I’ve had my first Polycleocide Salmon DNA Treatment with Kat Jackowska
Welcome to this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up brought to you from our Balearic bolthole – where I decamp every summer.
However, I’ll be in the Mi-Soul studio in London this week for my fashion radio show as usual – flying in and out of London for the day. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Carting around one’s whole working life on and off planes and trains during one busy 10-hour period.
Where do you put everything if you’re travelling “hand luggage only”? Especially if, like me, you need make-up, music, change of footwear, reading material, laptops, hair accessories and plenty of moisturisers etc? And you’re trying to avoid the cost and inconvenience of checking a bag in.
I have it covered in this instalment. Read on…
Also, following my recent feature on my POLYNUCLEOCIDE facial treatment – the Salmon Sperm DNA undereye procedure – I have had the first session with KAT JACKOWSKA at FOREVER SKIN in Croxley Green. All went well and the whole experience has been professionally filmed for our socials. I am due in for another couple of sessions over the coming weeks and will keep you posted.
If you’re interested in any cosmetic facial asthetic treatments – do please contact KAT on: hello@foreverskin.co.uk 07946 491440
And, finally this week, you may remember that a while back I featured BLACK SHEEP CLOTHING– the streetwear brand created by the legendary Drum & Bass DJ JUMPING JACK FROST and his team.
Well, just in time for the upcoming heatwave (rumoured to hit the UK next week), BLACKSHEEP have launched this super stylish Shirt & Shorts set, emblazoned with a monochrome graffiti design and the two piece matches perfectly to suit all ages, shapes and sizes – which still seems to be the trend for men’s summer fashion over the past couple of summers.
Here he is modelling the look.
Jumping Jack Frost Rocking His Brand Blacksheep Clothing
Also in this instalment of Zips It Up, we discuss the Zero Alcohol Prosseco created by model Cara Delevigne and her sister Poppy, if you’re planning a “sober summer” of festivities.
I never thought I’d see the day, but Dior and Stone Island – sometimes associated with ‘hardened football fans’ – have, maybe, pulled off the smartest, most logical collab yet. While some brand partnerships are teased for months and months on end, others (like this one) are just dropped on us at random – and it successfully marries the Stone Island faithful with Dior’s creative director Kim Jones.
It actually makes a lot of sense. For decades, the Italian outerwear company has had all the recognition of a global brand but with a cult following. If you buy a Stone Island jacket, chances are you’ve got 15 of them at home. And with a Dior hook-up, it allows Stone Island to advance its brand positioning; while under the Kim Jones administration, Dior has balanced the streetwear movement with couture.
And the collab itself is solid. There are black leather jackets, bright yellow raincoats, mauve cardigans, minty green gilets, and lots and lots of accessories. We’re talking sunglasses and gloves and bags in all kinds of shapes and sizes. You’ve got your shoulder ones. You’ve got your weekend ones. And you’ve also got ones that come in the shape of the compass logo – the de facto north star of all Stoneys.
The partnership has also gone all-out in the sneaker department, too, with several new designs and silhouettes slated to be dropped as part of the collection.
The Dior x Stone Island collection is available exclusively in Dior boutiques. It dropped on June 14 in Milan, June 18 in London, June 27 in the US, followed by a global release on July 4. Official pricing has yet to be confirmed, but whatever it is, it will sell out. Fast.
Model Cara Delevingne has recently opened up about how cutting off drug and alcohol use “got her power back.”
Feeling fresher than ever, along with her sister Poppy, the girls have launched their own non-alcoholic wine brand, Della Vite Zero.
Della Vite Zero
In a recent interview, the model highlighted how addiction issues cropped up regularly during her time under the fame spotlight.
Cara Delevigne is now sober..
Just two years back, notorious photos of Delevingne emerged on the internet, where she appeared in quite a “distorted” condition outside Van Nuys airport shortly after a nearby festival had ended.
Anyway, as the 0% wine’s blurb reads…
“Della Vite Zero is a bold new way to enjoy premium sparkling wine. Made from selected Grenache grapes from the south of France, this sparkling rosé is carefully de-alcoholised, whilst retaining all the flavour and texture. Alluring aromas of red berries, with a crisp, clean mouthfeel. Enjoy this dry sparkling rosé served chilled with savoury canapés. <0.5% VOL. Sugar 2.7g per 100ml. 12kcal per 100ml:.
Hmmm. Not sure here. My preference is either to drink normal (with alcohol) wine or (on other days) to drink no alcohol at all. But I’ll try some and report back.
5 Amazon Low-Cost Airline hand luggage cabin bags for your holiday or trip away
Strict airline baggage size restrictions can make travelling extremely stressful. Especially if you’re only taking hand luggage on your travels, and have to fit everything into one small bag. If you’re travelling with Ryanair or Easyjet (or, God help you, Wizz Air) this summer, it can be costly if you get it wrong.
This collection of luggage at AMAZON is not only super stylish, but kind on the purse strings and meets the airlines’ oh-so-strict requirements.
For example, Ryanair allows all passengers to take a small bag onboard with them that’s 40x20x25cm and must fit under the seat. You can purchase a cabin bag that’s 55x40x20cm and is 10kg or less that has to go in the overhead locker.
Other retailers sell hand luggage that meets airline requirements, including Argos and Marks and Spencer. However, many alternative retailers don’t offer free delivery, like Amazon does to Prime customers.
Here’s my handy list of five items of varying designs to serve as your perfect travel companion this year. Whether you’re going on holiday or have a work trip away, these approved cabin bags will become your go-to.
The Cabin Max 20L Backpack conveniently opens like a suitcase and has several handy compartments to keep your bag organised. It includes a bottle holder and trolley strap, and is made from a soft material with a padded back, straps and handle for ultimate comfort.
The bag is available in several colours and has over 9,217 five-star ratings, with one Amazon shopper saying: “This backpack has been an absolute game-changer for my travel adventures! This sleek and versatile backpack ticks all the boxes and has made my trips more enjoyable and stress-free.”
The Narwey Duffel Bag comes in many colours and patterns
Dimensions: 40 x 19 x 25cm
If you prefer a duffel bag that you can hold in your hand or over your shoulder, Narwey’s is the option for you. The 20L duffel bag is an Amazon’s Choice product and made from a thick fabric similar to nylon, offering durability and ensuring the bag keeps its shape.
The cabin bag comes in many colours and patterns, allowing you to pick a design that suits your holiday wardrobe. While one Amazon customer felt the bag needed inner pockets as the one on the outside ‘is quite small and not secure’, another called the luggage ‘lovely’ and ‘spacious’.
Flight Knight’s Cabin Suitcase is the perfect option if you’d rather not carry your cabin bag. The wheelie case is an Amazon Choice product with 3,049 five-star ratings, there’s a choice of sizes so make sure you pick the correct one.
The suitcase comes in multiple colours and has an anti-scratch water-resistant hard outer shell. It has a four-wheel design for full 360-degree manoeuvrability and comes with a five-year guarantee.
The Aerolite Holdall fits the Ryanair small bag criteria
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25
The Aerolite Holdall easily adapts to your needs, as you can carry it by hand, wear it over your shoulder, or attach it to larger luggage. The holdall fits the Ryanair small bag criteria and is available in black, red, pink and navy blue.
Aerolite’s carry on bag has a spacious and lockable main compartment and a convenient front zipped pocket that’s ideal for storing your travel documents and any in-flight essentials, such as a book or headphones. One customer used the bag on a Ryanair flight and said: “Has proved very useful, can fit a lot in it and it fits perfectly under the seat in front.
The Lossga Backpack has many compartments and pockets
Dimensions: 40 x 20 x 25
Amazon’s Lossga Backpack has many handy compartments and pockets for storing all of your holiday essentials. It’s made from a waterproof fabric, has comfortable wide breathable mesh straps that help relieve stress on the shoulders, and back padding that provides maximum support to relieve pressure.
One Amazon shopper found the backpack was ‘on the small side’, however someone else was left ‘wowed’ by the luggage. They explained: “This bag is absolutely amazing. You can fit so much in and lots of compartments.
Summer is in full-swing, and the focus is on Festivals, Sport and HEAT.
Yes, it’s time of year when we have to stay hydrated. And staying hydrated has never been so chic.
If you haven’t heard about the Stanley Cup (a water bottle) – where have you been? It’s the no.1 best-selling water bottle – made popular on TikTok by Gen Z and Millennials, from LA, New York to London. In the past year, nearly 109 million TikTok posts have dedicated to the virally-insane supersized water holder.
The Stanley Cup only costs a cool £50
Now, the 111-year-old brand is releasing an update on its most popular style, and we’re already predicting it’ll be a sell-out. Meet the Stanley Cross Bottle, a 23oz bottle with a handy cross-body strap so that you can “wear” your water bottle – ideal for those who like to go as hands-free as possible. It also boasts the same features that made the Quencher popular – the rotating lid for left-handed people, the easy-to-use straw, the soft grip material – and comes in six fun colourways.
The Cross Bottle is just the latest way in which we’re having fun with our accessories, with phone bracelets, sunglasses chains and bag charms (as featured in AZIU) all enjoying a moment too. What’s more, TikTok is full of Gen Zers customising their Stanleys, including those who adorn them in not only stickers, but beads.
The only stumbling block to the Cross Bottle’s dominance? This style is currently only available in the US and Canada, though their EU website does have a “notify me” button so you can get your hands on it first when it does launch here. Looks like a trip stateside might be on the cards…
Onto this week’s instalment, and there’s no avoiding England’s current sporting hero – Jude Bellingham. We investigate how footballers have raised their fashion game, plus look at what NOT to wear to Wimbledon and I reveal my favourite Glastonbury outfits as seen last weekend down on the farm.
So, Glasto has wrapped for another year. Although not particularly my cup of tea – how many times can one possibly see Coldplay without screaming for something different- it’s when and where music and fashion lovers alike descend upon Worthy Farm for five nights of musical “magic”.
Glastonbury, next to Coachella, is coined one of the most iconic festivals in the world, pulling in notable names, celebs and die-hard fans from around the globe. This year was all about SZA, Charlie XCX, Dua Lipa, Cyndi Lauper, Shania Twain, Coldplay (with Micheal J Fox) and Avril Lagvine.
Everyone knows that no music festival is complete without a crowd of stylish ensembles, many planning their looks (right down to the right pair of wellies)
So, in the name of festival fashion, I check out the best-dressed guests and celebrities who attended this year’s Glastonbury…
Lila Moss
It’s all about the maxi thigh-split dress this year
Lila Moss dazzled Worthy Farm in the Eboni top and skirt set from Rat & Boa, flaunting bold black and white stripes that created a dynamic optical illusion. Paired with black biker boots and sleek sunglasses, Lila effortlessly combined edgy and elegant.
Florence Pugh
The floral crown was back
Florence Pugh’s look was pure boho charm. She wore a black-neck dress featuring cutouts and a daring thigh-high slit. Combat boots added an edgy contrast to the feminine frock, while a vibrant flower crown provided the free-spirited festival vibe.
Mel C & Chris Dingwall
Stylish couple Mel C and Chris Dingwall nailed the festival look. The former Spice Girl wore a beige co-ord boasting matching shorts, topped with a lightweight open shirt. Paired with grey sneakers, white framed sunglasses, a black crossbody bag and a crop top she embodied effortless chic. Meanwhile her model boyfriend opted for a classic black t-shirt and relaxed black pants, completing his look with maroon Adidas sneakers.
Maya Jama & Stormzy
Stormy nailed it with the bucket hatBoob tubes & Heart sunnies
Maya Jama and Stormzy radiated coordinated style, seamlessly blending unique patterns with effortless cool. Maya sported a chic Dior jacket adorned with vintage city map prints, exuding urban sophistication, while Stormzy matched her energy in a bold, red V-logo outfit from Valentino, complete with a matching bucket hat.
Alexa Chung
Model Alexa Chung’s ensemble was a delightful mix of vintage charm and festival functionality. She wore a flowing yellow dress with delicate lace trim and matching cardi, layered under a long, rugged Barbour coat. Black boots and cool-girl sunglasses added a bit of her signature rock ‘n’ roll edge.
Sienna Miller
Sienna’s look was all about relaxed elegance. She wore a casual yet stylish checkered Barbour jacket paired with white jogger pants and short black wellies. Her oversized sunglasses and Missoma chubby hoops added a touch of glamour, making her ensemble perfect for laid-back festival chic.
Cara Delevingne & Anya Taylor-Joy
Cara in the tradition denim cut offs
Cara Delevingne and her friend Anya Taylor-Joy captured festival vibes with ease. Cara rocked a checked shirt tied at the waist, distressed denim shorts, and sturdy brown boots. While Anya opted for a cream-colored crop top and a flouncy white shorts, paired with tan boots.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa was headlining Friday night, and for her big moment, she pulled out all the stops with her wardrobe, changing her look five times for her on-stage performance. Aside from this Versace slip dress, she wore other custom looks by Chrome Hearts, Loewe and Acne Studios, with Tiffany & Co jewellery.
And my winner….
Olivia Dean
The puffball returns
Olivia Dean, the gorgeous Neo Soul singer from North London, took to the Pyramid Stage on Friday afternoon and wore a puffball tartan mini skirt by Chopova Lowena with a T-shirt that had a very special meaning. The top featured a photograph of her grandmother on. “This song is for my granny, to the Windrush generation, for any immigrant, anyone’s who’s brave enough to move,” Dean said.
Want to know what to wear at Wimbledon, and whether (once seated) you’re allowed to scream like Zendaya in Challengers?
The famous tennis tournament is finally upon us. And those of us fortunate enough to be in possession of a ticket should be appraised of what one can and can’t wear, say or do.
There are strict rules to abide by when attending Wimbledon. There is no dress code – as such – but there are certain things one definitely ought to know if you are to get the most out of the day and avoid any red-faced moments.
There is no dress code for Wimbledon spectators, however, dressing smartly is encouraged, especially if frequenting Centre Court or Court Number One. After all, if the players make an effort with their outfits, spectators should follow suit (forgive the pun).
What you are forbidden to wear is ‘ambush marketing’ clothing – a jacket with your company logo emblazoned on the back, for instance. Political slogans are also forbidden.
Panama hats, however, are very much a thing – they will provide shade from what is likely to be quite a punishing sun, though make sure they don’t block the person behind’s view.
Lewis was kicked out of the Royal Box for wearing this outfit
No overly large, Ascot-esque hats though, ladies. And gents, whilst not obligatory, perhaps wear a jacket and tie – you won’t want to find yourself, as Lewis Hamilton once did (as I reported in AZIP) denied entry to a rather important match…
Etiquette
You know how tempting it is: shouting a quick “Come on Emma!” as she goes to serve… But you must refrain. Not only is it distracting for players, but it’s distracting for everyone else too. You might even earn yourself a scolding from the umpire. Wait ‘til the point has been played, then yell as loudly as you like.
These are SAFE
Do not cheer in the middle of rallies either – total silence until the end.
In terms of moving in and out of the courts, you can only leave your seat – for a loo break or whatever else – after the third game of a set to begin with, and then when the players change sides, every two games, after that.
You won’t be able to return to your seat until those times either, so best hold back on that Pimms until after the match, if you don’t wish to miss any crucial moments.
Food and drink
Food and drink are not cheap within the Wimbledon grounds (I’ve been, and know too well), so you might want to pack a picnic. People only really eat strawberries and cream anyway, so it’s not like you’ll have a lot to lug around.
You can bring your own booze, BUT, you are limited to the equivalent of one bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml) or two cans of beer (500ml) or two cans of premixed aperitifs (like, Pimms) per person. Bottles of spirits are prohibited though, so a straight bottle of Pimms is a no-no.
Glass glasses may not be used on the show courts and all corked bottles, including champagne and sparkling wine, must be opened before you go into the stands.
Weirdly, flasks are not allowed either. So, leave that Stanley cup at home. And neither are travel mugs or opaque bottles.
What NOT to wear to Wimbledon
NO large hats
If you want to nail your look at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, here are some outfits and accessories to avoid:
Dirty trainers: While we all have a favourite pair of comfortably worn-out trainers that have seen better days, opt for a clean pair that adheres to the smart casual vibe of the event.
Oversized hats: When watching the action on Centre Court, nobody wants their view blocked, so avoid wearing an overly large hat.
Ripped jeans: Ripped or distressed jeans lean just a little too far on the casual side, so as an alternative, you should go for wide trousers, corduroy or a midi skirt.
Large branding: At Wimbledon, it’s best to avoid heavily branded clothing and accessories.
With a huge summer of sport, the latest fashion flex is signing high profile sports stars for a viral campaign spot.
Burberry has unveiled its football series, collaborating with England’s finest Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze, whilst Jude Bellingham has stripped off for Kim Kardashian’s Skims.
Jude for SKIMS
Once upon a time, footballers like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea and Paul Scholes would be seen out in dodgy jeans and Dad-knitwear. In Rooney’s own words “we all looked terrible.” But a fashion crisis no longer reigns over our footballing stars, who are snapping up brand deals with major fashion houses, sitting front row at their shows and putting on what their stylists advise them to wear.
Footballers have long engaged personal shoppers, because they’re busy and will get hassle if seen out shopping, or because they want the newest stuff and aren’t experts on the subject. But to have a stylist is a totally different thing.
Jack for GUCCI
Interest in fashion is rife, and has become another form of competition between players. It’s creeping through into brand partnerships too. David Beckham has used his retirement to edge even closer to the fashion world – he just announced a deal with BOSS. But younger players are already there, and don’t need to wait that long
Mbappe for DIOR
Mbappé led the way in 2021 by signing with Dior, followed by Jack Grealish’s £10m deal with Gucci in 2022 and Saka become a Burberry ambassador in 2023. Now, there’s whispers of England star striker Jude Bellingham being linked with high fashion heavyweight Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Jude in GUCCI
LV only work with sporting icons — they ran an advertising campaign with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before the last World Cup, following a campaign featuring Pele, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane ahead of the 2010 tournament — and are now targeting the 21-year-old from Stourbridge. Bellingham has already shown his fashion credentials, wearing a Louis Vuitton suit with flared trousers to Paris last month.
Jude has yet to sign any personal endorsement deals, other than his boot contract with Adidas, although he did take part in a photoshoot for Gucci last year as part of their collaboration with the German sportswear company.
Jude in FLARES on the Paris red carpet
Watch this space for more familiar footie faces heading into fashion places.
Welcome to another instalment of Amanda Zips It Up. As we finally enjoy FLAMING JUNE.
Whilst running chores in Hampstead this week, I ran across some filming going on. After a bit of investigation, I learned that scenes from the new BRIDGET JONES movie were being filmed near a school just up the road from home.
Love her or loathe her – Bridget Jones is up there in many people’s top ten rom-coms of all time. Helen Fielding’s experience of life – as portrayed brilliantly by Renee Zellweger – has become a modern-day classic.
Jones famously once said, “It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one part of your life starts going OK, another falls spectacularly to pieces”. And yet, as Renée Zellweger, 55, shoots scenes for the new Bridget Jones film, Mad About The Boy, it appears that Bridget’s life hasn’t just partially fallen apart, but fallen apart completely. That’s because Mark Darcy has been killed off. Sorry for the spoiler alert – but it was in the book, so I’m not giving the game away too much.
The human-rights barrister and all-round decent guy Darcy (who, we must remember, loved Bridget just “as she was”) is suddenly killed in Afghanistan on a work trip following their wedding at the end of the last Jones instalment, leaving her as a single once again in her fifties, raising their two children alone. A story line that doesn’t sound like classic romcom material, but I’ve got a feeling Fielding and Zellweger won’t let us down. In fact, Hugh Grant, aka Daniel Cleaver, making his return for the fourth film, has revealed he thinks this script is ‘the best one’ of all the Bridget Jones films.
The wardrobe hasn’t changed much either. Bridge is still wearing those penguin pyjamas (from the first film), paired with thick white socks and Birkenstocks with a massive baggy cardigan to do the school run.
The film also features Isla Fisher (Aussie actress once married to Sacha Baron Cohen) as the nutty next-door neighbour – who’s costumes are OUTRAGEOUS. She wears the big knickers this time round, under see-through netted skirts with huge crazy hair (think Helena Bonham Carter).
It looks so exciting already and I for one, can’t wait for the release – which is next Valentine’s Day – Feb 2025.
Onto this week’s instalment, and we check out the Salmon Sperm Facial Treatment, The Crocs Patio Set, Vogue World at Paris Fashion Week, plus an interview with the first Lady of House Music – Lisa Loud – all about her fashion life.
Tomorrow (or today – if you’re listening to my radio show) I will be in the professional care of Medical Aesthetic Nurse and all-round skin guru Kat Jackowska BSc at FOREVER SKIN medical aesthetics in leafy Croxley Green, just outside Watford, close to the M25.
Kat Jackowska BSc – Medical Aesthetic Nurse07946 491440 foreverskin.co.uk hello@foreverskin.co.uk
Kat has been treating me for the past couple of years, but on this occasion I am about to experience the latest cult facial procedure, undertaken in 2024 by everyone from Demi Moore, Jennifer Anniston and the cast of Towie.
In the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetics and skincare, a new ground-breaking player has emerged: Salmon DNA Polynucleotide. Think Salmon Sperm, basically.
What exactly are polynucleotides, and how do they work their magic? Derived from salmon or trout DNA, these star ingredients—polynucleotide (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN)—closely resemble human DNA. When injected into the skin, PDRN and PN act as cellular messengers, stimulating collagen formation, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation and coaxing our skin cells into action.
Perfect For Under The Eyes
Kat is treating me with Salmon – not Trout. So, this Friday I’m getting ready to unlock the potential of salmon DNA—and the future of anti-ageing awaits.
The mere mention of salmon sperm might raise eyebrows, I get that, but it’s not quite as unconventional as it sounds. Polynucleotides are not actual salmon sperm, instead they are purified DNA extracted from salmon sperm.
Salmon sperm extract has been shown to increase the metabolic activity of skin cells and collagen. The results in an improvement in skin tightness and thickness, acne, pigmentation, red veins, Rosacea and inflammation.
Increases collagen and the metabolic activity of skin cells
Polynucleotide treatments are considered safe, with minimal side effects. Some clients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, but these typically subside within a few days.
Furthermore, these injections may be used to improve the look of the neck, décolletage, hands, and sensitive eye region, offering a complete option for skin augmentation.
As well as Botox-like effects, polynucleotides – which can cost in the region of £400 – are said to give customers a ‘baby face’ and rejuvenated skin.
Other typical skin issues addressed with polynucleotides include sun damage, photoaging, scarring, and stretch marks. Additionally, research has demonstrated that polynucleotides may be used to treat hair loss in a way that simultaneously slows down hair loss and promotes the creation of new hair.
It all sounds very intriguing. Not only will Kat and I be sharing the procedure right here in Zips It Up but I’ll be discussing it on my radio show on Mi-Soul. Plus, it will be filmed and you’ll be able to watch it on all my socials and on FOREVER SKIN OFFICAL’S INSTAGRAM.
