Welcome to 2020, and our brand-new decade. I hope you all had a relaxing break – here’s to another year of fashion and lifestyle stories, zipped up for you every week, right here.

So far this year, Australia is literally on fire with half a billion animals perishing, Harry and Meghan have quit the Royal Family and Trump has tried hard to start World War 3. A nice simple way to ease into January.

Awards season kicked off with a brutal Ricky Gervais ripping the guts out of the Hollywood Elite, and the formidable JLO lost her crown as the world’s sexiest woman by turning up at the Golden Globes dressed as a Quality Street chocolate.

But let’s concentrate with new fashion happenings.

Every once in a while, a fashion trend comes along that’s so terrible, it renders me absolutely speechless. Denim panties, courtesy of a brand called Ssense, are one such product. Just when you thought jeans and underwear were two separate entities, they’ve been combined for 2020.

JANTIES.

Forget jeggings, janties are the new unnecessary hybrid clothing product in town. Combining the comfort of underwear and the… rough denim-ness of jeans (?) into one strange and yeast infection-inducing piece of fabric.

They’re mid-rise and come complete with button closure, belt loops, and pockets. These features are presumably intended to be a selling point, but they just leave one with more unanswered questions.

I can’t imagine wearing jeans under my jeans… or under anything else for that matter. They’re obviously not swimwear because they’re not marketed as such, and who would go swimming in jeans anyway? 

You’d expect that a novelty product like denim panties would have to be reasonably priced to take-off? They’re inappropriate, uncomfortable to wear and unsightly to boot. And get this – these suckers are being sold by Ssense for around £200.

So, as we enter a thus-far mental new decade, I’ll leave you to ponder whether to extract your credit card for the above (or not). In this instalment, we discover beauty trends for 2020 and learn how my favourite high-end designer Gucci kicks off 2020 with an epic fail.

Happy New Year. 

So, what can we expect in 2020 when it comes to beauty trends?

After much research, these are the key new looks for the brand-new decade. Laminated eyebrows, overdrawn lips and hair that looks like you just got out of bed are some of the hottest beauty trends for the coming year. 

Also, matte-finish foundation, cream blush and exaggerated lip liner are making a comeback just in time for Spring / Summer. But this time you’ll need to draw the parameter of your pout a few shades lighter than your lipstick. 

Here are the top 6 looks.

HALF-UP HALF-DOWN HAIR

1. Since Beyonce proclaimed to have ‘woken up like this’ in 2013, demand for ‘no makeup, makeup’ looks and effortless ‘bed head’ hairstyles has skyrocketed. The trend is set to continue in 2020, when half-up half-down top knots and ponytails will start to emerge. The Hun – half bun – is a good start.

BRUSHED-OUT BROWS

• Fluffy, brushed-out eyebrows will replace the ultra-polished ‘block’ brow of 2019. Women are achieving this highly defined look with a treatment which involves ‘laminating’ brows for a fuller, thicker texture, by applying a solution and pushing hair upwards so all strands are facing the same way. The practice, which is believed to have originated in Russia, is already wildly popular across Europe. The process takes less than 50 minutes and costs around £100 per session, on average.

 EXAGGERATED LIPS

• Exaggerated, overdrawn lips are making a comeback – but this time round, you’ll need to draw the parameter of your pout with liner a few shades lighter than your lipstick itself. The slightly overdrawn lip is set to be the order of the season this summer, giving the illusion of plumper, fuller lips with a softly defined cupid’s bow. Shades like sand, caramel and nude are on trend for the coming season, which is great news for your bank balance because these versatile hues go with almost any lip colour.

MATTE FOUNDATION

• While powder-based, matte foundation is associated with a caked, heavy and lacklustre finish, a new wave of liquid matte formulas spread across the skin like butter, creating a soft, creamy complexion that mimics real skin. Low-sheen, satin finish foundations are a great option for anyone with large pores or oily skin, thanks to their low content of oil and other pore-clogging ingredients.

CREAM BLUSH

• Hailed by beauty journalists as the ‘quickest trick for faking dewy, youthful radiance’, cream blush is back, offering more deeply defined cheekbones and shimmering complexions than ever before. Unlike powders and pigments, which are prone to caking, cream blush blends easily and sinks gently into the face, creating a seamless finish that looks like natural skin.

GLITTER EYESHADOW AND CUT CREASES

• Retro eyeshadow, inspired by the early 1970s disco era, is enjoying a rebirth, with bright pops of colour like blue and purple, smudged kohl eyeliner and all-over glitter some of the biggest styles for the coming year. The over-the-top trend means beauty lovers can get creative with their makeup – so applying eyeshadow with your finger is also acceptable for the first time in years. The striking ‘cut crease’, which involves using different shades of eye shadow to cut across the eyelid, creating a sharp contrast in colour, is set to be the statement look of 2020.

OK, we’re done with Christmas and New Year, but you’re not out of the “festive” woods just yet. Next on the calendar is Chinese New Year, which begins on January 25. And to celebrate, Gucci is releasing a Mickey Mouse themed collection, in honour of 2020 – the year of the mouse.

The unisex range features footwear and accessories, mixing the Italian fashion house’s signature prints with the iconic image of the most famous cartoon character ever. Obviously, the promo campaign was shot in Disneyland.

This isn’t the first time that Disney’s most famous rodent has made an appearance on Gucci’s catwalks. The brand also incorporated the Mickey as part of its spring/summer 2019 and Resort 2020 collections.

Never one to take itself too seriously, last year my fave fashion house, now almost 100 years old, launched a ‘Three Little Pigs’ collection in honour of 2019, which was Chinese year of the Pig.

In recent years, Gucci has become renowned for its bold colours and excessive patterns, particularly since the 2015 appointment of current creative director Alessandro Michele.

Michele has introduced a bold aesthetic to the brand, as well as a host of frequent collaborators, including Harry Styles, Jared Leto and Florence Welch.

Although Gucci is unquestionably riding high in 2020, I ask you – would you wear any of it, even though it’s Gucci?

It’s a NO from me. In fact, it’s taking the Mickey. 

The Disney x Gucci collection launched on January 3, 2020 in stores and online.

A bit like a journey round a Monopoly board, before Easter, we need to pass Valentine’s Day. And damn – it’s only five weeks away. So, boys, here’s a major heads up regarding what to buy that special someone in your life, for unwrapping on 14^th Feb.

Rihanna’s lingerie brand Savage X Fenty is no stranger to generating headlines. It’s probably the hottest lingerie on the market right now, achieving the major feat of overtaking Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur.  It should be gift priority numero uno for V Day. 

Last year, the Barbadian star, the world’s wealthiest female singer, became the first black woman to lead a fashion brand, when she established Fenty.

In 2019, the label’s wildly successful New York Fashion week show was streamed on Amazon Prime. Its success is thought to be one of the reasons why Victoria’s Secret finally cancelled its long-maligned annual show.

Now, just weeks into 2020, Savage x Fenty is wasting no time in creating more waves, unveiling its Valentine’s Day collection. Designed by Adam Selman, the 19-piece range consists of two distinct collections: ‘Locket Down’ and ‘Down the Aisle’.

‘Down the Aisle’ is designed to be layered and mixed-and-matched, while ‘Locket Down’ is a vinyl foil spandex collection available in black and red hues.

Each set is packaged neatly into a Savage X Fenty Xtra VIP box with a bonus collectors’ Rihanna phone ring.

Commenting on the collaboration, Rihanna said: “I couldn’t imagine anyone other than designer Adam putting together the first Savage X Fenty designer collaboration. Adam is everything the brand stands for – fun, playful, sexy.”

The Locket Down box (£46), and Down the Aisle box (£30), are available to buy now at Savagex.com.

Welcome to the penultimate 2019 issue of Amanda Zips It Up. It’s full-on party season and here’s a heads-up for you.

A chunky gold chain is the “bling” to be seen in this festive month. Yes, if you buy one piece of jewellery this winter, make it a gold chain.

I first noticed the trend during the summer, adorned by the street style set at the Fashion Weeks. Since then, short, chunky gold chains have been trickling onto my feeds and wish lists. They’re set to be the only bling worth having come the new decade – in fact, Net-a-Porter have bet heavily on the trend, ordering 840 units of chain necklaces for spring 2020.

There’s a really appealing gold chain on Mango for £19.99 but, should you have £36,380 to spare, alternatively you could opt for the really rather fabulous 18K Rose Gold Diamond Chunky Chain Necklace from Shay.

The great thing about this jewellery trend is that it spans the full gamut – from high street to high end.

Personally I’ve got my eye on London brand By Alona’s chunky gold plated textured ‘Tiffany’ chain, set to drop next week. At a relatively reasonable £190, this is “statement bling” that treads the perfect balance between pretty and punchy.

Whatever your vibe and husband / boyfriend / other half’s budget, one thing is for sure, a chunky chain brings ample attitude to your look this party season.

Anyway, in this issue of Zips It Up we check out a Licence to Thrill in the men’s fashion stakes, pinpoint some Agent Provocateur copies for Christmas, and since today is officially Christmas Jumper Day – make some suggestions regarding how to look ‘cool’ and not ‘naff’ in a festive sweater.

 “No Time To Die” looks epic – but from the look of things, Daniel Craig’s wardrobe does not. Bond (2019 incarnation) is seen in a not-so-suave ribbed navy jumper, plus trousers fit for a plumber. Hardly 007’s usual stylish clobber.

The average bloke now spends up to 15 days a year visiting shops and browsing online for clothes. With that in mind, we’ve re-styled Bond’s shoddy 2019 outfit, plus investigated you how to recreate four other classic looks rocked by Daniel Craig as 007. With these tips you can get your wardrobe shaken and stirred just in time for Christmas.

Cool ‘n’ casual

Ditch naff jumpers and opt for this knit with a horizontal yarn to make your shoulders appear broader

• White high-collar top, £15 from Topman 
• Navy knit jumper, £35 from Topman 
• Trousers, £29.50 from M&S 
• Brown lace-up boots, £85 from Office 

Dressed down

Even Bond needs a dressed down day – relax in chinos and a casual knit to keep your look dapper

• Beige chinos, £28 from River Island 
• White T-shirt, £15 from M&S 
• Navy cardigan, £12 from Primark 
• Brown suede boots, £59 from Office

Eye spy grey suit

Reach for smart, light-coloured suits which are ideal for work, play and a licence to thrill

• Grey jacket, £65 from Topman 
• Grey trousers, £35 from Topman 
• White shirt, £26 from Burton 
• Navy tie, £2.50 from Primark 
• Black sunglasses, £5.99 from New Look
• Black brogues, £69 from Office 

Tuxedo or die

Make guests at your festive bash swoon in an updated, traditional tux with suave satin lapels

• Black tux jacket, £65 from Topman  
• Black trousers, £35 from Topman 
• White tux shirt, £40 from River Island 
• Shoes, £40 from River Island 
• Bow tie, £15 from M&S 

Tinker tailor

Look very sharp in or out of the office in a pinstriped three-piece suit

• Navy pinstripe trousers, £40 from River Island 
• Navy pinstripe waistcoat, £40 from River Island 
• Navy pinstripe jacket, £90 from River Island 
• Shoes, £40 from River Island 
• Blue shirt, £20 from Burton
• Tie, £10 from Burton 

Get Agent Provocateur-inspired lingerie for less, with sexy High Street dupes, just in time for Christmas.

Last week, DAISY LOWE was one of the queens of the red carpet at the Fashion Awards, wearing a bespoke lingerie outfit by Agent Provocateur. The 30-year-old model dazzled in a waist-shaping corset and sexy lace dress – a look that would set you back a (not so easy-on-the-eye) £1,990.

But hold on – there is an alternative. Tighten your belt and cinch in your waist with this copycat corset look. The High-cut shape will lengthen the legs, helping you look fabulous in fuchsia.

• Pink bodysuit (left), £275 from Agent Provocateur 
• Pink bodysuit (right), £20 from prettylittlething.com 

Delicate petals with sexy sheer are the perfect pairing for a feminine set

• Bra and brief set (left), £120 from Agent Provocateur 
• Floral thrill bra and thong (right), £42 from Ann Summers 

This gorgeous moody bloom set is too pretty to be kept under wraps

• Floral set (left), £150 from Agent Provocateur 
• Floral set (right), £44 from Lipsy 

Festive bright red will lift your mood – and the boned cups will lift the bust, too

• Red bra and briefs (left), £265 from Agent Provocateur 
• Red bra and briefs (right), £33 from Ann Summers 

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.