Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up

Welcome to official Summertime, in the UK and around the Northern Hemisphere.

I’m always happier when the days are longer and lighter (who isn’t?) But in my case, I’m especially happier to write about summer fashion.

However, there’s one accessory trending this summer which is unlikely to work its way into my seasonal wardrobe.

Brace yourself…

Shopping trolleys (you know, the kind your granny used to drag down to Tesco’s) are enjoying a resurgence for Summer 2024, minus that ‘grandma’ image. Or so the manufacturers hope.

Shopping trolleys have seen a resurgence in popularity, as Generation Z shuns shoulder bags on the long walk home from the supermarket.

Traditionally the preserve of older women, so-called “granny trolleys” are now being used by younger shoppers, with sales up 78 per cent over the past six months, according to the retailer John Lewis.

Some of the most popular brands include Rolser, which is stocked at John Lewis for £54.95 for a plain black version. A black and white striped “Jet Marina” trolley costs £59.95.

But those looking for an upmarket bag can expect to pay in excess of £170 for a top-of- the-market design, such as those from Sholley – Britain’s “most glamorous shopping trolleys”. For £195 customers can purchase the Victoria Sholley, a lightweight trolley made out of pink ‘mock-crock’ water-resistant fabric that even comes with a matching cape for dogs.

Designs often include an inside pocket for holding purses or mobile phones.

The Spanish clothing retailer Zara launched a £59.95 quilted polyester shopping caddy in grey and khaki.

The brand commented that the trolleys, with zip pockets at the front and back and a snap-button cap for extra security, sold out in Spain within 24 hours of being launched.

Chanel debuted a quilted patent leather trolley for its  fall/winter collection. The black design, which cost £6,025, came after the fashion giant Louis Vuitton launched its own trolley, designed by Christian Louboutin for a special.

The LV design featured the fashion house’s iconic monogram combined with Louboutin’s trademark red, alongside golden-brass “trunk” corners and leather ribbons. The trolley is available from second-hand retailers for £20,000.

Regrettably, at whatever price point, I’m not sure I can give this my seal of approval.

Onto this week’s instalment, and we discuss Pheromone perfumes, containing aromas to instantly attract a mate – do they work?

Plus we explore trainers featured in the greatest movies ever and if you’re getting married this summer, it’s all about dressing your bridesmaids in BLACK.

The Most Iconic Trainers In Movie History

We talk a lot about the most stylish films in existence, but rarely do we ever bring up the besttrainers in movie history. From Michael J Fox’s Nikes in Back to the Future Part II to Uma Thurman’s Onitsuka Tiger in Kill Bill, this is the ultimate list for fans of both movies and footwear.

Aliens (1986) Most sneakers that you see on the big screen can be bought without any dramas. But when Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley was ready to beat the living shit out of some extraterrestrial monstrosity Aliens, she wore a pair of Reebok Alien Stompers that were specially made for the film. Trainer fans loved them so much that they actually dropped, so even if you can’t act like Ripley and you can’t fight like Ripley, at least you can dress like Ripley, which is good enough.

Back to the Future Part II (1989) Ask anyone what the greatest trainer in movie history is, and they’ll probably bring up the Nike Mag from Back To The Future Part 2. Designed by TINKER HATFIELD (the sole-provider behind other Swoosh icons like the Air Max 1 and the Air Jordan 3). Again, these were produced just for the film. But in 2011, NIKE decided to make them a retail reality, and they quickly became some of the priciest on the planet. To put that into context, a size 12 will set you back around £60k.

Batman (1989) Tim Burton’s Batman has got one thing that no other Batman film has: great sneakers. Every single other version of the caped crusader wears a pair of big and rugged boots as part of their suit, but Michael Keaton rocked a heavily-modified version of the Nike Air Trainer 3 instead. It’s difficult to see at first, but if you squint your eyes, you’ll actually see the “Nike Air” logo around the heel.

Do the Right Thing (1989) Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing released in ’89 and was an instant hit with early sneakerheads (and everyone else, to be honest). In the film, Lee – who has an unrivalled collection himself – shone the spotlight on the Air Jordan 4. You might (and you should) recognise the line “He stepped on my brand new white Jordans!,” which is uttered by Buggin Out, who scuffs his ‘White Cements.’

Forrest Gump (1994) Not only did Tom Hanks score his second Oscar for Best Actor (he won his first just the year before), it was also a major moment for the NIKE CORTEZ. Designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in 1972, this was the company’s first track shoe ever. Hanks’ character receives the OG ‘White’ colourway from his love Jenny, and with so much running done in the movie (3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours, to be exact), it’s safe to say that she chose well.

Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) A cinematic great, Kill Bill: Volume 1 is QUENTIN TARANTINO’S fourth film. Starring Uma Thurman as Widely-regarded as one of the greatest pieces of cinema of all-time about a nameless woman seeking revenge on her former hit squad, the film also has another major star: the ONITSUKA TIGER TAI CHI sneaker. This bright yellow design matches Thurman’s yellow suit, which is in itself a nod to BRUCE LEE’S jumpsuit that he wore in his final film, Game of Death. Oh, and they have “Fuck U” moulded onto the bottom of the soles, too.

Space Jam (1996)

In Michael Jordan’s big screen blockbuster, we are given a glimpse of the Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ in the final scene of the film. Featuring a ballistic mesh base, glossy patent overlays, and an icy blue sole, this exact pair re-released in 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Joe Pytka-directed movie.

Like Mike (2002)

While you might think of Like Mike for Bow Wow’s surprise casting, it deserves remembering as a culturally iconic film thanks to its inclusion of the Nike Blazer. Finding Michael Jordan’s old pair, Bow Wow’s character Calvin becomes an epic basketball player. These white trainers with a blue Swoosh were a unique take on one of Nike’s oldest designs, which first saw the light of day in 1973 and were worn by basketball legend George Gervin, aka, “the Iceman.”

Lost in Translation (2003) Widely-regarded as one of the greatest pieces of cinema of all-time, Lost In Translationa lso happens to have one of the best trainers in movie history. In a scene with Bill Murray’s character Bob Harris, he’s seen in a waiting area wearing the HTM x Nike Air Woven – one of the rarest shoe collabs ever. Short for Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker (the designers and CEO of Nike), these were three of the brightest minds in the footwear industry at the time.

The Terminator (1984) When Kyle Reese faces Terminator, before doing so he needs to be kitted out in, well… clothes. To get them, he robs a department store and leaves with a pair of Nike Vandals. Launched back in the early ’80s when leg warmers were a national craze, the Vandal came complete with a removable ankle strap on the high-top version and adopted a very similar silhouette to that of the Air Force 1.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Although a relatively recent release especially when compared to some of the other movies in this article, The Wolf of Wall Street was filled to the brim with iconic moments, and lest we forget when a drug-filled Jordan has a run-in with his Lambo. During the scene, which sees Leo essentially wreck a supercar worth $118,000 (when it went on sale in 1985), we are given a flash of a pair of Nike Cortezin a white and black colour combo.

Trainspotting (1996)

Based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting is set among working men’s clubs and council estates in Edingburgh. Mark Renton, played masterfully by Ewan and his junkie pals embody ’90s grunge, with his own look consisting of a skin-head, torn cropped tees,  drainpipe jeans and the ADIDAS SAMBA SUPER. They were also often spotted on the terraces of big football matches alongside other sneakers like the GAZELLE making it one of the best trainers in movie history.

Pheromone Aftershaves To Make You Smell irresistible To The Opposite SEX

Pheromone perfume for Men

Picture this: You’re heading out for the evening, ready to mingle. You listen to some jams to get you pumped up, put on your hottest outfit, and, before you leave, spritz on some pheromone perfume. Once you get to your destination, just a mere whiff and a glance cause men and women to fall at your feet. They offer to buy you drinks and beg for your number, hoping that you will bestow the honour of your attention on them.

Can a pheromone perfume really do all that? Hard to say. These perfumes, designed to attract others, contain synthetic pheromones, versions of substances naturally produced by our bodies that can communicate with and entice others.

Pheromone perfume for men is going wild on TikTok. Just one search for the #pheromoneperfume hashtag, and you’ll be bombarded with thousands of videos of people spraying it pre-big night out.

You’ll even find dudes who think it’s a good idea to broadcast to the world that they haven’t washed in three or four days because (apparently) they’re getting laid non-stop. It’s supposed to mix with your own body’s pH and just make you irresistible.

What are pheromone perfumes?

The idea that hormones can affect your sexual attractiveness is nothing new. According to the results of a 2008 experiment, women who were given a specific kind of pheromone found some guys more attractive, while those who weren’t scored the same guys with much lower ratings. But it’s worth noting that this study was small, and similar trials are few.

Pheromone perfumes are fragrances that have been specifically engineered to mimic the effects of natural human pheromone chemicals secreted by the body that influence the behaviour of others, particularly in terms of attraction and social interaction. These perfumes are meant to contain synthetic versions of pheromones like androstenone and androstadienone, aiming to enhance the wearer’s appeal and social connectivity.

Pheromone perfumes for men can come in the form of aftershave, cologne, and oil. And while the biology behind it does make sense, to an extent, TikTok also has the tendency to overhype and exaggerate stuff.

What are the benefits?

Pheromone perfumes claim to aid in enhancing sexual attraction, boosting confidence and improving social interactions. Some people argue they can potentially influence mood, behaviour, and hormone levels, leading to increased perceived attractiveness.

If a person believes it’s working, then they may have a confidence boost and be willing to take more risks, leading to more success.”

Pheromone aftershaves and fragrances can also create a sensorial effect akin to catnip, where they melt into your skin and feel utterly, deliciously addictive,” say fragrance journalists.

Who should avoid using pheromone perfumes?

Individuals with a history of allergies or sensitivity to fragrances should exercise caution. If you’re thinking of using pheromone perfumes as part of your day, it’s worth reaching out to your GP beforehand just to make sure it’s safe for you to use.

Are there any side effects to pheromone perfumes?

Side effects of pheromone perfumes may include skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals.  Excessive use or exposure to strong fragrances might trigger headaches, nausea, or dizziness in some users.

These are the top Pheromone aftershaves & perfumes in the UK

Best Overall: 
Azzaro The Most Wanted at Amazon

Best Budget: 
Pure Instinct Roll-On at Amazon

Best Smelling: 
Montale Arabians at Amazon

Best Subtle Scent: 
Alpha Male Pheromone Cologne for Men at Amazon

Best Luxury: 
Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous at Amazon

THE BEST Black Bridesmaid Dresses For 2024

Classy And Timeless, Here Are The Best Black Bridesmaid Dresses

There’s something seriously sleek and sophisticated about a bridal party donning black bridesmaid dresses. It’s the colour for 2024 and screams glamour. Black is a colour that is super flattering for allBridesmaids – whist the bride reigns in WHITE. Trust me, your girls will thank you for it later.

For good reason, black dresses hold so much weight in the fashion game (look at the LBD, it’s just so timeless). And due to the versatility of black, these dresses can be worn again and again. 


1. 

Pretty Lavish Amelia Maxi Bridesmaid Dress – Black

Price: £88

prettylavish.co.uk

Pretty Lavish knows how to make an affordable yet sophisticated bridesmaid dress. The Amelia Maxi Black Bridesmaid Dress features a flattering one-shoulder detail and can be worn again and again to a variety of formal occasions. What’s not to love?

2. 

Club L, Black Bardot Bow Detail Maxi Dress

Best bardot black bridesmaid dress

Price: £85

clubllondon.com

Club L’s Black Bardot Bow Detail Dress is a sophisticated number that’s great for black-tie events. The gown features a neckline wrapped by a large bow, a sculpting corset bodice and a split-wrapped skirt. Ranging in sizes UK 4-20.

3. 

Ghost, Delphine Satin Maxi Dress

Best satin black bridesmaid dress

Price: £195

www.ghost.co.uk

Vintage in silhouette and style, Ghost’s Delphine Satin Maxi Dress is perfect for a more traditional ceremony if you’re looking for a more classic black bridesmaid dress.

4. 

Rixo, Sandrine V-Neck Midi Dress

Best midi black bridesmaid dress

Price: £235

rixolondon.com

You can rely on RIXO –  a staple in the world of bridesmaid dressing. The Sandrine V-Neck Midi Dress makes the perfect bridesmaid dress to flatter everyone and can be worn for years to come.

5. 

House Of CB, Stefania Black Corset Maxi Dress

Best corset style black bridesmaid dress

Price: £169

www.houseofcb.com

Description

The House Of CB Stefania Black Corset Maxi Dress has got that wow factor, so expect jaws to drop as your bridal party makes its way down the aisle. It has a structured bodice, and lace-trimmed cups and is underwired for full support.

How To Do Double Denim

This is how NOT to do DD
Love it or hate it, double denim is officially back in business. Or, shall we say, it never went out of style? Because, despite our thoughts veering towards one infamous Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake look from the early noughties, Canadian tuxedos existed long before then, and continued to prevail thereafter.

Is Wearing Double Denim On Trend In 2024?

If we are to believe the direction pointed at by the street style pack (and also, what retailers have to offer), fashion has firmly shifted its onus back to the double-whammy true blues – and it’s as versatile as ever. One only has to look to the Spring/Summer ’24 runways for proof: at Alexander McQueen sculpted denim jackets were styled with micro shorts. Over at Balenciaga, signature oversized co-ords still reigned supreme, while Chanel presented holiday-ready tunic tops rendered in the sturdy fabric. And elsewhere at Dries Van Noten, blazers and Bermuda shorts made a compelling point for the sophistication of denim.

To neaten everything up, tuck your denim shirt into slouchy denim jeans and finish off with a smart leather belt,” she continues. Thanks to fashion’s ever-evolving whims, the jeans-shirt-combo is no longer the only styling option to dip into denim. Why not embrace a denim maxi skirt, worn with the matching top and a fun kitten heel? Or, alternatively, if you feel like flashing some flesh, take your double denim look on a night out and settle for a denim miniskirt instead.

And if the double layering feels ever so slightly OTT, consider white denim pieces as your gateway to this world. In other words, styling options come aplenty.

Here, we round up the best (and easiest) options to dabble in double denim, according to the style set.

The Boyfriend Fit: Baggy Jeans + Oversized Shirt

To avoid gargantuan proportions, wear the denim shirt unbuttoned and layer it a skintight vest.

 

H&M, Baggy Jeans & Denim Shirt

Price: £32.99

www2.hm.com

Thanks to fashion’s current musings, baggy jeans semaphore trend-awareness. Plus, they’re super comfortable.

& Other Stories, Mesh Ballet Flats

Price: £110

www.stories.com

& Other Stories’ mesh ballet flats will be the ultimate wardrobe workhorse once temperatures creep up again.

Keep It Classic: Straight Leg Jeans + Denim Jacket

Nothing beats a classic double denim situation and if you like to keep things simple, this one is for you. Opt. forstraight-leg jeans and pair them with the matching denim jacket. Dial the look up with a pair of heels or subscribe to comfort with your favourite trainers.

The Evening Look: Denim Mini Skirt + Denim Shirt + Heels

Yes, double denim can work for a night on the dancefloor, too. Swap jeans for a denim mini and trainers for a slick pair of evening shoes. A pair of statement earrings will complete the outfit.

The Grown-Up Tuxedo: Denim Midi Skirt + Oversized Shirt + Long Boots

True blue times two can be as serious and grown-up as a tailored two-piece. Elongated proportions and elegant accessories are ultimately flattering and don’t scream Y2K. Instead, they whisper quiet luxury.

The All-White Alternative: White Jeans + White Denim Shirt

And if double blues feels too Britney ca. 2001, do consider double denim in different shades as an alternative to the western-inspired look, such as ecru. But beware, this certinaly isn’t red wine-friendly.

Reformation, Eugenia Denim Midi Dress

We can always rely on Reformation to deliver the goods when it comes to great dresses. This indigo version, in stretch denim, is one you can wear for day with trainers and for after-dark with a sparkly bag and heels.

BUY NOW

£220

www.thereformation.com

Topshop, Bustier Denim Dress In Indigo

If a mini is more your vibe, Topshop’s style is the one to go for. We’re imagining it with an oversized bomber jacket and chunky sandals.

BUY NOW

£40

www.asos.com

Bershka, Comfort Denim Bandeau

For a night out, try this mini with a leather jacket, platform heels and a shoulder bag. You could also layer it over a mesh top to make it more daytime-ready.

BUY NOW

£29.99

www.bershka.com

Stradivarius, Denim Halter Neck Dress

If you don’t want to go strapless, this halter-neck midi from Stradivarius still gives that throwback look.

BUY NOW

£45.99

www.stradivarius.com

Return Of The Ballet Pump

All Anyone Wants Right Now Is A Great Pair Of Ballet Pumps

Ballet pumps might not have the swagger of cowboy boots or the sex appeal of stilettos, but somehow they’ve still managed to edge out the competition as the coolest shoe of 2024 (already). 

Naturally, celebrities have slipped on styles with designer pedigree, like The buckled fishnet take from Alaïa  – lots of love has been shown for these. And Alexa Chung loves the satin Miu Miu pump. 

 Yes, heels are being eschewed in favour of ballerinas. Most recently, at the Golden Globes, Billie Eilish wore a pair of Mary Janes (with a small block heel) that she’d found in a thrift shop. And it’s not just the celebs. If you are desperately seeking the perfect pair of pumps, you’re not alone, as illustrated by the fact that Google searches for ballet pumps have increased by a mighty 400% in the past few days, 

Most of the designer versions listed above are either sold-out or have low levels of stock left. Happily, there are so many other options, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And clearly, this is not a fashion item restricted to high price tags – there is a ballet pump for all budgets.

If you want a no-frills classic with ‘forever buy’ credentials, River Island or Zara. For styling tips follow Gigi Hadid, who recently wore hers with a simple uniform of a white shirt and black trousers in New York. Because their personality is pretty (and just a little prissy), ballet pumps need a bit of toughening up. So instead of wearing them with something soft, send mixed messages with retro tracksuit bottoms and sporty sunglasses or a lived-in leather jacket and low-slung baggy jeans.

1. 

Valentino Rockstud Ballet Pumps

Price: £780

www.mytheresa.com

You may remember when these became a sensation some years ago but now, they’re being revived by a host of street stylers.

2. 

M&S Bow Flat Ballet Pumps

Price: £22.50

www.marksandspencer.com

An easy way to inject some colour into your wardrobe, these flats have a classic shape and Insolia Flex technology to ensure maximum comfort.

3. 

COS Pointed Heel Pumps

Price: £135

www.cos.com

If you’re in need of pumps that feel a bit more polished, COS’ super-pointy pair is just right. Try with oversized tailoring.

4. 

Miu Miu Logo Ballet Pumps

Price: £700

www.mytheresa.com

Despite hitting peak popularity a couple of seasons ago, Miu Miu’s logo pumps are still in high demand. With low stock across all sizes, you’ll need to be quick if you want a pair for yourself.

5. 

Boden Ballet Pumps

Price: £90

www.boden.co.uk

The slightly squared toe on Boden’s ballet flats give them a chic edge. The classic black will go with everything but they do also come in patent, red, pink and even leopard print.

6. 

Everlane The Day Ballet Flat

Price: £137

www.everlane.com

With their almond-shaped toe, buttery soft leather and cushioned soles, these are some of the best ballet shoes on offer. It’s no surprise, then, that they have celebrity fans like Angelina Jolie

7. 

Alaïa Perforated Leather Ballet Flats

Price: £750

www.net-a-porter.com

Alaïa’s crystal-embellished ballet flats sold out in no time last season, so expect a similar reaction to the latest iteration. These are just a sheer delight and will make jeans and a jumper feel

8. 

Mango Satin Ballerina with Studs

Clearly inspired by Valentino’s signature Rockstuds, Mango’s flats are available in bright red or black and will look excellent now with tights and floaty dresses.

9. 

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Satin Flats

Price: £895

www.luisaviaroma.com

Crafted in the most beautiful array of colours, this pretty pink pair of Manolo Blahnik’s famous Hangisi shoe would offset wide-leg denim and an oversized shirt perfectly.

10. 

ASOS Leather Mary Jane Ballet in Tan

Price: £56 (was £70)

www.asos.com

Super chic, these shoes look far more expensive than they actually are. They’re even currently on sale, so are now less than £60.

11

Mint Velvet Neutral Ballet Pumps

Price: £99

mintvelvet.com

With their Chanel vibes, these shoes will quickly become a staple part of your everyday wardrobe. You can dress them up or down, too – they’re nothing if not versatile.

12. 

& Other Stories, Leather Ballet Flats

Price: £95

www.stories.com

Jelly Fashion Is Back!

Jelly Fashion Is the Playful Style Trend We’re Loving Right Now

Who remembers the jelly shoes and bags of the late 80’s? I do, and as much as they appeal to the younger generation with their poppy colouring, one thing’s for sure – they’re not practical in the slightest.

Fashion is a pendulum, which means that what fades out of favour will eventually swing back into the good graces of style purveyors. Though some may have doubted the second coming jelly fashion, this colourful and kiddish aesthetic is officially back – in all its squishy glory.

Jelly fashion consists of plastic or rubber pieces—mainly shoes and bags—that look kind of like candy. It’s playful, and it’s a statement. (But it’s non-edible!)

Feeling this Y2K era trend? I’ve got the lowdown on its return and tips on adding jelly pieces to your wardrobe.

With the momentum of the Y2K resurgence that we’re seeing in fashion, jellies made their comeback as they are reminiscent of the late 80s. Seen on the runway at Coach’s Spring 2024 show in its traditional, flat, cage silhouette, along with a platform variation made popular by Prada, jellies have made their comeback in both their classic form and with a modern twist.

Telfar also recently came out with handbags featuring a structured silhouette in vibrant colours, and Gucci dropped some jelly sandals that were affordable and flew off the shelves. Clearly, the people want jelly.

Tips for Adding Jelly to Your Fits

I recommend keeping it as inexpensive and cheerful as possible, since the trend may be a flash in the pan. If you’re opting for shoes, it’s smart to pair them with socks for more of that Y2K-era vibe and also to keep blisters at bay.

I also suggest trying a handbag in a colour that you own a good bit of, as this is a great way to integrate it into what you already own.

Shoes

  • Juju Jelly Heeled Shoe  ASOS

Handbags

  • Kurt Geiger Vinyl Kensington Bag
  • Coach Jelly Bag

Jewellery

Luxury Easter Eggs

The giving and receiving of Easter eggs may well be one of the world’s quirkiest religious traditions. But it is also our favourite excuse to gorge on sugar. 

While Xmas, Birthdays and Valentine’s Day require the full shabang of inventiveness and consideration, selecting a luxury chocolate Easter egg is decidedly easier… and who doesn’t love thinking about chocolate? But in 2024 it’s all about the LUXURY egg.

Standard Easter Eggs are easy enough to pick up in your local supermarket — Mini Egg, Crunchie, Dairy Milk. However, there is a world of luxury Easter eggs out there, far better suited to earning brownie points with your loved ones. Demonstrating that you’ve browsed further than the petrol station.

 Below, I give you my favourite chocolatey picks from shops and chocolatiers as diverse as Hotel Chocolat, Fortnum & Mason, Charbonnel et Walker, Venchi and Chococo. Whichever you pick, delight is guaranteed.

Cocoba Giant 4kg Easter Egg

No Easter egg quite big enough? Buckle up for the Cocoba solution, one which involves 51cm and 4 kilograms of Belgian milk chocolate. Ideal for overachievers, hosts with the most and those who prefer the work of bonafide chocolatiers. £99.95. At notonthehighstreet.com

Fortnum & Mason Golden Milk Chocolate Praline Eggs

You’d be forgiven for thinking Fortnum’s traditional egg carton packaging houses anything other than ordinary hen’s fare and that’s because, well, you wouldn’t be wrong. Six real hen’s eggs have been carefully hollowed of their contents and filled with praline milk chocolate before being painted gold. As such, resist the urge to bite right in, crack in half with a knife and serve on your best silver egg cup. £30. fortnumandmason.com

Waitrose The Cracking Pistachio Egg

The egg; the myth; the legend. Waitrose’s ‘Cracking Pistachio’ egg is one of several green nut themed centrepieces going viral on TikTok. A Russian doll of eggs, this two-for-one features a caramelised sugar white chocolate outer shell and an inner pistachio-flavoured layer complete with pistachio nibs. Easter feasting for grown-ups. £14.waitrose.com

Patisserie Valerie Ultimate Chocolate Easter Egg Cake

Once again we find ourselves trying to shoehorn what is demonstrably a cake into the narrow identifier of ‘Easter egg’. Thankfully, there are eggs included in this chocolate construction by Patisserie Valerie, as well as rosettes, curls and vermicelli, all in chocolate, of course. £39.95. patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Harrods Tuck Shop Hamper

Another hamper for sharing the joy out (or, let’s face it, guaranteeing more for yourself), this little compilation features a miniature Easter egg, two food hall chocolate bars, a chocolate coin and a bag of carrot-shaped gummies for good luck. Yeah, it’s aimed at children, but when has that ever stopped you? £50. harrods.com

Can’t pick from between Cutter & Squidge’s hyper-popular filled half eggs? You don’t have to. Cop all three — ‘Billionaire’, ‘Strawberry Eat-On Mess’ and ‘Vegan Cookie’ — in one indecently saccharine package. £69.99.cutterandsquidge.com

Cake Or Death Easter Eggstravaganza Vegan Brownies

No, it’s not an egg! But there are eggs involved in this Cake or Death tray bake featuring a deep layer of the bakery’s signature vegan brownie. Topped with vegan marshmallows, KitKats pieces, white chocolate and Doisy & Dam dairy-free mini eggs. £21.50. cakeordeath.co.uk

Lindt 1kg Bunny

You know her; you love her, the Lindt bunny has been the poster rabbit for Easter for as long as Santa’s been in a red suit, and it’s now customary for many to pick one up for a family member. If you want to go big, behold the final boss of animal-shaped choc: a 1kg Swiss chocolate Lindt bunny. £65.lindt.co.uk

Harvey Nichols Easter Greetings Hamper

There’s a smorgasbord of eggs included in this Harvey Nichols hamper, made especially to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (or, you know, the feasting associated with it). The larger egg comes in blonde chocolate (caramel-infused and studded with honeycomb to you), while you’ll also get a bunch of praline and giandjuja mini eggs, biscuits, honey and white-choc covered strawberries too. £100. harveynichols.com

Hotel Chocolat Ostrich Easter Egg

Want to make a grand gesture to someone special this Easter? The most luxurious (and largest) of Hotel Chocolat’s Easter eggs is its classic Ostrich Egg. One half is crafted from 40 per cent milk chocolate packed with crunchy cookies and the other from 50 per cent milk chocolate with feuilletine flakes. But that’s not all… This egg also comes with a box of treats, including pralines, caramel truffles and more – plus golden eggs. In fact, all in all, this exuberant egg adds up to more than one kilogram of chocolate, all wrapped up neatly in a ribbon-tied box. £85.hotelchocolat.com

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up

Now, if you’re the type who has ever indulged in “party favours of the chemical kind” help you dance from dusk until dawn, spare a thought for ravers over in India, who are going to crazy extremes to get that special all-night high.

Snake Venom.  Yes, really. AKA an night on the reptiles.

Dissatisfied that even the most potent ‘high’ wears off after a few hours, Indian youths are turning to snake venom, as its effects can last for several days. Local police say that they are increasingly encountering this phenomenon. On a raid at a party in India, officers found cobras and a plastic bottle containing 20ml of snake venom. They arrested Elvish Yadav, a minor celebrity and social media influencer who won the Indian equivalent of Big Brother, and have charged him with providing snake venom.

Police commented that the snakes are injected with chemicals to increase the venom with which they immobilise their prey. Snake charmers are usually needed to coax the snakes into performing the dangerous procedure. The snakes are either made to spit out venom, which is saved and ingested, or induced to bite the person on the tongue or foot.

Once in the bloodstream, the venom releases substances, including serotonin and peptides, which sedate the recipient. Later, the venom generates a sense of wellbeing and intense euphoria usually associated with powerful opioids. It is not known when Indians first began experimenting with snake venom but some people became so addicted for its “ultimate and prolonged high” that they get bitten by a snake on their tongues regularly.

Snakes are held near the head then a sharp slap on the snake’s head with a blunt item causes it to bite.

Snake venom has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, including for treating smallpox and leprosy, and healing wounds. 

Don’t know about you but I’d rather stick to a glass of vino on my nights out.

Anyway, in this week’s instalment we check out the new Rita Ora Collection at Primark, Blokecore Fashion, The Airbag and M&S launch new padded knickers for that bigger butt.

Rita Ora New Primark Collection

Rita Ora has released yet another gorgeous clothing collection with Primark for Spring/Summer, her third range, this time a ‘fun and floral’ collection.

One piece from the range, a blue printed midi dress costing £21, is nearly an exact replica for Missoni’s zigzag designer garment, which costs £850.

The singer, 33, modelled the plunging neckline, slim-fit chevron dress with a pair of towering blue platform heels, teamed with a £23 matching cardigan.

Similarly, the dress from Missoni details a scoop neck and a stunning white and blue detailing.

Elsewhere in her collection, Rita slipped into a £16 satin floral mini dress and covered her shoulders with a chic pink blazer, costing £34.

Another item she modelled was an elegant yellow and orange satin slip dress, for £25, with a gorgeous semi-sheer lace material.

Keeping it casual, Rita rocked a trendy frayed denim skirt, stylish sunglasses and blue head scarf – with the entire ensemble costing only £32.

Also in the collection, Rita x Primark released multiple ballet pumps, for around £12, and affordable high-heels with rosette motif, costing £16.

I like the pastel suits and tea dresses but that’s about all. The DOUBLE DENIM isn’t doing anything for me.  Rita can rock the look. Most of us can’t.

The ONLY double denim I like…