The Nose Warmer

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Do you suffer with a cold nose? Well, no longer…. Here is the answer! As the temperature drops, we all reach for the de-rigeur coat, hat and scarf, but there’s a new woolly wonder out there designed to deal with the one thing we all struggle to temperature control – our noses.

The Nose Warmer Companyis a global business selling handmade nose warmers, scarves and hand muffs. They design, make and ship from the UK.

Their nose warmers are famous too. In addition to our friend, DJ Danny Rampling, posting them (in shock) on his socials, TV Personalities Lorraine Kelly, Dr Hilary, Alan Titchmarsh, Matthew Wright, Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley have all featured the nose warmers on TV this week.

A possible Christmas present idea for kids, especially to give to their doting Grandparents, who will be too soft to say no. There’s even a high fashion animal print option.

Postage is free within UK. Anywhere else in the world is just £3.00.

Don’t suffer a cold nose any longer, grab yourself a nose warmer and look vaguely ridiculous but carefree this winter.

 

www.nosewarmer.com

Movember

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Guys, It’s that time of the year again.

No matter the shape or style of your Mo this Movember, your top lip coiffure can inspire donations, conversations and real change. It’s time to grow that moustache and raise money in aid of awareness of Men’s physical and mental health.

Men sometimes have difficulty asking for any kind of help when it comes to their health and male suicide figures are soaring, so it’s a big deal. Another focus of Movember is prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

As well as being sponsored to grow your mo, you can also commit to walking or running 60 kilometres over the month. That’s 60 kilometres for the 60 men lost to suicide each hour.

Movember challenges men to grow a moustache for the 30 days of November, thereby changing their appearance and the face of men’s health. For the entire month of Movember, these selfless and generous men known as Mo Bros become walking, talking billboards for 30 days. … The women of Movember, are known as Mo Sistas.

Raise funds by doing what you already get a kick out of. Get your mates together for a Mo-ment.

www.movember.com

Ask Aurora

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 Clinique Even Better Skin

Dark spots, dark circles, yellow tones, blackheads, acne, pores Tiger Woods could get a putt down…it’s literally the stuff of nightmares, and here at Amanda Zips It Up we are inundated with divas in distress over these issues. Personally, I never thought it would be possible to find a solution I could use at home, without having to take up residence at my local dermatologist.

Boy, was I wrong!

ENTER THE DRAGON!

For as long as I can remember, there was a fear attached to using Clinique products on your face – on the grounds that they were “too clinical,” “too tough on skin” and full of harsh chemicals. FORGET THAT! I am here to tell you that the new skin clearing solutions from Clinique are the best in the business. And I am selecting a bundle of my absolute “can’t live withouts” which I have stacked on repeat in my bathroom at home, at work, and at my boyfriend’s house. So clear your mind and let Ask Aurora clear your skin!

BLACKHEAD SOLUTIONS SELF-HEATING BLACKHEAD EXCRACTOR – RRP 22GBP

Thermal Active Technology sounds all very scientific. But this little genius will warm on the skin with water and open the pores whilst the activated exfoliating tip dusts off the debris. The Salicylic Acid and Glucosamine blend packs a punch but skin is clear and comfortable soon after.

ANTI-BLEMISH SOLUTIONS ALL-OVER CLEARING TREATMENT – RRP 21GBP

Teenage kicks are one thing. Teenage skin is another. But breakouts will wish they’d never been born with this oil-absorbing and controlling comforter. A clever double action lightly hydrates the skin whilst the anti-irritant clearing treatment works its magic.

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER SKIN TONE CORRECTING MOISTURISER – RRP 42GBP

Yes, it tingles. But totally without drama. With its clever use of Vitamin C particles, your skin is immediately unified and uneven zones look instantly corrected. It actively hinders the formation of new discolorations. And its almost perfumeless scent makes it ideal for men also!

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER DARK SPOT DEFENCE – RRP 26GBP

Want to up the anti? Prime your skin with this ultra high SPF50 which will prohibit unwanted pigmentation and immediately brighten the skin. Great under make-up with immaculate hold.

CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER GLOW LIGHT-REFLECTING MAKE UP – RRP 28.50GBP

Foundation has almost become a dirty word in the make up business, but this hits back hard at all the “glow-hungry naturalistas” out there who dare to bare. Suitable for all skin types, giving a moderate, luminizing coverage and available in a tantalizing 30 shades, it’s a make up to break up dullness and dark spots into the dust.

CLINIQUE REPAIRWEAR SCULPTING NIGHT CREAM – RRP 59GBP

Losing grip and firmness? Now you can literally contour in your sleep. And awake to the skin of your dreams. Actively sculpts fine lines, jawlines and necklines with a supple gel-cream hydration whilst regenerating against the daytime elements.

Go on, what are you waiting for? GO GLOW, WITHOUT THE DARK!!!

 

 

… a word from the Editor

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Welcome to this Halloween issue of Amanda Zips It Up.

In this issue we check out some costumes that made headlines last year amongst A List celebrities, as a possible hint of inspiration for this year’s festivities.

Halloween has evolved into an ‘anything goes’ free-for-all, and if you want to shock your neighbours while out trick or treating this Wednesday evening then check out these little numbers.

 

Fashion Nova has launched a pair of ‘Show ‘Em Off Leggings’ which leave NOTHING to the imagination – a pair of £15.30 leggings which boast a front cut-out, exposing virtually everything.

From mid-thigh down they are quite nice and normal. But, around the pelvic area they take an unexpected – and dare we say it, unwanted – turn. Let’s just say, underwear would be an impossibility.

They cost £15.30, and they can be shipped to the UK.

It’s not the first time that Fashion Nova has surprised us with their bold looks. Earlier this year we revealed their pair of jeans which appear normal from the front, but totally bonkers from behind.

The denims had a cut out BUM – we can’t imagine anyone actually wearing them!

  • Party in the Back Skinny Jeans, £27, Fashion Nova

Whatever you wear, make it spooky. In this instalment we also discuss the return of stockings and suspenders.

Hey Big Suspender

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According to recent statistics, Brits can’t get enough of sexy lingerie and suspender sales have rocketed in 2018.

So, if you want to assemble an early wish list for Santa, here’s high street’s hottest hosiery. They can look classy, elegant and glamourous, so it’s no surprise nylon stockings were an instant hit when they first went on sale in the US in 1939. However, sales started to decline after nylon tights hit the market in the 1950s

I find suspenders fiddly, impractical and a little old-fashioned. By rights, stockings and suspenders should be relegated to the back of the underwear drawer. But it turns out we just can’t get enough of them.

  • Blue bra, £22.50 and suspender brief, £18, both from Hunkemoller at Asos
  • Nude lace stockings, £5 from M&S

John Lewis has reported a massive 132 per cent sales boost of the sexy lingerie in a consumer trends report.As more and more women adopt the vintage look, stockings and suspenders are pinging off the shelves. Of course, they are not for everyday wear, mainly because they take too long to get on and they’re not as comfy or resilient as good old trusty tights. But stockings aren’t designed to be practical. No one throws them on with a pair of trainers to browse the aisles of Tesco. Well, most of us anyway…

  • Red bra, £8.99 from H&M
  • Briefs, £18 from H&M
  • Suspender belt, £9.99 from H&M
  • Black stockings, £3.50 from Primark

  • White bra, £22.50 from Asos —
  • Suspender brief, £18 from Asos
  • Suspender brief, £18 from Asos

  • Black bra, £14.99 from New Look
  • Briefs, £4.99 from New Look
  • Suspender belt, £12.99 from New look
  • Black stockings, £9 from Ann Summers

  • Green bra, £34 from Ann Summers
  • Thong, £14 from Ann Summers
  • Suspender belt, £25 from Ann Summers — bu
  • Stockings, £5 from M&S —

Halloween 2018

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Halloween costumes needn’t be scary anymore, they can be centred around just about any theme. But what might be this year’s top seller is definitely a shocker.  Introducing the “Sexy” Meghan Markle Royal Wedding Halloween Costume.

E-retailer Yandy—known for its steamy pop-culture Halloween ideas that frequently steer clear of the “PC” mark—is the brand behind the product officially called “Yandy American Princess Costume.”

So, if you are a fan of the new Royal Duchess then get ready to walk down the Halloween aisle in this exclusive “American Princess” outfit. It features a white minidress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, 3/4 length sleeves, a smooth bodice, a tulle veil with a large bow accent, a satin bow detail and a bejeweled tiara.

In these photos, the model is also pictured with a bouquet, a man’s blazer, and a Deal or No Deal-inspired metal case. So if the product name didn’t tell-all regarding the theme, the props should help you get the hint.

The costume retails for under £50.

As a much-needed reminder, here’s what Meghan actually looked like on her wedding day:

Here are some celebrities rocking actually half-decent decent Halloween costumes. Whatever you’re all up to at this week’s scary festivities, be in at Pikes in Ibiza, elsewhere in the Balearics, or on the streets of London, I’d love to see your pictures.

  

… a word form the Editor and Blogger Amanda

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Welcome to this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up, brought to you from Ibiza and Mallorca.

As it’s school half term, we generally spend this week in October in the Balearic Islands as it’s always a lot warmer than London. It’s a quieter, more family orientated time of the year. Whilst the hotels and restaurants are starting to shut down for the winter in Ibiza, Mallorca – especially Palma – is still as buzzing and as lively as ever.

The only downside to October is the more unpredictable weather. When it rains it really pours in the Med, thankfully mixed with dashes of glorious sunshine. But what to do when it rains and outdoor options suddenly don’t seem so appealing?

We go shopping of course, and Palma boasts some world class shopping for sure. One shop in particular is always top of the to-do list – the international make-up emporium Sephora, which astonishingly doesn’t have a branch in London at all.

It sells all the very latest cult make-up ranges and I had to snap up this year’s ultimate beauty buy – Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Away Liquid Concealer – which I would suggest you try every shade of – from 1 -15.

It shaved years off me so immediately went in the basket, along with the iconic Benefit’s Lip and Cheek tint – Benetint in Posie. It’s not a look for everyone and can be a little dolly-like. But for me, I’m down with ‘youthful dewy pink cheeks’ giving me a glow without looking like I’ve been contouring in the mirror for hours on end. I know matte make up is uber cool right now, but I’m all for a bit of sheen.

I thoroughly recommend Sephora as a shopping experience in its own right if you’re ever in Palma. To top it off, after all that hard work, if you’re hungry then Palma boasts another iconic brand that mysteriously isn’t in London – US Mexican fast food giant Taco Bell. Not the healthiest of food choices, but this isn’t the typical Taco Bell that’s seen in some of the more run-down parts of America. It’s set in a beautiful open-air plaza in the heart of Palma, selling its iconic Mexican dishes under the Mediterranean sun.

Onto this week’s blog and we check out the cheeky Fendi shawl everyone is LOL’ing about, Kate Moss’ daughter Lila takes over and how to look attractive in a bulky winter coat.

Lila Moss For Marc Jacobs Beauty

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Kate’s daughter Lila Grace Moss celebrated her 16th birthday a week ago, by landing her first big beauty campaign. Following in the footsteps of her iconic mother Mossy, she is already a rising star in the fashion and beauty world.

As we live around the corner to the Moss family, I have seen Lila on a few occasions in her school uniform on her way to school. But looking at her in this campaign, you’d never guess she was still in class.

Lila, whose father is magazine editor Jefferson Hack, has been named the new face of Marc Jacobs Beauty, and the first photo from the campaign proves that she is a natural in front of the camera.

The brand revealed the news on Instagram by sharing an image of Lila modelling a bold purple cat-eye and a glossy nude lipstick.. The purple shadow makes Lila’s bright green eyes pop in the picture, which was taken by famed fashion photographer Davis Sims.

Kate has been friends with Jacobs for years, and has modelled for him many times, appearing in his catwalk shows on numerous occasions. And it seems as though that close bond has carried over to the next Moss generation. In a statement about the teenager’s new role as the face of his beauty brand, Jacobs reflected on his relationship with both Lila and her mother.

‘When I met Lila Grace for the first time in 2008,. At just six years old, Lila’s strong character, demeanor and great beauty was already very apparent.’

Jacobs commented the next time he saw Lila was in August 2011 at Kate’s wedding to her now ex-husband Jamie Hince. According to the designer, Lila’s ‘character was more dynamic and her beauty even greater.’

Kate then took Lila to the set of a Marc Jacobs shoot last July, and Jacobs admitted it was a ‘bit surreal’ to have them both in the studio.

Considering her mother is one of the most famous models in the world, it should come as no surprise that Kate has offered her daughter some helpful advice at the start of her career. ‘She’s always taught me to work hard and be polite, and to always make sure you’re comfortable with whatever you’re doing,’ Lila explained.

 

Kate’s 20-year-old sister, Lottie Moss, has also been working as a model, and she signed with Storm Management, the same agency that discovered Kate when she was 16.

Interestingly, Lottie was also discovered after being a bridesmaid at the same 2011 wedding where Marc Jacobs met Lila for the second time. At the time, a 13-year-old Lottie stole the show with her stunning appearance and remarkable similarities to Kate, and she was invited to meet agents at Storm just one week after the wedding photos were revealed.

Clinched Waists This Winter

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Summer is totally gone and it’s time to turn our attention to that most essential of seasonal staples, the winter coat. But sometimes this old favourite can create the biggest wardrobe let downs. No matter how expensive a choice, it can make you look a stone overweight or (worse still) a complete frump.

But time to buckle up: the belt is back to save the day.

Yes, the silhouette-enhancing power of the belt is something to consider this autumn/winter, as well as the bag-belt. Clinching in your waist with a belt changes everything, creating a more flattering and chic appearance.

Here’s a selection of the best belts to think about, with some inspiration from the street style set.

Loewe’s structured obi belt – it goes with everything.

Loewe Obi belt, £675 at Loewe.com.

A fringed on-the-ranch jacket requires a neat waist: make a western-themed belt the lynchpin of your urban wardrobe.

Mango cowboy belt, £15.99 at Mango.com.

Texture returns: pair a body-swamping chunky knit with a serving of ruffled florals and cinch with an equally tactile waist-enhancer.

Maison Vaincourt panther-leather-print belt, £191 at Modaoperandi.com.

The jeans-and-a-jacket combination still has mileage – just make sure you define the silhouette for leg-lengthening effect.

Isabel Marant Lonny leather belt, £140 at Net-a-porter.com.

A gently oversized blazer over a black crewneck plus woven leather belt spells pulled-together confidence.

Saint Laurent woven leather belt, £560 at Matchesfashion.com.

 

Gucci GG leather belt bag, £795 at Gucci.com.

 

Consider the rhinestone-spangled belt the smartest purchase you’ll make all season: it lends even the safest of outfits a stageworthy glamour.

Dodo Bar Or embellished leather belt, £550 at Mytheresa.com.

Lure an all-eyes-on-me embellished belt-bag from the festival field to the pavement: paired with a shearling coat and khakis, it suddenly loses its brash quality.

Topshop blue diamante bum bag, £26 at Topshop.com.

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The Fendi ‘Touch Of Fur’ Shawl

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Looking for something warm to snuggle up into this winter? I have been left tickled pink by a fur shawl launched by Fendi.

The £750 ‘Touch Of Fur Shawl’ comes in various colours but it is the nude shade that has provoked uproar.

People have pointed out that the scarf bears an uncanny resemblance to a vagina when flipped the other way round. Snaps of the shawl have been tweeted with the crudest of captions.

Parking the crude jokes, other voices on Twitter admitted to being ‘appalled’ by the use of fox fur on the scarf. Which I am too.

Despite the adverse reaction to the garment it is entirely sold out on designer website Farfetch. Fendi is one of the few remaining designer labels using real animal fur, after Peta campaigns saw dozens of designers switch to the faux variety. However, creative director Karl Lagerfeld has resisted.

The Peta UK Director commented: ‘Fendi’s ‘haute horreur’ and their hiring of Karl Lagerfeld, who dresses like an undertaker and enjoys putting corpses into his collections, is all quite shameful and pathetic.’

Lagerfeld replied: ‘It’s very easy to say no fur, no fur, no fur, but it’s an industry. Who will pay for all the unemployment of the people if you suppress the industry of the fur?

Sorry Karl, that doesn’t wash with me. But let’s end on a more light-hearted note and focus on the vagina similarities.

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