know they would never purchase for themselves. Parents are always hinting (well at least mine are...) about something 'they wish...' or 'if only I had...' around the house- so be attentive. My parents are getting tickets to a show in NYC (I am thinking the Book of Mormon...)  and dinner in a lobster restaurant they have been excited to try having seen it on tv (don't worry- they are not tech savvy so would never read my blog lol!)   My top ten are a mixture of low cost goodies or luxury splurges- so whatever your budget...and if you really have no idea, fire away with one of these. Thank me later!

(Follow links to purchase gifts...)

1. Faux Fur Blanket by Zara Home
2. Tall Cake stand by Zara Home
3. Glenfiddich- different ages can be found at most off-licenses and supermarkets.
4. Roberts Radio- cute and colourful for Mum- House of Fraser!
5. Kitchen Aid mixer- I know my Dad would love one of these- but slightly out of my budget. They also look tres chic on the countertop in the home. Can be purchased in store in Brown Thomas or online at Selfridges.
6. Reservation for Nevin Maguire's Restaurant and stay at MacNean's House- a bit on the pricey side and fiercely difficult to get bookings- but the hospitality and food is outstanding and I loved it! Make bookings at MacNean House!
7. 'The Eagles' tickets in the O2- available on Ticketmaster!
8. His and Hers winter gloves. Too cute! Zara (Dad) and Topshop (Mam)
9. Textured Swing coat by Topshop for Mam!
10. Wool Herringbone blue marl coat by Topman for Dad!

L & B Gift Guide 2013: Presents I would love to see under my Christmas tree...

So yes folks, it's that time of year, Halloween has come and gone and we are now saving the pennies and making our Xmas lists. My lists were done in October (yes...I like to be organised...) and I am now purchasing presents week by week so there isn't too much damage put on my poor visa card.

I love purchasing presents and love to come up with ideas that the receivers will really appreciate. From mini bottles of bubbly with a gift card tied up around it for close friends or tickets to a gig for my Dad- I like to buy things that I know people wouldn't buy for themselves...

So I am kicking of my first Gift Guide of 2013 with top ten presents for....Me! Lol! Yes, slightly selfish but there is a good range here with items raging from high street steals to the down right extreme splurge...one can dream eh?!

p.s- yes I have been MIA...damn business has taken over my whole life....Sorry! x

(Follow links to purchase gifts...)
1. EOS lip balms as raved by my most bbloggers, are hard to find in Ireland but can be found here- on Amazon !
2. Jose Eber curling wand- I recently had a disaster with my old curling wand- yes a lump of hair came off with the curler and I am now trying to find a curler that wont do this again! Cue the Jose Eber brand- (which I have tried...it's fantastic) and can be found in store at Arnotts! 
3. The Mini Selma Messenger by MICHAEL Michael Kors...Obsessed at how cute this tiny bag is and under 150 euro at Neiman Marcus
4. Tom Ford 'Josephine' sunglasses- I don't know whether I want these simply so I can walk round saying 'I don't pop molly...I rock Tom Ford' a la Jay Z or because these are just so effortlessly slick... - can be purchased here at FarFetch or at Neiman Marcus!
5. Nike Free 5.0- I already own a pair of frees and they are by far the comfiest pair of trainers I own. Loving the camo on these- plus I fit into the kids section... UK 5.5 please...Can be found in store at Footlocker or on their website- see here!
6. Fur Stole- In the obligatory leopard print- I.DIE.FOR.THIS- can be purchases at Zara! 
7. Crown brushes set- I am hearing really positive reviews on crown brushes- good quality but not as the hefty prices that MAC or Bobbi Brown charge-and all my brushes seem to have disappeared... plus this set comes in candy pink- what's not to love?! Can be purchased online at Crown Brushes!
8. Three words- Cartier. Love. Ring 
9. I love Sincerely Jules blog- everything is so effortlessly chic and so is this crew neck sweatshirt she sells on her store. Please and Thanks- Sincerely Jules!
10. I'm really into oversized neck piece statements and Folkster (an Iirsh owned chic website that stocks some of the coolest brands...) has a brand called Xevana which had the most amazing pieces! I am thinking pair with a black high roller body con...dayum...

Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2012: Gifts for the Host

Celebrate good times...

The festive season usually means one thing; countless parties. Some of which are held not in fancy restaurants but at the homes of those 'entertaining' friends and family we all know. It takes a serious amount of planning to host a shindig and I admire anyone that opens their house to more then ten heads. And while a spread on their table may look effortless, matching drinks to food, to who sits where is serious business...sitting two ex's next to each other could make for a very awkward evening!

So this blog post is on gifting the host. Forget about that cheap bottle of white wine you picked up in your local off license on the way and choose a present your host will never forget. And that will obviously secure your invite for next year's bash...

Happy Shopping x

1. Kate Spade paper weight (Kate Spade) 2. Steel Tumbler (Zara Home)3. Bella Tray (Zara Home)4. Crystal head vodka (Selfridges) 5. Laurent Perrier gift set (Selfridges)6. Diptyque candle (Selfridges)7. Victor cookbook stand (Selfridges) 8.'Gatsby Cocktails' book (Easons)9.'Eat like an Italian' book (Easons)10. Artificial wreath (Ikea)

Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2012: Splurges

'Hey Big Spender'...

Not everyone has the extra dosh floating around for big gifts, but if you were a savvy saver over the year, here are some splurges that will go down a treat on Christmas morning and earn you some brownie points. Obviously, I am lusting after the Louboutin's. One can dream...

1. iPad (Pixamania) 2. CL Pigalle 100 spiked patent-leather pumps (Net-a-porter) 3. Givenchy Pandora Messenger (Barneys) 4. MCM Stark backpack (MCM) 5. Jordan 4 Retro (Nike Store) 6. Moncler Quilted flannel gillet (Harrods) 7.Ileana Makri Skull rose gold/diamond ring (Net-a-porter) 8. Jura Impressa coffee machine (Selfridges) 9.Ace of Spades Rose NV (Selfridges) 10. Nixon 1 J2 camera (Selfridges) 

Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Filler For Him

My favourite person to buy for at Christmas is my bf. There is nothing more rewarding then working really hard and splashing your loved one with gifts you know will make them smile. Here are my top ten stocking fillers for men. Enjoy Shopping!

1.Jack Spade 'Cheddar' wallet (Jack Spade) 2. Nike Fuel Band (Nike Store) 3. J Crew Hip Flask (Mr Porter)4. Maison Martin Margiela Leather and camel gloves (Mr Porter) 5. YSL woven leather braclet (Mr Porter) 6. Ray-Ban Clubmaster two-tone glasses (Mr Porter)7.How to be a man book (ASOS)8. MK oversized bradshaw watch (ASOS)9. Menswear book (UO) 10.'The Triology' by The Weeknd cd (Amazon)

Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2012: Treats for the Pets

Puuurrrrrr....

Today's gift guide are festive treats for your pets. Surely, they should be spoilt too?

1. Dog Treats Jar (M+S) 2. Dog bow tie and collar (mollys) 3. Bulldog cushion cover (UO) 4.  Newspaper Toy (M+S) 5.  Candy cane collar (mollys) 6. Dog bed (mollymutt) 7. Let it snow dog sweater (muttropolis) 8. Stache dog toy (muttropolis) 9. Merry bone dog toy (muttropolis) 10.  Clean up kit (mollymutt)

Leopard and Brut Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Fillers For Her

Tis the season to be Jolly...

Prepping is key to my Christmas shopping every year! 

So, my next series of posts will be gift guides dedicated 

to different groups. 

Today's post is 'Stocking Fillers for Her'. For those boyfriends or husbands who struggle to fill the stocking, the mistletoe will 

have some serious action if your loved one discovers these lust 

worthy items on Christmas morning. Happy Shopping!

1. 'Audrey Hepburn Photographs' Book 2. Cire Trudon candle 3. Smythson  notebook  4.  Dolce & Gabbana lingerie 5. Kate Spade Idiom bangle 6. Kate Spade coin purse 7. Deborah Lippman and Ciate Nail polish 8.Bobbi Brown basic brush collection 9.Maison Martin Margiela eau de parfum 10.'The Sartorialist' Book