… a word from the Editor & Blogger

by Amanda // May 10, 2018 // Comments off

Hey Zipsters.

One word: WOW!

London has officially been hotter than the Balearics, and in the UK we are sporting those rarest of things – “made in Britain” suntans.

Yes, summer is now within touching distance, as is festival season. So, from now on in, Zips It Upwill bring you every summer-related trend – good or bad.

And this festival fashion recently caught my eye, to be filed under ‘Bad Taste’ for sure. Most of us know about the recent ‘fruit’ trend, in particular soooo much stuff on sale right now being pineapple-themed.

Add ‘frutiness’ to the fact that, for some, when the sun comes out, so does the glitter. And what do you get if you put fruit, glitter, sunshine and festivals together? I’ll tell you – glitter fruit-inspired body art over boobs and bums.

Definitely not one for the faint hearted, this bold beauty trend requires plenty confidence to pull off.

Coachella’s coolest festival revellers showed their devotion to the peach emoji by walking round with the design decorated on their bums, leaving little to the imagination. Thank goodness festivals are mostly standing room only.

It’s a true millennial fashion, with one exhibitionist professing her love of avocados by brandishing them on her boobs for all to see.

Glitter pineapple boobs,stretching up to the collarbone, with the gold and green glitter, have strong enough adhesive to stay on all day.

While skimpy shorts and crop tops are the staple uniform of most British festival-goers (see more in this issue), we might just have to wait for the next heatwave to see if this fruity trend hits our shores.

So expect more insane summer trends in this issue, as well as the annual Met Gala costumes, including who won and lost, plus a worrying new lifestyle twist on the ridiculous Unicorn fashion that has swept Europe over the past couple of years.

Met Gala 2018 – Heavenly Bodies

by Amanda // May 10, 2018 // Comments off

It is, quite simply, the most important night on the fashion calendar. The New York Met Gala showcases the very best in style and design, plus it is also known as the backdrop to many red carpet catastrophes – and this year was certainly no exception.

Fashion and religion don’t usually go hand in hand, but the theme for this year’s star studded event was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.

Vogue editor Anna Wintoursomehow managed to win over Pope Francis, having had ‘her people’ try to make the connection for years. Clearly, he isn’t a Vogue reader, because many of the costumes on show screamed ‘Blasphemy!’

The venue was the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art and with a theme paying tribute to religious influence in fashion, there was plenty of thematic room for the stars to experiment with their looks.

On show were plenty of Angel white lace, halos and shimmering golds, plus devil reds and fuchsia, with crowns and crosses, and even a pair of giant wings.

Winner of the night was Rhianna(again) who turned up in a jewel encrusted Pope’s hat and gown.

Kate Mossattended, (which surprised me because she’s way too cool for this) and chose a traditional little black dress with black wings.

Katy Perry’smassive feathered wings looked incredible as did the angelic Lana Del Rey with Jesus Christ himself Jared Leto.

SJPlooked utterly ridiculous in an enormous tower headpiece showing the nativity scene and Rita Oralooked simply terrifying.

Meanwhile, model Cara Delevingne, 25, and Oscar winner Frances McDormand, 60, chose to use their headdresses for a rather different reason: obscuring their faces altogether.

Forget Halloween, celebrities dressing up time happens six months early in May.

Madonna performed ‘Like A Prayer’ dressed as a monk. Obviously.

Dripping in gold, Kim Kardashianshowed off her much talked-about body in a skin-tight Versace sheath, while Jennifer Lopezhit the night in a bedazzled jewelled Balmain gown.

But it was Rihanna, always one to push the boundaries of fashion, who took over the carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in THAT jaw-dropping Pope inspired mini dress and jacket with a matching hat by Maison Margiela.

Can’t wait for 2019’s instalment.

Lace Up Festival Shorts

by Amanda // May 10, 2018 // Comments off

It’s well-known that when the sun comes out and the temperatures soar, we all become a little giddy and lose all sense of normality.

And in the spirit of madness in the midday sun, recent summer temperatures in the UK have brought a bizarre creation to my attention. But I can’t see them making appearances at festivals everywhere soon.

And while you’d be forgiven for wanting to slip on a pair of shorts during any heatwave, this particular pair of shorts – which leave very little to the imagination – leave me feel a little uneasy.

The Wild One Lace Up Shorts by www.FashionNova.comare high waisted but, apart from the strip up the middle, are mostly made from LACE.

They come in faux black leather and cost £24.40 ($32.99) and they are selling like hot cakes (or should I say, ice creams).

One (insane) reviewer wrote: “Money well spent! I love them so much”.

But I am truly baffled by the near-naked look. Firstly you’d have to have minimal body fat or zero love handles, and the tan marks will be shocking.

Surely one can simply walk around in underwear, which would serve the same purpose?

If you like the ‘exposed look’ but want something longer, there is a full-length version called The Wild Thang Lace Up Pants. But,be warned, they don’t cover up much more than the hot pants.

Unicorn Sex Toys

by Amanda // May 10, 2018 // Comments off

Firstly, let me point out that I have no comprehension of the recent ‘trend’ of all things Unicorn-related. From Pyjamas to sweatshirts to phone cases, I assumed it was all rather sweet and innocent.

But look who jumped on the unicorn’s back. The sex-toy industry has caught the unicorn craze and created a weird adult toy.

www.geekysextoys.com now sell a vibrator moulded in the shape of the mythical creature’s spiral horn, in three sparkling colours.

Who the hell gets turned on by this is another story altogether. Horned horses for courses, I suppose.

The seven-and-a-half inch sex toy delivers “magical orgasms” with a “fairy tale ending” for those looking to inject a little magic – or memories of a warped childhood – into their sex life.

The dildos come in pearlescent pink, purple and white, are made from silicone and have a suction cup for ‘more adventurous role play’.

The toys will set you back £47.20and thetrend of taking supposedly innocent things and tarnishing them doesn’t stop there.

If unicorns don’t get you going, there are other things you can try – such as Avengers-themed toys, including a lookalike to Thor’s hammer.

www.geekysextoys.com

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

by Amanda // May 3, 2018 // Comments off

Welcome to this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

It has been a long winter. But it’s now May. It’s a Bank Holiday weekend. And, finally, this blog is all about the summer.

That “love it or hate it” style – espadrilles – make a comeback this year, and they’re more exclusive and expensive than ever.

I have come across probably the best Espadrille designer in Europe – Alice X– who sent me my very own custom-made pair, ready for the Balearic summer.

They are more expensive than one would assume, on account of being made of leather. So perhaps not to be worn on the beach or those long treks through the airport.

As we start thinking about summer, thoughts turn to suntans, sunburn and how to protect our skin. I have the best beauty range of serums on the market to help prevent that inevitable sun damage and premature ageing.

Also – I wanted to let you all know that the Ibiza Fashion Festival 2018 is happening ^fromJune 7 – 12^th2018, starting on the 7^thwith a swimwear catwalk show at Nikki Beach Ibiza at 1- 3pm. The following day features a pop-up runway show at the Es Vive rooftop terrace. And the festival finishes at Hotel Wiki Woo. Expect lots of labels, DJs, models and cocktails. Well worth a visit if you are a fashion lover like me.

www.ibizafashionfestival.com

Finally, we inject a little bit of glow-in-the-dark lingerie; perfect if you’re still experiencing dull days, to promise of light at the end of the tunnel.

Enjoy.

Alice X Leather Espadrilles

by Amanda // May 3, 2018 // Comments off

Alice X Global is a footwear brand based around these beautiful leather multi-coloured espadrilles, which are just perfect for that Balearic holiday. And here’s an exclusive interview with the designers behind the label.

The brand was born out of a love for shoes, sun, fun and style on the part of founders Monica and Stephen Peacock.

They met through their love of fashion, having spent much of their early twenties hanging out at Vivienne Westwood’s store, World’s End, and clubbing at late 80s superclub Shoom .

The idea for Alice X was formed when a pair of striking leather espadrilles caught Stephen’s eye during a journey into work one morning. “Those canary yellow shoes really stood out from the blacks and browns of the daily commute, but I thought nothing more of it until a few days later as I was putting my young daughter’s (Alice) patchwork trainers onto her feet. A light bulb went off in my head and I told Monica, she thought that they were a great idea and we wondered if there was a multi coloured espadrille on the market”.

No one was producing this type of design, so they decided to do it for themselves. Monica and Stephen covertly spoke to customers in the shoe departments of Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Harrods and asked them what they liked. “Every time it came back to the same things – style, comfort, originality, quality, raised soles and the ability to wear in and out of work”. More ideas followed, and they set about creating a collection in a range of colours. The first Alex X collection was born.

Each shoe needed five separate hides, creating additional work that just wasn’t viable for a low volume order. They took a gamble and bought a small stand at Pure London and told me “It was the winter show and we had summer shoes, but we thought that it would be a great opportunity to talk to people in the industry and learn as much as possible”. “We did exactly that. We talked to everyone that would listen, taking in every piece of information to see how we could develop the business. The reaction from the trade was amazing. We took orders and got all set for a launch in 2017”.

Then disaster struck. Production issues delayed delivery of the first collection, making it too late for summer 2017. This was a major setback, but it enabled Stephen and Monica to focus on SS18. “We’ve been working hard to get the brand ready, building relationships ready for the launch in 2018.” And here we are… a range of beautiful shoes, of the highest quality, in an amazing assortment of colours, all true to the timeless classic and iconic espadrille but with a clear USP.

Alice X asked me for my colour preference and this is the result. I absolutely love them. I’ll wear them non-stop in Ibiza and Mallorca all summer.

Visit their website and instagram page for more information.

www.aliceXglobal.com

Luminoglow Underwear

by Amanda // May 3, 2018 // Comments off

So, when it comes to those first intimate moments with a loved one, some of us prefer the lights to be dimmed. Nevertheless, nobody wants that expensive lingerie they’ve just bought to go un-noticed in the dark.

Here’s the solution: Glow in the dark lingerie. Enter Australianunderwear brand Luminoglow.

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It’s a range of underwear smaller and sexier than your standard undies. Called the Boudoir collection, it’s strictly for the bedroom after dark.

When the lights go out, the lace on the bra and knickers glows beautifully, defining the tiny shapes of the micro G-string, bikini or triangle bra. It’s sensual and sexy. And the company claim that this collection is easy to whip on, but even easier to whip off.

The underwear is now being sold around the world, including America and several countries in Europe.

Expect standard bras – without support, lace bodies and babydolls, plus the tiniest of G-strings in the standard white lace – which glow bright green.

I must say I’m quite partial to the babydolls.

It’s bound to be an illuminating experience from beginning to end.

www.luminoglow.com

AG SkinRepair

by Amanda // May 3, 2018 // Comments off

As the sun is now making an appearance, it’s time to start protecting our skin as we begin peeling off the layers and revealing more flesh.

As I am getting older, a good skin care regime is increasingly important, especially under the Mediterranean sun.

I was contacted by Ellie from Ag Skin Repair, offering me a chance to test their collection of skin products, including anti-ageing and collagen serums, plus the most valuable product – After Sun. They even threw in a very helpful Tattoo Serum, designed to protect those little areas of body art.

AG Skin Repair are a small skin care company based in the UK with patented Silver Shell formula products, which is clinically proven to induce and strengthen skin cell growth. Nothing is tested on animals.

The range deals with inflammation after sunburn, shaving, waxing, micro-needling, tattoos, semi permanent make up and inhibits skin infections by forming an antibacterial protective barrier that prevents oxidation and the absorption of free-radicals. AG also helps with the appearance of fine lines and scars and helps skin retain moisture.

Here is my skin after two weeks use of this full collection.

I’ll report on the After Sun later this summer.

All the serums are made in California and shipped back to the UK and the Anti Fatigue Serum is actually a Regenerative Serum for men as well.

I really can’t be without the Regenerative Serum having started to notice sun damage around the eyes and neck. If I don’t use this daily, the fine lines start to become a lot more noticeable.

Go to www.agskinrepair.com or have a look at their Facebook page.

Contact ellie@agskinrepair.com if you have any questions.

www.agskinrepair.com

Hema Works, Station Lane, S41 9NY Chesterfield

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

by Amanda // April 26, 2018 // Comments off

Welcome to this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

I have just spent my first 2018 proper girlie ‘summer weekend’ in Ibiza with friends. It really felt like summer had arrived, with the airport and streets bustling with early holiday makers. Plus, I had a chance to wear the first of my 2018 Ibiza wardrobe pieces.

This ethnic printed dress by Left Bank Six, Star Kaftan dress by House Of Windsor and boho sandals by Vanessa Townsend at Heels Boutique.

It was great to bask in the heat of the sun, and with that vitamin boosting my brain I read all the fashion glossies cover to cover, and mused over an exciting story which really caught my eye and heart.

It was so pleasing to read about the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first ever Fashion Week, showcasing some of the Middle East’s most promising designers. Plus of course, granting more fashion freedom to the beautiful Arab women of this often mysterious nation, amongst the various other freedoms that have at long last been granted to Saudi women.

So, with that knowledge in mind, a little Ibizan suntan and a whole summer in front of me, you could say all is positive right now.

We continue with the Ibiza theme and look at the first ever Clockwork Orange Festival, discover new Boho label Angel Warrior and check out how to pair the kitchen sink with the catwalk.

Enjoy.

Thanks to Mira Manley, my guest Ed for the Calvin Klein piece. x

Angel Warrior

by Amanda // April 26, 2018 // Comments off

Meet Jenny Lilley and Kerry McMoon, the women and fashion influencers behind new Boho label Angel Warrior.

Beautiful silks and printed fabrics from India, in the form of kaftans, sarongs, duster coats, light jackets and jumpsuits.

Following their life changing travels in India – Goa in particular – the girls decided to bond over their love of the culture and fashion to collect and design a range of beautiful bohemian garments perfect for the summer season ahead of us.

The colours are vivid, as are the prints and embellishment, and as well as the clothing range, there is a stunning collection of equally colourful beaded, fringed jewellery, which complements the collection as a whole.

The Balearic hippy look is captured perfectly by the girls, and since the launch of Angel Warrior, we can look forward to their brand new brilliant website, the range has almost sold out in a matter of days, simply from the gorgeous pictures Jenny and Kerry have posted on their respective Facebook and Instagram pages

Modelled by Jenny in these pictures, more stock has arrived, including their ethical water bottles to combat the plastic trail. This is also a beautiful table piece, perfect for any home anywhere in the world, from London to Ibiza to Goa.