H&M Mini Me Collection

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H&M has launched a very cute ‘mini-me’ collection for mothers and daughters, but you’ll need to move fast to grab the matching sets.

This new summer collection is perfect for you and your little one to ‘twin up’ this summer. Obviously, the older your daughter, the more likely she’ll be appalled by this idea.

The YOU & MErange is resplendent with matching mother and daughter outfits of cool, breezy linen, making the collection perfect for family summer holidays. Just think how ‘insta’ friendly the pictures will look – very Balearic.

H&M says “Take your little one by the hand and have a fun and playful summer in matching outfits!”. There’s no doubt that many will take H&M’s lead this summer.

However, at the risk of labouring the point, you’ll need to act quickly as some of the dresses have already sold out online.

Prices start at £9.99, and go up to £39.99.

Summer 2019 is all about YOU & ME.

Take your little one by the hand and have a fun and playful summer in matching outfits.

… a word from Amanda, The Editor

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HOORAY! IT’S MAY.

I think we can officially say ‘welcome to summer’. Can’t we?

After a gorgeous weekend in Ibiza for the opening of Pikes and a party at Pacha, I feel well and truly in summer mode. So much so, that this week’s instalment of Zips It Upis dedicated to getting the summer prep sorted.

Summer mode means the focusing on the tan, the waxing and the wardrobe. It also spells some silly summer fashions hitting the market, as the sun goes to our heads.

I thought I’d briefly mention this one to you, to get us into the swing of things.

THE Marmite of all fashion trends, Crocs, are at the centre of yet another fierce style debate. Yes, as a new version of the pockmarked shoes has sparked controversy online.

In other incarnations embellished with clip-on jewels, lined fur insoles and even made into high heeled wedges, Crocs have caused another Twitter uproar.  The latest update sees mini bum-bags attached to the shoe’s strap.

Released as a collaboration with Japanese fashion brand Beams, the bum-bag Crocs have become one of the most talked about spring trends over-night. As well as the most hated.

They are available in a bright teal with a purple strap pouch, or in reverse – a purple sandal and teal bum bag.  Both have the name of the brands embellished across a little zipped pocket.

Dubiously justified as being ‘practical’, due to the ability to carry around small items (on your feet), I can only say… yeah, right.

And to continue the shocking footwear theme, in this instalment we discover the most UGG-ly trainers on the planet.

In other ‘summer news’, Halima Aden has become the first Muslim model to appear in Sports Illustrated magazine wearing a ‘burkini’. The Somalian beauty features in the May issue wearing the full body number.

This is brilliant for all the young girls who wear a hijab, previously without women to look up to in the fashion industry.

Tan-Tastic

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TAN-TASTIC!

SICK of your fake tan fading faster than the spring blossom on the trees?

Vita Liberata’s pHenomenal tan mousse claims to last for up to THREE weeks and disciples are saying it’s a must for holidays. With the Mayday bank holiday approaching – it’s likely the only tan we’ll get, with cool UK weather on the horizon.

Vita Liberata tan mousse £25

Vita Liberata’s pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse normally costs £37.50, but it’s currently on sale for £25 on Amazon – so the perfect time to snap one up.

The mousse is not only streak-free, natural and odourless, it also dries on contact and boasts a “longer last than any other in the world” and “a perfect fade, every time”.

The brand has celeb fans including singers Rita Ora, actress Kristen Bell, model Jourdan Dunn and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Posting on Amazon, where the product has hundreds of five-star reviews, shoppers gushed about it – although some questioned the claims it really lasts three weeks.

One of many reviews sums it up: “Best tan I’ve ever used. It lasts a good week or so and doesn’t fade patchy at all like most tans do on me.”

“It’s expensive but if you’re wanting the sun kissed glow with no flaws this is the one!”

I’ll try anything once, so I’ll keep you posted.

So UGG-Ly

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Whether you loved or loathed the Ugg boot movement during the noughties, there’s no denying they were a must-have shoe. Hell, I’m still wearing them.

Ugghas launched a bizarre pair of PLATFORM sheepskin trainers for Spring/Summer 2019. On the plus side, these odd creations certainly look snug – just as Uggs are meant to be.

Platform Trainers, £220 from Ugg

This reinvention of the famous boots in platform trainer form is a partnership with Japanese streetwear brand BAPE. Endorsed by rapper – and famous Ugg superfan – Lil Wayne,it’ll come as no surprise that the statement shoes are on the slightly pricier side.While an ordinary pair of classic Ugg boots would set you back around £165, the platforms retail at £220.

If you’re thinking of investing in a pair of these, erm, eye-catching trainers, they’re currently exclusive to Selfridges in the UK.

However, if sheepskin trainers are your thing, the brand also has a pair of what they call “Fluff Punk Trainers” for the lower price of £175.

Fluff Punk Trainers, £175 from UGG

If you ask me, they look like a pair of Crocs had a fight with an Ugg boot and won. Safe to say, this is one statement shoe trend I’ll be giving a miss.

In-Growing Hair Removal

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Call me weird, but if there’s one thing more satisfying than watching spots get popped, it’s ingrown hairs being removed.

Everyone gets in-growns at some point in their lifetime. So, the pop, pull and ping of a hair finally being released from its skin prison can be a unique thing of beauty.

In a new video, aesthetician (skin specialist) Jada Kennedy has been teasing, squeezing and pulling ingrown hairs from a woman’s bikini line. Google it. She uses a tiny metal hook to prise open the follicle and pull the hair out – “like we’re going fishing”.

The simplest way to prevent ingrowing hairs is to let your hair grow freely without shaving/waxing.

But if, like many of us, you don’t want to stop shaving, the following tips may help:

  • use a sharp, single-bladed razor
  • wet your skin with warm water and use a gel
  • shave in the direction the hairs are growing
  • use as few strokes of the razor as possible
  • rinse the razor after every stroke
  • try not to shave too closely – leave a bit of stubble if you can, as bacteria can enter the tiny openings of freshly shaved skin

Other hair removal methods may be less likely to result in ingrowing hairs. For example, instead of shaving your legs, you may want to try depilatory creams, electrolysis or laser removal.

Ingrown hairs are hairs that have curled around and grown back into your skin, instead of rising up from it. Equally, cutting a naturally curly hair too close to the skin will end up in the hair piercing the skin – which is why waxing and shaving can lead to ingrown issues. They can also occur when the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells – forcing the hair to grow sideways.

The NHS advises leaving them well alone so you don’t end up infecting the pores but if you do have a load, you might be better off going to see a professional like Jada.

If you’ve got lots of pus-filled spots, that’s known as folliculitis. It sounds so hideous, but the good news is that you might even qualify for time off work on full sick pay.

… a word from AMANDA

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Welcome to this week’s instalment of all things fashion and lifestyle from Amanda Zips It Up.

I am 75% in summer mode. Having had the best Easter weekend ever, moisture is being applied to my sunburnt nose as I write this piece. We usually spend Easter in the Balearics, but this year, due to our daughter’s post-ACL op knee, we couldn’t bring ourselves to force her through airports. So ‘staycationing’ in London was the plan.

What a result.

We had positively tropical 25’ conditions in the UK, while our beloved White Isle and big sis Mallorca were battered with wind and rain. Highly irregular.

What does one do in the UK on a glorious bank holiday? For starters, I popped to the south coast to visit my parents, plus we had the obligatory BBQ in the garden. On top of that, this year we took a day trip out to the beautiful and panoramically cool Soho Farmhouse in the idyllic Cotswolds.

Heaving with wealthy hipsters, ‘posh city’ families, models and TV celebs, the best option was to sit in the sun and observe. The fashion, of course. If you’re part of the Soho House member crew, then this is a must-do. And if you’re not a member, get to know one.

After a beautiful day lazing in the picture perfect countryside (we didn’t stay over), I decided we’re selling up in London and moving to the Cotswolds. Of course, the family resistance thus far has been – how shall we describe it – “fierce”.

Onto this week’s instalment, and we continue the summery theme with a collection of stunning summer fedoras by milliner Victoria Carson, a cruelty- free make up range by an English girl in New York and this weekend, I’ll be in Ibiza. Read all about Starlover Pop Up Shop in the Love Shack at Pikes.

STARLOVER Pop-Up At Pikes Ibiza

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Regular Z.I.U.readers will remember that we recently featured the uber cool label STARLOVER, and their collection of customised leather jackets, featuring Bowie stars and lightning bolts. Plus Cats Eye sunglasses with fierce metal spikes, Balearic boho dresses and rock & roll slogan tees, as seen on Kate Moss at Glastonbury. The whole collection fits perfectly in Ibiza and this weekend, two Balearic lightning bolts hit the same spot at the same time.

This weekend, a STARLOVER pop up shop lands at the Love Shack in the infamous Pikes Hotel. Yes, the same legendary hotel that opens for the 2019 season this Saturday. And before you ask, I’ll be there for both.

The designer behind the label, Donna Ganley, started the brand a couple of years ago. With a background working on art commissions for private clients, Donna was perfectly qualified for her very “artistic” take on fashion.

Donna had the idea of combining art and fashion when she started hand painting onto jackets, mainly leather. Word of mouth spread, more and more requests came in, and the concept grew from there.

 

When I spoke to her recently, Donna commented about Ibiza: “It has 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 for and create art for the legendary rock n roll Pikes hotel, Starlover just sits so well with everything the hotel stands for”.

Come and see what the fuss is all about.

Saturday 27th& Sunday 28thApril 2019

Pikes Hotel, San Antonio

Ibiza

www.starlover.com

Summer Headpieces By Victoria Carson

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Regular readers will know that I love a hat. But the Fedora, Panama and Trilby are cult classic for me that goes beyond mere love. Obsession, more like. I have a shelf unit dedicated to my collection of head adornments, much to the annoyance of my husband who wouldn’t be seen dead in a hat, as he likes to remind me.

As we creep into the summer months, those Panamas and straw Fedoras will be seen everywhere, from glossies, to models, to festival goers, to the person sat on front of you on that flight to Ibiza.

Yes, the straw hat screams “summer”, and the wider the brim, the better. But also, the more interesting and personalised the band, the more special and timeless.

As Milliners go, I love Philip Treacy but in this piece I introduce you to a lesser-known British talent delivering handmade, custom designed hats. Someone who’s making huge waves when it comes to one-off headpieces.

I have featured Victoria (Carson) before in Zips It Up,plus I’ve had two incredible, unique hats made personally by her fair hand. But, just when you thought she couldn’t raise the bar any further, Victoria has blown me away with her new collection of Summer Fedoras. They are an absolute must-have and guaranteed to be the talking point wherever you go.

Victoria has always had a passion for Hats, day and occasion wear. Following a one-day Millinery course in 2014, a spark was ignited and Victoria Charles Headpieces was born.

Originally creating small pieces for local clients from her Essex studio, Victoria went on to study at London College of Fashion and Kensington & Chelsea College.


Victoria now creates Bespoke Hats and Headpieces of exceptionally high quality, which adorn the heads of many high society clientele. And me…

POA.

Victoria Carson / Facebook

Victoria Charles Headpieces / Facebook

Victoria@victoriacharlesheadpieces.com

Tel.07803658722

The Sunshine Brit Make-Up Pallet

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Make-up is a Billion Dollar industry. Just look at Kylie Jenner Cosmetics – she is the youngest billionaire in the cosmetics world, in fact she’s one of the youngest in any world.

We all take the brands we know and love for granted, but have you have ever thought about their humble beginnings? Meet Maria Matthews, an English Girl in New York who has just started out with this new concept. This is The Sunshine Brit.

Www.instagram.com/thesunshinebrit

Www.facebook.com /thesunshinebrit

Maria was born in Reading (UK) and moved to New Jersey in 2008 after getting married.

Having worked for Clinique, Clarins and Chanelafter landing stateside, she moved into the travel business, buying her own travel agency. But Maria shares another love, alongside travel. Day by day she plans summer and winter trips, whilst by night, she plays with cosmetics.

The offspring of combining Maria’s two loves is this beautiful new cruelty free Winter colour palette, plus a Winter candle, which smells like pine trees.

The ‘Winter’ idea came about whilst in a New Jersey Sephora. Maria created her own colours after lots of testing, blending ingredients and registering with PETA, ensuring that everything was cruelty free. In fact it’s VEGAN, which is very on point for 2019.

Emphasis is on ice pinks. ‘Ice Queen’ is Maria’s favourite, as it’s a massive pop on the eyelid, providing a wow effect as well as making the lid look bigger. Hence the Winter Palette.

Next for the New Jersey Sunshine Brit are soy candles, which again, are cruelty free. Much to her horror, Maria discovered US giant Bath & Bodyworks use ingredients tested on animals, and her products simply don’t go there.

www.thesunshinebrit.com

Winter Palette retails at $37 USD shipping in the USA is free however

🇬🇧pricing is $14 to ship

(which is about £10).

… a word from the Editor

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Welcome to this rather ‘Lifestyle’ focused issue of Zips It Up.

Yes, we concentrate on what’s happening in the worldof “fashion and lifestyle” this week, rather than the latest shapes and colours on the high-street.

 I wanted to kick off with Modest fashion brand Verona Collection,which has just launched on Asos.The new range features hijabs and abayas in on-trend styles, in all sizes.  TheVerona Collectionspecialises in modest fashion.

Modest fashion, refers to clothing that is on-trend, yet relatively “covering-up” for reasons of faith, religion or personal preference. It has not been commonly recognised within the fashion industry. Until now.

Initially launched in 2015 in the US, the brand aims to offer modest fashion at a reasonable price. Verona Collection’s Director Hassan Mawjisays: ‘Our partnership with ASOS marks a big milestone for Verona and the modest fashion industry – we’ve carefully curated this collection with ASOS and we’re excited for the opportunities this opens up’.

The collection, which is available now includes a variety of hijabs, abayas, modest tops, dresses and trousers. With designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY and Dolce & Gabbanahaving embraced modest fashion in recent years, it was about time the British high-street caught up.

I’m loving this and looking forward to seeing more from similar collections becoming the mainstream. In 2019, we embrace all shapes, all genders and all religions.

Onto this week’s instalment, and this time round we investigate the Kylie Jenner Lip Trend, plus how to de-clutter your house with the help of Mari Kondaand a subject that’s hard to escape this weekend – chocolate.We give you the most fashionable and expensivechocolate Easter Eggs out there this weekend.

Happy Passover, Easter & Holidays to you all.

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