Welcome to June and “official summer time”. Now, not only is this my birthday month, it has finally started heating up, festivals are in full swing and everyone is packed and ready for the Balearics. But it’s also the end of football for a little while. You’re either happy about that or not.
But to signify the end of the season, let’s discuss the new Arsenal Kit. Non-Arsenal supporters, this is your cue to seethe with irritation and look away!
The new shirt will be worn by both men’s and women’s sides, and features a round neck (no dated collar this time round), lightning-shaped pinstripes and the new gold Adidas logo and club badge. The nape of the neck also features a gold lightning bolt, while the white socks have red lightning running down them.
Lightening, as we all know, is very on-trend.
The kit has been designed as a homage to 2003/04 shirt – celebrating 20 years since Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ season, which saw them lift the Premier League title after going a full campaign without a defeat. The round neck, white sleeves encroaching up to the collar, and gold touches are all references to that famous year. I was there!
That team’s record of 26 wins and 12 draws features on the side of the kit. It has a vintage retro feel, don’t you agree?
Although Arsenal won’t be wearing this kit as champions in 2023/24, they will at least be taking it on their travels in the Champions League next season – the first time the club have appeared in the competition since 2016, when Arsene Wenger was still manager.
It’s officially summer, and the beginning of my favourite month of the year – June.
As occurs every month, but this time set to the backdrop of long days and summer weather, new trends land, some celeb or other is doing something nuts and one or two new lifestyle fads drop.
Here’s what’s buzzing right now.
This month’s Must-Have Tipple
Straight out of Hollywood, the seasonable cocktail to be seen with is a ‘DIET COKAGNE’… no not THAT cross – but a cross between Diet Coke and Champagne. One part diet coke, one part champagne.
I’m not feeling particularly fizzed by the prospect, but remain willing to try.
The Obama Sisters
Barak’s and Michelle’s daughters are being hailed as the new ‘Olsen Sisters’ – ie. The MOST fashionable girls in the world right now. Both are rocking a laid-back fashion style that’s being noticed by everyone. Malia has just made a film with Donald Glover (Childish Bambino) and Sasha has been seen rocking nails to rival Cardi B’s – expect everyone to follow suit.
Boosting Your Sex Drive With Beets
You can eat your way to a better sex life by cooking beetroot, kale, cabbage and garlic. These ingredients all boost nitric oxide, which increases blood flow and leads to better orgasms. But I’m predicting awful breath and flatulence as part of the package.
Pride MonthMake-Up
To celebrate Pride month, there ae rainbow goodies everywhere.
Eyelure have launched Glow In The Dark Lashes with the charity ‘Just Like Us’ – £7.95 on Amazon.
No.17 Brights have created a limited-edition Eyeshadow Pallette at Boots £5.
Dunelm have created a collection of rainbow cushions, £18 each supporting the charity Rainbow Mind.
And Insta-Dry Pride nail varnish collection by Sally Hansen have a selection of rainbow colours, £5 each at Superdrug with all profits going to GLAAD.
To mark Pride Month 2023, a number of big and independent brands have released Pride collections.
Taking place this June, Pride celebrates the progress that the LGBTQ+ community has made, whilst also recognising the work that still needs to be done.
Over the past couple of years, big name brands have started to release Pride-related clothing collections, often adorned with rainbow colours. A number of brands have also collaborated with LGBTQ+ artists on collections and campaigns. Many brands have gone out of their way to highlight exactly how much money they’ll be donating to LGBTQ+ charities or charities in general.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of brands celebrating Pride 2023, and most importantly where they’re donating funds to.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens has teamed up with Japanese artist Fuyuki Kanai, who has designed a manga-inspired version of its classic 1460 boot.
The illustrations by Kanai promote inclusivity, community and queer relationships. It marks the first in a three-part series, which sees the brand collab with three artists on Pride products this year.
Dr. Martens continues its partnership with a $200,000 commitment to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people.
The boot is available from selected stores
Adidas
Adidas has released its “Let Love Be Your Legacy” collection inspired and designed by Rich Mnisi.
The collection spans both lifestyle and performance pieces featuring silhouettes across Adidas Originals, football, cycling, sportswear and swim. This includes a take on the brand’s popular Stan Smith shoes.
They have also teamed up with Tom Daley who has written a love letter to sport, which he says is “a space for everyone”.
The collection is now available to shop at adidas.co.uk/pride
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch has released its “Proud Year-Round” collection, which the brand say isn’t just their campaign headline but “part of our brand”.
It features apparel and accessories embellished in rainbow colours and featuring the PYR logo, as well as the return of their gender-neutral fragrance, Pride Fierce.
They’ve also confirmed a $400,000 donation to The Trevor Project as part of their ongoing partnership.
To shop the entire Abercrombie & Fitch Pride 2023 collection head to abercrombie.com/uk
Reebok
Reebok has released a genderless apparel and footwear collection to mark Pride Month.
Entitled ‘Unity by Rebook’, the first of a number of genderless ranges has been designed for everybody, the brand says.
It features Pride inspired designs on three classic Reebok trainers, this includes the Classic Leather, Club C 85 and their training shoe, the Nano X3
Reebok has confirmed a $15,000 donation to Whittier Street Health Center’s LGBTQ Youth Wellness Program.
To shop the entire collection head to reebok.com
Hunter
For Pride Month our fave festival welly boot Hunter is releasing a one-of-a-kind clog that features the colours of the Progess Pride flag.
To mark the release of the special edition clog, Hunter has confirmed they’re donating 100 percent of the proceeds to a long-standing partner, Outright International.
The gender-neutral clog will be available to shop from 1 June via hunterboots.com
Jean Paul Gaultier
Jean Paul Gaultier has dropped a new edition of its annual Pride bottle.
This year the “Get Used to It” bottles are a nod to the brand’s slogan present in the 1994 spring/summer collection t-shirts.
The world-famous bottles mimic the shape of a naked torso and have nose-catching notes of woody citrus paired with orange and neroli for a zesty yet decadent scent experience.
The brand has partnered with organizations such as The Center in New York City, Le Refuge in France, COGAM in Spain, and Casa Arcobaleno in Italy.
It’s available from the Jean Paul Gaultier website & The Fragrance Shop
Ugg
Ugg has released an all-gender capsule collection to mark Pride Month, which features a rainbow camo print.
The range includes a new version of their Tazz slipper, matching bralette and shorts, a bag and a jacket.
To mark Pride Month, Ugg is donating $125,000 to the It Gets Better Project, which seeks to uplift and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.
To shop the Ugg Pride collection head to ugg.com/uk
Converse
Converse has dropped a collection of apparel and footwear as part of its ‘Proud to Be’ collection.
They also confirmed their “ongoing Pride commitment” that supports “the transformative work of our community partners to create spaces and opportunities where LGBTQIA+ youth around the world can thrive”.
To shop the new Converse Pride collection head to converse.com/uk
Summer’s Calling – The 5 best summer wedding guest dresses and outfits for summer 2023. SUMMER is on our doorstep, and for many it signifies a diary filled with weddings, and of course wedding guests’ corresponding desperate search for suitable wedding attire.
Summer wedding dresses for female guests are arguably easier to shop for than what’s available during other seasons, as you can be creative and bold with prints, lengths and fabrics. There are plenty of retailers on the high street, designer, and even rental sites to choose from.
It is an unspoken rule not to wear white to a wedding, which is all the more achievable when shopping for a summer wedding attire, as bold colours are always in season.
I have sifted high and low to bring the best summer guests’ wedding dresses for those upcoming summer weddings, which you can even recycle for garden parties, the races, a christening, or a summer vacation.
1. Satin Bandeau Midi Dress
A summer wedding is all about colour, vibrancy and lightweight designs, and this River Island design ticks all of those boxes.
Pair with neutral accessories, or colour clash with vibrant green shades for your footwear and clutch bag if you dare, to be bang on trend this summer.
This design comes in black too, so you can go for a pop of colour or a more subtle hue.
Pink Satin Bandeau Midi Dress, £37 from River Island
2.Layered Tier Exaggerated Frill Dress
& Other Stories are made with eco-conscious fabrics, and deliver on stunning designs.
Not only can you find yourself a flattering wedding guest dress for a summer wedding, but it’s also worth checking out their on trend accessories and shoes.
This patterned midi dress will look great however you style it, whether you wear for a wedding, christening, even a garden party, you’ll certainly get your cost per wear out of this summer dress.
From the bow tie detail on the straps, the sculpted bodice to the tiered panelling, we are head over heels for this number.
Layered Tier Exaggerated Frill Dress, £175 from & Other Stories
3. Pink Leopard Floral Dress
Never Fully Dressed has attracted a lot of attention from shoppers for the ability to style one dress multiple ways.
It is giving us major 70s vibes with the floral print, but we love the contemporary style of the dropped hem into a floaty skirt to contrast the more fitted top half of the dress to show off your slender frame.
What we love is you can wear the dresses on their own, dressed up or worn casually, or layered under a jumper, so you can get multiple wears out of your purchase.
This pink leopard print is sure to turn heads this summer, and many summers more.
Never Fully Dressed Pink Leopard Floral Dress, £33.50 (Was £89) from ASOS –
4. Print Maxi Dress
Kitri is a brand to have on your radar, though we have no doubts it is already.
It’s a great shopping destination for bold, colourful, vibrant prints, across all garments, which is why we love it for the summer season, including summer wedding guest dress shopping.
This number boasts two summery clashing prints, which makes for a playful and energetic design, so rest assured you will not be coordinating with the bridal party.
What we love is it is a flattering shape, thanks to the V-plunge, short sleeves, and maxi length, which shows off the curves of the body, without being super skin tight.
Effie Mixed Print Maxi Dress, £170 from Kitri –
5. Asymmetrical cape dress
Capes are having a moment, as are asymmetric designs, and Mango has encapsulated both trends in this one design.
Go bold at your next summer wedding, with this lime design, which may be mini length, but offers the elegance with the one shoulder and sleek cape addition.
The colour may be daunting for some, but rest assured it does come in other colourways too.
However, with a glowing tan at a destination wedding, paired with nude, tan, even gold accessories, this will truly pop.
This design looks chic enough to wear for the ceremony, and take you through to the evening reception, or just the aftermath.
It’s almost Summer, heating up in London and the Balearics very nicely.
Here at Amanda Zips It Up, the seasonal advice is all about hitting the beach in cool kimonos and sassy shorts sets. Chelsea Peers has produced its first loungewear range made from planet conscious fabrics, perfect to wear outdoors as well as indoors.
My favourites are the satin kimonos, which are the perfect cover up for your summer holiday. Check out the floral and geometric prints. Or if they scare you, opt for the neutral colours seen in the shorts sets, which are light airy and made from cheesecloth. Prices vary around the £40 range.
Chelseapeersnyc.com
Also, on the summer holiday vibe, Kurt Keiger has dipped into fashion design, with an exclusive swimwear range. The collection also includes bold statement maxi dresses, kaftans, bucket hats and hoodies, which definitely aren’t for the beach shy. Expect bright colours, embellishments ad THAT iconic rainbow print.
Sunglasses season never ends – in a conventional “fashion season” sense. However, amid a series of sales and discounts, the time is ripe to be updating your collection with the best frames of seasons past and present. Whether you’re a serial sunglasses wearer à la Anna Wintour or you’re simply looking for a pair to elevate summer days out, there’s no shortage of stylish shades.
Whatever style you choose (whether classic shapes or something funkier), it’s not always easy picking a new pair of sunglasses, especially with the opportunity to try them in-store being somewhat rushed. Add to that the breadth of choice of lens strengths, colours, and polarisation (glare protection), and it can all become rather baffling.
As a general rule, always consider your face shape. If you’re choosing a pair for daily wear, it’s smart to consider what actually looks good on you. Square faces, for instance, will benefit from the soft curves of rounder frames. Likewise, the angles of a triangular- or heart-shaped face will be accentuated by aviators. Rounder faces, on the other hand, might consider opting for square or rectangular styles such as wayfarers to harden their features.
Here, to guide you through the jungle of competing eyewear choices, we’ve rounded up a selection of my favourite his and hers sunglasses for various face shapes, all of which boast a style that transcends the beach alone. Credit cards at the ready.
Loewe’s SS23 collection is filled with playful statements from its anthurium-embellished clothing to its astro turf-adorned sneakers. Not a category content with being overshadowed, the sunglasses follow suit with their oversized design and striking play of form
£310, Matches
Jimmy Fairly The Lucia
Jimmy Fairly is a french eyewear specialist who prove that on-trend styles need not come with a premium price tag. The affordable collections don’t sacrifice on quality and you can feel content in the knowledge that with every frame purchased, the brand will donate one to those in need. This is the Lucia, a soon-to-be stalwart in your collection with a butterfly shape that suits all face shapes, from oval to square.
£129, Jimmy Fairly
Ray-Ban Hexagonal Flat Lenses
Round Ray-Bans with gold frame is a ubiquitous style that is universally flattering. This takes the silhouette and gives it a geometric twist with a hexagonal shape that brings a touch of intrigue into the equation. Polished gold and green is a win win, but you can get creative and customise the colourways of both. You can also add your own prescription lenses.
£137, Ray-Ban
Poppy Lissiman Sunglasses Cloudy Ice Blue
I’ll admit these aren’t the most practical sun-blockers on the market but if your summer plans are filled with festivals, they’re an easy way to bring the festi-feels without needing an entire wardrobe update.
Poppy Lissiman’s playful blue cumulus cloud designs are made from a transparent acetate but they come in various colourways of black, blanc and tortiseshell.
Time for some trivial summer fun. MANCHESTER United may have fallen short of winning the league this season – but their manager Erik ten Hag has trounced all rivals in another league table.
The 53-year-old boss has just been ranked the “hottest footy manager” in a new survey, backed by science. The Sexiest Football Manager league table, is compiled by experts using AI to analyse the managers’ faces for sexiness.
Their ratings also take into account managers’ net worth, plus their height and the number of tweets referring to them as “sexy”.
The following quotes have appeared from my research – not my words. I speak only in (brackets)…
1. Erik ten Hag Man Utd
THE Man Utd leader is the full package – handsome, looks good in a suit and his managerial skills make him attractive.
He looks domineering, which is appealing too.
2. Mikel Arteta Arsenal
He is officially the best -looking manager.
He is my type – dark and handsome.
And it looks like he went to Turkey for those teeth. A great smile.
3 . Pep Guardiola Man City
A MAN who makes ladies swoon, class, he has it all – and I like his facial hair.
Fans’ eyes will be glued to the pitch when Pep’s first eleven play but others won’t be able to take theirs off him.
3 . Jose Mourinho Roma
THE Special One is like Marmite but I love an arrogant, confident man. And I could listen to his voice all day.
He’s the most intriguing of them all – (and he’s my number one).
5. Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid
(JUST no. Unless you like a sugar daddy)
6. Steven Gerrard ex-Aston Villa
Any bloke whose wife loves dancing on tables must have good banter, which is very appealing.
And Steven Gerrard has good banter.
7. Arsene Wenger ex-Arsenal
He’s grumpy, which is unattractive.
The stress of managing Arsenal has aged him. A bit of Botox wouldn’t go amiss, either.
8. David Moyes West Ham
David Moyes is passionate on the sidelines and not afraid to question the referees. Is he good looking? No. But he has a certain Scottish grit going for him.
9. Rafael Benitez ex-Everton
(HOW on earth has this guy made it?)
There is nothing attractive about the ex-Everton and Liverpool boss.
10. Kevin Keegan ex-Newcastle
(I AM seriously shocked) – but he did make the hideous mullet famous back in the day so he deserves a medal for that.
Top flight footballers are some of the fittest athletes in the world, putting thousands of hours into perfecting their technique, physique and skills, in order to be the best versions of themselves on the pitch.
However, something they can’t control is their natural looks (OR LOCKS). But over recent years we’ve witnessed more and more figures in the game undergo hair transplants as they go through their careers.
From international stars to Premier League stalwarts, ZIPS IT UP takes a look at six of the greatest hair transplants in football history.
Rob Holding (2021)
In late 2021, ARSENAL fans noticed something different about long-serving defender Rob Holding.
Having signed for the Gunners from Bolton in 2016, Holding has made many Premier League appearances during his seven-year spell at the club.
However, his hairline had begun to recede over time, with Holding bravely opening up in the media about how this had impacted his self-confidence.
He revealed in October 2021 that he had undergone a hair transplant at a London clinic to transform his hairline, along with his mental health.
Wayne Rooney (2011)
Perhaps the most high-profile football hair transplant of recent times was England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
The former attacker noticed hair loss from his late teens and had receded significantly by the time he was 25.
In 2011, he confirmed he had undergone a procedure as he tweeted: ‘Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result.’
It was a success as his hair appeared to grow significantly, but he had to have another procedure in 2013 after he was slowly balding once again.
But, the second transplant left him with thicker (and thus far more permanent) hair
Andros Townsend (2016)
Another Premier League star rumoured to have undergone a hair procedure was Andros Townsend.
After making his debut in 2012, the winger has been a Premier League footballer for over a decade but his hairline has looked remarkably different whilst at his first two clubs – Tottenham and Newcastle, as compared to his most recent two clubs – Crystal Palace and Everton.
When playing for Newcastle in 2016, the now-31-year-old struggled with a receding head of hair, but this changed when he moved to Crystal Palace for the 2016-17 season.
After initially having a shaved head with the Eagles, the transformation when he grew his hair out has been impressive, although he has never confirmed whether he did in fact have a transplant.
Slaven Bilic (2016)
Known as a real rockstar footballer during his playing days for Croatia, West Ham and Everton among others, Slaven Bilic began to lose his hair during his managerial career.
An extremely popular figure at both West Ham and West Brom, and after managing his country for six years – where he infamously stopped England from qualifying for Euro 2008 – there seemed to be a difference in his hairline during his spell with the Hammers.
While there was only light hair loss, Bilic was suddenly pictured with a full head of hair again.
The Croat is yet to publicly confirm this himself – but a hair doctor explained that he had undergone the procedure just before Euro 2016.
Antonio Conte (first one in 2000)
The hot-headed Italian boss may have ended his spell with Tottenham under a cloud, but Antonio Conte can lay claim to having one of the strongest hairlines of any Premier League manager this season.
However, this wasn’t always the case, with Conte struggling with severe hair loss towards the end of his playing career.
He was rumoured to have undergone a transplant around 2000 – which was the first of three procedures Conte undertook in an attempt to fight off baldness.
The Italian’s current mop of hair is an integral part of his look, adding to the stylish persona on the touchline that we have witnessed over the past few decades at Juventus, Italy, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Spurs.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (2022)
Not only has it been a good year for Marc-Andre ter Stegen on the pitch, with Barcelona’s German goalkeeper conceding just 11 times in the league as his side won their first LaLiga title in four years.
But off the pitch, ter Stegen has seen a remarkable transformation in his hairline, with the goalkeeper announcing he had undergone a transplant when turning up for a pre-season game.
Like Holding, he revealed that building his confidence was a key reason for the procedure.
Ter Stegen definitely looks to have secured that, with the goalkeeper now sporting an impressive quiff alongside great performances in between the sticks for the Catalan giants.
A new trend, “floor time,” has taken over TikTok, garnering 19 million views (and counting).
The theory is that time spent not sitting in a chair has the potential to improve posture and even promote life longevity.
Experts recommend that we sit on the floor for small amounts of time, ideally with our backs against a wall, to ensure a neutral spine. For years, we have known that sitting for long periods can lead to stiff joints, an increased risk of certain diseases, and even a shortened life expectancy. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that as many as four to five million people die prematurely each year due to being sedentary.
In a climate of remote, tech-heavy work culture, as well as entertainment options often enjoyed from the couch, current generations are sitting more than the generation before them.Sitting in chairs for extended periods of time – especially in the same position – can lead to chronic back pain.
However, if you regularly sit on the floor, you could strengthen your core. Floor sitting engages muscles in the core and back that are not used while sitting in a chair. Floor time may even reduce pain in your neck, shoulders, and spine over time.
Additionally, sitting on the floor requires stretching of certain muscles in order to remain comfortable and stable, which could help increase your flexibility over time. You may also notice an increase in your range of motion and less pain than before.
Let’s start with the voluptuous Dua Lipa, who has been a Versace girl for some time. Now, she and Donatella have announced joining forces for a summer womenswear collection entitled “La Vacanza.”
The see-now, buy-now collection (if you can afford it) will be unveiled in on Monday – May 23rd, with a fashion show in Cannes. The event will take place during the same week as the Cannes Film Festival – and we can no doubt expect a star-studded affair, both on and off the runway.
Little is known of the collection as yet, but it will no doubt feature plenty of holiday-ready party dresses of the type Lipa wore to open and close the Versace runway show in Milan back in September — the British singer’s first runway appearance.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have co-designed the women’s La Vacanza collection for Versace with Donatella,” said Lipa, who fronted the Versace Autumn/Winter 2021 campaign and wore three Versace outfits to the 2021 Grammy Awards. She opted for the brand again for the Grammy’s in 2022.
Now, I am no lover of Versace – but could Dua be about to make the label hot again, just like Elizabeth Hurley did in the 90s?
The Baywatch bombshell, 55, slipped her svelte frame into a see-through beaded catsuit boasting a magnificent star pattern that sparkled under the red carpet lights.
Giving off the look of a minidress, Anderson threw an oversized black blazer over her jumpsuit which she left buttoned as to only show a hint of cleavage.
The fast fashion empire has teamed with the French luxury to create a budget-friendly collection based on the late Thierry Mugler’s iconic silhouettes.
H&M has worked with the likes of Moschino, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Stella McCartney to bring high-fashion to the everyday consumer.
Rounding out her overall look, the former Playboy Playmate threw on a pair of sky-high Christian Louboutin heels.
Anderson’s trademark platinum blonde locks were styled long and flowing.
She rocked her iconic black smokey eyeshadow and nude lip combo for the star-studded occasion in the Big Apple.
At one point, while strutting her stuff in front of admiring photographers, Anderson flashed a peace sign, to go along with her infectious smile.
The collection by Mugler’s creative director Casey Cadwallader includes both womenswear, menswear and accessories, and honors the late French designer with silhouettes characterised by big shoulders that are tight at the waist with pieces meant to honour the lines of the human body, which H&M called an ‘ode to confidence.
This new collection emphasizes leather, showcasing everything from trousers and blazers to a beautiful trench coat adorned with engraved buttons.
But there’s also a strong denim presence that includes a sculpted jacket, complete with padding that accentuates the male physique.
The H&M collaboration with the house of Mugler is scheduled to launch in select stores and online on May 11, 2023.
