NEW YEARS EVE 2 WAYS

New Years Eve is the one night a year you'll see me put in any effort. The majority of 2014 has been incredible and I most definitely want to see it out in style and obviously bring 2015 in with a bang. Me, KB and Bamz are hitting town and so here are two looks, one of which I'll no doubt wake up a little worse for wear in on January 1st 2015. 

- LOOK ONE - 

Inspired by my ultimate girl crush, Sky Ferreira, this look out of the two is definitely the one that feels most natural and I'll probably end up in. I adore her look in the 'Everything is Embarrassing' video and the fact she embraces messy hair. I managed to bag this dress for just £5 from Primark so when it inevitably gets ruined it won't matter in the slightest. Chunky boots, with a bit of a heel but nothing too extreme, you'll never ever see me in them thin heeled numbers - I'll no doubt chuck on a load of rings, let the hair do it's thing and maybe...depending on how sober I am when it comes to lipstick application a red lip. 

THE LOOK

bardot dress - PRIMARK | boots - TOPSHOP | lipstick - REVLON - Rouge Edition in velvet 08

- LOOK TWO - 

Look Two is definitely a wild card and I still can't believe that I am so in love with it. I feel like the 90s chewed me up and spat me back out, sixth Spice Girl anyone? I'm definitely a silver girl and I love the baggy, laid back vibe of the t-shirt dress but how it's also a statement piece. I'd definitely keep accessories to a minimum, letting the chocker do the talking. For someone with my style, I think this screams "IT'S NEW YEARS" but isn't painfully out of our comfort zone. 

THE LOOK

leather jacket - H&M | sports luxe t-shirt dress - H&M | boots - DOROTHY PERKINS | choker - TOPSHOP

WHAT I WORE | BOXING DAY

Is that straight hair you see? Yes, yes it is! Believe me, brushing hair that hasn't been brushed in months isn't fun...at all. But after a day of hanging around in my pj's I wanted to go for something a little more sleek and less boyish than usual for Christmas round two.

I am obsessed with roll necks/turtle necks this AW and this big snuggly number from Primark is no exception. I love that it's a grey but has an ice blue tone to it. If I'm trying to be a little bit less 'just rolled out of bed and yes I'm wearing those tatty boots again" I always go for these pointed toe boots from DP. They're just a little bit sharper than my usual clumpy boots.

So, Christmas is pretty much over now but I am so SO pumped for New Years Eve. I hope you all had an incredible few days with family, friends and food. The most important 3 F's you'll find. I hope you all enjoyed this 3 part "What I Wore" series, it's been fun but hard work photographing outfits every day and uploading them, but I'm really happy with all the posts! 

LOVE xx

THE LOOK

trench coat - ZARA | roll neck sweater - PRIMARK | jeans - DOROTHY PERKINS | boots - DOROTHY PERKINS | fedora - PRIMARK

WHAT I WORE | CHRISTMAS DAY + DAD'S SURPRISE

'APPY XMAS EVERYONE!

I hope you're all having an incredible day with your family, friends and pets! 

In the Lenihan household, Christmas day is all about pjs, Jack Daniels and eating everything in sight. 

THE LOOK 

tartan pj shorts - PRIMARK | jersey crop top - TOPSHOP

DAD'S SURPRISE

There's nothing more important to a Lenihan than music. 

Without my Dad, there's no way I would've known about so many ace bands. He introduced me to ACDC and Def Leppard, which I've listened to on repeat since I was little and are without a doubt still to this day, two of my favourite bands ever. Although he loves more bands than I'll ever be able to list, Status Quo will always be his favourite. 

Dad has been to so many gigs and seen so many cool bands but he never talks about them the way he does about seeing Quo at their final show in Milton Keynes on their End Of The Road tour. You know when someone talks about a band/gig and you know it means more to them than you'll be able to put into words...it's always been like that. Dad always pulls THIS video up on YouTube and point out where he was in the crowd. 

SO after hours and I mean fucking hours of work, tracking down and two smashed photo frames [I am as coordinated as a blind walrus], I managed to find this news paper clipping from an actual newspaper in 1984 [it's a 30 year old piece of paper] advertising the gig. It's so rad, it has all the dates, times and support acts on it. It's so so crazy to think when I watch the videos that my Dad was in the crowd, 19 years old, with no idea he'd be listening to all his favourite bands thirty years later with his daughter. 

If you don't have that one band you just love more than anything, [which really sucks for you] you probably won't understand the sentimentality behind this but I've never seen Dad speechless and it made all of the stress worth it! 

WHAT I WORE | CHRISTMAS EVE

HAPPY XMAS EVE EVERYONE!!!

[I've decided that I'll be posting my outfit on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day! So make sure you follow my blog via Bloglovin [HERE] to keep up with the looks!]

Today started with a hectic shift at work, what is it with people leaving things to the last minute & loosing their minds? But ended with me heading home, taking Monty for a walk in the countryside and having a good old catch up with my Dad. 

Christmas Eve for me is all about getting dressed up and doing something a little different from usual. I've had this ZARA dress in my wardrobe for a while but I felt today was the perfect day to get it out. Lightweight knit with a ribbed look, it is the perfect dressy but still suitable daytime option. Obviously, I paired it with my chunky TOPSHOP boots, it's enough getting me into a dress - let's not push it with elegant, dainty shoes shall we? I picked up this collection of rings from TOPSHOP as well which I am absolutely in love with and double up as the perfect detail to add to an otherwise quite plain look. It's strangely mild in the UK at the moment, so I threw on my leather jacket and my chunky ZARA duo-print scarf from AW13 to break up the all black and add a little festive red into the mix. 

THE LOOK

ribbed bodycon maxi dress - ZARA | leather jacket - H&M | boots - TOPSHOP | rings - TOPSHOP | duo-print scarf - ZARA

DETROIT, 72

2014 has been all about sports luxe. 

There have been some pieces lost in sports-luxe translation, but there's nothing cooler than the iconic black tee's with the white print. Please can someone get me a 'LENIHAN 95' one ASAP. 

AW13 was the season of Kanye. I was obsessed with garish Givenchy inspired prints, chains and leather; but looking back, I failed miserable. Anyway, I'd like to think this years attempt to incorporate street style, sports luxe and leather is slightly cooler. Let me know Kanye, yeah?

I love this look. It's still comprised of all the elements that I wear day to day, skinny's, a baggy tee and bomber jacket; but it's got little twists that make it a little bit more unique than my usual shit. Also let's just take a moment to talk about these be-a-utiful boots from TOPSHOP shall we? I cannot get over them, they're so chunky and masculine but look so rad with everything, even dresses on a night out. 

THE LOOK 

bomber jacket - TOPMAN | jersey - H&M menswear | leather look trousers - ZARA | boots - TOPSHOP

TOGETHER, WE SHUT IT DOWN

It's the time of the year, that no matter how hard you try, you can't avoid social events. It's all about finding that right balance of making an effort to keeping warm, because all of a sudden it fuxking freezing in England. 

Tonight I'm heading off to a family event. I opted for this look as it's semi-formal but still consists of elements I'm comfortable in, even if they have a little twist to them. I am obsessed with this leather-look skinny's from ZARA. They add a new dimension to an outfit, plus they're a great piece to take an outfit from day to night. To keep up a more formal feel, I've thrown on this ah-ma-zing trench coat [also ZARA]. I've been after a really minimalistic, well-cut trench coat similar to this one for a very long time and I'm so pumped I managed to get my hands on one. Keeping the Gabi-vibe, I kept to my chunky boots and my cut-out tee from Sparkle & Fade [Urban Outfitters]. How rad are those boots though?

THE LOOK

coat - ZARA | cut out top - SPARKLE & FADE [UO] | leather-look jeans - ZARA | chocker - TOPSHOP | chunky boots - TOPSHOP 

HAUL | TOPMAN X URBAN OUTFITTERS X H&M X TOPSHOP

I really suck at buying Christmas presents. I come up with all these ideas then 'accidentally' wander into Urban Outfitters and ten minutes later I've got some rad new clothes and no Christmas pressies. So, here's some of the bits I've picked up recently!

U R B A N   O U T F I T T E R S

size S | Sparkle & Fade | £22 

Inspired by Lexi [FashionFilth] and all the rad cut-out clothes she rocks, I've been on the hunt for the perfect piece. Obviously, I didn't have to look any further than Urban Outfitters, more specifically Sparkle and Fade. They're a brand I absolutely love, it's usually full of black androgynous pieces. I love that this particular top can be transformed from a laid look in the day to a more eye catching night time look. Slightly longer at the back than the front, as well as being a little bit sheer - it's one of those great throw on and go pieces that we all know I love. 

T O P M A N

NEW YORK printed tee | size S | £16.00

I really can't put into words how much I love TOPMAN at the moment. You guys all know by now that I'm a jeans and tee gal, which is actually a lot harder than you'd think. I'm forever on the hunt for tee's that have something unique about them but aren't too obnoxious. So, of course, as soon as I saw this upside-down NEW YORK printed tee, I had to have it. Monochrome, rolled sleeves and minimalism...what's not to love? 

khaki heavyweight bomber jacket | size M | £45 [buy HERE]

I've already featured this bomber jacket in an OOTD [HERE] but I wanted to talk about it all over again because I've seriously fallen in love. 

I've been looking for the perfect bomber for a while now. I initially wanted to get an all black with silver hardware but as soon as I saw this khaki colour I ditched that plan. I'm well aware that Topshop are offering an all but identical version but I just prefer the less fitted structure of the guys option. It's so darn warm and looks ace with an all black outfit. All in all, it's the perfect laid back jacket.

T O P S H O P

sleeveless ponte jacket | size 10 | £42 [buy HERE]

To see one of the ways I styled this click HERE. I picked up this sleeveless jacket in Selfridges after drooling over/taking inspiration from the insane Zadig and Voltaire AW14 collection. It's the perfect layering piece, as well as integrating a different shade into my usual all black outfits. Plus, it incorporates that slightly more formal edge to my 'just rolled out of bed' look, a contrast I love teaming together.

textured sleeveless tunic | size 10 | £34 [buy HERE]

AW14 for me has been all about deep, rich greens. I love mixing this shade in with an all black outfit, I think the contrast works really well together. I nabbed this tunic mainly as a piece for work 'cause I have to switch up my style from a little less 'just rolled out of bed' to 'smart, en-trend and appropriate for the brand'. As well as that, I wanted something a little smarter than usual for dinners and events over the festive period. The only downside to this piece is the material, it's that crepe type stuff that's a bitch to iron - but all in all, I love the shapelessness to the tunic, with the split up either side, the high neck and the longer back. 

H & M

[I am wearing a top promise, it was my sports bra hence it not being visable!]

size XS | £7.99

H&M are always an great place to buy basics, you can't go wrong with their basic mini skirts for £4.99 or their slightly thicker jersey midi skirts [above] for £7.99. I think a good, curve hugging midi skirt is essential for any wardrobe, either to wear with a slouchy jumper or a crop top on a night out. 

size S | £14.99

I brought this piece purely on impulse, [KB I'm looking at you] and I loved it. I got it home, styled it and loved it...but a week or so later, I'm just not so sure. Ignore the black bodycon dress, we're looking at the ankle length sheer dress. It's so cool, but I'm not 100% sure I'm cool enough to pull it off. I was thinking of adding a pair of chunky heeled boots, a dark lip and what not but I'm dead worried it'll look completely ridiculous. 

All in all, these are some of the pieces I've picked up lately. Now someone follow me around and slap my wrist if you see me buying anything else than Christmas presents! 

I TRIED TO WARN YOU, EVERYTHING IS BLACK AND WHITE

Let's be real here, it's getting pretty damn cold outside but that means one thing, layering...and that's the best part of A/W right?

It's been a long time since I've hit Topshop and this sleeveless Ponte jacket [HERE] caught my eye instantly. Although I'm kinda gutted it's not in black, it's a good excuse to add some different tones into my wardrobe. I've always loved the contrast of a really tailored, sharp piece with a more laid back, grunge style. Think: Zara meets Urban Outfitters. Perfect teamed with ripped skinnys and pointed Chelsea boots, I threw on a slouchy black jumper and my leather jacket over the top. Obviously, this kind of sleeveless jacket looks rad underneath loads of different styles of coat! It's such a versatile piece you could definitely dress it up, or leave it casual as I have in this look. 

THE LOOK

sleeveless jacket - TOPSHOP | jumper - PRIMARK | jeans - ZARA | boots - DOROTHY PERKINS

& IT ALL COMES DOWN TO A SUNRISE ON THE EAST SIDE

 I don't run...but I all but broke my body scrambling to get my paws on this bomber jacket. 

Damn you TOPMAN.

khaki heavyweight bomber jacket - £45.00 - here - size S

I love the aesthetic of bomber jackets, they're the epitome of 'throw on and go'. I pretty much live in my leather jacket so it's cool to finally have an alternative. I've been looking for something really laid back, something simplistic with minimal hardwear and this ticks all the boxes. I'm also a massive sucker for the khaki green colour, it looks rad with black. All in all, Topman never seem to get it wrong. 

The rest of the look is nothing new. 

Ripped jeans, the scoop neck tee from Topshop and my chunky heeled boots from Dorothy Perkins are basically another skin. I think the bomber works perfectly with the rest of the outfit and gives it little bit of a revamp, adding some colour and a different finish to my usual leather jacket. 

THE LOOK

bomber jacket - TOPMAN | basic tee - TOPSHOP | jeans - DOROTHY PERKINS | boots - DOROTHY PERKINS 

UNDERDOG, JUST LOOK AT THE MESS YOU MADE

It's Friday, someone get me a drink ASAP. 

Nights out with the gang always start out with the intention of being chilled but seem to end with me crawling into bed after one too many tequila shots. 

I've never really been into getting overly dressed up for nights out 'cause let's face it...my make-up is usually ruined by 11pm and who's really got time for heels? I think my natural style dictates a more casual approach to nights out or maybe it's the fact that as a gang we're more likely to hit dodgy bars than clubs, so it doesn't reallllly matter. 

Either way, I'm a big fan of this look. 

TOPMAN's long-length tee's [here] double up as the perfect tee shirt dress on a night out. I love that they're basic, baggy and give off that effortless look. Obviously, it's not a Gabi-look without a leather jacket and VANS...let's be real here. Oh and I chucked on my fedora...wind + my hair ends up looking like Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S and no one needs that, not at all. 

I've been after a choker for quite a while now, but I wanted a cool one not a tacky plastic number. Of course I just happened to be in Topshop today and I saw this for £8.50 and I fell in love. It's got a black stone [black is best] and it's silver, what more could you want? It definitely reminds me of something Urban Outfitters would do. 

THE LOOK

leather jacket - H&M | t-shirt - TOPMAN | shoes - VANS [original black] | chocker - TOPSHOP | fedora - PRIMARK

KEW GARDENS // 10-10-14

It's fair to say, London means a whole lot to me in general..more than I can put into words but today I found myself falling head over heels all over again for one little corner of the city that once made up a huge portion of my childhood.

 Richmond, South-West London is that place that always makes me feel nostalgic about being a teeny-tot. I'd always visit Richmond with my Dad, whether it was to watch the rugby or to just stroll around. 'Till now I've always believed that I've been remembering Richmond through

rose tinted specs but driving there today to visit Kew Gardens, I realised it's just as beautiful as I remembered, even more so in the autumn. 

I'm sure you all know by now that naturally I'm a real tomboy but...I'm a sucker for plants and flowers. The dream is to own a house and just let ivy grow everywhere, have plants up and down the stairs, just a jungle really. So, being the lover of all things green, the botanical garden at Kew has been a place I've wanted to visit for ages and it was everything I dreamed of and more. 

This is  Jack & my surprisingly cheesy grin for the early-ish start of our journey. 

The grounds alone were absolutely beautiful. I could spend an entire weekend roaming around them. You'd stroll down one particular path and it'd bring you out at a lake or you'd end up at a greenhouse full of tropical plants. You literally feel as if you're not in the city anymore, but then every so often a plane would fly so ridiculously low overhead and remind you that you were. 

I hate heights and Jack had to all but force me up the steps but I'll admit the tree-top walk was spectacular. If you ever visit Kew, make sure you find this little area because it was well worth the fainting-feeling on the way up. 

The greenhouse we visited was all my dreams and more. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. I love that rustic look and I kept saying "I wish this was my bedroom". I loved the white iron and the deep greens, it was just all so Tumblr, you know when you see these incredible pictures and it doesn't look real? It was so beautiful to actually witness with my own eyes. I just fell completely in love, walking through the jungle at floor level and climbing the balcony to see it from above. 

Every inch of Kew Gardens is a complete dream. It's looked after so well and it showcases just how beautiful nature really is. Some of the plants I refused to believe were real, they were that amazing. I have a massive amount of respect for the people that maintain and look after the botanical gardens, from the little museums there to every inch of the plants. 

It's well worth a day trip, just to escape city life and get back to basics.

I had one of the most amazing days in a long time, it's well worth every second.