… a word from the Editor

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As you read this week’s Amanda Zips It Up,I’ll be 38,000 feet high or thereabouts.  Balearic bound.

Summer officially kicks off this weekend. For my friends and I anyway. We’re off to Mallorca today for a big few days of dancing, drinking and eating, in both the sunshine and moonlight.

As I was packing 4 days’ worth of fashion glossies, I came across this brief story, which I thought I should share with you because it’s happening TODAY.

If (like me) you’re a Ziggy Stardust / Bowie fan and also a fan of VANS footwear, then you’ll love this. Yes, the new Vans-Bowie trainer collection has been leaked online and they look incredible.

The Starman, The Thin White Duke, Ziggy Stardust– whatever your favourite David Bowie persona is – Vans has a trainer for that. Pictures of the new Vans Bowie collection were leaked last night, and frankly they look awesome. And I’m not even a VANs fan.

They’re expected to be available online today – April 5th and the shoes come in four of the most popular styles – the Slip-On 47 V DX, Old Skool, Era, and Sk8-Hi. Each trainer is based around iconic imagery from four of his most popular albums – Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, Space Oddity, and Diamond Dogs.

 

Whilst images have been made public earlier than planned, one thing’s for sure – it’s creating a real buzz around the sure-to-sell-out collection.

This isn’t the only recent rock collaboration from Vans. The iconic athleisure and skateboarding brand have released a Led Zeppelin range for LZ’s milestone golden anniversary. The collection celebrates the rock and roll legends’ debut, self-titled album, Led Zeppelin

So, it’s all happening today. I will definitely be buying a pair, without a care in the world. With a pair of cut off denim shorts this summer, I guarantee it’s a winning look, and more than acceptable if you were born in the 80’s… or (dare I say it) earlier, like me.

Onto this week, and in this instalment we discover Gwyneth Paltrow’s bondage underwear range, Punk Crocs (yes, really) and the most unlikely Lifestyle Fashion must-have for 2019.

Punk Crocs

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These crocs with spikes and chains are officially a thing.  A thing that’ll set you back a cool £200.

Yes, the web is going wild for these dangerous looking things. First there were high heeled wedge crocs, then grass versions and even a slipper incarnation.

In recent years the word CROCS has been even more hated than the word Brexit. Only acceptable for kids running around by the pool on holiday. But now the “practical” shoe has been given a hardcore makeover, so you can do your housework and look cool at the same time – and no, this is not an April Fools.

Sold by Heavy Cream on Etsy, the makers describe the shoe as ‘punk spike crocs’, and there are a few variants to choose from.

The crocs themselves will set you back £190.60, but if you want the full works including the spikes and chains, you’re looking at paying £206.48.

They’re made by Chris S, aka @garbage_b0y, and the website assures: “The spikes are nickel plated and the chain is high sheen stainless steel.”

I detest plain old Crocs but I am warming to the Punk Crocs 2019.

  • Goth Crocs, Etsy, £206.48

Gwyneth’s S&M Lingerie

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PAIN OR PLEATHER?

She’s not my cup of tea and neither is her website Goop, but I do like Gwyneth Paltrow’s new kinky lingerie range. But is it torture to wear?

It’s hard to deny that leather underwear looks great, but not all of us have the budgets or body to spend £600 on one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s saucy sets.

But be prepared to BUCKLE up, because the new trend for leather undies is racier than ever. I think I would wear the bra over a tee, for a quirky take on this look.

The product description reads:  ‘Handmade in England, this saddle leather bra is what BDSM fantasies are made of.

O-ring details, racy demi cups for freeing the nipple, buckles to be undone, this piece—paired with the matching knickers—is prepped for full speed ahead.

Meanwhile, the whipor ‘flogger’is detailed as:

 

“Fulfil all of your BDSM fantasies with this smooth leather flogger. The edgy studs, while aesthetically pleasing, serve a functional purpose—making it extra comfortable to grip…

So, you might imagine it’s pleasing in other ways too. Equipped with 16 tails of leather, it’s handmade in England and perfect for play.’

Goop was launched by Gwyneth in 2008 as a lifestyle brand, providing weekly email newsletters about new-aged treatments and advice. It went on to cover bizarre trends including vagina steaming. They’ve now taken things much further.

But fans of kink don’t need to have Gwinnie’s budget to indulge in naughty knickers, the high street has plenty of pleather – or imitation leather – sets that look just as good.

  • Bralet, £14 from Boohoo.com
  • Cut-out briefs, £6 from Boohoo.com
  • Latex bra, £24.99 from LoveHoney.co.uk
  • Thong, £12.99 from LoveHoney.co.uk
  • Criss-cross body, £60 from Ann Summers
  • Red body, £24.55 from Purediva.co.uk
  • Plunge bra, £24 from Ann Summers
  • Briefs, £10 from Ann Summers
  • Stockings, £4.50 from Boohoo.com

How The Freezer Came In From The Cold

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As you know, at Zips It Up, we like to bring you a bit of lifestyle as well as fashion, but I bet you didn’t expect to be reading about freezers?

Frozen food’s been out of fashion since the 1970s.  But thanks to a boom in fancy frozen food, the Freezer is 2019’s coolest trend.

 

Yes, freezer used to be the least glamorous of the white goods family. Shunned for hot excitement of an Agar, or ignored in favour of a fancy coffee maker or a stylish and healthy Nutribullet.

The poor old chilly domestic workhorse’s image was downgraded in public perception with one cheery catchphrase, ‘Mum’s gone to Iceland!’ From that day onwards I steered clear of my local Iceland, never to return.

At home, our freezer is simply somewhere to house frozen petits pois, ice packs and ice cubes. Maybe some vanilla ice cream if we aren’t watching waistlines.

Until now. Yes, freezers are having their moment. As life gets busier and busier, frozen food grows in popularity. The latest figures show that the frozen food market in the UK in 2018 was worth a hefty £6.2 billion, a 4.8 per cent increase on the previous year and, according to the British Frozen Food Federation, it is the fastest-growing retail category.

Frozen food is no longer seen as second best. As something for emergencies or a poor alternative to a take-away. We increasingly appreciate its benefits: it’s often cheaper, especially for soft fruits, and fruit and veg sometimes retains more of its nutritional power, compared to fresh stuff that may have been sitting around on the supermarket shelf for a bit.

Personally, I love the frozen smoothie mixes that mean, in a matter of seconds, I can throw together something relatively healthy first thing in the morning. Also, frozen chopped onions, mushrooms and spinach, because who has a pan large enough to cook fresh spinach?

And as we become more conscious of cutting down on waste, our freezers are a potent weapon. WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) reports that we throw away up to a quarter of the food we buy, with each UK household tossing away the equivalent of eight meals a week. At the very least, the freezer is the waiting room for the bin. Sometimes things stay in the fridge for a few days and I don’t really fancy them so I demote them to the freezer.

Picard, the French frozen food company, known by some as Waitrose on Ice, is now available via Ocado. It’s a festival of gougères, mini croque monsieurs, garlic snails and Breton oysters with apple vinaigrette, as well as all manner of gratins and confits, fondants and tatins. Plus, tiny pearl onions, artichoke bottoms and chopped tomatoes, all ready to chuck into stews without any fiddly peeling and prepping.

Then, of course, there is Waitrose, the mothership of middle-class convenience. Its Cooks’ Ingredients frozen range is like having your own kitchen porter to do all of the boring stuff.

Then there’s Cook — the shops, and also online. It specialises in ‘homemade’ frozen food good enough to fool your domestic goddess devotee friends.

Cook sells lots of homely pies, bakes and casseroles, and party dishes for eight, such as fish pie and lasagnes, which you can buy in rustic ceramic dishes if you’re really desperate to pass them off as your own.

Even Iceland these days isn’t what it was. Have a look at their scallops, lobster tails and tempura prawns…

And in these uncertain political times, there is something enormously comforting in knowing that whatever happens, there will be a freezer full of gourmet fish pie, chicken gyozas and chocolate ice cream with blood orange sorbet to see us through Brexit.

Or at least exchange for firewood and fresh water, should the need arise.

… a word from the Editor

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Welcome back to Zips It Up.

Apologies for the lack of last week’s instalment, but I spent a couple of days in hospital with my precious daughter, who had knee surgery following a nasty skiing accident.

She’s back home and on the mend. And skiing is but a distant memory as the clocks change this Sunday and we enter British Spring and Summertime.

Yes, this is my favourite time of the year.

It’s all about buying floaty summer dresses and bohemian footwear plus my guilty pleasure, that annual panama hat.

AND SUNNIES! Over the next few weeks, Ill be bringing you the very best sunglasses available.

The summer is all about parties and festivals and we’re counting down to the first big event of 2019 – the PLAYHOUSE launch party at Upper East, Port Adriano, Mallorca, on Saturday 6thApril.

I’m keeping my outfit under wraps for this one, but I’ll ping a few photos into Zips It Up the week after.

Onto this week’s instalment, and I interview the designer behind the coolest customised fashion range in London and the Balearics – STARLOVER. Plus, an answer to male baldness.

And – on the subject of males, we discover the masculine fashion trend increasingly being rocked by Kate Moss and feminine fashionistas.

Enjoy

Scalp Micropigmentation For Men

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HEADS HELD HIGH

Thinning hair or even total baldness can be a guy’s absolute nightmare, although I don’t mind a bald head as long as it’s teamed with a hipster beard.

Syrups are a no-go and the average Wayne Rooney or David Beckham style hair transplant can set you back up to £7,000, with at least 2 or 3 procedures.

What else restores men’s dignity and confidence with full hair coverage and a close shave look? Welcome to Scalp Micropigmentation at Heads Held High.

This is a brilliant solution to baldness, head scars or even alopecia, and it’s catching on fast – whether you have a partial or total hair loss, Scalp Micropigmentation is brilliantly effective. It’s a form of tattooing but uses different ink that doesn’t discolour like traditional tattoo inks.

Women have been using this method as a form of semi-permanent make up (eyebrows and lipliner) for years.

Many men know what it’s like to see hair-free patches beginning to appear on their head. Do they nothing or take decisive action? Three treatments are all that’s usually needed to do something.

SMP BENEFITS

  • Instant results
  • Cheaper than hair transplants and other treatments
  • Drug free
  • Non-invasive (no surgery required)
  • Looks authentic (undetectable)
  • No ongoing costs (no maintenance needed)
  • Immediate recovery

Meet Steve White, the man who can.

At Heads Held High, SMP is applied by Steve White, a qualified expert who advises and guides throughout. He will first mark out a hairline that suits and then using specially designed micro-needles will create on the scalp thousands of small pigments that look identical to short hairs. Your friends will see a convincing new hairstyle. It really is that good. It is carried out over three sessions to allow each stage of treatment to bed in and settle.

“Personal image is important to men. It just doesn’t get talked about and men havefar less help available to help them overcome appearance anxieties. Take prematurebalding. Do men worry about it? Of course, they do. At its worst, they suffer a totalloss of confidence – impacting on their ability to form relationships. At best, it incursa loss of dignity. I have also been involved with the hair transplant business over anumber of years and seen the transformative effect it has. In fact, I had a hairtransplant myself. I had thought about it for ten years then met a practitioner Itrusted. I only wish I had done it ten years earlier.

This business has given me a new
lease of life – now I want to give people the same.”

Contact Steve White at www.headsheldhigh.co.uk

Or find Steve on Facebook.

You can also contract me and I will put you in touch.

Starlover

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It’s not often that I scan through social media and stop dead on one particular page. But something just made me stop and stare. I feasted on customised leather jackets featuring Bowie, Cats Eye sunnies featuring fierce metal spikes and rock & roll slogan tees that could be seen on Mossy at Glasto.

Who was the brand? Step forward STARLOVER. Even the name drips cool.

After seeing some snaps of my friend Dawn Hindle of Pikes and Ibiza Rocks fame, wearing a white biker jacket adorned with stars and slogans in the grounds of Pikes hotel Ibiza, I had to reach out to Donna Ganley – the designer behind the brand. Just about resisting the temptation to buy their entire range, I caught up with Donna to discuss STARLOVER.

A: Tell me how it all started?

D:A couple of years ago now, and I have spent the time building its reputation since then. My background has always been art and fashion based. I worked on many art commissions, creating work for private clients and for various establishments, which I still do and love.

My experience with fashion ranges from having my own independent store which stocked other brands, plus styling fashion shoots. I’ve even used my flair for art to work as a make-up artist, working on London fashion week, amongst other freelance work. I’ve swapped make-up brushes for paint brushes for good now though.

I decided to combine both of my loves when I stated hand painting onto jackets, mainly leather. I began to get requests and orders, it’s all gone from there, and the concept has grown. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to work and collaborate with some amazing people.

A: Who are you style icons and fashion influencers?

D: Music and popular culture are a huge influence on the brand and on my own style. The 60s and 70s are the eras that inspire me most, which I hope you can see through my work.

There are so many icons I admire who inspire me daily, mainly people with a natural style of their own, with an edge, that draw me in. The list is endless but Kate Moss (an obvious choice), Jimmy Hendrix, David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Grace Jones, Robert Plant, Marsha Hunt, Chrissy Hynde, Grace Jones, The Warhol factory, Edie Sedgwick, Pauline Black. I could go on and on!

Ibiza has also played a huge part in things for me. It’s an inspiration in so many ways… the spiritual side of the island, the hippy ideal and the whole vibe inspires creativity. I have been lucky enough to work and create art for the legendary rock n roll Pikes hotel.  Starlover just sits so well with everything the hotel stands.

A:What’s next for STARLOVER?

D: The launch of our much anticipated website is next! It’s taken quite a while to pull together if I’m honest.. this is because I started with the wearable art side of things but constantly feel the need to create and my head is always bursting with ideas. This has lead on to more and more things being added to the range to create the full picture. We are very nearly there now!

A: And finally, what are your wardrobe must-haves?

D: Obviously the classic biker jacket. whatever the weather. Ours are so soft and wearable.  They become your best friend!

Plus a cool, floaty maxi and or jumpsuit to waft around in… watch this space!

Or a versatile scarf to style up any outfit and give it some edge and pull together a look.

ALWAYS always… sunglasses, in any season. We do our own range now which I’ve been wearing on repeat!

(I couldn’t agree more.)

Social media has been a critical tool for Starlover in building a reputation, an image and a customer base. We sell everything this way (mainly Instagram) Many brands are doing this now. Full stop, with no website at all.

I have met and collaborated with some fabulous people including fellow designers, bloggers, artists and art gallery owners all through the power of social media. I now consider some of these people friends, engaging every day at all times. For a fashion brand, there’s nothing quite as important.

www.starlover.com

The Feminie Bow Tie

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Have you seen how many women have recently been teaming stylish suits with bow ties? Gucci are partially responsible, following recent seasons’ popular ‘pussy bow’ blouses and thin black neck ties.

The Tuxedo is a timeless classic for women, usually worn alone – with a bare chest underneath – or a bra and cami for those not brave enough. However, following the awards season and the #MeToo movement, women are fiercely opting for power suits teamed with a tongue-in-cheek bow tie.

My style icon Mossy has recently been rocking the masculine bow tie with various outfits, making this traditionally masculine look oh so feminine.

Solely a male accessory until the 1920s, the bow tie officially crossed gender lines in the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to the silver screen stars Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn. Both were known for their male attire, and loved wearing tailored suits, top hats, button down shirts, and of course, the bow tie.

Now I LOVE this look, but it might be too masculine for some girls. You could always opt for the softer Gucci style pussy bow with a chiffon blouse, to make things prettier and feminine.

 

I found some bow ties on Amazon for literally a couple of quid. Red, Black or dark blue works equally well, and you can always add a diamante brooch in the middle for that extra ‘Gucci’ flavour.

This is how to wear the bow tie in 2019.

… a word from the Editor

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My vibe felt very ‘spring and summery ‘on Monday, following a lovely trip to Mallorca last weekend. The sun was shining and it felt like summer was just around the corner. On the plane home, the moment seemed right to start researching this spring’s must-have wardrobe items.

One new skirt shape is hitting pole position in the style rankings – in the form of a belted midi skirt. Yes, the satin slip skirt gets a pleated update for Spring/Summer 2019. Topshop’s new ‘IT’ skirt is predicted to be a sell-out, so you’ll need to be quick to bag this beauty.

Yes, the ‘IT’ pleated skirt is also set to fly off the shelves. There are an array of colours and prints, from bold pink and khaki to tie-dye and animal prints, making it the ultimate statement piece for your wardrobe.

Plus, it’s super versatile and can easily be worn from day-to-night, wear now with ankle boots and a jumper then when the warmer weather sets in, team with a plain tee and mules.

By Tuesday my summer vibe came to an abrupt halt.  A routine visit to the dentist turned into an emergency double wisdom tooth extraction.  Apparently, I was ‘days away from contracting Meningitis’. So, the romantic notion of floaty pink satin skirts and summery days are now a distant memory, as I’ve laid in bed taking pain killers and antibiotics whilst watching a never-ending horror film called “BREXIT”.

Also, in this week’s instalment we FAKE Fendi and I bring you the all-time greatest hits of fashion plus the low down on Cannabis Beauty products.

Beyond Trends – Timeless Fashion

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Come rain or shine, summer is coming, and I’m not complaining.

There has been a lot of discussion about the ethics of ‘fast fashion’ and how ‘high street’ stock ranges last for less than a month. Their turnover is so quick. But which items of clothing stand the test of time, going way beyond being a five-minute trend?

As the shops start to fill their rails with S/S collections, here are some of our timeless designer investment pieces that represent value on a “cost-per-wear”  basis and never lose their allure.

The Burberry Trench Coat.

A simple classic. Works with everything.

The Burberry Scarf.

I know it’s springtime but we do have the odd chilly day.

It’s the signature check that we all love.

The Chanel 2.55 Bag

Instantly recognisable and Chanel’s most iconic bag. Timeless elegance and versatility. I have one.

The Calvin Klein Slip Dress.

Kate Moss was the first to wear this timeless 90s minimal slip dress. It became the symbol of laid-back grunge chic. I want one.

Converse All Stars.

Understated cool basketball sneakers which have stood the test of time. I have a couple of battered pairs somewhere upstairs.

The Chanel Tweed Suit.

Coco Chanel designed this twin set in the 50s and its still as desirable for the successful woman.

The Fendi Baguette Bag.

Carrie from Sex & The City carried it and it then became the “it” bag of the 00s. Still as popular.

The Hermes Birkin Bag.

Named after Jane Birkin, 30 years ago, this is the most exclusive accessory the world. Shoppers need a Hermes sales history in the store before you can even attempt to buy one. The staff will meet you, assess how serious you are (and how wealthy) before you go on their list. Costs thousands.

Levi’s 501s

Boyish charm with rebellious allure. Ripped or faded.

The Gucci Loafer.

I am a sucker for these. I have the backless versions. Even the Queen wears Gucci loafers.

The Monolo Blahnik Pumps.

Again, thanks to Carrie, there are copies everywhere. The go-to court shoes for dressing up but not trying too hard.

The Maxmara Camel Coat.

Simple, chic and timeless. Works with everything.

The Prada Backpack.

This was launched in 1984 and it’s still the ultimate stylish rucksack for travelling

Ray ban Aviators.

My fave sunnies ever. They suit every face shape and give any image an instant cool makeover. Yes, I have a few pairs. Sunnies in all shapes and colours come and go but these remain.

The Breton Stripe Tee.

Kate Moss made this her look. With grey skinny jeans, skinny tie and an old pair of UGGs, it’s a wardrobe staple.

The Gold Rolex.

Victoria Beckham is the queen of the gold Rolex and this retro time piece will live forever. Exudes luxury and retro wealth.

The Cartier Love Bracelet.

Born in the 70s, a subtle yet understated elegant piece which adds glamour to any outfit. I wish I could wear mine as an arm band – very Studio 54.

The Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress.

She claims she designed this without a zip so that it was quick and easy to put on, after leaving your one-night stand still snoring. Flattering and effortless, it will never go out of style.

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