Now the summer season is over, it feels like a lifetime ago that I kicked off my “Ibiza summer 2019” at Pikes, back in April.

Anyone who has experienced the vibrant flamboyant scene at Pikes will know ‘Sunny’s Boudoir’, filled with Captains hats, feather boas, glitter, sparkles and anything camp. It’s the ultimate in Ibiza kitsch and the best place to end the night after of dinner and dancing.

We’re talking about a look which has become synonymous with a Balearic night out, and one new independent designer has nailed the flavour with her customised collection of hats, glasses and capes, suitable for anything from Ibiza partying to Balearic weddings. 

Hathor was born in 2010 – when brilliant designer and Ibiza regular Laura Mears-Reynolds upcycled a Captain’s hat for a Bride-to-be’s Ibiza boat party. The ‘Bride’ Captain/Festival hat has gone on not only to become her best seller, but a huge trend. They’ve been feverishly replicated – in fact in 2019 they have been everywhere. 

Laura also customised a pair of bridal sunglasses for the same wedding, which were such a hit with the guests that she realised she was onto something.

 She started embellishing all sorts of sunglasses and upcycling vintage military hats, top hats and bowlers with her staple pom poms, feathers, gems and spikes, and received backing from The Prince’s Trust.

As Laura was creating headwear for hedonists, she decided to name the brand after the Goddess of partying (so the story goes), with a tongue-in-cheek play on words Hat(w)hor(e), to fit the “fun” tone of the brand.

Clients include Cara DeLevigne, Fatboy Slim, who featured in the film: Ibiza The Silent Movie wearing her custom smiley hat, Nervo, the Lovely Laura, Adwoa Aboa, Loeca, Twinks Burentt, Georgie Rogers, and most recently Laura hand made Cassy a neon sign for her weekly residency at Pacha Ibiza this summer, as featured in MixMag. 

At her own wedding in August she handmade pretty much cevery single detail. Designing all of the bridal party headwear, including her own, the keepsake buttonholes, corsages, bouquets, bridal hoop bouquet, table plan and even her shoes.

Instagram: @hathor.co Facebook: Facebook.com/hathor.co

It’s scarf time again, as we shift the focus from Summer to Autumn. I’m currently in London and whilst out and about this morning, I saw leaves being swept up all over the streets of Hampstead.

Yes, leaves litter the October streets and it looks very pretty, but on the distinctly ugly end of the spectrum is the plastic littering our rivers and seas.

My great friend Lisa Good is one staunch advocate for cleaning up our riversides and beaches here in the UK, via her organisation Pure Sea. I have already bought my Pure Sea “bottle for life” and stopped buying bottled water. Here’s Lisa’s mission statement:

“Pure Sea is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to protecting and replenishing the future of our oceans. We are passionate about protecting marine life, raising awareness and creating positive changes to prevent further plastic pollution from entering the ocean. We currently have a large, dedicated group of supporters and Volunteer Beach Officers located all around the UK and Ibiza who are regularly taking part in beach and river clean ups. We are running regular public campaigns, festivals, auctions and music events to provide funding for marine research centres, and similar organisations dedicated to rescuing marine life damaged by plastic pollution and over fishing. The events feature exhibitions introducing green initiatives, green businesses and environmentally friendly products”. 

“Organisers will also call on people to join in beach clean-ups and present dustbins to local schools, aiming to help change consumption habits and promote plastic waste treatment. Pure Sea intends to actively source alternatives to single use plastics raising awareness through media events and education in schools, already successfully encouraging the population on making positive changes, reducing the amount of unnecessary nonrecyclable and recyclable waste”. 

“School workshops The Little Ripples Project is an innovative workshop designed to educate the next generation in schools about anti-plastics and how to actively reduce plastics from entering our oceans. The workshops are designed to teach children about the damage plastics in the ocean have already caused to coral reefs and marine life”. 

As well as encouraging hundreds of us to join her with these huge clean ups, she has also organised a fabulous Winter Ball to celebrate the achievement and raise the awareness of keeping our environment free of plastic. On November the 2^nd, Lisa will lead her team from the Thames riverside at Richmond all the way round to Kingston – my childhood neighbourhoods.

This riverside clean will be followed by an incredible evening of classic house and proper old school tunes from the likes of Ratpack, Brandon and Alex, Danny and Andy and my old friend Rob Roar at The Viper Rooms Lounge and Bar, in Kingston Upon Thames, from 9 – 3am.

Tickets are £25 from Lisa on 07720 854902, more on the door.

It’s definitely a worthy cause and I would encourage you all to get involved. #ONEPURESEA

Into this week’s blog

The exposed thong is back.

Yes, you read that right – the 90s/00s “visible thong” trend has made an official return. Last time around, we wore our thongs high and our Maharichi combats low on our hips. However, this time round it’s part of our tailoring or evening dress attire.

J.Lo caused a stir last month, as she was seen recreating her iconic Versace look during Milan Fashion Week. 

And this month is no exception to the star making fashion headlines, as she’s been seen sporting a very ‘particular’ trend – the thong/trouser hybrid.

And J.Lo’s not alone – the style has also been seen on Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin, which begs the “pressing” question, is the visible thong back for good? There’s a slight change in the 2019 incarnation though. This time around it’s all about the two garments being attached. So it’s not your ‘actual’ thong on show, but actually part of the design of the dress/trousers that’s visible.

I’m not sure whether it’s better or worse that the thong is attached, rather than being actual underwear, but either way it’s a bold move. Most importantly, if you plan on sporting this exposed look you’ll need abs of steel, because it’s not the most flattering of trends.

But if there’s one person who has the body for it, it’s JLo. We can pardon her flesh exposure, because let’s remember she is FIFTY years old. So why shouldn’t she show off an insane body that any of us would kill for, regardless of age.

I should point out that J.Lo wasn’t the “celeb spotted” originator of the trend. Hailey Baldwin did it first, when she took to the Met Gala red carpet back in May in a baby pink Alexander Wang gown with a thong detail. Hailey Bieber did it too at the 2019 Met Gala with a thong-based dress. And following chronologically afterwards was supermodel Bella Hadid, who flaunted her toned abs whilst on the runway for Versace SS20 back in June.

So, whilst we might have had months of warning, preparing us for this comeback trend, I can’t say I’m quite ready for its high street embrace.

Welcome to this week’s round-up of fashion. And as we’re now full force ahead into October, it’s time to talk Halloween. None of your Brexit chit chat here.

This week, I’m giving you the heads up regarding which Halloween costume to pick for 2019, plus our favourite skater brand Vans have launched a special Halloween themed collection of footwear, just in time for 31st October.

I’ve literally just arrived back in London after a fantastic weekend in Ibiza. My other half finished playing at the Judgement Reunion at Eden around 4am this morning, so apologies if this week’s intro may seem somewhat brief. I can only just focus on the keyboard. It was soooo worth that Balearic hangover though.

I did manage to get a spot of shopping into the weekend too. My very favourite shop in Ibiza and Palma – Sluiz – is always my go to place for all things quirky and out there. Everything from boho cushions, to naughty eye masks and the very best in seasonal boho attire is all under one roof.

I picked up this beautiful colourful striped dress and this eye mask for that red eye flight back to London. Guaranteed not to be disturbed, that’s for sure.

Other stuff in Zips It Up this week – enjoy a peak at Paris Fashion Week’s weird and wonderful accessories, making this edition of Zips It Up as light hearted as my head dictates.

Enjoy and read on…

Paris Fashion Week took a bizarre turn as designers debut wacky accessories during the last of this year’s fashion weeks.

The models were showing off the latest quirky fashion – including hats shaped like fish and buckets.

Models at Paris Fashion Week showed off the latest quirky trends, such as a giant fish that was part of Vivienne Westwood’s spring and summer collection

The fish head item was part of the Vivienne Westwood spring and summer collection for 2020.

The bright pink bucket head was from the Nina Ricci spring and summer collection for 2020. The model wore a matching bright pink dress to go with it.

And style icon Yu Masui was pictured outside as part of the event wearing an oversized coat which covered his head.

Although this may all look utterly insane to most of you, remember this is the weird and wacky world of fashion and there will inevitably be suckers out there who will happily pay and wear all of these. Even together.

Vans has announced it’s latest collection ahead of Halloween, and it’s perfect for all ghouls, ghosts and goblins, or just fans of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.

The special collection has been inspired by the hit film and features a 10 piece footwear collection, complimented by a range of apparel and accessories.

Fans will be able to step into the imagination and artistry of the cult-classic film with Vans iconic designs, but will also be able to customise their own pair of Vans using three special prints available exclusively on Vans.com/customs now.

The iconic Sk8-Hi features the famous Jack’s Lament scene with four panels  showcasing a frame from Jack’s walk through the Halloween Town cemetery and a special message that reads “Nice Work, Bone Daddy” on the inside collar.

 vans.co.uk,

IT’S officially Halloween month, which means you’ve probably started hunting down the perfect costume to wear on October 31.

Want to know where to buy all the bestcostumes this year? Look no further than www.fancydress.com

Having just seen the second IT movie, I’m inclined to lean towards this terrifying Pennywise outfit

With heaps of designs to choose from, this should help you narrow down the options, with spooky styles including thePennywise the clown outfit, creepy mermaids and even a Frozen’s zombie Elsa.

• Pennywise clown costume, £42.99, Fancy Dress

Last year, the most popular Halloween costumes included unicorn designs, superheroes and Suicide Squad’s Harley Quinn – played by Margot Robbie.

This year, there’s a whole host of new must-have looks, including Pennywise the clown as well as some terrifying zombie mermaid outfits.

For those who want to stick to traditional Halloween costumes, there’s the classic gothic bride as well as the best-selling Cher from Clueless outfit.

And if you’re a Disney fan, you can snap up a zombie Minnie Mouse “rodent” costume – while there’s even an Eleven from Stranger Things outfit for less than £20.

• Cher costume, £30.99

Fairy costume, £8.99

• Zombie Minnie costume, £19.99

• Zombie Frozen costume, £28.99

• Harley Quinn costume, £36.99

• Gothic bride costume, £22.95

Welcome to another weekly round up of fashion and lifestyle. 

While you read this, I’ll be in Ibiza for the massive One More Time Judgement event at Eden San Antonio, concluding the Ibiza 2019 season.And on another Spanish note, whilst on my way back from Mallorca to London earlier this week, I spotted some gossip regarding someone I hugely respect, who is travelling in the other direction, from the UK to Barcelona.

She is Christina Serra, married to the Man City manager – the very stylish  Pep Guardiola– her husband of 27 years. She is credited with styling Pep, 45, after meeting him in her family’s clothing store when he was a male model. They married in 2013 and have three children.

We all know Victoria Beckhamis the ultimate fashionista Wag but massive respect to Christina, who also owns a very successful fashion business, as well as being a wife and mother in a foreign country. However, something’s got to give and gossip suggests that she is moving back to Barca for good, leaving Pep in the UK with the kids (and the team).

Cristina has been commuting back to work from Manchester for the last three years since the former Bayern Munich gaffer replaced Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.

As part of the new arrangement, Pep will remain in England looking after their two other children as he looks to guide Manchester City to a third consecutive Premier League title.  Meanwhile Cristina will bring one of her kids back to Spain.

Another example of female empowerment. Good on her. I’ll be checking out her latest range ASAP.

Onto this week’s edition, and as we go into a new month, it’s is all about Stoptober and Going Sober for October, plus we discover the ridiculous micro bag trend and the rugby shirt, dominating all the fashion weeks happening right now.

Kendall Jenner, who in my view looks shocking with her new blonde hair, makes a strong case for bringing back The Rugby Shirt. Generally speaking, rugby shirts remind me of boarding school types, notable for their complete lack of fashion sense. But in the crazy world of fashion, they are now THE ultimate trend.

It’s always worth keeping an eye on what models wear as they dart between shows during Fashion Month. Kendall Jenner stepped out in Milan this week sporting a rugby shirt from the JW Anderson’s AW19 collection. A striped cotton number complete with a fresh white collar. It was styled with a pair of ankle-grazing jeans and brown Birkenstocks. Yep. EVEN BIRKENSTOCKS are back in fashion.

I know. The world is going backwards, right?

A rugby shirt is a great possibility for “off-duty” moments, when you want to be comfortable and effortlessly stylish. But you can dress them up too. Roll back the sleeves of Gant’s black and burgundy ‘rugger’,  add lots of chunky gold jewellery and  jeans for slick leather trousers, or bare tanned legs.

Here are the very best styles to shop now, but they’re not cheap, I must warn you.

And hand wash only. That collar must stay white!

Has the micro trend has finally gone too far?

It’s almost unbelievable that this accessory is even a “thing”, when it’s more like an Aprils Fool’s joke. Like it or not, the micro bag is continuing to fight its way into next season, as AW19’s most impractical (and near-invisible) street style staple. But one brand – Jacquemus–  is going where no-one ever gone before, unveiling a truly extraordinary addition to the spectrum of miniatures.

At the Jacquemus’ AW19 Paris show,models on the catwalk were seen carrying a bag so small you could be forgiven for missing it. It literally hangs from your pinkie finger and holds a couple of pound coins, if you’re lucky. It returned yet again for Jacquemus’s pink carpeted SS20collection – proving that microbags will reign long into early next year’s fashion cycle. Since then, the £258 bag has gone on to sell swiftly on the brand’s website and in shops internationally.

The bag, an even tinier version of Jacquemus’s micro Chiquito bags, was initially sent out as an invitation to the brand’s AW19 presentation. But rather than being an invite novelty, Jacquemus went on to show the teeny tiny Mini Le Chiquito bags as part of its collection.

Models walked the Jacquemus catwalk with the tiny handbags hanging from their fingers or slung over their shoulder with cross body straps.  They were spotted in at least four different colourways – white, bright red, orange and dark green – and featured a tiny golden ‘J’ (presumably because ‘Jacquemus’ wouldn’t fit).

If you don’t fancy the Jacquemus version, here’s the rest of these insane bags on the market. All priced between £250 – £1000. Yes, really.

Marlow London Mini Tote in Yellow

£395 | Marlow London |

Cult Gaia Cora Bamboo Beaded Bag

£170 | Matches Fashion

BOYY Fred 23 Patchwork Leather Top Handle Bag (17.5cm x 12cm)

£804 | Moda Operandi

Shrimps Antonia Mini Bag in Cream

£375 | Shrimps

Lutz Morris Norman Contrast-Panel Leather Cross-Body Bag

£505 | Matches Fashion