Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and it’s (almost) August already!
So much happening over the past few days, including the Euros Finals and the Oasis reunion – which we will be discussing in this issue.
Plus, I’ve been on my travels, with the plenty of reading time, and came across an interesting piece in The Times, especially for any new mums looking for a side hustle and an extra bit of pocket money.
Many women in the US and UK are selling their breast milk at a premium, after witnessing demand for it in the market. And they are raking in the dosh, up to a £1000 a month, depending on how much they can pump.
Yes, women are stockpiling their breast milk, selling it online, and cashing-in. And this milk business is no small joke —these ‘mammas’ are selling their naturally available milk to other women and in some cases even to bodybuilders, who believe that breast milk is the best to pump up those pecs
Personally, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near my children the with breast milk of another woman. However, they do say that “Breast Is Best” – would you go there?
In addition to breast milk being incredibly good for babies, have a guess what the new super food is, taking over the world? It’s all right here in this week’s instalment. Read on…
It’s your Mid-Week Fashion Fix, LIVE on Mi-Soul every Weds at 5pm with Ronnie Herel
Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up
This week, rather than reporting on the latest trends to come out of Fashion houses and celebrity collaborations, I thought I’d let you know what I HAVE SEEN EVERYONE WEARING from London to the Balearics and my opinion on these looks – as according to Amanda Zips it Up.
What’s hot and what’s not?
4 looks I have seen literally everywhere which are RED HOT and one particular accessory for men which is simply NOT (hot). BASICALLY, what I find attractive and unattractive.
Catch Ronnie Herel & Amanda on Mi-Soul Radio every Wednesday LIVE at 5pm with the fashion blog
Welcome to your Mid-Week Fashion Fix, from Amanda Zips It Up.
So, it’s full-on summer wherever you may be right now.
It was my birthday last weekend, and we had dinner with friends in Port Adriano Mallorca. Whilst I sipped on my usual rioja, everyone else was asking for an ‘OOGO’. Well, that’s what it sounded like anyway.
It looked like a very colourful cocktail, but what the hell is an ‘OOGO”?
Move over Aperol, there’s a new Spritz in town – and it’s ideal for this balmy summer weather. Introducing ‘THE HUGO’. Yep, my friends were just ordering in a Spanish accent.
OUT with Aeperol..
The Hugo Spritz is an aperitivo (that’s Italian for pre-dinner drink) created by an Italian bartender. Roland Gruber, the mixologist in question, was looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Aperol cocktail which, despite its popularity, isn’t to everyone’s taste. Especially mine.
Containing elderflower syrup, cava/prosecco and mint leaves as the main ingredients, the Hugo Spritz is sweet and light whilst being an equally-delicious and refreshing thirst-quencher.
And it’s making the rounds on TikTok too, with more than 285 million views for related videos. In fact, the Hugo Spritz has seen the biggest search growth out of all cocktails analysed over the past year, with searches for the recipe skyrocketing by 281% during that time.
With all this hype, the Hugo Spritz is set to be the new hot summer drink. And it’s super easy to make.
How to make the Hugo Spritz
St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, 60 ml
Prosecco or sparkling wine, 90 ml
Soda water, 30 ml
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Lemon or lime wedge (optional)
All you need to do is fill a glass with ice cubes, then create heaven.
Onto this week’s instalment, and we start with hangover supplements to deal with all those Hugos you’ll be drinking this summer, plus we exploure the ultimate ‘cooling’ trousers, and Nike launch the ‘Dirty Air-Force 1’s’. Enjoy
So, here’s the perfect feature for me as, the resident Mi-Soul Radio fashionista.
Introducing the new Mi-Soul Radio T-SHIRT & HOODIE merch collection, featuring classic men’s and women’s t-shirts and black hoodies.
Whether you’re with us at Boisdale on a Friday, UNDR on a Sunday, E1 over Xmas or our Grand weekender in Brighton next April, here’s your chance to fly the flag.
First, the Tees are made from 100% ring-spun cotton, they offer a soft and comfortable fit. Featuring the iconic Mi-Soul logo prominently printed on the front, you can choose between the red/white design or the elegant all gold print.
Micheal Angol Modeling The Gold
The semi-fitted cut T-shirt is perfect for casual wear, with a seamless twin-needle collar, taped neck and shoulders, and twin-needle sleeves and hem.
Or stay warm and stylish with the Mi-Soul Heavy Blend Hoodie, crafted from a 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend for comfort and durability. Featuring the Mi-Soul logo on the front, you can choose between the classic red/white logo or the sleek all gold print. The hoodie is designed with a drop shoulder style and a double fabric hood for added warmth. With a front pouch pocket, ribbed cuffs and hem with spandex, and twin needle stitching, this hoodie combines practicality with style.
Some of you may have seen me recently wearing the Mi-Soul dress which was bespoke made for me but let’s see if any of our ladies are interested in grabbing one for next summer. I’d love your feedback on this.
And as we look forward to warmer temps – how about the Mi-Soul vest. I’m loving this for the gym or over a bikini in summer with a pair of cut-offs.
This women’s vest top is a comfortable and stylish choice for any Mi-Soul fan. Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, it features the Mi-Soul logo on the front, available in the classic red/white print. With a fitted design and rib-bound neck and armholes, it’s perfect for layering or wearing alone. Whether at a Mi-Soul event or out on a casual day, this vest top will keep you looking and feeling great.
Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and I’m penning this week’s blog in my fashion office here in London and – you guessed it – it’s raining again.
Regular readers will know one of my favourite DJs is the awesome D&B don Jumping Jack Frost, who he has a quirky fashion range, Black Sheep Clothing. I have featured many bits from this streetwear line in AZIU, and one item in particular is so perfect for the current conditions.
Here he is modelling the Black Sheep Clothing Rain Poncho – sleek, chic and complete with graffiti print, hood and waterproof material. Guaranteed to make you look on point, even when you’re getting drenched by our tiresome weather.
Jumping Jack Frost
Definitely on my shopping list.
In other news, having flicked through the Sunday red tops (newspapers), one story caught my eye to share with you.
According to a survey by dating website “illicetencounters.com” – Men with goatie beards are Britain’s biggest love rats. 2,000 women were asked whether a cheating partner had facial hair and if so, what kind? Nearly 1 in 5 women said their Ex had a tidily trimmed tiny beard.
18% of men who had been unfaithful sported a goatee. Another 17% of women said their cheating partner had a ‘Designer Stubble and 15% said they had a moustache.
KanyeWill SmithIce CubeCommon
There has always been something not quite right about a man with a finely manicured goatee. He is trying too hard. Watch out girls!
However, men with a full beard are less likely to do the dirty with just 9% of women affected.
Can you believe it’s almost October? I’ve been in Ibiza this week and the beaches are all still packed – and thong bikinis are everywhere!
But the one trend to be seen on almost everyone is the white framed sunglasses famed by DJ Fisher.
If the weather wasn’t so miserable in the UK, I would be wearing them with pride – guaranteed! Maybe not with bucket hat though – although they are to be seen everywhere too.
In other news, my fave Drum & Bass DJ Jumping Jack Frost contacted me with his new collection at Black Sheep Clothing.
He says “The Black sheep has been a symbol of rebelliousness and bad luck for centuries. In many cultures, the black sheep is considered to be an outcast, and it’s often used as a metaphor for someone who doesn’t fit in with the rest of society.. Our new clothing brand has caught the imagination of artists and visionaries across the spectrum of the art’s and we are stepping up in 2024. https://blacksheepclothing.net/
Even though we’re into September, it seems like the weather took no time in changing – and you’d think we’d know this about the UK by now…
If you’ve been caught short today, now might be an appropriate time to invest in a raincoat that will keep you dry, whether you’re off out on a walk, trekking the countryside or just heading into the office.
I haves found the best raincoat on the high street right now – that is both fashionable, and functional.
From trusty ASOS who are well known for their waterproof coats – this is here to help keep you dry (and warm) as the unpredictable weather is back with a bang (sob).
ASOS DESIGN Rubberised Rain Parka Coat in Mushroom
We’re ready for a rainy day with this stylish and practical raincoat. It features a drawstring hood to keep your head dry, a press-stud placket for easy fastening, and convenient pocket details for storing essentials. The elasticated cuffs ensure a snug fit, while the relaxed fit provides comfort and ease of movement.
Many of my readers are Mi-Soul Radio listeners, and if you are, the name Café 432 aka Jonsey. Arkin will be familiar to you.
At the helm of a company with over 20 years of expertise, created not only with a love of interior design, but a dance music background and ethical sustainable construction technique, this is Dreamweavers UK.
DJ, producer, radio presenter, double platinum awarded mix engineer and well-streamed Spotify artist, Arkin is also an interior designer, another unexpected creative string to his bow.
Dreamweavers UK has been designing and producing soft furnishings – featuring the classic and immensely popular pebble design cushions (my favourite is the multi coloured) as well as luxury blankets, the spectacular and rather regal rugs, plus throws of the highest quality.
The reviews speak for themselves.
Speaking to Arkin, I was super impressed with his passion for interiors as well as his talent for music. He has been spinning both plates for years.
Check out the website and sign up for exclusive promotions and sneaky peaks at new collections.
Just one cushion alone is a beautiful investment for any sofa, bed or armchair. Prices start at £45.
Design is everything and we strive to create unique pieces to elevate the look of your home. With over 20 years’ experience in the design industry. We are proud of our construction techniques, all of which are hand sewn to the highest standard.
Contact me to arrange a 15% discount – If you’re a Mi-Soul listener. DM my socials.
At the moment, the best sellers are out of stock, like the white colours and greys, and will be back in stock in early September.
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.
Every summer, I like to catch up with the key promotors and characters behind Ibiza’s mega summer seasons and I always have a five minute chat with Tony Truman, one of the key founders and partners of O Beach, Hotel Wi-Ki-Woo, Bam Bu Ibiza Beach Club and the awesome chinese restaurant Chi-Kee-Wun, all in the heart of San Antonio.
Tony, O beach – and all your projects – are bigger and better than ever. What are the plans for the summer?
Yes, we have had a very busy winter modifying many of our current venues in time for this season’s trade. Due to incredible demand each year we seem to conjure up more space for even more beds, and we have managed to find some room for a further 7 beds in the venue. There might have to be bunk beds soon if it keeps up, hahah. The new stage design is something we are all loving too – a far nicer experience for our DJ booth guests. The biggest thing we have been working on though is the forthcoming 2nd OB Club, opening in October in Dubai. This has been a long time in the making and we are really pleased to announce this incredible project.
Where is your favourite venue, beach and restaurant on the island?
Without doubt for me the best venue is up in the Dalt villa in Ibiza Old Town called 1742. It’s absolutely stunning, steeped in history.
Also, Wi-ki-woo hotel, few hours in the spa at Atzaro, hydro facial and a massage, chilling on the beach, sunset dinner and drinks at one of the many stunning venues the island has then a nice little walk. The best restaurant for me is Casa Jondal, the food the ambience, the setting are all incredible. All with no music, so you can actually hear yourself talk – for me, the food does the talking there are some amazing dishes. For beaches, I love a lot of them, but I do like Cala Nova in the North West tip. It’s beautiful, never overly busy, as well having as turquoise water. It’s a great day out with a couple of great beach restaurants as well – a little hidden gem.
Describe your perfect day in Ibiza.
Playing padel in the morning, breakfast in the Old Town, in bed by midnight – perfect.
Do you have a merch collection this year?
Yes, we have a new merch collection that we have been working on, both for O Beach and Wiki, and the new range will all be revealed very soon. Merch has made a bit of a comeback. For a few years a lot of the island’s club merch got a bit tired. But a lot of venues now are doing some really cool collaborations. We have just done a deal with one of the UK’s very top fashion designers on a new range that will be launching at our OB Dubai project later this year, so exciting times in that area.
Favourite Ibiza memory?
Impossible to pick one, as special memories are made on most weeks, but I suppose if I did have to pick one, it was from my 30 years of Tru’s Do’s parties 11 years ago at O Beach. Not only had we just opened the beach club, but to mark 30 years in the business I had a huge party with a couple of thousand of friends and followers of my party brand. They all came over to make it a magical day, and my daughter, who was only 8 at the time, came down off the crane above the beach club signing a song and making a speech about me, with all my family in attendance. It was a very proud moment for me.
