Dining in Dublin...

Jamie's Italian...

A perfect night for me is good food, good booze (bubbly obviously) and a good atmosphere. Once this happens I am a happy bunny.  
Thursday night, myself and the bf tried out Jamie's Italian. It's only new in Dundrum shopping centre and after trying out Jamie's Italian in Westfield Shepherd's Bush, London and really enjoying it, we couldn't wait to try out this one.  My dad was a chef so I have grown up in an environment where food is the focal point of the day. It's really important to me that my food is fresh and tasty! 
Jamie's Italian in Shepherd's Bush was a great experience (all though there was a 40 minute wait....the bar within the restaurant kept us company).  The food was delicious, fresh and colourful- just like any Jamie Oliver programme. We really hoped the chain in Dundrum would be just as good.
On arrival (5pm...'Arthur's Day'...Late night shopping) the restaurant was moderately empty, so we got a table straight away. No bar menu indulgence for me! Boo! 
I ordered a Bellini and the bf ordered the non-alcoholic Ginger Mojito. Happy! Starters was the mixed meat platter, the bread selection and Italian Nachos (ravioli deep fried). Happy again! Mains were the seaside risotto and wild mushroom panzerotti . We had starter sizes, but still the main prices were reasonably priced. Desert for me was the ricotta cheesecake topped with a citrus treacle and the bf had an americano. I topped of with another glass of prosecco (naturally!).

It's only been open for just over a week so it still has a bit of ironing out to do, but it looks promising. The décor it typical Jamie style and the staff seem to know what there talking about! I'm going to try the restaurant out again in a few weeks at a busier time to see if it will become a firm favourite. Have you been yet? Let me know what you think!

Fierce Shoe Friday

Yeehaw...

Today's Fierce Shoe Friday is a pair of cowboy ankle boots from Zara. Sandy colour with a chunky heel. Simple and understated. Easy.

Cowboy ankle boot (Zara)

Men's wear A/W

A Male's wardrobe

So my bf posted up a tweet recently stating his a/w predictions;
'Jade, monochrome, baroque, leather, velvet. A/W 2012 #Freshtodeath'

So using the tweet, I created a must have list that if my credit card was limitless, this would be his must have winter wardrobe. I don't see myself as a particular expert in men's wear and just know what I like to see on guys! I am quite lucky because the boyfriend likes fashion too, doesn't mind spending a day in the shops (in fact I think he likes it more than me...) and takes pride in what he wears! You will never see him in a football jersey or not colour co-ordinated. 

I like a lot of dark colours on males, with a pop of colour in an accessory or a play with textures.  Leather, tweed and wool are not only functional but work well with each other. I have a big issue with the way (many) males in Ireland dress. They don't dress for themselves, the shape of their own body or their lifestyle. They dress the way every other male dresses, lacking in individuality.  Though having moved over here nine years ago, I am seeing a slow progression, especially in Dublin, where males are taking pride in their appearance and their own style. Which I think is totally refreshing!

Black shark jaw tee (Givenchy), Grey textured double breasted suit (Topman), Tobacco and Vanilla fragrance (Tom Ford), Round lense readers (Topman), Rottweiler print Ipad case (Givenchy), Green Ice wash oxford short sleeve shirt (Topman), Air Jordan 3- BHM (Jordan), Skirt front trousers (Givenchy), Owl handle walking umbrella (Burberry),  Dark brown slim chino belt (Topman), TMD Charcoal wool fur coat (Topman), Nightshade blue stretch skinny jeans (Topman), Jade green flannel shirt (Topman), Mermaid oversized cashmere wrap (Givenchy), Black turn up beanie (Topman), Lexington chronograph watch (Michael Kors), Air Max 1 (Nike), leather bag (Givenchy), Arthur Mix brogue (Topman)

Fierce Shoe Friday

Nicholas Kirkwood...

Today's Fierce Shoe Friday is Nicholas Kirkwood's take on the classic loafer. I love the bright blue, the sparkly toe cap and quirky heel. I am a big fan of Nicholas Kirkwood's pieces and especially the collaboration for Erdem. The colours and shapes of his shoe make them quite unique.

These glitter and suede loafers will take you right through A/W to spring and can be paired with anything from a skinny black trouser to an a-line skirt. These are definitely on my wish list as I am an absoluter sucker for a bit of glitter!!!

Nicholas Kirkwood Suede and Glitter Loafers (Net-a-porter.com)

Is Autumn all about layers?

Post-summer wardrobe is always described as layering your pieces. I really really want to be able to achieve this look but always end up in a sweat about it....literally! As soon as I am out for five minutes, I break out in such a sweat that the jacket, scarf, jumper, and top are screaming to come off! 

I am not unfit or anything, but as soon as I'm out and about, I end up carrying half my wardrobe in my hands. So the key to my A/W wardrobe this year are pieces that are functional but also stylish.

Dublin is blessed with mostly downpours and we get about one/two months of moderately cold weather. It's not the Antarctic or anything, just always wet! The following are on my A/W list of must-haves; I tend to keep a palette of mostly dark colours with mixed fabric textures and a pop of colour in an accessory to funk it up. 

I tend to rock a fur/tweed combo, various layers and chunky boots (and obviously the obligatory bit of leopard). What are you most excited about rocking this A/W?

MY A/W MUST HAVES (AND A CHEEKY SPLURGE OR TWO)... 

Where to find: Alexy Platform Chelsea Boots (Topshop), Cable Jumper (Topshop), Mini Roller Hat (Topshop), Diego Cayanne Bag (Alexander Wang), Contrast sleeve army jacket (Topshop) nail varnish (essie) Arty Oval ring (YSL), nail varnish (essie), nail varnish (essie) USB Pyramid braclet (Juicy Couture), Wool coat with leather sleeves (Alexander Wang), Electric Blue bag (Celine), Basic velvet slipper (Zara), Wool blend mini dress (Alexander Wang), Sakouette flat leopard (Christian Louboutin), D-frame acetate sunglasses (Linda Farrow Luxe), Premium black fur cossack (Topshop), Galactic crystal tee (Topshop), MOTO black supersoft skinny leigh jeans (Topshop), Ladies Leopard print umbrella (Aspinal of London), Rockstud leather and calf hair gloves (Valentino), 'Yung Rupenzal' lipstick (MAC X Azealia Banks) , Liquid Eye liner (MAC), Studded Biker ankle boot (Zara), Knitted Brushed Mohair Jumper (Topshop), 3D skull bangle (Alexander Mcqueen)

Fierce Shoe Friday

To Chelsea...

It's a tradition for me that each Friday I post a hot piece of footwear on the various social media sites that I use. Be it a 5 inch 'wall piece only' pair, everyday flats or a dope pair of sneakers, I love footwear.

I think it stems for an old job I had working for a shoe shop, where it's my natural instinct to now look at someone's footwear before the rest of their outfit. I said this once to a group of friends over a chat about guys...'if he can look after his shoes, he can look after you'...and superficially (yes, I am quite materialistic I'll admit) this sums my attitude up.

Your footwear is so important, we spend so much time on our feet, we might as well do it in style!

Today's Fierce Shoe Friday is a classic pair of Chelsea boots from Topshop, in staple black. They are a perfect transition from late summer to A/W and equally look great with skater skirts or skinny jeans.

April Classic Chelsea Boot (Topshop)

Graduation 2012

The past three years have seen me complete an honours bachelor degree in Business and Management. I take life way too seriously so probably didn't experience college life to its fullest. I don't have any regrets though. I just knew that on graduation morning I wanted to savour every moment of the day because I realise that I am so privileged to have had an opportunity to go to college. At 23, I still have no idea what I want to do as a career though. I'm passionate about almost every aspect of my daily life- to what I wear, what I eat and who I see.

I have decided to start a blog because I think too much! I am going to treat it as a personal diary. Full of opinions and interests. My graduation seemed like an appropriate way to start the blog. I suppose a new chapter in my life but that sounds ridiculous cheesy! The name 'Leopard and Brut' comes from my obsessive love of leopard print (I try to incorporate it into outfits daily!!) and Brut is a tipple I enjoy (I only drink bubbly) - the name had a ring to it.

My blog is solely a personal diary- with excerpts on fashion/beauty/lifestyle/food! I hope you enjoy reading it as much a I hope to vent on it!

OOTD Prep and the day...

What I wore: shoes (Zara) dress (Zara) braclet (HM) nail polish (Essie)

I find it ever so hard to except my teeth in these photos (its a personal thing...),  yet my mum insisted on me smiling for the day, so in future be prepared for what I would call a pout!