Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up

Regular readers will know that I’m a staunch Zara fan, AKA my go-to high street fashion haven.

Zara turns 50 this week (as old as me). And whilst we’re on the subject of birthdays, Bicester Village is 30 this week (if you prefer an Outlet to what the high street has to offer).

Fresh off a string of amazing collaborations, Zara is pulling out all the stops to mark its first 50 years in business. They’ve posted an epic black & white video “50 Years, 50 Icons”, by Steven Meisel– 50 years to the day from when Amancio Ortega opened the first Zara store in A Coruña, in Galicia, Spain. 

By 2011, with the establishment of an outpost in Australia, the company had a bricks-and-mortar presence on five continents. It now has 2,221 physical stores in the world, as well as a brilliant website – and they home-deliver promptly and so beautifully in those wonderful brown boxes.

Under the Zara brand, the company emerged as a fashion retailer with Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’ collections and gradually built and strengthened a philosophy of placing its
customers at the heart of its decision-making, listening attentively to their preferences, and offering them high-end quality fashion at affordable prices.

In “50 Years, 50 Icons”, the models wear pieces from the company’s 128-piece anniversary collection, which feels distinctly elevated in its tailored minimalism. The clothes are mostly in black and white, inspired by the idea of celebratory tuxedo dressing – which is a timely coincidence given the theme of ‘Black Style & Tailoring’ at last week’s Met Gala. There’s also a collectible anniversary T-shirt featuring a portrait of the 50 models. 

The Zara anniversary collection is available now

Over in the Cotswolds, when Scott Malkin first arrived in Bicester in 1991 it was a one-horse town. “I came to take a look at a piece of land just off the M40. All I could see when I got there was a forlorn-looking mare wandering around fields that were filled with debris,” he recalls. But Malkin liked what he saw and bought the land for £15 million. And what the boss of Value Retail did next changed UK shopping for ever. He created the world’s first upscale discount-fashion shopping centre: Bicester Village.

“Nobody in Britain thought it would work,” he says with a laugh. Back then outlet malls were cheap and not-so-cheerful jumble sales of “factory shops” with a naff food court. How wrong the critics were. Bicester Village, which is celebrating its 30th birthday this month, now rivals Bond Street for a posh shopping trip, attracting more than seven million visitors a year. “We’ve gone from 13 boutiques and one café to 150 boutiques and five restaurants.” 

Its boutiques are the same that you would find in Bond Street — Prada, Gucci, Dior, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Loewe, Celine — but with prices 30-40 per cent lower, sometimes more. Hands-free shopping means you can collect all your bags in one go at a central hub when you have finished caning your credit card. 

So happy birthday to both – and let’s crack on with this week’s round up of fashion and lifestyle.

Weight Watchers has filed for bankruptcy in the US, as it struggles with fierce competition from fat-loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

The legal process will see £860 million of the 60-year-old diet brand’s debt written off while it agrees new terms for paying back lenders. Weight Watchers said it will remain “fully operational” during the process with “no impact on members”. 

I personally believe that the whole concept of going to “group meetings” and collective “weigh-ins” is quite embarrassing and somewhat impractical in the busy modern world we live in. But overall, it is no surprise that WW’s financial flatline follows the meteoric rise in popularity of weight loss injections, or as WW describe it:  “the rapidly changing weight management landscape”.

The brand reported a net loss of £260m last year, while its subscription revenues fell 5.6% compared with the year before.

And now, Ozempic has been shown to halve the chances of the onset of weight-related cancer – as research shows, jabs can reduce risk of deadly disease, in addition to its original job of treating Diabetes. Scientists from Israel said the drugs, also known as GLP-1s, may be up to 41 per cent more effective at preventing obesity-related cancer and could also help prevent other types of cancer.

Thousands of patients in the UK will be offered revolutionary weight-loss jabs in a bid to prevent cancer as part of a landmark clinical trial.

Another study at the same event reported weight-loss jabs could help banish mental health problems.

Of course, celebs have mopped up all the supplies, ruining many people’s chances of getting hold of the fat jabs, as celebs use it to get ‘stick-thin’ which unfortunately, has become the desired “Look’ all over again. Just as we were getting used to big booties, regrettably it appears that skeletal is BACK.

The denim world has a new risqué. 

Just when it seemed that denim trends couldn’t get any more out of control (ripped yucky jeans), French fashion brand Vetements has collaborated with Levi’s to create The Bare Butt Jean, AKA jeans that fully show off your butt or whatever cute underwear you have on underneath. There are zips down the backs of the jeans’ legs, as well as one smack-dab on the back-centre seam, leaving the wearer with a bare booty and a nice breeze when it’s opened.

They may not be the most comfortable pair of jeans on the market, but this booty-highlighting look can certainly be considered the most innovative. Even though the jeans aren’t exactly ideal for wearing to work or for sitting on the Tube, the jeans certainly do make a major statement. Plus, worrying about splitting your pants will be a thing of the past.

The brand is a favourite among celebs like Kendall Jenner and Rihanna — both of whom wore these derrière-bearing bottoms.

BUT here’s yet more shocking detail… they come in at £1,500.

You’d have to be mad to buy them as far as I’m concerned. I could rip a hole in my jeans for nothing.

Here Are My 3 TOP Luxury Spas in and around London

Choosing the right spa can be difficult (first world problems, I hear you cry). And there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a serene and luxurious pamper and preen, only to arrive and find a tired old gym, congested steam room and a lowly treatment room which looks like an afterthought – basically a gym masquerading as a spa. 

But the good news is that state-of-the-art luxe spas are now abundant in the UK – you just have to know where to find them. Here are my Top 3 to ensure a perfect pampering experience.

The Ned Club Spa, Bank, London

Home to Ned’s Parlour, Ned’s Barbershop, a labyrinth of impeccably decorated treatment rooms and one of the most beautiful indoor pool areas London has to offer, the Ned’s spa offering is impressive – and then some. Walk from lift to reception and – instead of the usual white marble and glass-fronted cabinets loaded with all manner of beauty products you’re unlikely ever to buy – you’re met with a drawing room style environment and fridges full of refreshments to perk you up after your treatment or a virtuous session at the gym.

The Ned is a renowned City of London hotspot, spa or no spa. Most associate the City location with its exclusive rooftop and pool, vast ground floor and restaurant offerings, plus a band often playing at the centre of the ground floor. But if you’re in the know, you’ll also be aware of the haven that exists below ground level. 

Head to the changing rooms and prepare to nest. The square footage rivals that of a Chelsea flat, meaning guests have plenty of space to walk around and change without having to bump shoulders. The showers play home to Soho House’s in-house brand Cowshed, whose shower gels, body lotions, shampoos and conditioners are brimming with feel-good essential oils.

Facilities-wise, you’ve got the aforementioned 20-metre pool surrounded by loungers that were made for a nap, a wooden sauna, a marble steam room and eight treatment rooms. 

Cloud Twelve, Notting Hill, London

Hidden on a cobbled street away from the bustling streets of Notting Hill, this is the ultimate oasis for escapism in London. Known for its wellness-focused lifestyle club, the new luxury spa on the second floor of this modern building is open to all. Their brasserie – which is 100% vegan – features a creative menu of locally sourced, seasonal produce with an emphasis on sustainability, quality and service.

Just a day pass is all you need. Walking through the romantically-lit hallway, you enter the luxurious changing rooms.

It’s the relaxation area you feel most at peace featuring a steam room, sauna and Himalayan salt room – where salt particles are released into the atmosphere to cleanse the lungs, absorbing irritants allergens and toxins from the respiratory system. 

Great for massages and facials.

Champneys Henlow Spa & Hotel, Bedfordshire

Is there anywhere more luxurious than the original Champneys to relax and unwind? Set in the Bedfordshire countryside, Henlow Grange is a treat for all five senses. A visit here is a chance to really connect with nature and forget about the real world for a few days. With plenty of activities to enjoy, such as a walk or bike ride in the stunning grounds, along with fitness classes, a tennis court and more, you can work up a sweat before melting into the pool, snoozing on a lounge bed or reading a book in the conservatory.

The spa is well-equipped, with a 25m swimming pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, and plenty of beds, pods and seats for all to enjoy. Food at Champneys is included in your stay, which means that delicious, nutritionist-approved meals are just a stone’s throw away in the on-site restaurant. Or, if you’re just popping by, there are light bites, smoothies and sandwiches available to purchase at the spa cafe.

There’s a whole host of treatments to choose from – everything from microneedling to the Million Dollar Facial – but I particularly enjoyed the Radiance Renewal Facial, which left my skin feeling re-energised, rehydrated and truly pampered.

Welcome To Amanda Zips It Up and Alexa Chung Sells Her Complete Wardrobe on Vinted

It’s mid–May, and not only is summer coming, it’s time to start thinking about booking flights to the Med and getting one’s swimwear in order. This week is all about the girls’ bikinis, whilst next week I’ll cover the guys’ Speedos.

But if that’s not your priority right now, and you’re looking for a few beautiful designer items to wear on the streets of London at cheap (and I mean cheap) prices, the we’ve had some good news this week.

Model Alexa Chung is selling her wardrobe on Vinted!

The model, presenter, and former fashion designer, is opening up her wardrobe to the public on Vinted.

Starting this week, a curated collection of Chung’s personal clothing and accessories will be available for purchase exclusively on the second-hand marketplace.

Fashion fans can expect a diverse range of pieces, from contemporary designer labels to vintage treasures. The collection includes items from Prada, JW Anderson, Saint Laurent, and Gucci, among others, encompassing tops, bags, sunglasses, and shoes.

Chung is also parting with several vintage finds, including a 1930s coral silk dress previously seen on her at Paris Fashion Week.

All the sales proceeds from Chung’s wardrobe on Vinted will be donated to Endometriosis UK, as chosen by Chung.

She’s packed it all up and it’s waiting for you… so get on Vinted QUICK – before it all goes.

Plus we have to mention The Met Gala 2024. The theme this year was Dandy Suits (from 1920s Harlem, Black Style and Tailoring. My faves were Zendaya and Pharell:

And the worst: Pamela Anderson and Andre 3000 from OutKast:

In this instalment of Zips It Up we also check out some Fashion Trends we NEVER want to see again, plus the strangest new beauty trend for MEN this year.

So, here’s a Men’s trend I never thought I’d be writing about. In fact, it makes me feel a bit uneasy.

Getting a beard trim is one thing, but some men have taken to trimming their eyelashes – all in the name of looking more “masculine”.

Increasingly, some men have been getting an added service while having their hair or beard trimmed by opting to also get their eyelashes chopped. WITH CLIPPERS!!

Unsurprisingly, experts have warned that this could be dangerous.

Videos posted on TikTok show men sitting in barbers’ chairs as electric clippers shorten their lashes to stubbier versions, to ‘look more masculine.’

I’m confused by the trend, because eyelashes do serve a purpose – to protect the eye from debris, including dust, bacteria, pollen, and other pollutants. I could never trim my eyelashes, due to the potential risks it poses to both the eyes and the lashes.

Does this represent toxic (and dangerous) masculinity? To state the obvious, using sharp materials near the eye increases the risk of injury not just to the delicate skin around the eyes, but also to the cornea and the eyeball itself,

Trimming lashes can weaken them, leading to breakage and interfering with their natural growth cycle. There’s also the risk of introducing bacteria, which can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis.

Is it down to mental health, self-esteem issues, gender and coping skills, due to the notion of long lashes being ‘feminine’? I don’t know. 

Guys, would you do it?

As summer approaches and our holidays are booked, we can’t help but let our minds wander to beach days with a cocktail in hand, embracing blue skies and poolside posing.

Whether you’re a bikini girl or prefer a full coverage one-piece, this season’s swimwear staples include both of the aforementioned, meaning there’s quite literally something for everyone.

What are the swimwear trends for 2025?

According to Google, last month, there were 1.1m searches for ‘bikini’ in the UK and 1.3m searches for swimsuits, and the past week has witnessed a 15% search increase across all swimwear categories. 

But let’s start with 2025’s star of the show, this summer’s must-have…

The Lace Bikini

www.bikinisonline.eu

Monochrome Obsession

This year, we’re seeing a surge in minimalism when it comes to swimwear. Opt for plain styles in neutral tones, or for a piece with added interest, go for a contrasting binding which is simple yet impactful. “Simplicity speaks volumes, and the monochrome trend strips it back to amplify impact, offering a look that’s polished, effortless, and undeniably timeless. Offering sculpted silhouettes and that quiet luxury edge your summer wardrobe craves.”

Crinkle Fabric

Hunza G are synonymous with crinkle fabric swimsuits.

Forever a favourite amongst those in the know, crinkle fabric swimwear is a comfortable, forgiving textile that looks luxe while remaining flattering. “The rich-textured fabric automatically elevates your swimwear look, making it look more luxurious and effortlessly chic.”

Pops of Print

Stripe pattern is a SS25 must. Summer is the season to really embrace colour and OTT printed pieces, and if you can’t on holiday, when can you?!  If florals aren’t your thing, opt for more fun, quirky styles. Think postcard prints, stripes, fruit or a colour block.

Buttery Yellow Goodness

Butter yellow is by far the most notable colour of the season.

Without a doubt, this season’s most loved colourway, buttery yellow tones, are transcending from workwear and glamourous gowns to bikinis and wardrobe basics. A flattering colourway that suits every skintone, the soft hue will be everywhere on the beach for SS25.

A Cheeky Cut Out One Piece

Cut out options also make great bodysuits for the summer months. A cheeky cut-out is perfect for those who want a touch of fun without being on full show. “They add a fun and playful side to swimsuits by offering more skin on show. Some styles can also provide the illusion of curves to leaner figures.”

Shimmer Swimwear

Shimmery fabrics aren’t limited to party dresses. For those times when you’ve planned a whole day at the pool with a swim-up bar, why not go all out and shimmer under the UV rays? “Shimmer fabrications are perfect for those pool parties, making your swimwear party-ready thanks to its natural shimmer.

Several fashion trends from the past are generally considered to be best left… in the past.

This week on my socials, I asked which trends my followers would like to forget FOREVER, and here’s what they suggested.

• Bandage Dresses:

The overly structured, form-fitting designs of bandage dresses have been criticized for being unflattering and uncomfortable. Only Victoria Beckham got away with them in the 90s.

• Jelly Shoes:

These plastic shoes are known for their low-quality material, uncomfortable fit, and overall lack of style. Very 80s – and mine used to snap all the time.

• Excessively Baggy/Skinny Jeans:

While baggy jeans have a current resurgence, the extremely baggy or excessively skinny styles from the past are generally considered to be out of fashion. 

• Real Fur:

The use of real fur is now largely considered unethical and outdated, with faux fur being a more responsible and stylish alternative. And to be honest, I don’t know anyone who wears real fur in 2025.

• Crop Shirts:

Crop tops can be stylish, but the trend of overly revealing tops from the 90s is considered to be a fashion faux pas. Boob tubes are (kind of) back for Gen Z but cropped shirts just look so wrong.

• Parachute Pants:

These extremely wide-legged pants, also known as MC Hammer pants, are considered to be an outdated and unflattering trend. The same goes for Men and Women.

• Stirrup Pants:

These pants, which have an attached strap that goes under the foot, are generally seen as impractical and unstylish. Originally known as Ski Pants, I quite liked them – but it appears that nobody else does.

• Velour Juicy Couture Tracksuits 

While tracksuits can be comfortable and stylish, the trend of wearing them as casual wear outside of workout and home lounging situations is considered to be a fashion miss. I love a trackie, but it’s the Juicy Couture velour tracksuit worn with high heels – as seen on Paris Hilton and Britney Spears in the 90s – that everyone seems to hate. 

• Von Dutch Baseball Caps

In the early 2000s everyone was wearing a Von Dutch cap, even metallic and ‘distressed’ versions. In fact they made the designer a multi-millionaire. But they have been confined to horrid history for all time

• White Stilettos

Cargo pants can be practical, but the trend of wearing them in casual settings has been largely left behind. Think All-Saints in the 90s and Maharishis – which cost the earth back the day.

Whilst high heels can be stylish, the trend of white stilettos in the 80s became synonymous with the ‘Sharon and Tracies’of the era.

• Tie Dye:

While tie dye can be a fun and expressive trend, the overuse of tie-dye clothing screams outdated hippie vibes.

• Distressed Denims:

Two words: Ripped knees. Simply No.

Firstly, there’s no getting away from the big fight this weekend. Beside’s loving Chris Eubank SENIOR’S coat (albeit a bit weird) it was Chris Eubank Junior, who faces an investigation over his weight-loss strategies, after beating Conor Benn by unanimous decision on Saturday night.

Next Gen beat his rival 116-112 on all three scorecards after waiting 30 months to go to town on his opponent.

However, his radical weight-cutting tactics – including using a heat suit and sauna – have invited scrutiny. He shared clips of the actions, but it is not known when they were from. 

The 35-year-old was handed a £375,000 fine after failing to make the 160lb weight by 0.05lb on Friday. On Saturday, he did just about make the 170lb weight before beating Benn in a gutsy 12-round contest which had the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd roaring. 

Now the chief of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBofC) has pointed to a potential investigation into the prohibited weight loss practices, which were shared on Eubank Jr’s social media. 

The 35-year-old shared footage of him exercising in a sauna suit to lose excess water weight

‘The problem arose because he was late for the weigh-in.

Eubank Jr missed weight for his middleweight fight against Conor Benn by half an ounce

‘If he’d have got there on time, considering he was only slightly over, he’d have made weight.’

Eubank Jr only turned up for the weigh-in at midday on Friday – an hour after Benn. 

Eubank Jr had revealed the extraordinary lengths he took to meet the target and his dehydrated appearance at the weigh-in led some to fear that the endeavour could cost him the bout.

He shared videos of himself in a sauna suit, used to increase sweating to shed as much water weight as possible.

Excessive use can lead to extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion, hence Eubank Jr’s gaunt frame and bone-weary appearance. 

The boxer was also seen lying down in a sauna body bag, with only his head exposed. The contraption is electrically heated to a set temperature and promotes passive sweating without physical movement, causing even further weight loss.

After the weigh-in debacle, Eubank Jr cut a dominant figure in the ring, landing 152 more punches than his opponent on his way to winning eight rounds.

Suffice to say – boxing isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s massively popular so I had to put my fight head on and report ‘the lifestyle aspect’. Now where do I get one of those weight-loss body suits from?

Onto this week and it’s all about festival fever, summer and having binged Coachella footage – I simply can’t wait for UK festie season to commence!

The Western trend has been on the radar, and creeping into our outfits, for some time now. Yee Haa!

Whether you’re a fan of the cow-core trend and want to take it further, have binged the full Yellowstone series, or have a festival coming up (e.g. FUNKY-DORY) the theme feels very ‘now’, I have found the perfect fringed coat to take the western vibe into the summer. 

M&S’ Suedette Fringed Jacket is the perfect layering item to see you through all seasons, and it’s more affordable than you think at £59.

The faux suede design has been crafted from polyester, and boasts polyester lining too, which I love.  It looks so similar to Free People’s more pricey “We The Free Fringe Out” vegan suede jacket, which costs £158, or the real suede version by Free People, which fetches £548. In other words, M&S has saved us over £100, or almost £500 – depending on how you compare it. 

We The Free Fringe Out Vegan Suede Jacket

It boasts a button front fastening, collar, long sleeves, as well as fringe detail along the back, chest, and down the sleeves. It also has a straight cut, longer length, and offers a relaxed fit. Available in numerous colours. £158

M&S’ design has been crafted from polyester, similar to the Free People design, though the latter has been blended with elastane for a little extra give. However, Free People’s faux suede jacket is unlined, whereas M&S’ creation is lined, which is a subtle detail we love and thinks it makes the jacket look more premium than its sub-£60 price tag.