Autumn is rolling in. The kids are back at school. The evenings are getting darker. And we’re breaking out our jackets and coats.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun!
Team VIP has been busy in the office making sure the September issue of the magazine is perfect before it hits shelves next week. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t been able to enjoy our down time.
This is what we’ve been loving this week!
Staff Editor Michelle Dardis loves…Opium’s Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for something nice to do this weekend, be sure to head to Opium’s Botanical Garden in Dublin for a gorgeous brunch. The team has created a tasty Dim Sum and Tannery cocktail pairing menu, perfect for an afternoon with the gals or a date with your other.
Be sure to try the crispy prawns – and wash them down with a Sevilla Spritz cocktail. Absolutely delicious!! Book a slot on Saturday 10th or Sunday 11th September through Opium!
Digital Editor Bronwyn O’Neill loves… Lottie London Oil Slick Lip Oil
Everyone started raving about lip oils in recent months. And I immediately jumped on the bandwagon. I have such dry lips, I have lip balms in every bag, jacket and pocket that I own, especially coming up to the colder months. However, the problem with lip balm is that you can’t really wear lipstick.
That’s where lip oil comes in, you can wear it basically like a gloss. I like to wear it over and under my lippie to really moisturise my lips and add that gorgeous glossy look to my lips. While there are plenty of lip oils on the market, I fell in love with the Lottie London Oil Slick range. The best part is they won’t break the bank with the product costing just €6.95. How could you go wrong?
Weekend Editor Sláine McKenna is loving…Chrome Nails
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I am definitely on the lazy side when it comes to nail art. Don’t get me wrong I absolutely love it and used to spend HOURS perfecting my polish. But in recent years, I’ve fallen behind a bit, barely even popping on a coat.
This is mainly due to my dislike of recent trends (I have the utmost respect for acrylic girlies, but it’s way too much time and effort for me to fully commit, plus I tend to end up scrapping everything so, not for me). But finally, there is a trend that’s easy, affordable, and very much my style; Chrome nails.
Hailey Bieber went viral during the summer for her glazed doughnut nail, with a reflective beige that looked delicious. And now the trend is continuing and expanding.
For autumn, I’m loving some deeper chrome shades, like this pearly pink. It’s just taking some of those classic colours and adding a little something extra, with a slightly mirrored look.
I also love doing my own nails, so the fact that all you need is a bottle of chrome-effect nail varnish…well I’m completely sold! Essie has some great shades to choose from in this shimmery style.
Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux is loving…Dublin cocktail bar 9Below
Tucked away in the former basement of Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, 9Below is the perfect spot for a date night or some glam drinks with your pals. I was invited in last night to sample the new cocktail menu, and as soon as I stepped foot inside, I felt like I’d been transported to a chic NYC speakeasy.
The vibes were immaculate, as they say: great tunes (and the perfect volume so you can actually, y’know, have a conversation), a combination of plush and edgy decor, lots of cosy corners, and truly delicious drinks. New cocktails are named after classic movies, such as the perfectly savoury/spiced Fight Club: Del Maguey Mezcal, Mango, Falernum, Lime, Camomile, Red Jalapeno, served in a chilled glass with a classy single block of ice and banana leaf.
Or, 500 Days of Summer: a fresh and zesty combo of Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom, Apricot, Grapefruit & Lemon Thyme. Then there are some fun options, like the $5 Dollar shake from Pulp Fiction, made with Strawberry Infused Tanqueray Gin, Rhubarb and Condensed Milk, or The Moo’d Abides (shout out to The Big Lebowski fans), a concoction of Ketel One Vodka, Kahlua and Condensed Almond Foam.
To find out more, and to book a table, click 9below.ie