The Male Cleavage

by // // Comments off

Male cleavage is not for everyone, but that slightly naked, sometimes hairy chest is an acquired taste and it’s back. The proof was on the streets of Men’s Fashion Week in Paris a few weeks ago. There, bare-chested swagger came in all shapes and sizes, clad in colourful can’t-miss-it printed shirts. Plus a splash of accessorising over a hairless chest with handfuls of silver “man jewellery”.

The trend has been spotted on other menswear catwalks this season, too. Dior Homme showed men in blazers with nothing underneath. Also, I found pictures of one model striding down the runway in a completely unbuttoned floral blouse, whilst another model showed off his tattooed torso in a novelty Hawaiian-print shirt.

Sure, this kind of ‘peacocking’ is all part of the fun in men’s fashion. But is it something that guys in the real world can pull off too? Is it a touch sleazy and a tad too “Peter Stringfellow” (god rest his soul)? Especially on a bloke with a super hairy chest.

 Like it or not, “manscaping” is now a fashion term and the Male Cleavage is definitely a thing in 2018.

Whichever side of the chest hair debate you fall on, the key to getting it right often depends on the style and silhouette of shirt. Harry Styles has got it spot-on with this “Mick Jagger-in-the-’70s” look.

But if you’re a working professional, those around you probably don’t want to see your belly button. And when wearing those bright, printed button-up shirts, be sure to lose those under Tshirts, or “sweat buffers” as they are sometimes called. Just undo a couple of the top buttons for a breather.

Aside from that, with a nod to a less-is-more mentality, style-conscious guys have every reason to bare their chests this summer.

Helena Christensen Shirt Collection

by // // Comments off

She’s one of the world’s most famous supermodels and Helena Christensen has proven that she’s still got what it takes to turn heads at 47 years old.

Helena showcases her ‘still perfect’ body in a fabulous new shoot at a Mexican resort to debut her latest clothing range.

Trying her hand at fashion design, the model has created a capsule collection of ‘boyfriend’ shirts, all modelled by Helena herself in the ad campaign.

Created in partnership with Helena’s design partner Camilla Staerk, the shirts are intended as the perfect cover-up for beachside glamour.

The Danish model poses in her custom designs, relaxing in hammocks against the glamorous backdrop of the resort.

Despite Mexico being the location for the shoot, Helena said that the inspiration for her blouses came from elsewhere too. ‘The Caribbean is one of my favourite parts of the world, and my inspiration for this collection comes from the life and vibrancy that the destination is known for.’

The shirts will be available in three floral prints – the Dhalia flower from Mexico, the Rosa de Bayahibe of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica’s national flower, the Tree of Life.

Holidays are about relaxation, but why not relax in style? Designed for easy transition from the beach to the bar, I think they’re chic in any environment.

…. a word with the Editor & Blogger

by // // Comments off

Dear Zipsters.

Earlier this week, I felt like I was in a surreal parallel universe. Where the sun shines every day, people wear next to nothing and are genuinely happy. We don’t have any Government in power and a hot-air balloon featuring a huge image of Donald Trump in a nappy, glides peacefully across the warm blue skies of London.

But mostly because everyone, man or woman, aged 5 – 95 was loving football and the World Cup (and waistcoats) again.

Baddiel & Skinner were almost number 1 in the charts with ‘Three Lions’ after George Ezra stepped aside and asked the public to make them number one. It was one big party.

almost

But then Croatia came from behind to make the semi-final 2-1 and now our boys are coming home. Plus the clouds came out again and the temperature dropped.

So I’m back to reality but still super proud of England and have enjoyed the electric atmosphere everywhere over the past month. We continue.

Onto fashion, and congratulations, to my good friends at new boho label Angel Warrior. Jenny Lilley and Kerry McMoon launched their label just three months ago, and have been celebrating their meteoric rise since working with glamorous 90s fashion giant Sub Couture, which has sold out of all Angel Warrior pieces. They even have an ultra-gorgeous kids’ range, which I’m desperate to diet and get into myself!

www.angelwarrior.com

Congrats girls – 2018 is your year. Long may you continue to shine.

Onto this week and I HAD to feature the Waistcoat, as well as celebrate the Bikini’s 72nd birthday. Plus, a helpful 9 day cleanse to help you get into your bikini or speedos this summer.

The Waistcoat

by // // Comments off

So we didn’t bring home the World Cup, but we did re-discover a new (and old)  fashion trend for men, which has made M&S hip again.

I only have to say  “The Waistcoat” and you know exactly what I’m going to say next. Gareth Southgate.

Fashion and football haven’t always worked well together. Think Hoddle and Waddle. With the exception of David Beckham and Hector Bellerin, we don’t usually refer to footballers as style icons, but enter a new football fashion idol.

England manager Gareth Southgate is shaping up to be the most stylish gaffer at the World Cup 2018, and it’s all thanks to THAT £65 Marks & Spencer waistcoat, which has totally sold out by the way.

Gareth hasn’t always been applauded for his style (don’t mention the penalty), but he’s had a major make-over. The mundane shirts of old have been replaced with smart suits, expensive shoes and a fashionable, neatly trimmed hipster beard.

He rocks his sharp tailored three-piece suit. So far, he’s showcased a blue version with a red, white and blue tie for England’s matches against Tunisia, Panama and their crucial win against Colombia.

Signs that Gareth was sharpening up his act were obvious back in November 2017, when he wore a waistcoat at England’s international friendly against Germany.

Then in April, he was spotted looking rather dapper in the stands at the Everton and Liverpool premier league match, in a flat cap. Very Beckham-esque.

But the England manager is not alone when it comes to his love of the waistcoat. Other celeb fans include David Beckham himself, David Gandy and Jamie Redknapp.

To get Gareth’s exact look you can snap up his three piece suit from Marks & Spencer, the official suit supplier to the England team, for £264.The suit comes in tailored, regular or slim fit. You can also buy the same striped tie for £25.

Be cautious though Lads. Not everyone looks good in a waistcoat, or the middle-aged man’s corset, as it’s often called.Avoid patterns at all costs, unless you want to look like a 80s snooker player.

As a boho girl and Kate Moss fan, I’m wearing one of Gareth’s waistcoats over my bikini this summer teamed with a fedora and ankle boots at all Balearic hot spots this summer.

Happy Birthday To The Bikini

by // // Comments off

The bikini is celebrating its birthday this summer,and the two-piece has come a long way since its creation in 1946.

History was made 72 years ago this week, when an outfit ‘smaller than the world’s smallest swimsuit’ made an appearance at a poolside fashion show in Paris. The brainchild of a French engineer called Louis Réard, the risqué two-piece quite literally exploded onto the fashion scene.

Réard realised that fabric rationing by the US government during the war presented him with a money-making opportunity. Fashion houses had begun to use rationing as an excuse to redesign the swimsuit, using less fabric and revealing more flesh. On July 5 1946, Réard took things one stage further by designing what we all know and love. The teeny weeny bikini – small enough to fit in a matchbox.

The only problem that Réard faced was finding a model brave enough to wear his invention. On July 11 1946, Micheline became the first woman to wear a bikini, during a press show in Paris.

Then followed pictures of a gorgeous Brigitte Bardot on the beach at the Cannes film festival in 1953, and boom! The world never looked back – they were everywhere.

There are hundreds of styles to choose from now, from classic halter-necks, tiny Brazilian to this season’s super on-trend Bardot look – (yes, she’s back) – so find the one that suits your body shape best.

Whether you’re packing for a beach break or sunning it up during this heat wave, I’ve found the prettiest and most practical bikinis from the high street.

Marks & Spencer

F&F

Oasis

Swimwear365

Figleaves

V by Very

The Aloe Vera Cleanse

by // // Comments off

The FOREVER Clean 9 is a diet and detox plan that helps us lose a few pounds and maybe and inch or two in time for bikinis or Speedos in the Balearics this summer.

It’s a low-calorie plan that focuses on the use of meal replacement shakes, fibre supplements and flushing out the toxins with pure Aloe Vera.

It helps cleanse your body and make you feel lighter, look better and lose weight in just nine days.

To get on the diet, one purchases a Clean 9 diet pack from the Forever Living company or one of their distributors – mine was from our long standing friend Helen Dunning, whose details I’ll publish at the end, at a very reasonable £100 +PP in the UK.

Throughout the Diet

  • Drink water
  • Avoid fizzy and carbonated drinks.
  • Avoid salt, use herbs & spices
  • Eat as many “free foods” Weigh yourself on days 1, 3, 6 and 9.

Days 1 and 2 of the Clean 9 diet allow aloe vera drinks, herbal supplements and one meal replacement drink. Days 3 to 9 also allow one 600-calorie meal per day.

The Clean 9 diet allows some foods to be eaten freely, meaning you can eat as much as you want of certain fruits and vegetables, termed “free” foods, which is great when hunger creeps up on you.

Aloe Vera Gel

The main supplement in the Clean 9 diet is aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel is made up of the inner gel and pulp of the aloe leaf. The rind and outer leaf are removed during processing.

The inner part of the leaf is made up of 98.5–99.5% water. It also contains small amounts of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, some organic acids and anthraquinone, a known laxative.

Aloe vera gel has been linked to benefits such as improved digestive health and weight loss. It’s also thought to have anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-tumour properties.

As for the detox aspect of this diet, many people report an energy boost and feeling better after a period of detoxing. This is aided by the elimination of alcohol, plus other unhealthy foods from our diets!

If you stick to the diet, you will lose some weight in the short-term.

The Clean 9 diet should be safe for most people. However, some people should avoid it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. So get ready to see buff bodies everywhere this summer.

Contact Helen Dunning on +447521 077720

Facebook Messenger: Helen Dunning

Email: hdunning75@gmail.com

 

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

by // // Comments off

Welcome to this red-hot super summer instalment of Zips It Up.

It’s utterly glorious in the UK right now, with temperatures here in my London home as warm as all the best Balearic boltholes. I have been in my element, continuing to celebrate my birthday solidly every day for a week, with extravagant restaurants, food and wine in the sunshine. But oh dear! What’s this I notice in the mirror?

The start of love handles! I know we can all probably pinch more than an inch, but why do we get these infamous inches either side of our back?

I know that some people associate love handles with a “womanly” figure and adore their ‘hip-pidge’, but I personally wish they’d just go away. For good.

So, how does one deal with it? If the only exercise you’re doing is cardio, then this could be a reason for the handles too, as you need a balance of cardio and muscular workouts to banish them.

And stress? That could also explain unwanted hip and belly fat, as the hormones associated with stress can cause this.

The 60/5 rule is one that should be contemplated as a simple way to cut down on calories. It consists of cutting 500 calories a week through your diet, alongside burning 500 calories a day through exercise, which collectively equates to 60 minutes of “exercise” a day.

Boring isn’t it. But necessary if we’re to look anything like the cast of Love Island! Or maybe that’s unrealistic. But ‘beach ready’ at the very least.

Anyway… Onto this week’s issue and we check out bags at Paris Fashion Week, trainer wedges at Milan Fashion Weekand we discover some incredible modern artwork and DJ portraits by contemporary artist Davey Brown.

Trainer Heels at Milan Fashion Week

by // // Comments off

WHAT do you get if you cross a pair of wedges with a “dad” trainer?

The result is a towering, orthopaedic-like trainer. DSquared2’snew ‘Giant Heels’.

Labelled ‘dad trainer heels’ on the socials, this bizarre fusion has raised eyebrows everywhere. These sneaker wedges feature a white chunky base, neon detailing and are held in place by a Velcro ankle strap.

But what I love about them, though, is that they also feature a wedge-like heel. The trainer heels made their debut at the recent Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2018.Nevertheless, the merging of a dad trainer with a wedge isn’t an obvious one.Are DSquared2’s Giant Heels a publicity stunt, perhaps?

Balenciaga’s oversized trainers are similar and I have a pair myself, so I’m a fan.

On the subject of Balenciaga and ugly shoes, their ‘Platform Crocs’have flown off the shelves at £600 a pair.

No, it’s not a late April fool’s, Crocs seem to be making a comeback in 2018. with eBay reporting 25,000 searches for Crocs this summer.

So forget the dainty sandals and boho boots this super hot summer, it’s all about the uber ugly trainer or hideous Crocs.

Let’s oversize things…

Multi Bagging At Paris Fashion Week

by // // Comments off

We all know about double bagging at Tesco’s, but last weekend’s Paris Fashion Weekproduced ‘Mulit-Bagging’on Rhianna. She wore not one, not two, but three Louis Vuitton bags.

Fendi andAcne Studios also saw multi-bagging all over the catwalk.

A fashion show can last anything between 8 and 13 minutes. And yet at last week’s Louis Vuitton show, Rihanna turned up with enough bags for a long weekend minibreak.

Her three arm adornments came from the spring 2019 Louis Vuittoncollection designed by its new artistic director, Virgil Abloh. In descending order of usefulness, they were: the Keepall duffle bag, the Danube bag worn as a belt bag, and finally, the Petite Boite Chapeau, which probably didn’t contain much at all.

At Acne Studios, models carried bags attached to other bags, while at Fendi,they appeared, Buckaroo-style, laden with bumbags, clutches and totes.

In fashion, leather goods are up there with the most lucrative part of the luxury goods market (more than 80% of Louis Vuitton’s revenue comes from accessories). But it’s handbags that get you hooked. What’s more, tiny bags are on-trend. Some might laugh, but if you have one, you probably need a second for your actual stuff.

This multi-bagging is very familiar to me, as I admit to carrying a tote bag for spare shoes, a smaller bag for items such as my phone and wallet, and a third bag for my food shopping because it’s 2018 and I’ve finally got my head around recycling plastic bags.

Life sure as hell ain’t simpler than it used to be.

DJ Portraits By Davey Brown

by // // Comments off

Davey Brown is a Newcastle-based artist who specialises in stylish, pop art portraits of music, sport and film legends. Having spent most of his working life as a decorator, Davey was drawn back to art after a leg injury put paid to his normal job. He had gained a GCSE in art but never pursued it. So, when he eventually came back to painting, it was a case of rediscovering the skills, the materials and most importantly, the passion.

Davey spent time dabbling with various ideas and mediums, before settling on acrylics as his preferred medium.  He started off painting his favourite actors, footballers and DJs. Subjects such as Robert De Niro, Alan Shearer and Frankie Knuckles formed Davey’s interest in portrait art and the rest, as they say, is history.

Six exhibitions later and with a long list of clients including a number of Premier League footballers and music stars, Davey Brown is an artist on the rise.

 An exhibition in Ibiza,as part of the Primavera festival at Atzaro, is the pinnacle of Davey’s career so far. The next exhibition is already being planned and will take place in April/May, 2019, in London, Ibiza and Newcastle.

This exhibition named ‘The History Of House’ and will feature early US DJs such as Frankie Knuckles and Tony Humphries, the iconic clubs and parties, the whole Ibiza scene from the beginning and legendary UK DJs like Danny Rampling, Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules plus many more.

The exhibition will be launched with a VIP night in each of the three venues.

As well as working on canvas, Davey Brown also produces high quality wall murals. With a number of exciting forthcoming projects both at home and abroad, Davey Brown really is an artist on the up. Check out Davey’s work at www.daveybrownart.com

« Older posts
Newer posts »