Welcome to this verywet and miserable UK mid-October. For those of you attempting ‘Stoptober’, you really must be struggling with demons right now as it’s raining everywhere here in the UK, every day, all the time. Depressing. I need my “wine time” on a Saturday night just to combat the shorter-day blues.

As we lament the loss of sunshine and deal with the wind and rain, it’s our skin that needs most attention. I have just been sent a brilliant new face masque by my skincare Guru Sophie Jane Hopwood, winging its way to our London office from the Balearics. This stuff is incredible, and I genuinely mean that.

We’re talking Skincerity. A roll-on breathable masque you sleep in, revealing radiant skin when you peel it off in the morning.

When first starting to use Skincerity, you should apply it nightly for a minimum of two weeks. This will maximize the rejuvenation of any dry, damaged skin. You should be able to see improvements to your complexion during this initial period. Thereafter, at least four times per week, rolled-on before sleeping.

I’m super impressed. This is my skin after using it for three days – all my friends gave it top marks too.

So, if you fancy trying this miracle product, please contact Sophie via her Facebook page or Instagram @playhouseeventsmallorca @mallorcamummy

Onto this week’s Zips It Up and we introduce Victoria’s Secret’s new size 14 model, check out Nike’s ‘holy trainers’, plus you can now snuggle up in warm and cosy Pringle jumpers with matching garments for your dog, courtesy of H&M. Yes, really.

$3,000 Jesus trainers filled with holy water and bearing a crucifix are the newest way to blaspheme or worship, depending on your viewpoint. Yes, these Air Max 97s come in white, and carry 60ccs of holy water from the river Jordan in their sole.

After Crocs’ collaboration with Balenciaga, I didn’t think fashion link-ups could possibly get any crazier. Well I was wrong. Yes, a sneaker company has now collaborated with… Jesus? MSCHFhave been divinely inspired to create these customised Nike sneakers, resplendent with a bunch of heavenly features. In addition to holy water, these white Air Maxes give a nod to the red shoes recently worn by Pope Benedict XVI – their insoles bear the same fiery colouring.

Just to make them extra holy, MSCHF have added a crucifix onto the front and a Matthew 14:25 inscription. If that wasn’t enough to justify the whopping $3,000 (£2,451) price tag, they’re scented with Frankincense and made with Frankincense wool, to represent one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus upon his birth.

The Brooklyn-based brand are calling it the ‘Jesus Shoe’- guaranteed to be a be a big hit with Kanye and attendees of his famous Sunday services. 

The original RRP was $1,425 (£1,164), but because they sold out so quickly, the trainers are now over double the price. So they weren’t wrong in creating this product.

 It’s worth noting that there’s no official link with Nike. They were bought and customised by MSCHF. They drop new styles biweekly, with 11am releases on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

It’s not only us in oversized knitwear from now until next Spring – it’s our pets too. Autumn / Winter is officially here, and thanks to H&M’s new dog jumpers, you and your pup can wear the same winter warmers in harmony with one another. 

The collection is a collaboration with Pringle of Scotland. It features cute patterned jumpers, trousers, skirts and scarves – and it won’t break the bank. 

The Instagram potential is limitless. Get down to the park and start frolicking with your pug in the crisp, autumn leaves, or take cute selfies with your pooch on a winter walk, both wearing perfectly matching ensembles. 

The best thing about the range is that it’s seriously chic. It reworks the iconic argyles and jacquards of Pringle to make it more youthful and sporty, which I love. It also features the biggest colours of the season; grey and neon green. The range is part of H&M’s Conscious collection, meaning each item has been made with recycled polyester and organic cotton.

Victoria’s Secret might not immediately come to mind straight away when one thinks of “inclusive” brands. Historically, it’s been all about stick thin, super tall, perfect ‘angels’, such as Kendal Jenner or Giselle.

But the company has had no choice but to change things up. Hoping to address years of backlash over the size of its models, Victoria’s Secret has finally started an about-turn. 

Ali Tate Cutler is the first size 14 (size 16 in the U.K) model to be involved in a VS lingerie campaign. The move comes after the American retailer joined forces with London-based lingerie brand Bluebella, which employs plus size women. Cutler took to Instagram to point out that she’s not the first plus-size model for the brand, but that she is the first size 14 – the average size of American women.

While Ali is a part of the Blubella for Victoria’s Secret partnership, she hasn’t been officially hired by the latter to model for them. Her involvement is just for this joint-venture lingerie campaign, but Ali is thankful for the opportunity. ‘Size 14 is actually the average size of women in America and I do think that we need to see more of it in media and fashion, because most women are that size,’ she said. ‘For Victoria’s Secret I am so excited that they decided to put a size 14 women like me on the wall,’ she added. ‘I feel like they are headed in the right direction and they are listening to their audience, who have requested to see more women of diverse shapes and sizes’.

“Bluebella for Victoria’s Secret” line includes lingerie, sleepwear, and hosiery, featuring luxe details, including velvet, satin, and embroidered lace. Initially, the line was only available at select Victoria’s Secret stores in the US, where it launched last week. But worry not, it’s now available at stores in the UK as of 11 October. 

Welcome to this autumnal edition of Zips It Up.

As we wave goodbye to Summer, the Fashion Weeks, which signal the beginning of a new season, have come to the end via the Milan instalment.

My favourite Italian label, Gucci, had an ‘eventful’ time, unveiling their predictions for the next big footwear and bag trends on the Milan catwalk.

Gucci’s latest offering are shoes that look like you’re wearing an electronic tag. Yes, the Italian brand’s design makes wearers look like prisoners with an ankle bracelet to monitor their movements.

The bonkers “bracelet” is actually a leather strap which can carry lipsticks — and can also be worn around the wrist. It has also been incorporated into leather gloves – which usually cost around £350 a pair. It could be used by dog-walkers to stash their poo bags. Just a thought.

Another bizarre fashion accessory for next year is a backpack made of leather straps to carry a pillow or sleeping bag.

Model Ayesha Tan Jones – who identifies as non-binary – appeared in the show, with the words “mental health is not fashion” on the palms of the models’ hands – which they held up while on the runway.

Gucci commented: “The show presented how society today can have the ability to confine individuality and how Gucci can be the antidote. It was a journey from conformity to freedom and creativity.

It’s safe to say Fashion NEVER gets boring. Or unpretentious.

Onto this week’s instalment, and we check out the new ‘Exposed Thong’ trend, discover new customised Ibiza wedding and party label Hathor and roll up our sleeves to clean the Thames riverside from Richmond to Kingston with #OnePureSea.

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.