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!!
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.
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.”
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.
From grooming spas to doggy holidays, pampering your pooch with luxurious products is a growing trend.
It’s definitely nippy in the UK and Balearics right now, and I can almost guarantee that you’ve pulled out your thickest coats from the wardrobe. Well now, you can dress your beloved pet just like you – with a new £280 (322 euros) Moncler jacket designed especially for your dog.
And whilst it might seem to have only niche appeal, the limited edition padded jacket by the Italian brand has been flying off virtual shelves – in fact, it’s currently sold out online.
The luxurious range of doggy coats, which have been dubbed Mondogs,are a scaled-down version of the brand’s trademark puffer jackets – and button up at the front.They come in a range of colours, keeping dogs warm and protected without limiting their movement.
Make no bones about it, Moncler’s dog jackets are the cutest things ever, although I wish a dog came with them, at this price. It is not the first time that high-end designers have ventured into the pet market, with Versacecurrently selling their own dog bowls for £569.
And yes, there are actually people out there buying these things.
The new campaign for PUMA x BALMAIN featuring Cara Delevingne has just been released.
The ‘boxing-inspired’ shots focus on real-life stories of people fighting the good fight, whether it’s standing up for what they believe in or supporting those who just want to be themselves.
Cara, along with a beautifully diverse group of individuals from all parts of the world, can be seen wearing the fashionably sporty collection.
The PUMA x BALMAIN created with Cara Delevingne collection launched worldwide only yesterday – November 21st.
Modelling the unisex boxing-inspired limited edition collection, Cara has previous ties to both brands, being the good friend and muse of Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and a Puma ambassador since 2016.
The unique tri-collaboration merges performative sportswear and Parisian couture, all while conveying the theme of “troublemaker,” which is why he chose Cara for the project. The two friends have worked on several projects together over the years, from Cara starring as the face of Balmain campaigns to closing its fashion show.
The 35-piece collection comprises bra tops, boxing shorts, sneakers, outdoor apparel and accessories in a stark color palette with hints of gold — design elements straight out of Balmain’s atelier.
The collaboration is available now in Puma and Balmain stores, as well as online.
Here are some more stocking filler ideas this festive season. They are currently best-sellers, so make haste and order these this weekend before they sell out. They’ll arrive in plenty of time. All you need to do is pop out for some pretty Xmas wrapping paper.
It’s no surprise to us that this beautiful spinning pendant is proving popular with customers. It’s handmade to order in the UK and incorporates the birthstones of those in your life who are your whole universe. It can feature up to 10 birthstones in different sizes and spins, to reveal a personalised message, making each one completely bespoke to the customer.
This limited edition Veuve Clicquot arrow tin is proving festively popular. Champagne is a failsafe gift idea and going that extra mile to get it personalised makes it extra special. The metallic tin can be treasured long after the bottle has been downed.
This personalised weekend holdall is such a popular gift for someone who travels regularly. In a classic style, it’s high quality, durable and the tastefully embroidered initials add a classy touch.
Apple AirPods were one of the most popular gifts last year and we expect 2019 to be just the same. They’re packed with functionality and look great. This latest version has Siri built in and charges wirelessly.
One of the top picks this Christmas is the Larq water bottle. Not only is it reusable, but both the water and bottle can be digitally purified at the touch of a button, neutralising 99.9% of harmful odour-causing germs. What’s more, it is double insulated, keeping water cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.
Welcome to this ‘festive feel’ instalment of Zips It Up. Yes, the most wonderful time of the year bearing down on us, with Christmas Day only 40 days away.
Christmas shopping should be fun. Think ‘Oxford Street’, bundled up in coats, hats and scarves, the smell of chestnuts in the air, with carol singers on the street corner. Year on year, retailers battle to out-do one another’s festive window displays in a bid to lure us (and our credit cards) through the door.
Selfridges caused a big festive stir by being the first department store in the world to unveil their 2019 Christmas windows – a whole 69 days before the Dec 25th.
Selfridges stores across the UK now feature more than 85,000 baubles, 200 Christmas trees and 65,000 pieces of paper confetti, as part of its “Selfridges Rocks Christmas”. Each store window has borrowed an element of a well-known Christmas story or fairy tale, such as Rapunzel or Cinderella, meanwhile giving it a modern twist.
Across the other side of London, Harrods has unveiled its Yule 2019 incarnation. The iconic store, founded in 1849, has transformed itself into an emporium of magic under its theme for the year: ‘The Kingdom of Christmas.’ Christmas has been brought to life through a series of street-facing wintry scenes, with festive animals helping Harrods and their brands in delivering seasonal gifts to children of all ages.
Harvey Nichols’ display has drawn inspiration from all things Scandinavian. The much-anticipated window display across all Harvey Nichols stores in the UK and Ireland is a fusion of Scandi-architectural influence, featuring handcrafted cedar slat panels draped with festive garlands, framing the windows and glowing like the Nordic night sky.
Of course, call me old school, as this may all mean nothing to you if you sit at home and order your gifts on Amazon. But personally, I can’t wait to get out and witness all of the window displays.
In this week’s issue of Zips It Up we check out Xmas gift ideas for the whole family, take a look at the debut fashion collection from a certain British Wimbledon Champion, plus, if you hate Christmas and simply want to get away, we have discovered the most fashionable luggage to breeze through Terminal 5 with.
It’s just 40 days until the big day. Put bluntly, that’s just one pay packet left. So, have you even contemplated buying any Christmas pressies yet? I bet you haven’t!
Don’t worry, neither have I, but as usual Zips It Up is here to make life easier. This page of helpful suggestions is likely to earn you brownie points over the festive season.
Whilst a little more time-consuming to order than a straightforward “click-to-buy” type purchase, anything personalised is the way to go. There are literally hundreds of companies personalising anything and everything. But get those Xmas orders in ASAP.
Here are some suggestions – for him, for her, for the folks, for the little ones and for the teens Basically, we have everyone covered. And it’s all on one simple website:
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Here’s my pick of the best.
For Him Personalised Birth Year And Nickname Organic T Shirt
A great gift, that’s equally perfect for other landmark celebrations too, such as 30th, 40th, 50th or 60th birthdays.
This cool design features the year of birth in a stylish modern font, as well as the option of personalising the design further by adding a name, or nickname, plus an additional phrase such as ‘Awesome since…’, ‘Established…’ or anything else that takes your fancy.
A plush faux suede cushion, personalised with your favourite photo of the folks, handmade especially for you. These fabulous, super soft cushions, are made from either faux suede or 100% organic cotton. They’re especially useful for those wanting to give their loved ones a hug when said loved ones aren’t there in person.
I have two of these. Think ‘Carrie’ in Sex And The City. Design and personalise an original Name Necklace, which is then laser cut and finished in London by hand.
Add a personal touch with this gorgeous name necklace with dainty cable chain. All of the Anna Lou of London personalised jewellery is handmade to order and can contain one name or word per pendant. Contact them via the ‘ask seller a question’ button with any special requests or queries.
Capture the true magic and sentiment of Christmas with a personalised report from Santa. Award points and gold stars for good behaviour and reveal whether the recipient child has made it to Santa’s ‘Nice’ list.
The option boxes allow one to add child’s name and age, and award points for ‘kindness’ ‘politeness’ ‘sharing’ ‘tidying’ and ‘table manners’. Merit stars are then awarded (out of 5) and finally you can opt to place the recipient on ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’ list.
This Personalised Embroidered Patch Bomber Jacket is perfect for fussy teens and ‘inbetweeners’.
Each jacket is bespoke and hand embroidered in the UK, packaged in a customised M&G box (however, please note that if multiple jackets are ordered, they will be consolidated into one box).
Jackets come with a selection of embroidered patches containing your personal initials. You can choose as many patches as you like and where you would like them placed on the jacket. I know my other (fully grown) half would love this.
Each jacket is totally unique and makes a perfect gift.
