Welcome to AZIU (and April). Yes, the cloudiest UK March EVER is over and mercifully we can look forward to Easter / Passover / a break from the school run.

To escape the miserable weather in the UK, my other half and I just went on a road trip in the beautiful southern Spanish region of Andalusia.  We started in Seville, then down to Cadiz, over to Gibraltar and finally settled in the stunning port of Tarifa (mainland Spain’s Boho Ibiza equivalent) for a couple of days, before sailing over to Morocco.

The Spanish element of the trip was very relaxing, consisting of lots of sight-seeing, soaking up the Spanish skies and experiencing the culinary wizardry of Southern Spain.

But Morocco was all about SHOPPING in the world-famous souks, for all things bohemian, ethnic, traditional and colourful. Leather goods are amazing– especially wallets, belts, bags and shoes that are all handmade. The souks have clothes in all shapes, sizes and colours – from t-shirts, shorts and jeans through to the more traditional kaftans and djellabas – a kind of robe.
Islamic items of clothing are found in abundance, such as abayas (a robe-like dress) and head coverings – I picked up a pashmina and poncho which will complement any outfit, Balgha (Moroccan slippers) in burnt orange, which are also widely available, as are pieces of beautiful silver jewellery (I both a necklace with amber and turquoise artwork. As well as ceramics and rugs, I saw shisha pipes, accessories, traditional musical instruments, toys,  and much, much more. What an incredible experience it truly was.

Here’s a quick guide to shopping in Morocco:

Get a TOUR GUDE because the Medinas (ancient walled-in communities/villages) are full of tiny streets and doorways, up-and-down steep hills and you can easily get lost and/or miss out on some wonderful sights and sounds if you go it alone.

• Google the best places to eat and read reviews (PLUS possibly check it isn’t Ramadan during your visit if you want a glass of vino with your Tagine and Cous Cous).

• Find an indoor market or ‘souk’. Once you have chosen everything you like, the owner will put it all together in pile and then ‘you can talk’.  i.e. haggle, for the best price.

• You can use Euros but EVERYONE expects a little tip, even if you’re asking someone for directions, so keep small change.

• And finally, allow plenty of extra luggage space for all the leather goods I guarantee you’ll take home. (Like I did).

• Wear sensible shoes because Morocco involves A LOT OF WALKING.

But most of all, enjoy the indelibly memorable Moroccan experience and take lots of pictures. It’s a bucket-list destination.

Every Outfit You’ll Want To Copy For An Ibiza Trip This Summer

Part of our recent Spanish trip consisted of a day on the White Isle.

Ibiza been our second home over the past two decades . If you’re planning a holiday on the party capital this summer, here’s my heads up regarding the key pieces you should be packing – after studying all the islanders I saw on the streets and beaches last week.

No matter your vibe – party or chill – it’s always best to plan your outfits in advance, meanwhile taking as little luggage as you can get away with.

If you’re heading to a club, practically everyone will be wearing trainers – in the case of the girls, often with shorts and a vest or bikini top. If your plans involve daytime strolls in the sun in the quieter parts of the island, expect to rely on boho dresses, cool co-ords and straw bags to carry all the beach essentials in. Along with boho sandals, cowboy boots and that all important straw hat.

But rest assured, Ibiza also a place to get dressed up around the clock. Every day is an occasion in Ibiza.

Wear A Strapless Top with a Maxi Skirt For Shopping

We can always rely on Ibiza Trendy to deliver the goods when it comes it summer, but it’s their holiday outfits I’m most interested in for the purpose of an Ibiza wardrobe. A bandeau top with a maxi skirt keeps it fuss-free. Whilst a pair of platform sandals and a straw bag is all it takes to pull the look seamlessly together. You could definitely wear this on a stroll around Ibiza’s old town. 

Add A Sheer Dress Over Your Swimwear For Evening

Sheer dresses were on show everywhere on recent runways, and later filtered through to high street brands with the likes of fashion blogger Camille Charriere putting iterations in her Mango collection. Simply throw one over a bikini to take your swimwear through to evening territory with minimal effort.

Grab A White Shirt In A Few Sizes Up For The Beach

If you plan on spending endless hours by the Med, I suggest copying this outfit. Grab your shirt a few sizes up for an oversized fit and opt for a stretchy – easy to pop on – shorts. A bucket hat will not only be a key Ibiza accessory, it’s also a secret hack to hiding unwashed salted beach hair. And it’ll protect you from the sun.

Wear A Mini For Dinner Plans

If you’re heading out for drinks in San Jose or just a fancy beach-side dinner, go for a mini dress. This cute halter version with mule heels and mirror shades gives this outfit a retro feel. If you (sensibly) stick to a no-heels rule on holiday then this would look equally as good with strappy sandals or trainers.

Rely On The White Dress For Sunshine Strolls

For summer, the white dress takes centre stage – mini, midi or maxi, you can’t fail. Go for a midi linen style and give it an edge with a pair of ’90s sunnies and those sell-out New Balance 550s. Arket and ASOS – both have new colourways of the cult trainers.

In this post-pandemic, TikTok-ruled era of style, the guys have all been shamed out of their once-beloved skinny jeans. Now, it’s all about the straight-leg alternatives or the return of 90s style baggy jeans, which dominated all the fashion weeks. 

Spring/Summer ’23 is clear – the baggier, the better. 

With roots in ‘90s skatewear, the baggy jean has been threatening a return for many seasons now. With the world having spent the past few years relying heavily on loungewear (during Covid times) it seems only fitting that the baggy jean would hit its “stride” now, given that none of us can fathom leaving our soft comfy tracksuit ensembles to squeeze into a pair of skinnies. 

As seen on Justin Bieber who has the baggy jean trend well and truly in the bag, baggy jeans utilise our renewed penchant for 90s nostalgia. So, if you’re looking to stray from the narrow-minded, narrow-legged denim of your closet’s past, the flattering and nostalgic cut of the almighty baggy jean awaits. From voluminous, anti-fashion statement picks to more wearable takes by Cos and Levi’s, there’s a baggy jean out there for every style, ‘fit and feel. As the saying goes, go big or go home…

LEVI’S

As their name suggests, Levi’s Hella Baggy skate jeans are, well, baggy. Shy and retiring types need not apply – these gargantuan grey rinse slacks will draw more than a few admiring eyes. But if turning heads is your thing, they’ll be right up your street, with a parachuting silhouette that takes ’90s style to the extreme. Nailing nostalgic trends, they’re crafted with Levi’s expertise in denim fabrication and fit, so will also last you long after the baggy boom dies down. Spoiler: it won’t. £100. At levi.com, asos.com & ssense.com

UNIQLO

In a gently slouching cotton that rises higher on the hips, Uniqlo’s baggy jeans are easy to wear and even easier to style. Minimal embellishments, save for a brown contrast stitch make these a go-to for all your laidback looks. Wear with pretty much anything, anywhere from the pub to the park – their loose fit keeps you cosy through all kinds of casual occasions.  £39.90  uniqlo.com

TOMMY JEANS

Back in the ’90s, Tommy Jeans fanned the flames of the new baggy trend, and its iconic red and blue logo was seen on the denim of pop stars everywhere. Reaching back into its archives, the brand’s Aiden jeans aren’t just a good take on a trend – they’re the source material, baggy and embroidered in authentic ’90s style. What’s better than an original? £85 At asos.com

COS

Minimalist hero of the high street, Cos has just the pair for those looking to start off small before going full-Bieber. In a washed black tone, these baggy jeans are louche but simple, and have been sustainably crafted from a blend of recycled and organic cotton, thereby providing ease and comfort to both you and the planet. £89 cos.com

ASOS DESIGN

Sunnier seasons call for breezy ‘fits and lots of light-wash denim, and Asos Design is on hand to supply both. In a baby blue hue, these jeans will have your spring wardrobe sorted, plus carry you comfortably into summer with fabric that resists wear and tear. Roomy and relaxed, get ahead and snap them up before they’re gone. £25. At asos.com

WRANGLER

Since the dawn of denim, Wrangler has been leading the charge with innovation at its core. Originally founded in 1947 and designing primarily for cowboys, Wrangler continues to create strong, durable denim to this day, now with a fashion-led mission. Presenting these Redding jeans for the new season, the pair is defined by their daring low waist and voluminous, baggy silhouette. £90 wrangler.com

SUPERDRY

Inspired by traditional workwear but elevated for the modern man, these Superdry baggy jeans make the ideal pick for dipping your toe into the trend with their more approachable, less dramatic bagginess. In a deep indigo rinse, these jeans are detailed with a wealth of pockets and a single loop at the mid-leg, channelling a distinct utilitarian vibe that’s straight out of the noughties. £54.99 superdry.com

H&M’s designer collabs are back again. After a brief hiatus in 2022, it has been announced that they are bouncing back in tandem with a proper fashion legend: Mugler. Time to get your glamour pants on, because this is super special and it’s happening this MAY.

The collaboration will come as a surprise. To everyone, really. Historically, the French label, which was founded by the late Strasbourg-born Thierry Mugler in 1973, has remained largely centred among the “chosen few” of Paris’s fashion elite, with roots in haute couture. Mugler is NOT mass-market stuff. Its signature bodysuits are the go-to for Dua Lipa on stage, while the label’s most iconic pieces – the Harley Davidson dress and the Oyster gown – are the stuff of museums, and only permitted day-release at the request of the likes of Cardi B and Beyoncé. Meanwhile, Mugler’s short run of sharp-shouldered, zoot-style suits got the nod from David Bowie in the ’90s (Thierry dabbled with menswear during his career, before eventually dropping it).

The H&M collaboration will be Mugler at an affordable level. Lycra bodysuits will be available and will likely come in around the £100 mark, while, as seen in the campaign video (with Jerry Hall), there will be plenty of cut-out suiting – for men and women – in black and punchy lime green. There will also be some of the designer’s signature denim garments – cropped jackets and jeans with chap-like cut-outs, as well as big leather moments by way of jackets and trousers.

This is the latest in a string of H&M hook-ups. Over the past 19 years, H&M has partnered annually with some of the catwalk’s biggest international brands, from Karl Lagerfeld (the first brand to do so, in 2004), Balmain, Comme des Garcons and Versace. Each resulted in queues snaking down high streets across the globe, as well as a complete sell out one hour after the stores opened. Expect the same for Mugler. 

My advice here at Amanda Zips It Up is go online and get ready to press BUY at 9.01am, the moment the collection goes on sale.

Welcome to this week’s Amanda Zips It Up.

Random question. Do you remember The Teletubbies? Most choose to forget, but they’re back in our lives, having crossed over into the world of fashion in 2023.

Designed by a British creator, the ‘Teletubbie Boots’ go for £2,089 and feature Dipsy (the only TT character name I remember, other than Laa Laa) at the top of the shoe.

Christian Cowan is known for his playful designs, and these neon plush-heeled boots are no different. He designed the shoes for people who grew up watching the show, who may now have children of their own.

Christian comments: ‘I grew up watching the Teletubbies, so being able to combine that nostalgia with my passion for fashion is a dream come true. The characters’ fun, playful personalities match my own design aesthetic, so I’m excited to launch this new collection to show the Teletubbies in a new light and celebrate them as the stars that they are.’

As well as the boots, Christian has created a five-piece apparel collection featuring Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po. Other items include hoodies, a t-shirt, and denim items, with prices starting at £163.

Crazy 90s nostalgia continues…

Onto this week’s instalment of Zips, and we check out the best graphic tees for men, how to achieve the 70s ‘Daisy and The Six’ look for summer 2023 plus the end of laces has happened. Enjoy.

Hit series Daisy Jones & The Six has influenced a spike in 1970s-inspired fashion. I read the book but equally love the TV series, as they have really captured the wardrobe and fashion sense of that era.

From dramatic flares to floaty maxi dresses, even in 2023 these styles remain key staples to add to your wardrobe.

At the Michael Kors AW23 show we saw fringe detailing, hip-slung belts and knee-high boots on the catwalk.

The High Street has taken note, too. Team Jigsaw’s fringed suede jacket with a pair of flares and you’re ready to rock ’n’ roll. Flares have made a huge comeback, especially for men as seen on the red carpet at The Oscars 2023.

Too scary? Try a softer take with a knitted tank in a retro colour or suede cowboy boots, which are everywhere from London to Ibiza/Mallorca right now. Now’s the time to channel the disco decade.

The key look is plenty of denim, floral patterns and those all -important brown leather platform sandals or boots, available at the touch of a button on asos.com

Here’s my round up of the key pieces you’ll need to ‘rock the roll’ this summer 2023.

Sunglasses, £135, Cos x Linda Farrow at cos.com

Sweater, £250, chintiandparker.com

Top, £55, boden. co.uk

Clogs, £110, boden.co.uk

Shirt, £130, essentialantwerp.com

Dress, £89.99, mango.com

Boots, £180, aspiga.com

Skirt, £49,99, zara.com

Bag, £69, whitestuff.com

Fringed jacket, £450, jigsaw.com

Waistcoat, £85, seventymochi.com

Jeans, £89, mintvelvet.co.uk

It’s a mainstay of every man’s wardrobe. The graphic t-shirt is a staple that’s here to stay.

Back in the era before it was possible to post your thoughts via a social media platform, graphic tees offered a way to communicate a message to the world – whether it was the band you loved, sports team you supported or somewhere you’d travelled.

Now, every brand – from luxury fashion houses to the high street – offer their own iteration.

Some are cool collaborations with artists, whilst others simply bear a printed logo. Either way, every design represents an easy way to add some personality to your off-duty look.

A simple tee, whatever your budget will complete your summer 2023 outfit, whatever the occasion. Here are some of my faves.

Stay Creative Co Not There T-Shirt – Black

Any film fan should be familiar with SCRT. Collaborating regularly with cult classics like American Psycho and A Clockwork Orange, it’s a brand that offers the movie buffs the chance to sport their love for the cinema proudly on their chests.

£46, SCRT

Rowing Blazers Arthur Ashe Icon Graphic Tee

If you’re into the vintage, collegiate aesthetic, it’s Rowing Blazers that should be on your radar.

From the classic tees featuring the brand’s collegiate logo to partnerships with sports teams or playful characters like Babar The Elephant, the collections are packed with preppy nostalgia. 

£50, Rowing Blazers

Stussy Landin Tee

A brand borne out of the late Eighties Californan surf scene, Stussy has since grown to become a youth culture favourite, loved by skaters, musicians and street-stylers alike.

Consistently offering a wide range of t-shirt designs season after season, the American label should be on the list of any fan of a bold print. 

£45, Stussy

A.P.C. Logo-Print Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

One for when your suitcase, Parisian label A.P.C.’s tee is brimming with summer spirit – and not solely because vacances is the French word for holiday.

With the logo discreetly hidden in a sunny print, and a distinctly seaside font, it’s a top that should be added to every 2023 vacation wardrobe.

£110, Mr. Porter

Carhartt Coin T-Shirt

Carhartt the US-founded fashion-forward branch of the traditional workwear brand, is a go-to when it comes to graphic prints.

As well as the staple chest logo T-shirts that’s available all-year-round and every season, they release new designs that are snapped up quickly by loyal followers of the brand. 

£45, Carhartt 

Acne Studios Printed T-Shirt

Scandi brand Acne Studios’ t-shirts are at the top of our wishlist. Crafted using high quality, heavy weight cotton, this oversized design will add a touch of playful fun to any casual weekend outfit.

£200, Acne Studios

Nike Have A Nike Day Tee

In the UK, who doesn’t love a play on words? Well, with Nike’s funny ‘Have a Nike Day’ tee, you can proudly show your love for dad jokes on your chest. It’s sure to put a smile on your face.

£49, End Clothing

It’s 2023 and shoelaces are dead.

From loafers to Crocs, Birkenstocks to ballet flats, comfy, lace-free shoes have been big news for a while now.

Partly down to the pandemic, comfort has become essential in every aspect of fashion. As the world reopened and people started working from offices again, while we didn’t want to stay fully “dressed down”, we’d also been wearing slippers and trackies non-stop at home during lockdown, so it was hard to let go of a “cosy” vibe.

Heavyweight media took note, and the New York Times predicted that 2023 will see the end of shoelaces. On top of that, trend cycles keep spinning faster and faster, and it’s harder and harder to keep up with whatever the hot new trainers are – and they’re rarely cheap. Do you really want to part with a big chunk of money for something that could go out of style in six months?

The lace-free evidence is there for all to see. You don’t need me to tell you how much Crocs have dominated the last few years. Online fashion emporiums have recorded a year-on-year 744% increase in searches for Crocs, plus increases of 116% for searches for Uggs and a 173% increase in searches for Birkenstocks.

Comfort has trumped all– the Crocs and Birks you’ve criticized your parents for wearing are simply too comfortable to resist long-term. We are essentially lazy, and there are a lot of very good-looking “lazy” options out there.

Even the return of the riding boot silhouette sits within this, to some extent. Ballet shoes are also coming back, in part because they’re so simple and quick. Something sure to be consolidated by the release of the new Amy Winehouse biopic.

In the past year or so we’ve seen the clog rise to become the shoe of the moment, closely followed by the Ugg boot, both proving popular choices with Gen-Z, thanks to the influence of social media trendsetters.

Brands such as Yeezys (with their spaceship-like shoes), Balenciaga (sock sneakers), and Givenchy and Reebok’s clogs, have all contributed to making these easy-on easy-off footwear even more popular and trend setting in 2023.

We’re slap bang in the middle of March – but where is Spring here in the UK? Usually, my part of the world is starting to bloom right now, but it’s nothing but grey, wet and miserable. The weather all across the UK is absolutely dire so far. BUT we do have Mother’s Day to look forward to this weekend, and I have a list of last-minute gifts that you can run out and buy that special “her” before Sunday lunch.

We’ve also seen the last of the 2023 big red-carpet events, with the Oscars closing the awards season. No punch ups this year but there was a new carpet colour. In this instalment I have a round-up of what was trending fashion-wise in Hollywood.

But let’s start with a (different) type of slap. Of course, I’m talking make-up.

And last week saw the opening of the first UK SEPHORA superstore at Westfield White City.

After a successful online-only run in the UK over the past few months, the world’s largest beauty destination landed with grand fanfare on Wednesday, 8th March. And non-Londoners fear not, there are more stores planned nationwide.

Make-up and skincare fans have a new beauty playground to visit, with Sephora stocking over 135 brands of cult products for those who know.

Sephora is owned by luxury goods group LVMH (what DON’T THEY OWN?) and the French ‘salon de beaute’ is 6,000 square feet of brands, including GXVE by Gwen Stefani, Fenty Beauty and Drunk Elephant. The space is home to a Benefit brow bar and lipbar, featuring a large array of colours and finishes. Express skincare treatments are available, as is a fragrance engraving service.

Sephora, which also sells online, is present in 35 countries with over 2,600 stores. We regularly visit the stores in Mallorca and Ibiza, much to my other half’s despair. Having a wife and teenage daughter who love make-up and beauty products doesn’t mix well with his credit card. Although as it was the exclusive London opening, we were given lots of freebies.

He queued with us and 1000 other excited females to get over the red carpet and into the store, which was like waiting to enter Coachella or Glastonbury.

My advice is go on a school day, maybe a Monday morning when it’s quiet, and grab all the DRUNK ELEPHANT products you can afford. That’s my brand of choice in 2023.

From sleek tuxedos to boundary-pushing evening looks, the men at the 95th annual Academy Awards proved that there is more than one way to show up to the champagne (red) carpet.

I didn’t spot any bold Tom Ford velvet blazers this year, but there were plenty of alternative embellished Gucci tuxedos, a splash of white tailoring with black lapels and bow ties galore. However, my favourite had to be the gorgeous Lenny Kravitz, donning a silk shirt and pants by Saint Laurent, ditching the norm entirely. Altogether, the award’s guys challenged the codes of what “Black Tie” means for men in 2023.

But, that’s not to say that the sleek tuxedo is completely out of the picture. While several stars opted for more contemporary choices, a handful relied on the classics. Brendan Fraser, who won Best Actor in a Leading Role in The Whale donned a black tailored suit by Giorgio Armani, while Jay Ellis wore a black suit by Fendi. Even Austin Butler continued his elegant red-carpet streak in a double-breasted jacket by Saint Laurent.

So, whether you recognise any of these Hollywood hearthrobe, here’s my round up of the best dressed men at the 2023 Oscars.

1

Ke Huy Quan

In Giorgio Armani

2

Paul Mescal

Wearing Gucci. My fave.

3

Reece Feldman

Dickson Lim SS23

4

Lukas Dhont

In custom Prada

5

Brendan Fraser

In Giorgio Armani

6

Idris Elba

In EVE OF WISDOM

7

Greg Tarzan Davis

Wearing Givenchy.

8

Austin Butler

In Saint Laurent.

9

Andrew Garfield

In Fendi.

10

Michael B. Jordan

In Louis Vuitton.

11

Samuel L. Jackson

Wearing Giorgio Armani

12

Lenny Kravitz

Wearing Saint Laurent