4 genuinely stylish ways to wear your Christmas jumper

Christmas Jumper Day is today – Friday 13^th. As you can probably imagine, Xmas sweater day isn’t the highlight of the fashion crowd’s calendar. Yep, bad luck if you have to wear one to work, but let Zips It Up show you how it can be done the “fashion” way.

Christmas Jumper Day is all for a good cause, so shouldn’t be too “looked down upon”. Charity Save the Children kicks off the eighth year of its annual fundraising event. Last year, you’ll remember, the likes of Kate Moss and Liam Payne rocked their STC Xmas jumpers.

So, if you want to support the cause without committing unpardonable fashion crimes, how about these?

A splash of sparkle

MSGM metallic knitted jumper | £494 | 

How about a metallic knit? London’s own Chinti & Parker has some seriously shimmery offerings, and MSGM has a disco-worthy Christmas jumper to take you straight from desk-to-dancefloor.

Say it with a slogan

Bella Freud Love Sick intarsia-motif wool jumper | £310 

Bella Freud’s designs are light-hearted and wearable year-round. Just add a chic pair of jeans or flares and some statement earrings, et voila!

Cool cashmere

Mandkhai’s plated rib jumper | £670 | 

The Christmas jumper is the silly season’s sartorial hallmark, but it needn’t conjure up knit nightmares – far from it. To invest in a knit with longevity, turn to cosy cashmere. Pair with your favourite jeans, a statement jacket and you have a very well-done Christmas Jumper Day ensemble.

Cult Argyle knits were rolled down the catwalks of J.W. Anderson and Molly Goddard, and come to think about it, did they ever really go out of fashion?

If you’re unenthusiastic about the notion of an over-busy top half, opt for a classic knit in a limited palette of primary colours. For the office, there’s nothing more on-brand than an Argyle knit with slim-leg trousers and some chic flats.

Hey Zipsters. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year – or flu season?

My other half has just had a serious dose of ‘Man Flu’, which I’ve been desperately trying not to catch, because otherwise it’s going to wreck my party season. 

 Christmas is top of the seasonal list for health hazards. And while it’s the peak period for colds, flu and hangovers, not all of its seasonal dangers are so immediately apparent.

Cold weather and temperature changes can raise the likelihood of heart attacks and chest infections in vulnerable people, while the festivities themselves bring some unexpected risks, from asthma attacks to house fires. No wonder hospital ­admissions shoot up between December 19 and the New Year.

Here’s a quick guide for a happy, healthy Christmas.

1. Accidents at home

An incredible 80,000 people a year  in the UK need hospital treatment for Christmas-related injuries, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Mishaps range from cuts opening presents to people electrocuting themselves on fairy lights, plus falls  whilst putting up decorations.

2. House fires

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without fairy lights or festive candles but both are fire hazards. Candles alone sparked 1,000 house fires in 2011/12, according to government figures.

3. Full-blown flu virus

Besides ruining Christmas for anyone, flu can lead to life-threatening complications for people with underlying conditions and the elderly.

4. Asthma attacks

In the UK, someone will have an asthma attack every 10 seconds on Christmas Day and 200 of them will end up in hospital, according to Asthma UK. The charity warns that December is full of potential asthma triggers, including cold weather, stress, smoke from open fires and strong fragrances from perfume and scented candles. Even real Christmas trees are a danger as they can harbour mould spores that trigger reactions in some people.

5. Running out of medications

It’s easy to overlook this in pre-Christmas panic but with many pharmacies shut over the holiday period, it could be a disaster. If you take prescription medicine, make sure you have enough to last over the festive period.

6. Food poisoning

Food poisoning risk rises over Christmas because people cook food that they don’t usually cook – and for larger numbers. Check the Turkey is cooked through and that prawn cocktail isn’t out of date.

7. Sexually transmitted infections

According to online pharmacies, the sales of ­treatments for sexually transmitted infections jumped by nearly 30% last January, when the consequences of the party season began to show. Ho Ho Ho.

8. Cold sores

Cold sore breakouts are more likely when you’re tired and stressed, such as at Christmas. Bad news for eating, parties and photos! I’m prone to this.

God. I’m not selling Christmas well am I?

Anyway, hope that helps. Onto this week’s instalment, and may the ‘force be with you’ this Christmas, we take a look at the 2019 Model of the Year and investigate how 2020 could mean we all start ‘RENTING’ our clothes rather than buying… keep reading.

I know we’re living in a new sustainable era, but nevertheless I didn’t see this coming. H&M has decided to trial a new initiative, in an effort to reverse some of the damaging environmental effects of “fast fashion”.

After drawing criticism for its contribution to waste and pollution, the retail giant is now testing a clothes rental option. 

The project permits a few select shoppers to rent clothes and return them within a defined time frame. That doesn’t mean you can borrow as many items as you want – H&M is capping the service at 50 garments a month, after which time you can return the clothes or pay to keep them for good. This is my dream come true, because I have a mass of stuff that I’ve worn once only.

At the moment, the deal is only available at the Swedish retailer’s flagship store in Stockholm, where shoppers can spend a total of 350 kronor (£29.36) a week. The decision comes after Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie tried the idea, tapping into a market that was worth $1billion in 2018, according to Bloomberg.

Free People and Banana Republic also have a similar service called Style Passport. If successful after three months, H&M may roll out the offer to its other branches around the world. Soon you might be able to borrow clothes when you need them, guilt free about the environmental damage caused by fast fashion. 

H&M’s service follows a United Nations report, which revealed that the fashion industry is the second greatest polluter of local freshwater in the world, and is also responsible for 10% of the global carbon footprint. The new green rental choice probably won’t be open to any old shopper or tourist visiting the store – those hoping to take advantage will need be a member of the brand’s loyalty programme.

Meet Sudanese model Adut Akech, who has just been named ‘Model of the Year‘ at the glitzy British Fashion Awards 2019 – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of British fashion.  Here, the top players in the industry are recognised for their talent.

One of the most highly-anticipated awards of the night is “Model of the Year” – and this year’s line-up was also one of the most diverse. 

It’s no mean feat to be honoured with the prestigious accolade, with many household names as previous winners.

 (Obviously) Kate Moss won the first award back in 2001 and again 2006. While recent victors include Kaia Geber last year, Adwoa Aboah in 2017, Gigi Hadid in 2016, Jourdan Dunn in 2015 and 2008 and Cara Delevigne in 2014 and 2012.

Sudanese-Australian model Adut took home the 2019 crown, beating out the likes of Kaia Gerber and Winnie Harlow. 

It’s been an landmark year for the 19-year-old beauty, whose meteoric rise in the industry has seen her become of 2019’s most in-demand faces.

Adut served up pure elegance on the red carpet in a strapless emerald green velvet and taffeta dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino, paired with crystal drop earrings and bedazzled silver rhinestone heels and a matching clutch.

Adut has had huge support from the industry, including British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who have taken the starlet under their wing.

But the model’s success hasn’t come without struggle. In an inspiring speech Adut, who moved to Australia with her family as a refugee, spoke about how rare it was for girls like her to win such a prestigious award.

 “It is important for all of us to remember that someone like me winning this award is a rarity,” she said. “This is for the young women and men who found representation and validation in my work. I want them to never be afraid of dreaming big like I once did.”

This is just the beginning for the young model, 2020 watch out!

It’s the most wonderful time of year for Star Wars fans – the latest film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is out imminently. 

Lovers of the epic franchise will be delighted to know that a brand new product launch is looming, and it’s perfect for anyone wanting to show off their super-fan credentials. 

Can I add-in here, I’m NOT a Star Wars fan (but I did love it as a kid).

Columbia Sportswear is unveiling the new Challenger™ Jacket, Star Wars™ Force Edition, inspired by the ultimate battle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. Fans can now choose their allegiance – whether it’s the black ‘dark side’ jacket with Imperial details, or the grey ‘light side’ jacket, with features honouring the Rebel Alliance. 

These special-edition pieces will be available in-store exclusively at Columbia’s Carnaby Street store in London from 8.30 am today – 6 December. But be prepared, they’re only available while stocks last.

If you’re not up for queueing, don’t worry, anyone in fancy dress gets priority entry to the shop. So whack out your best Princess Leia buns… and a gold bikini if you’re really serious.

The anorak-style jackets have been produced in a Columbia heritage style dating back to the 1990s, and the team worked closely with Lucasfilm to incorporate features inspired by the Star Wars saga – specifically Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

The lining of each jacket matches both of the characters’ legendary light sabres, which appear in the graphics. The jackets are practical too, with Columbia’s Omni-TECH™ waterproof-breathable shell and synthetic insulation that will keep you warm and dry in all weather conditions. 

They are unisex in style, and will set you back £190 – so you need to be a serious fan.

Welcome to DECEMBER and welcome to this week’s instalment of  Amanda Zips It Up.

We carry on with the festive theme as it’s now just 26 days until Christmas day. This week I thought I’d concentrate on some sexy “starry” stocking fillers, in the form of festive undies.  Read more to find out.

I’ve also found some Xmas pants for the lads too, which is always giggle and miles better than giving or receiving socks!

Plus, I came across the return of some 90s retro footwear on the ASOS website – all on sale.

Who remembers 80s/90s rave staples Kickers and Wallabees? Well, they’re back in fashion, and ironically it’s the younger “post rave” generation who are donning them now, i.e. young teens who weren’t even born in the 90s.

These may make a nostalgic gift, if they were your thing back then. Back in the day, I had a green pair of suede Wallabees and purple Kickers. Always worn with tags, of course.

Also in this issue. we discover a cool new T-Shirt range called ‘Random Happiness’ and as we enter Xmas party season, what’s the ultimate hangover cure?

Meet Charlie Harris, who dreamt up the idea for his brand ‘Random Happiness’ about 18 months ago. Charlie wanted to create a t-shirt brand that reflected the club and festival world. One that would resonate with lovers of the music – both those new to the scene and also seasoned campaigners like Charlie.

Charlie hooked up with Ed Coward, a visionary graphic designer, who cut his teeth putting together Turnmills’ “Python-esque” Gallery poster and flyer artwork back in the day. The pair further teamed up with a bunch of talented young designers and illustrators. And so were born the captivating T-Shirt designs now available on the recently launched website www.randomhappiness.net 

As much as the originality of their designs mattered to them, Charlie and Co were also adamant that they should do some environmental good. With that in mind, Random Happiness uses only Organic Cotton garments manufactured in a factory powered by renewable energy. Garments are printed by hand in Brighton. 

Finally, when it comes to sending out customer orders, Random Happiness were determined not to use any plastic, but nevertheless needed to know the clothes would stay dry. The solution was found in the shape of special mailing bags manufactured from a fully recyclable sugar cane derivative. 

They’re super excited to be launching this brand and hope that they can spread a bit of fun and a bit of love for each other and the planet, through Random Happiness!! 

www.randomhappiness.net 

Well, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but I do love a star print. I first developed a crush after seeing pictures of fashion queen Kate Moss in her star print Equipment shirt, leaving me hooked ever since.

It’s fair to say that stars are relevant to Christmas too – so how do we combine stocking fillers with star-craziness?

Star print lingerie – of course. I dare any girlie not to love the look of these offerings.

To all of my male readers, this gear is all in the ASOS sale, so get online today and choose from one of these starry numbers. Remember to wrap them in some starry xmas wrapping paper and don’t worry, these are all easy on the wallet.  PLUS, you’ll have stars in your eyes when you see her stripped down to them over the festive spell.

Girls, whether you’re buying for your partner, Dad, Brother or GBF, you can’t go wrong with a tongue in cheek pair of pants. We need to banish the idea that socks are an acceptable Christmas present. Designer pants are far more impressive and ASOS have an excellent selection – all in the Black Friday sale today.

Some guys may have more belly over-hang than others, but it’s the thought that counts.

All at ASOS.com

PEAR OF THE DOG

It’s Xmas party time and if you’re anything like me, the older I get, the more that hangovers knock me for six. My other half endeavours to pour a pint of water down my throat with Alka-Seltzer, which usually works. However, possibly the most effective hangover cure yethas been identified by scientists — from pear juice, coconut water and lime, drunk together as a cocktail.

Scientists have discovered that the combination is likely to help the body cleanse itself of booze faster than any other remedy.

A fruit cocktail could be the answer to curing your hangover

And guzzling it with a side of cheese, cucumber and tomatoes may ease headaches and nausea even quicker. That suits me, as I love everything mentioned. Although ensuring that I have a plentiful supply of pear juice, coconut water, lime, cheese, cucumber and tomatoes waiting for me at home every time I go out might prove a bit of a chore. 

But what about the obvious ‘black coffee’ remedy? Researchers from the Institute of Chemical Technology, in Mumbai, warn that drinking coffee after a binge could prolong the agony.

They analysed dozens of fruits, veggies, pulses, spices and dairy products for properties enhancing the two enzymes that break down alcohol. Pear, sweet lime, coconut water, cheese, cucumber and tomato boosted their effects the most in lab tests.

Study leader Prof Rekha S. Singhal said: “Hangover poses a considerable threat at the individual level. Along with the occurrence of unpleasantness there is also a risk of health issues that might impact everyday functioning.”

I think he means vomiting on the carpet and bedsheets.

“It also affects the economy due to a decrease in the productive work caused by sleep deprivation, loss of attentiveness and alertness.  A beverage made from a blend of sweet lime, pear, and coconut water could be used to overcome hangover.”

So, there you have it. Stock up ASAP.

Welcome to the last few days of November and another fine instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

There’s no escaping Christmas shopping this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominating screens of all sizes.  So, zero excuses for forgetting to get out the plastic for some gift purchases.

Here are some usual suspects. It’s no surprise that fragrances are amongst the biggest sellers at Christmas, clocking up 40 per cent of annual sales in November and December. 

• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum.
• Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette.
• Lancôme La Vie est Belle.
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette.
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette.

But there is one fragrance that continues to outsell all. Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbombranks among the world’s top female fragrances, consistently sitting at number one amongst the highly competitive 300-plus fragrance portfolio in national department stores.

Flowerbombwas the debut fragrance of Dutch designers, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.The guys met while studying fashion at the Arnhem Academy or Art and Design in The Netherlands, beginning working together after their graduation in 1993.

Though well known in fashion circles, it is their best-selling perfume that has made them global household names. Not only is it a beautiful scent, guaranteeing comments wherever you go, the bottles look like a work of art for your dressing table.

So, fellas – get online and order a bottle for the lady in your life Asap. There’s also the SPICEBOMB for men too.

www.boots.com

On to this week’s edition, and we discover designer coats for your pooch, a new collab for Puma and EVEN MORE Xmas present ideas.