Welcome BACK to Amanda Zips It Up. These are the SUMMER 2026 editions.

After taking some weeks off over Christmas, New Year and the darkest winter period, Spring is here and the blog is back – monthly for 2026.

I’m switching things up for 2026 and taking AZIU over to the Balearics. As regular readers will be aware, I split my time between Spain and London, so I’m excited to be publishing and broadcasting the blog monthly and on WAVE FM in the Balearics with the awesome presenter Jo Clayton Walsh.

Going monthly means I have more time to explore and report on what’s going on with your Summer ’26 wardrobe and lifestyle hacks. I’ll bring you all the hottest looks and wellness trends happening right now.

Enjoy.

So, grab your Chai, relax and check out this month’s first Spring edition, featuring Kate Moss bringing BOHO back, Adidas shifting from sportswear to high fashion, Colleen Rooney’s clothing line plus what happens when you take multi-vitamins every day…

Just when it seemed like every spring/summer’s BOHO trend was dead and buried, Kate Moss went back to her Boho roots in an ETSY Dress that will have us all refreshing our Spring wardrobes.

When you think of fashion’s glory days, who springs to mind? None other than Kate Moss in the nineties and noughties. I’m talking in full boho glory: battered waistcoats, rattan bags and printed flowing midi dresses, in other words the styles that we saw countless girlies rocking at Glastonbury each summer. 

Crowning glory was Kate Moss’s 2007 Topshop collection (which I bought most of) generating mayhem outside its Oxford Street store – and decimated rails – giving you the reason why Mossy is the lifelong Queen of Boho.

In recent years, commentators started to write Boho’s obituary. But Moss’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week signalled a turnaround. Kate stepped out wearing an outfit pulled from her boho heyday, namely this dress sold on Etsy – yes, you got that right. She styled it with a pair of heeled lace-up ankle boots and brought back her iconic Rayban Wayfarers too.

Kate’s exact style is unfortunately out of stock, but FYI it’s the 1970s Mayur Ultra Soft Tiered Dress from Etsy, and it features a blousy bodice, flowy sleeves and an adjustable waist, which looks like Kate tightened it around the middle. Perhaps the most interesting element of all is the styling – because this is where Kate reminds everyone why she remains the blueprint. Who would put solid black accessories with this pretty piece? Only a true style leader.

And, if her latest look has you craving spring days demanding your breeziest dresses only, here is a similar design available on the high street from Nobody’s Child. Price: £48 (was £120) – just don’t forget to go blue.

www.nobodyschild.co

This Nobody’s Child style is selling out, for good reason. It looks almost identical to the one Kate Kate was spotted in, and it features a V-neck and tie neckline.

This ensemble started trending towards the end of 2025 but it’s THE look for Spring 2026.

Most of us do own – or have owned – a pair of Adidas trackies at some point in our lives. Maybe you slouch around the house in them, wear them to the airport or genuinely use them as the sportswear they were designed to be.

Adidas have become increasingly fashion focused of late. As witnessed by their Fashion Week catwalk shows, they have become a firm fashion favourite for designers like Gucci (who collaborated with Adidas), influencers and A-Listers. And us, of course.

For this season, you need to accumulate as many colours as your wardrobe budget permits. Go for the Superstars or Original ranges. They must have the zipped ankles. And wear them a size up so that they rock a baggy fit. 

Pair with a statement blazer or jacket – preferably black or leopard print, little white vest or ‘boob tube’, huge sunglasses (black if possible), plus an iconic handbag – one which completely stands out from the outfit.

In the UK, ASOS has a brilliant collection, and in Mallorca Fan Shopping Mall has an Adidas store to die for. 

They range from £60 (€80). Start your collection with the ultimate RED, then go for GREEN and work your pallet up from there. I’m on my 5^th pair now.

www.asos.com

www.adidas.com

With careful planning, being a WAG can mean that once your man hangs up his football boots, you become a fashion designer. Of course, there’s no topping Victoria Beckham, but equally Abbey Clancey created a range for F&F at Tesco and now Coleen Rooney has launched her new Primark collection, after signing a multi-million pound deal with the high street giant.

“By Coleen” combines Coleen’s signature style and Primark’s offer of great fashion at affordable prices.

The new collection features clean silhouettes, soft-touch fabrics and calm, wearable colour palettes, with thoughtful details designed to make getting dressed feel even simpler. Expect tailored Bermuda shorts, blazers and accessories.

Fans have been gushing about the collection, with one writing on Instagram: ‘Quality is amazing’, and there are some stylish items you can get for as little as £8, having browsed the collection.

My favourite piece is the By Coleen Draped Tie Waist Mac for just £34, which is perfect for Spring. The stylish light green coat is made from 90% Viscose and 10% Polyester and features a draped lapel collar, a tie-waist, functional pockets and button details for a classic finish.

Everything in the collection comes in a range of UK sizes, from UK 6 to UK 20.

Get down to your local Primark before it sells out. 

I’ve always been a bit sceptical about taking daily multi vitamins, mostly because so many people say they make zero difference, and literally go straight through you. Plus, I simply forget to take them most days.

But there seems to be new evidence. This month’s issue of Hello Fashion suggests that taking a multivitamin daily could help slow biological ageing.

Researchers say that taking a multivitamin every day for two years appears to slow some markers of biological ageing – albeit to a small degree. Whilst “chronological age” is based on how long a person has lived, “biological age” reflects the state of the body. One theory is that by slowing the rate of biological ageing, it may be possible to prevent or postpone age-related illness, resulting in more years of good health.

The researchers took blood samples from participants at the start of the trial and also after one and two years. After taking into account participants’ age, sex, and baseline measures, the researchers found that, compared with those given a placebo, participants who took a daily multivitamin showed a slowdown in biological ageing. Overall, the researchers observed that the slowdown equated to about four months less biological ageing over two years.

However, taking daily multivitamins will be pointless if you don’t have a healthy lifestyle. My personal advice is to eat a healthy, varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables [the main natural source of vitamins and minerals], and only spend your money on nutritional supplements if you’ve got these basics right first. 

On another note, let’s talk skin.

As K-beauty products go, Korean face masks remain amongst the most consistently impressive categories. From traditional sheet masks and hydro-gels that claim to rejuvenate the skin overnight, to collagen-infused peel-off masks that have become synonymous with “glass skin”, Korean face masks’ appeal shows no sign of slowing. I’m loving them.

What makes Korean face masks so innovative?

Korean face masks are considered some of the most innovative in beauty thanks to their advanced textures, high-performing ingredients and clinic-inspired formulas. Brands constantly experiment with interesting materials, like hydrogel, bio-cellulose and jelly sheets that hug the skin and deliver actives – think hyaluronic acid, peptides and fermented matter.

 The formulas are potent yet gentle, balancing strong ingredients with barrier-boosters like ceramides and panthenol, which is why even sensitive skin tends to tolerate them well. These Masks by MEDICUBE hydrate, soothe and brighten in a single step, giving that instant “glass-skin” payoff K-beauty is known for. I’m under strict instructions from my daughter to wear them for at least 3 hours a few times a week.

WELCOME TO THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS.

It’s party season and I have the most beautiful capes for the festive season. All designed by Nicole Ivison Hatch and Left Bank Six.

Perfectly designed for dressing over a simple slip dress or jumpsuit. These capes are exceptional showcases literally guranteed to stand out at any party, club or restaurant.

The design of the planetary and red star caps blow me away but the pearl embellished long line cape and the gold snake wrapping around your shoulders is simply divine.

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up

It’s all about Christmas Gifts this week – I have the top ten gift guide this week. Enjoy. x

The festive season is right around the corner, and giving is one of the greatest joys. 

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list can be a delightful yet daunting task, but we’ve got you covered with some fabulous recommendations that are sure to bring smiles all around.

Read on to discover an array of thoughtful presents that will make this Christmas unforgettable for everyone you love.

1. Elevate their workday

If you’re searching for a cool and practical gift, the DigiFunk Work Site Radio is a great option. This tough and reliable radio is perfect for making any workday more enjoyable.

It’s built to last, making it ideal for builders, DIY fans, and anyone working in tougher environments. With its high impact-resistant plastic case and shock-absorbing rubber frame, it’s ready for pretty much anything.

The DigiFunk can handle both rain and dust, thanks to its IP65 waterproof and dustproof rating, so it’s perfect for construction sites, workshops, or any outdoor area.

It has an awesome 34-hour playtime on a single charge and easy USB charging options, so you’ll never miss a beat.

You can tune into your favourite stations with DAB (Mi-SOUl) and FM, or stream music from your phone via Bluetooth and AUX.

At £69.99, it’s a fantastic deal that won’t break the bank. Gigifunk.com

2. The smart way to beat the crowds

Why not give your loved ones a gift of choice with One4all’s Digital Gift Card? It means they can pick exactly what they want – whether it’s a chic accessory or the latest tech toy they’ve been dreaming about.

With access to more than 180 top brands, including Primark, Ikea, Boots, TK Maxx, B&Q, Asos, Argos and M&S, the possibilities are endless, so you can be sure they’ll find something they love.

Purchasing is so easy! And you can add a personal touch to the One4all Digital Gift Card by customising it with a heartfelt message, image, or even a video to make it extra-special.

In just a few clicks, your holiday shopping is done – no queues, no stress

3. World-class wines direct to your door

Whatever your preference, Laithwaites has a wine to suit all tastes and all budgets 

Laithwaites has been making wine lovers happy for more than 50 years. And with Christmas around the corner, it has you – and other wine lovers in your life – covered. 

Its bestselling Wine Advent Calendar is back as an exciting way to countdown to Christmas and doubles as a great way to try out some new wines. 

A quarter bottle of wine waits behind each door. While it features some classic customer favourites, there are also new discoveries from around the world, both red and white. 

And for Christmas Eve? You’ll find a full bottle of Prosecco from fizz maestro Alessandro Gallici. Laithwaites.com

4, Fragrance – Angel or Chanel no.5

Yep – it’s my favourite. Angel perfume is the groundbreaking 1992 creation by Thierry Mugler, notable for being the first modern gourmand fragrance, featuring a distinctive blend of earthy patchouli and sweet notes like cotton candy, vanilla, and praline. Its complex and polarizing scent profile, along with its iconic star-shaped bottle, has made it a legendary and enduring fragrance, available in various versions and refillable formats. AMAZON,COM

5.Video Chat Phone Stand and Amplifier

Anyone who’s ever Facetimed a loved one from far away will adore this wooden phone stand. The cut-out holds smartphones upright and comes with a built in amplifier, so you don’t have to scream “WHAT” every time the signal cuts out. For under £50, it’s a thoughtful gift anyone with a phone will appreciate. Amazon.com

6. Keenray Towel Warmer

Nothing beats the feeling of a warm towel wrapped around your body when you get of the shower or bath. You know what I’m talking about! This warmer will heat up a towel in one to six minutes, prices range, Go to Keenray.com Amazon.com

7.Personalised Christmas Plates

You can now personalise a plate for any member of your family. I think this is simply the loveliest gift ever. I would love to receive this. Made by a company near my parents’s house.

• Sold by V&C Designs
• From East Sussex, GB

8. Steak And Chips Dinner Kit

This Potato Oil guarantees the perfect roast potatoes… This oil is made from local Cotswold Rapeseed Oil which is infused with a delicious infusion of smoke, Rosemary and Garlic. The oil has an extremely high smoke point, which is what guarantees perfection!

The Steak Rub for Beef is a dry rub seasoning with sweet, smoky and Umami flavours, which is specifically intended to work well on beef. The rub includes a blend of chipotle and Guajillo chilli to provide a subtle kick. £20 – Not On The Highstreet.

9.Personalised Cashmere Blend Scarf In Soft Pink And Grey

A beautiful personalised scarf for your love. I love a scarf and this is the ultimate. Such a thoughtful gift.

• Sold by The Forest & Co -just £50 including personalisation.\

10. Victorias Secret Pyjamas

Victoria’s Secret is on Next because Next formed a joint venture with Victoria’s Secret’s owner, L Brands, to acquire the majority of the brand’s UK and Ireland business after it fell into administration in 2020 (which I discussed). Next’s experience with e-commerce, logistics, and property were key factors, and the partnership was designed to save the business, its physical stores, and hundreds of job, But we can still enjoy their beautiful Pyjamas. £50

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and the END of November 2025.

So, with just 4 weeks to Christmas, what’s trending in the run up to the festive season?

Looking for the perfect pair of shoes to go with that LBD at the office Christmas party? You’ll never believe who has had the last laugh.

How the tables have turned. White stilettos, once a staple of snobby “Essex girl” jokes and best worn on a Saturday night with a mini skirt to the local Ritzy in the dead of winter, are now the ultimate in stealth-wealth style.

Think about it: who can safely wear white, dangerously thin heels at this time of year? Only the kind of person who has access to a driver. Step forward recent white stiletto wearers Naomi Campbell, Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham, who don’t have to worry about getting the 102 Bus home. Nonetheless, the look is clean, powerful and pointed in more ways than one. 

Christmas present alert! Do you have a loved one who literally can’t be parted from their iPhone?

Introducing Apple’s £200 iPhone Pocket or ‘sock bag’, a new knitted bag, created by the Issey Miyake design studio.

The new little bag was inspired by the concept of ‘a piece of cloth’, which means it does not have seams and is made from just one piece of fabric.

The ‘iPhone pocket’ is designed to carry your phone around, either slung across the body or just dangled from your wrist.

But beware! While police have been busy smashing phone theft rings in London, you probably still wouldn’t want to risk conspicuously flashing one of these around the West End. A good stocking filler though.

And finally – want to know what we’ll all be doing from January 1^st?

6-6-6 walking

Walking is the perfect exercise. Whether your aim is to achieve 10,000 daily steps, digest your food after a meal, or simply to unwind, a walk is always a good idea – and you don’t need any equipment besides a pair of trainers or other suitable shoes.

Recently, “Japanese Walking” – a version of high-intensity interval walking – has become a favourite of wellness seekers looking to ramp up the effects of their walks while keeping their exercise low-impact. Now, a new version offers a more structured approach, with a formula that couldn’t be easier to follow: 6-6-6 walking.

This walking method is simply a breakdown of activity: a six-minute warm-up, followed by a brisk 60-minute walk, followed by an easy six-minute cool-down. The truly dedicated take it that bit further: completing the sequence at either 6am or 6pm, six times a week.

Let’s crack on in this instalment, with Boxing Boots, Onion Shampoo and Zara meets Disney.

When it comes to beauty trends, nothing really surprises me on social media anymore.

Enter Onion Shampoo, which has been doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram. It is being praised for its anti-hair-thinning properties. But let’s be honest: social media isn’t always the most reliable source of facts. So I researched the opinions of a trichologist (hair expert) regarding whether this is a trend you can trust, and how to try it.

Why are people using onion shampoo?

The primary interest in onion shampoo is its purported anti-hair-thinning and anti-hair-loss benefits. Indeed, one study found that topical application of onion can help people with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. The research found that it aided regrowth.

Several specific onion shampoos are on the market, featuring onion extract as one of their primary ingredients, whilst others use it as more of a background, complementary addition. For this reason, the term ‘onion shampoo’ has varying meanings—and usually doesn’t mean applying onion juice directly to the scalp, as was trialled in the study.

There are various considerations before trying this out. There is little evidence to suggest a shampoo containing onion extract (as opposed to direct application of juice from the vegetable) will have much impact on hair thinning or regrowth. 

It’s important to remember that shampoos are not necessarily an answer for thinning or thickening hair in general, as they are quickly washed out and therefore don’t have much contact time with the scalp.

I am yet to try onion shampoo, but there are thousands of people out there swearing blind that these products have increased the volume of their hair and I have found SO many onion shampoo products online.

If you’re going to try it – go for the shampoo and not an actual onion. Can you imagine the smell?