… a word from the Editor, Amanda

by Amanda // November 16, 2018 // Comments off

Hey Zipster Hipsters. Welcome along to another instalment of Amanda Zips It Up and this week is a Men’s fashion and lifestyle special.

I often get guys asking when we’re going to cater to their ‘fashion needs’. So here goes. In fact, it’s quite refreshing to edge away from hair, heels and lipstick for seven days.

Next week will return to girlie girlie, plus a dash of Danny Gould from Clockwork Orange.

coming next week… Gouldy

Those who follow my page know it’s been a weird week for me, fending off a few unwanted haters, dealing with yet more airline delays, plus reflecting on the safety of my teenage daughter at a cashpoint in London.

But time is the best healer in matters of the heart and we move on. We now have the whole Brexit shit to deal with…. Bring on 2019 I say!

In the meantime – Boys – this issue’s for you.

A x

How To protect Your Sperm

by Amanda // November 16, 2018 // Comments off

Christmas present alert! High-tech boxer shorts, which protect men’s sperm from smartphone and wifi radiation damage, are calling out for “stocking filler” status.

These new pants are a cage for guys’ crown jewels, protecting them from the ravages of the modern world.

French entrepreneur Menard and his pals chatted away about their balls and came up with the idea for Spartan boxer shorts – a high-tech pair of pants that protects a man’s most vital assets from the radiation that pervades the modern world.

This is not merely an invention for the hypochondriac. Wifi, smartphones and numerous other devices emit electromagnetic radiation which several studies have suggested damages men’s sperm and penis.

Though a conclusive link between radiation and lower fertility has not been proven, sperm are definitely dying. Recent research found that, for a variety of reasons, some of which remain unclear, the sperm count of western men has halved over the last forty years.

Faced with the reality that men are not going to give up the smartphones that have become their second-favourite appendage, and the fact that they don’t want their other favourite to stop working, Menard, along with co-founder Pierre-Louis Boyer, set about finding a way to create a world in which sperm and smartphone could live harmoniously.

The fruits of their labours are the unique Spartan boxer shorts. The company says they take inspiration from the technology found in microwaves and space suits. The team developed a silver and cotton mesh that Menard claims is more comfortable than normal fabric. It uses a mesh of conductive material to block electromagnetic fields, thus protecting the precious goods within, blocking more than 99 per cent of mobile phone and wifi radiation. Plus, they have the added benefit of having anti-bacterial properties meaning the pants should stay odour-free.

The Spartan is, in effect, a cage for the crown jewels. And why not? But don’t be fooled by the term “cage” or the name Spartan. Despite being named after the famous warriors of antiquity and being made from 50 per cent silver, these underpants “are not a suit of armour”, Menard stresses. They won’t protect you from a high-paced football to the gonads or a crafty below-the-belt punch.

Prices range from £28 to £35 per pair so it’s a premium product, competing with the likes of Calvin Klein and Prada. But Menard makes the strong argument that given what’s at stake, they’re probably worth the investment.

It’s Official: Men With Beards Are More Attractive

by Amanda // November 16, 2018 // Comments off

Men with beards are more attractive – officially

Yes, it’s time to stop mocking the hipsters populating East London – men with beards are more attractive than those without.

That’s according to a study which asked 8,500 women to rate men with and without beards for their boyfriend potential.

The men were photographed clean-shaven, 5 days after shaving, 10 days after shaving, and then 4 weeks after shaving.

The results were astonishing: every single woman preferred their men with facial hair.

Heavy stubble received the highest ratings for general attractiveness, followed by full beards and light stubble.

The researchers discovered that typically male characteristics, such as a strong jawline and high testosterone levels, may not be what women are looking for in a long-term partner.

Apparently, we associate beards with a man’s age and masculine social dominance. The theory states that beards may be more attractive to women when considering long-term as opposed to short-term relationships.

Bin your razors, boys.

I love a bit of hot fuzz.

Here Comes The Trensetter – Alex Iwobi

by Amanda // November 16, 2018 // Comments off

I’m sorry if you support any other team except the Gunners, but Arsenal’s fashionable midfielder Alex Iwobi loves wearing Gucci,and that made me notice Iwobi beyond his dribbly keepy uppy.

Wanna copy his look? Now you can, on the high street.

The Nigerian signed a new £70k a week deal, and he loves splashing his cash on fashionable clobber from the likes of Gucci and Kenzo. Just in case you don’t have that much cash to burn, you boys need alternatives that won’t leave you in the red.

Alex Iwobi, 22, loves his fashion and you could say he’s a style rival to Arsenal teammate Hector Bellerin, a personal fave of mine.

How can the man on the street look as stylish as Iwobi does off the pitch? Zara & BoohooMan. That’s how. Go to their website ASAP for a simialr look.

www.zara.com

www.boohoo.com

Iwobi spent £340 on their black washed logo T-shirt. He probably has the white version too.

While, he wasn’t afraid to drop £1,000 on their leather Capitan Logo belt bag either.

Iwobi wears Gucci’s £1,824 short tracksuit and Gucci’s short tracksuits flew off the shelf when they were released. And it was footballers who we saw most wearing their flagship pattern shorts and jacket combo.

Incredibly, the shorts cost £564 on their own and the jacket sells for £1,260. That makes the Gucci tracksuit a costly purchase at £1,824 in total.

Iwobi sports a camo Balmain hoodie matched with their biker jeans.

Balmain’s biker jeans are another clothing favourite for football’s elite. On a night out, Iwobi has been spied in a pair costing a whopping £789.

Showing he’s a man that stays faithful to a label, he’s matched the jeans with their camo hoodie.

As casual wear goes, that’s a costly outfit.

Givenchy’s black lion print shirt is a favourite of Iwobi’s

As a key member of the Super Eagles, Iwobi is used to all things animal.

He obviously loves Lions, which is why he bought Givenchy’s print shirt.

Iwobi paired it with a different pair of Balmain Jeans – ripped and in black.

It’s a smart look, but you can get it on the high-street for much less.

Zara’s printed shirt features leopards, is a steal at just £29.99

Iwobi also loves carrying around his stuff in Gucci backpack that set him back £840.

A word from the Ed

by Amanda // November 9, 2018 // Comments off

Hey everyone, this week we talk about the Spice Girls – are you a fan?

Plus we have an exclusive interview with Katie Ting Ting – enjoy.

And Moshino lands at H&M. xx

Katie from The Ting Tings

by Amanda // November 9, 2018 // Comments off

They call me Hell. They call me Stacey. They call me Her. They call me Jane. That’s not my name. That’s not my name. That’s not my name. That’s not my name.

If you don’t recognise these iconic vocals – where have you been?

The Ting Tingsare a major 21^stcentury band, making a huge name for themselves on the indie stag since the noughties. From Ibiza Rocks to Jools Holland live, The Ting Tings have put a stamp on our musical history. Meet Katie and Jules, a genuine couple and the band.

After a three-year break from the music industry, plus following that massive hit ‘That’s Not My Name’, the couple have returned with a brand-new album. I met Katie – lead vocalist – whilst I was at London Fashion Week earlier this year, and quizzed her on her love of fashion, LA and Ibiza.

AZIPU. Katie, firstly tell us what you have been up to since we last heard from the Ting Tings, and your future plans?

Well, we have been travelling a lot and we wrote and recorded most of this album between Spain and LA. We are now back in the UK, always on the move and suffer from itchy feet! We have just put the album out and are now getting stuck into rehearsals for live shows next year. We wanted to put our music out independently so it’s been really hectic.

AZIU.Where are your favourite hangouts in Ibiza?

I tend to dodge the places that are full on. I much prefer hippy markets and Pilates near the beach. If we do make it out to Pacha or Amnesia or whatnot it’s because someone we know is playing. So it’s more about who is performing than the choice of club. I love getting a boat over to Formentera, I bought an epic fishermen’s basket beach bag on the market there. Espalmador beach holds so many beautiful memories for me. Its only accessible by boat so you pretty much have it to yourself!

AZIU. Where do you shop for fashion in London, LA and Ibiza?

I’m still working out London, since I recently got back here after 10 years of touring and living in various parts of the world. My fave designers are Yohji Yamamoto, Y3, I have always been a fan of adidas. Sacai, Maison Margiela, I love Opening Ceramony in New York, think they have a little one now in London, full of emerging designers, I love hats and always would go hat shopping at CA4LA in Tokyo. I’m super excited because they have opened a shop in Hoxton that I’m going to go raid. I’m constantly scanning online as I am thinking about finally starting to design my own. I’ve wanted to do it for years so I am mood boarding the shit out of my front room at the moment!

AZIU.Describe your signature style and your general fashion influencers / icons.

I change my style per album but I would say my natural style is 25% mod 25% punk 25% girly and 25% Minimal. I love Patti smith, Debbie Harry, Karen O, Alexa Chung, Susie style bubble. I love layering. I love interesting cuts and use of fabric and I’m obsessed with Japanese designers.

AZIU. How important is fashion to you and how much do you spend per month?

I love fashion. But I think I have really changed my stance on it over the past couple of years. I was recently sorting out all my clothes after 10 years of touring and amassing copious amount of clothes. The amount of fast fashion I had that meant absolutely nothing to me and was totally unnecessary shocked and disgusted me. I sorted through it and gave it all away-but as a result I am only interested in clothing that means something personally. Clothes that have thought and passion in them.. Its working for me. I have less choice, so it’s less stressful!

Moschino at H&M

by Amanda // November 9, 2018 // Comments off

The Moschino X H&M collection lands this week. I don’t expect to touch any of it, but if you’re willing to camp out on Regents Street this week, make sure you fill your basket.

Of course, we all know that those who manage to buy anything from a H&M designer collaboration, simply sell it on eBay.

Parking the likelihood of an actual purchase in an H&M store, make no mistake, this collaboration with Moschino is going to be the collection of the season. The likes of Naomi, Winnie, Gigi and Bella took to the catwalk to show off Jeremy Scott’s latest collection in all its glory recently. Here are some of my faves.

Fourteen years after their first designer collaboration, H&M announced that the collection was here in an Instagram post, saying: “We told you there would be a lot of patterns, gold and sparkle in this collection, didn’t we?” The entire collection has been revealed in advance in full.

Moschino x H&M prints

A whole host of emblazonment. Think cartoons, think graffiti and think fake-gold-chains galore.

Moschino Creative Director, Jeremy Scott, is about as unafraid of bold colour combos as he is an Avant Garde print.

Cultural references

Jeremy Scott’s Moschino archive includes unashamedly-inspired ranges by the likes of Barbie, McDonald’s and prescription drugs, and I don’t expect his H&M collection to steer clear of even more nostalgic references.

Judging by the collection, which features new prints starring Jeremy’s favourite Disney characters and pumped-up Italian glamour, every piece pays homage to Moschino’s heritage, as well as the pop energy he’s brought to the brand since he started as creative director in 2013.

Spice Girls

by Amanda // November 9, 2018 // Comments off

So, this week, The Spice Girlshave announced a brand-new tour, which some people have cynically dubbed the ‘Menopause Tour ‘or ‘The Skint Tour’.

I don’t care, because I am of the original Girl Power generation. I was there when we all understood what ‘Zig A Zig Ahh’ truly meant. Which was sex,by the way.

I’m buying tickets. I am intrigued to see the girls who shaped my 90s, albeit without Posh. Because of course, Posh isn’t skint, or (as far as I can tell) going through her change in life.

When I was in my early 20s I bloody loved the Spice Girls. They couldn’t sing a note and were amateur to say the least, but what I loved most was the storybook “characters” that the girls engraved into popular culture. Every girl could relate to one of them.

If you were sweet blonde bunchesand into pink and Buffalo platforms, then you were ‘Baby’. If you were all fierce animal printsplus afro and abs, then you were ‘Scary’.If you were Jessica Rabbit Red hair, voluptuous hour-glass shaped body and all union jack mini dress, then you were ‘Ginger’.If you were athletic,muscular build, slightly tomboy frame, all trackies and trainers, then you were ‘Sporty’.

And onto my favourite – if you loved Gucci,the little black dress, the pout, the bob, legs and the two-finger peace sign, then you were Posh.

Like them or loathe them – they shaped my youth, and I say ‘long live the Spice Girls’ – because if you wanna be my lover, then you gotta get with my friends. Simple.

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

by Amanda // November 1, 2018 // Comments off

Welcome to November. Brrrr.

The beginning of this past week was the first occasion when I’ve felt cold for months and months. Typically, a head cold soon followed the temperature drop.

Despite feeling a little under the weather, with the summer well and truly over, I’m also trying to be as healthy as possible, watching what I eat and use on my skin.

I’m not sure whether I could go Vegan but I’m intrigued by vegan cosmetics and beauty products storming the market right now.

I’ve just discovered the new beauty range Splash Cosmeticsfrom a friend of mine Hannah Wild, who has set up the business from the seaside town of Margate, where I spent many a childhood summer holiday. Hannah is extremely conscious of the environment and vegan issues.

Splash Cosmetics carefully source the best ingredients for their products with no harsh chemicals like SLS. All essential oils are carefully blended to create amazing scents and have great benefits.

There is no plastic in any of the products or packaging, and pouches and labels are biodegradable plus tins are reusable or recyclable. She never tests her products on animals nor uses any ingredients that have been tested on animals and all of her products are Vegan too.

If you’re looking for Christmas present ideas to make someone you love feel good about themselves, then check out the website.

www.splashcosmetics.co.uk

In this instalment, as the temperatures plummet, a good friend of ours Danny Rampling flagged up a great winter fashion range, guaranteed to keep you warm, and belly laughing. Also in this issue, we check out Movember and the big push to support Men’s health during November.

Plus, my beauty Ed Ask Aurora checks out some cult beauty buys at Clinique. More Christmas inspiration.

The Nose Warmer

by Amanda // November 1, 2018 // Comments off

Do you suffer with a cold nose? Well, no longer…. Here is the answer! As the temperature drops, we all reach for the de-rigeur coat, hat and scarf, but there’s a new woolly wonder out there designed to deal with the one thing we all struggle to temperature control – our noses.

The Nose Warmer Companyis a global business selling handmade nose warmers, scarves and hand muffs. They design, make and ship from the UK.

Their nose warmers are famous too. In addition to our friend, DJ Danny Rampling, posting them (in shock) on his socials, TV Personalities Lorraine Kelly, Dr Hilary, Alan Titchmarsh, Matthew Wright, Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley have all featured the nose warmers on TV this week.

A possible Christmas present idea for kids, especially to give to their doting Grandparents, who will be too soft to say no. There’s even a high fashion animal print option.