Welcome to this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

Although it doesn’t feel like it in the UK right now, we are getting ever closer to summer – and that means WEDDING SEASON to many of us. 

Perhaps the biggest expense of all is THAT engagement ring, since diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something about a diamond sparkler on our finger that just makes us feel special.

But have you heard of lab-grown diamond engagement rings? They’re the new way to feel bougie on a budget, and we’re so down with that.

Lily Arkwright is the leading retailer of lab-grown diamond engagement rings, a budget-friendly alternative to the traditionally mined diamond. You can often save up to 75% via this method, but it’s not just a great price tag that sets lab-grown diamonds apart from the mined variety.

Rather than relying on the randomness of nature to create something special, lab diamonds use the best technology to create a product that appears identical to natural diamonds, and come in an array of colours and cuts to suit any preference. Plus, they don’t rely on mining practices that are often damaging to the environment.

One of my favourite picks is the Lulu, which features a round lab diamond on an 18k band. The rose gold band adds a vintage touch and it’s a harmonious design for stacking with a wedding band.

The Florence ring boasts a stunning emerald-cut diamond that’s truly timeless in style, whilst the Honor features a round centre stone which is showered with pairs of pavé diamonds set in a marquise-shaped frame.

Check out their eye-catching rings and have a browse. You’ll be spoilt for choice! Plus, you guys out there, you are left with no excuse!

www.lilyarkwright.com

Onto this week’s instalment, and we continue the summer vibe with Kim Kardashian’s new swimwear range, chart the return of the worst summer trend ever, plus take a look at the new H&M collab, as the Marathon has just happened – this should have motivated us all to get out there and run? Well if it has, then I have all the gear you need.

Enjoy.

Kim Kardashian’s company accidentally revealed her swimsuit SIZE whilst she was modelling a string bikini from her summer 2024 SKIMS Swim collection.

SKIMS shared new images on Thursday from KK’s SWIM summer 2024 line. The best shot was of the ex-wife of Kanye West in a strappy snakeskin print two piece bikini that made the most of her toned tummy and abs.

The caption accidentally revealed what size the 5ft2in siren wears: turns out it is an XS. “@KimKardashian wears the SKIMS Swim Triangle Top and Dipped Tie Bottom, size XS, in Snake Print,” the SKIMS caption explained.

In the past, Kim has not talked much about her size or weight, though she is thought to be 116lbs with a 24in waistline. But she’s famous for being super curvy – which just goes to show how deceiving her pictures can be. She knows that appealing to curvier girls will win her lots of fans, but it obviously is a clever marketing ploy at the same time.

The images were taken by British photographer Nick Knight. One look consisted of a bandeau top with plain briefs that made the most of her famous curves. Another featured a red and black number that showed off her abs. Also revealed was a snakeskin print, plus a bikini top, bottoms and a jacket. Overall, it was a mix-and-match collection with red triangle tops being paired with snakeskin briefs and skirts.

“You can hide the pieces you want to hide and accentuate the ones you want to accentuate”, she noted. So, if you want to cover up and use a sarong, you can. If you want to cover your arms, you can, and if you want a triangle top or to fully cover your chest, different kind of bottoms — you just pick and choose.

SKIMS is an American shapewear and clothing brand co-founded by Kim in June 2019.

It focuses on body positivity and inclusivity across the brand, practising inclusive sizing. The company was valued at over $3.2 billion in January 2022.

H&M has dropped another unexpected collaboration, this time with Korean-born, Texas-raised, UK-educated Rok Hwang. Known for creating conceptual, even avant-garde pieces, shoppers can now snag his high fashion pieces at affordable prices.

Rok Hwang’s style is instantly intriguing. It is smart, deliberate, elegant, timeless and iconoclastic — all at once. There’s an experimental quality to his garments. After designing for some of the most beloved names in womenswear, Hwang founded his eponymous label, Rokh, in 2016 and started showing at Paris Fashion Week just three years later. He’s a rising star in the fashion world, with a devoted following.

Together with H&M, Hwang has created a collection that reconsiders the classic professional wardrobe. There are pieces for men and women, with double-layer trench coats, detachable-hem dresses, corset tops, reworked trousers and denim, a subdued floral print top and pleated skirt set with matching gloves and tights, underwear and logo t-shirts, graphic two-tone metallic jewellery and playful office-inspired accessories, like a briefcase bag and an accordion file clutch.

Irina Shayk strutted her stuff at the H&M x Rokh launch event at Dover Street Market in London. She showcased her enviable legs and embraced the ‘no-pants’ trend with an oversized blazer courtesy of Rokh H&M.

The Rokh x H&M collection has officially hit the shelves in chosen H&M stores and is also available online. Here are my favourite pieces:

Rokh X H&M Corset-Style Velour Top

Elevate your wardrobe with this short, snug top crafted from plush velour, featuring the designer’s signature vibrant floral print and logo. Boasting a flattering sweetheart neckline, underwire cups, and corset-style seams with boning, it’s a fusion of style and structure, complete with long sleeves and a chic logo-adorned cuff detail.

Rokh X H&M Bandeau Dress with Leather Bra

Snag this calf-length bandeau dress crafted from wool-blend twill and featuring detachable side panels layered over sheer, pleated chiffon. Complete with a leather bra, a removable belt adorned with grommets and a dramatic extra-long end, and a fully lined bandeau with engraved logo motif buttons, it’s a versatile ensemble exuding elegance and charm.

Rokh X H&M Jacquard-Knit Cardigan

We might even dare to say that this chic cardigan is reminiscent of a certain other luxury brand well-known for its tartan-check pattern, just at a more affordable price point. Embellished with logo-engraved buttons and a decorative label on one cuff, it’s a versatile piece that effortlessly blends comfort and style.

Rokh X H&M Chunky Ball Chain Necklace

Make a statement with this short, chunky ball chain necklace crafted from shiny silver and gold-colored metal, featuring two pendants at the back of the neck including one engraved with the designer’s logo. With a convenient spring ring clasp and a total length of 16 1/4 inches, it’s a versatile accessory that adds a touch of glamour to any ensemble.

Rokh X H&M Two-Piece Twill Trench Coat

Upgrade your outerwear game with this versatile twill trench coat, offering both a long, loose-fit base layer and a slightly shorter detachable layer. Featuring double-breasted buttons, adjustable cuffs, and a detachable waist belt with logo-engraved details, it’s a chic option for any occasion, complete with functional elements like welt pockets and a storm flap.

The days are longer and the skies are (broadly speaking) getting brighter. Which means there’s no excuse – it’s running season. 

If you’re thinking about Couch to 5K, Parkrun, applying for next year’s Marathon or just want to look good, strutting down the local high street – you know how the saying goes – ‘all the gear, right idea’? (Or ‘no idea’, but we’ll ignore that…) I’ve got all the running gear you need, right here.

Ronhill Nip Guards

They might not be the most glamorous accessory, but necessary for sure. These Nip Guards are a must for long distance runners, or those training for the marathon – to prevent painful nipple chafing and abrasion. We hear Vaseline also does the trick, but try reapplying that whilst you run…

£16 Runners Needs

KIPRUN Men’s And Women’s Smartphone And Big Phone Running Armband

Never smash your phone screen again with this armband! The clear touchscreen makes it easy to use your phone when running – whether to check your running app, launch your playlist or see who’s calling you.

£99 at Decathlon

Salomon Act Skin 12L Run Vest

With soft, breathable fabrics and a snug secure fit, the chest pockets ensure your flasks stay accessible at all times (two 500ml, we might add). The Salomon Act Skin Run Vest has been designed for reliability, using materials that are in it for the long haul. Better yet? This vest has been designed with soft fabrics and an easy elastic closure system for extra comfort, however intensely you train or race.

£99 at Sports Direct

3 Pack of Uplifting Scrunchies

Is there anything worse than you hair falling out midstride? Blisters… make sure your pony keeps swinging as you pound the pavement in these, Lululemon scrunchies. The brand recently upgraded the elastic in these fan-favourites, to keep your hair tied tight, stretch after stretch.

£20 at LuluLemon

Nike Everyday Lightweight Training No-Show Socks

If anything is going to help motivate your running, it’s the correct pair of socks, right? Should you be in the mood or have an energy-filled day ahead, even just a casual walk around the block? You’ll be prepared with these sweat-wicking socks, that will keep you cool and dry, plus there’s a snug band around the arch for added support.

£19.95 at Nike

Active Lifestyle Cap

Crafted from cotton canvas with a timeless curved brim silhouette, this Adanola cap is ready when you are. Designed with a cute logo on the front, it’s the perfect hat for all of the bad running hair days ahead.

£14.99 at Adanola

Camelbak Podium Chill Sports Water Bottle

Hydration is KEY when going for a run, or enduring any prolonged workout. Thankfully this bottle has double-walled construction, meaning your beverage will stay cold for twice as long. Better yet? The self-sealing cap maximizes flow rate, while eliminating splatters and spills.

£10.99 at Amazon

Smart Watch

Even though it only measures 1.69″, it does everything you need it to – and more. Yes, this smart watch includes all the practical functions you need. There’s a fitness tracker (Pedometer, Calories, Distance), Stopwatch, Heart Rate Monitor, 24 Sports Modes, Sleep Monitor, Call Notifications, SMS and APP Messages (WhatsAPP, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram etc), Music & Camera Control, Brightness Adjustment, Weather Display, Sedentary Reminder, Gmail, Alarm Clock, Find Watch and soooo much more.

£39.99 at Amazon

This Nostalgic Trouser Trend Is Back and Could Replace Leggings

Of all of the dubious 90s trend revivals, there is one that I simply did not anticipate coming back. So, you can imagine my surprise when the latest trouser trend to hit the catwalk was the ‘questionable’ pedal-pusher.

“How do I style such a marmite item?” I hear you ask. Well, in much the same way you would wear leggings. Given their ultra-slim fit and 3/4 crop, influencers are pairing pedal-pushers with jersey styles with casual basics (think baggy tees, tank tops, and oversized jackets). On the runway, you’ll even find nods to Carrie Bradshaw’s deconstructed dress layering, proving just how versatile this trouser actually is.

I reckon the winning formula is as simple as boxy blazer + white tee + pedal pushers + kitten heel mules = an instant success. And, dare I say it, might just be dressy enough for the office too. 

Welcome to another instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

I thought I’d start this week’s blog with the latest HEART THROBS for 2024…

The first is the (supposed) new James Bond, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, if rumours are to be believed. He’s definitely slick, suave and sophisticated enough to fit the part – but what’s more interesting is his private life.

He is married to the Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is 24 years older than him.

The pair, who wed in 2012, share two children together. They were both at the premiere of Back To Black – the new Amy Winehouse movie, out tomorrow, which Sam directs.

Aaron, 33, rocked a black shirt and pants of the same colour, topped off with a statement leather jacket. They each accessorized with minimal gold jewellery.

The pair met on the set of “Nowhere Boy” in 2009 when he was 18 and Sam was 42. She directed the John Lennon biopic which Aaron starred in. She set her sights on him at a very early age.

Aaron and Sam wed in 2012, and are now parents to daughters Wylda, 13, and Romy Hero, 11, as well as Angelica, 25, and Jessie, 15, from Sam’s first marriage. In other words, Aaron is only 8 years older than his eldest daughter…

Turn away now if you support another team. The next new heart throb on the block is Virgil van Dijk  (born 8 July 1991). The Dutch footballer plays for plays as centre-back for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, he is known for his strength, leadership, speed and aerial ability.  But more importantly, this picture sums up why he’s so popular to us girls.

And lastly, virtually the last person on earth you’d expect to be a heart throb. The TV gardener ALAN TITCHMARSH, who has had his ‘sexy jeans’ blurred out by North Korean TV, because not only are they perceived to be ‘sexy’ but they’re also a symbol of western imperialism.

The blurred jeans make Alan all the more intriguing, if you ask me.

Onto this week, and we chat about the new Amy Winehouse movie wardrobe, Beyonce’s ‘COWCORE’ fashion movement, the return of 60s fashion and how to improve your sleep during these lighter nights.

Enjoy.

Amy Winehouse Movie: How the film’s fashion compares to her real-life style

From sky-high heels to her iconic beehive hair, Amy Winehouse will forever be a fashion icon.

I can’t wait to witness the fashion used in the new movie. The one-minute and 15-second teaser shows MARISA ABELA, who plays Amy, sporting some of her most iconic ‘fits’, but I’m intrigued to see how accurate the parallels are to the late star’s actual wardrobe choices.

From her white hair streak to her over-the-top signature liquid eyeliner look, Amy Winehouse’s style simultaneously reflects those of her beauty choices. Often opting for a bustier, tartan print mini skirt, little black dresses and itty bitty denim shorts, Amy’s wardrobe repertoire was nothing short of iconic.

Here are some of Amy’s iconic fashion looks.

Her Floral Hair Accessories

In one scene from the teaser trailer Amy is seen on stage wearing her beloved chunky gold heart necklace paired with a towering beehive hairstyle adorned with floral detailing and a black corset. This look is extremely similar to what she wore to the 2008 Grammy Awards, but instead of a black corset, she opted for a simple fitted vest.

Her Onstage Ensembles

Another snippet shows the singer performing in a baby blue babydoll dress, fixed at the waist with an oversized black belt. The look was inspired by a 2007 outfit that Amy wore to perform at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Her Casual Wardrobe

A known lover of itty bitty shorts, Amy often wore her micro shorts on stage at festivals. In the trailer, Amy is seen with her partner Blake Fielder-Civil, played by Jack O’Connell, picnicking in a park. The singer sported a stripe bandeau top, low-waisted pink shorts and black heels, striking a resemblance to an actual picnic the lovebirds embarked on in Primrose Hill.

Unfortunately, the trailer only gives us a sneak peek as to what to expect in terms of iconic fashion moments, but we can only hope the yellow dress and heart-shaped Moschino bag combo that she wore to the 2007 Brit Awards makes an appearance.

Back to Black started filming in April of last year and is set to be released in UK cinemas TOMORROW –  on April 12th.

As “Cowboy Carter” is released, Beyoncé’s country-themed album is generating waves in cowboy fashion, setting socials alight. #Cowboycore is trending on TikTok, and boots and hat searches are up on Depop.

So, how you can try it yourself? In order to recreate cowboy core at home without looking like you’re about to hop on a horse, try these:

The Canadian tuxedo – or double denim AKA jean jackets and matching pants.

Fringe is also set to be all over the place in 2024, with searches up 58 per cent in the last three weeks alone.

Beyoncé isn’t the only one leaning into the aesthetic. Kim Kardashian donned a cowboy at the Super Bowl and Bella Hadid is dating an actual cowboy – horse trainer.

Even Kendall Jenner got in on the action when she donned a white tank that proclaimed ‘J’adore Cowboys’ while on vacation. Meanwhile, Rhianna is embracing her inner yee haw – the superstar covered Vogue China in a bedazzled cowboy hat.

This isn’t the first time that cowboy-inspired attire has trended – coastal cowgirl and western minimalism were both popular in 2023, with people showing off the niche aesthetics on social media.

If you’re interested in channelling your inner cowgirl, cowboy boots are the first stop in “going country” whilst keeping it cute. You can match them either with an all-black ensemble or a blazer, or try leather leggings tucked into the boots with a tight top and denim jacket. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and allow the boots to make the statement.

Another way to embrace the country trend is to accessorize with a belt featuring a distinctive buckle. It’s an added touch, and any rodeo-inspired belt buckle will be a stylish bonus.

And if you’re interested in donning a Canadian tuxedo, the key to pulling off a denim-on-denim look is to ensure both denim pieces complement one other.

Try incorporating western elements into your existing wardrobe by mixing them with modern pieces, like pairing a classic cowboy hat with a sleek blazer and jeans, or wearing a western-inspired belt with a flowy dress.’

Overall, the current cowboy look resonates with many people, because of its nostalgic charm, versatility and statement-making style. 

The clocks have gone forward, so we can all enjoy those light evenings and even lighter early mornings. If you commute to work, your circadian rhythms make it likely you’ve been up since about 6am, maybe even earlier.

Sleep practitioners say there’s a common misconception that we all need eight hours of sleep. This isn’t the case. For most people, eight hours is unrealistic – not even one in five people manage to achieve it. The main thing you should be focusing on is sleep quality.

If you’re getting a good quality night’s sleep, it shouldn’t matter whether you are waking up at 6am or getting your full eight hours every night. However, if you’re getting consistently less sleep, poor quality sleep, your body is very quickly going to become worn out.

NHS GPs and health consultants share some tell-tale signs that the commute is really taking its toll with those early risers. Lack of sleep means a lack of protection of cytokines which makes us more vulnerable to infections. Cytokines are signalling proteins that help control inflammation in your body.

Poor sleep is causing 23 to 45% of the population to lose more than two work weeks’ worth of productivity every year. A tired brain is like a tired muscle that can simply not run the marathon until its rested well enough. Sleep allows your brain to recharge for the next day.

Sleep helps us consolidate our memories, which means the better we sleep, the more likely we are to make those memories stick. The short-term effect of insomnia or poor sleep on memory is increased forgetfulness, as there’s an element of cognitive decline due to brain fatigue.

We also have enough data to be able to say a lack of sleep causes obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Why can we gain weight or get diabetes from a lack of sleep? ‘It adversely affects the metabolism of sugars (glucose) in our bodies

You might want to get yourself some blackout blinds, as a new study has found there are a number of implications of sleeping in a light room. According to researchers in China, leaving the curtains open while you sleep could increase your risk of a stroke by 43%, as light pollution hampers quality rest and puts strain on the body’s organs.

According to the research, exposure to bright light at night ‘could lead to the body’s circadian rhythm suppressing melatonin secretion.’ As a result, triglyceride levels, blood pressure and blood glucose could all increase, triggering vascular conditions.

The best environment for quality sleep

To improve your bedtime conditions for optimum rest, you should keep your room as dark as possible or wear a sleep mask. Darkness is essential for sleep, Even small amounts of light can be disruptive and the lighter your bedroom, the worse the problem.

Also, ensure that your room is the right temperature (around 16-18°C) and you aren’t too warm under the covers. This is because your body needs to lose heat during the night, so being too warm can disturb your sleep.

Beehives and Biba: 60s fashion comes out swinging in 2024

Barbara Streisand once shopped there, Jimi Hendrix was a customer, and John Lennon’s white limo would sometimes pull up outside. Salman Rushdie called it his “60s education in cool”. 

Granny Takes a Trip, the King’s Road boutique that opened in London in 1966 and became a countercultural hangout, is relaunching with a little help from the Rolling Stones.

Rushdie has written how “to the assorted heads and freaks who hung out there, it was the Mecca, the Olympus, the Kathmandu of hippy chic”.

Inspired by the irreverent spirit of the original, the 2024 digital iteration will work only with second hand clothing and dead stock fabrics. Looking to the brand’s musical roots, excess clothing from the musical merchandising industry will be transformed into limited edition garments.

The retailer’s chief executive, Marlot te Kiefte, hopes to evoke a similar mood as the original and inspire people to “take a step back and appreciate fashion”. She draws a parallel between the 2020s and the 1960s, with widespread political upheaval, a rise in collectivism, as well as an interest in wellbeing, spirituality and psychedelics.

The relaunch comes amid a wider resurgence of 60s culture and fashion. There is a revival of shrunken polo shirts, shift-dress shapes, spacey metallics and short hemlines.

So, beehives are taking centre stage. While in London, a show celebrating all things Biba opened last month at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Founded in 1964, it was one of the world’s first lifestyle brands.

The 60s have come out swinging in high fashion too. At Celine, Twiggy acted as muse for the shift dresses and miniskirts.

The mood seems to be rubbing off on younger generations – on the secondhand site Depop, a favourite with gen Z, searches for miniskirts are up 30%, baker-boy hats by 17% and leopard print by 235%. Polo necks are also trending.

On Pinterest, searches for Biba are up 65% and searches for 60s styles, 60s outfits and shift dresses have risen by 30%. The number of people looking for leopard-print outfit inspiration has increased sevenfold.

What is behind the 60s resurgence? Fashion and the wider world is in a period of upheaval and, perhaps seeking comfort, is in an increasingly nostalgic mood.

The recent deaths of 60s style leaders may also be affecting the mood. Having made miniskirts fashionable, Mary Quant, who died at 93, catalysing a moment of remembrance and celebration of her mark on fashion.

In 2024, a financially strained time in the UK, when “we’re not socialising, not working and not having fun”, the 60s may be particularly appealing. “[Looking back] through rose-tinted glasses, [people] were social, clubs [were] starting, [people were] out and about, exploring new things, [it was] possible … to have fun on little money.”