… a word from the Editor & Blogger

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It’s March! Supposedly “spring”.

My house in London was quilted in a blanket of soft fluffy snow, followed by slurry and treacherous ice. It looked beautiful against a backdrop of blue skies, sunshine and heathland, but it’s utter hell trying to get anywhere. It makes me want to jump on the next Balearic -bound plane!

So this week, I decided to make the blog a Travel Special, to get us all in the mood for Spring – when it eventually arrives.

In this instalment, I introduce my Guest Editor and fellow Fashionista Vanessa Townshend. Vanessa is a bespoke shoe designer, specialising in designer shoes for Private Clients, Fashion and Media.

A major shoe fanatic, Vanessa made her aspirations a reality when she opened her store, as founder of www.Heels Boutique.co.uk  in October 2014.

Vanessa prides herself on understated elegance. Creating beautiful, smart, sexy, sophisticated footwear for women with a passion for shoes that are unique but also wearable. Each piece is an investment and to be loved and cherished.

Vanessa steps outside of the boutique to bring you her guide to ‘What to Wear and Where to Go’ this Spring time. Plus, I bring you an exclusive interview with Ocean Beachclub Ibiza Supremo Tony Truman about his brand spanking new boutique hotel in San Antonio, Ibiza.

Plus, all the usual fashion news and views.

Ibiza’s Newest Sunset Strip Member Hotel Wi-Ki-Woo

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Gifted with the infamous Balearic sunsets, which are at their most remarkable in San Antonio, Ibiza, Hotel Wi-Ki-Woo is the newest member of the Ibiza Sunset Strip.

It opens on 17th May 2018, and we got the heads-up from Hotel Wi- Ki-Woo and Ocean Beach Club owner Tony Truman.

  1. Tony – everyone’s excited about the opening of the new boutique hotel. I know this isn’t your first venture into hotels, but why this location (i.e. San An) and why now?
  2. Yes, the other two hotels that we are involved in have proved very successful, as well as very diverse. We like doing things a little bit out of the box, so when this hotel got brought to my attention I knew it was ideal, in so many ways. After all, how often do you get a chance to acquire a front-line hotel with full panoramic direct sunset views, at one of the most iconic sunset areas in the world. It was a complete no brainer. The timing was also spot on, as I have been saying for a long long time that San Antonio hoteliers need to up their game and create better hotels in order to attract nicer clientele to the area. And indeed, in the last two years many San An hotels have been doing this. So maybe, just maybe, they secretly listened to me, ha-ha. San An needed a boutique hotel as well, and what we have to offer is just that, to compete alongside the big boys.
  3. What’s the theme and meaning behind the name? That really is something that I can’t disclose in print. All I will say is that we were a little bit worse for wear when we came up with the idea. We were looking for a name that didn’t mean anything in particular but also sounded pretty cool. Important for me is that when you type-in an unknown name like (wi-ki-woo), it will automatically come top in search engines. This avoids having to pay a small fortune to Google in optimization to automatically be listed top. See – clever thinking! We also like the inclusion of the upside down question mark at the front of the name (which is how the Spanish use question marks). It adds to the intrigue, I guess.
  4. I’m sure many guests will be regulars at your Ocean Beach Club, but what does Wi-Ki-Woo have to offer the Ibiza tourist market, compared to hotels like Es Vive and Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes? The guests who stay at Wi-Ki-Woo I am sure will get some good offers from Ocean Beach. We are nothing like pikes, as pikes is so legendary and unique, and an Ibiza institution I would never want to remotely compare ourselves to that – maybe in another 35 years when I am the same age as Tony Pike currently is. If am even alive then ask me that question. As for Es Vive we could be similar in many ways, i.e. both cool, funky, vibrant hotels which are hopefully a fun place to stay with great staff. Es Vive is another legendary hotel, so before we get anywhere near to the status of either of those two iconic hotels, I want to just get open on time and get our first year of business out the way.

hello@wikiwoohotelibiza.com

SAN ANTONIO

Carrer Ponent

14, 07820

Sant Antoni de Portmany

Illes Balears

www.wikiwoohotelibiza.com

The Belt Bag

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I’ve always hated the bum bag or fanny pack. Reminds me of overweight Middle Americans walking around Disney world with their traveller’s cheques and hotdogs.

It has been in existence for ages and is only really acceptable for market traders to use as their portable cash registers.

It has dipped in and out of fashion over the years, unsuccessfully, until now.

As pretentious and shallow as I may sound, the high-end designer make-over has made this accessory so very chic that I proudly admit it is now on my ‘To Buy’ list for this spring / summer ‘18.

Gucci and Chanel lead the way (of course) and it isn’t just the colour and quality that makes them attractive. It’s the style and shape of what we now like to call ‘The Belt Bag’. It’s the way they are worn across the waist, not slouched under a roll of fat, or worn across our chest — super nerdy style.

The soft red quilted leather Gucci Belt bag is my favourite. The belt strap is thin and stylish and the bag pouch is like any clutch we’ve ever lusted after.

Kendal Jenner never leaves her Kardashian castle without her Chanel piece, and Louis Vuitton’s is often seen on her hip.

The Belt Bag is a must this festival season and you simply know who has offered us the most reasonable High-Street alternative, don’t you? Yep. Zara, of course.

Gucci’s is £885 and Zara’s is £30.

Whichever end of the spectrum, it’s all about the Belt Bag this year. Just think, you can speak on your phone and apply lippy at the same time as keeping your keys and wallet all safely close by. Perfect.

Heels Boutique: What To Wear & Where To Go This Spring

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Travel Map: Where to go & What to Wear this Spring

The sky is grey, we’re still muddling through at -4 degrees in some parts of the UK and nobody is feeling their fabulous selves. If you haven’t already been thinking about it since Christmas, now is the perfect time to book a Spring holiday.

Finding a great deal online can do wonders for your soul. For a small cost you can get a quick getaway, warm up and give your 2018 the kick it needs. Here are our top 3 suggestions and some fashion tips to match:

Seville, Spain

The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville is perfect trip for foodies and architectural buffs. Whilst the temperature is a warm 18°C, you want to pack sensibly as this is the type of town you will want to explore.

Staring up at the stunning yet spooky, Gothic bell tower on the Seville Cathedral or wandering through the perfect tiles on the 18th century Plaza de Espana, you can see why this destination won Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel coveted number one spot for 2018!

So with plenty of sites to see, we recommend some comfortable trainers, a light raincoat (just in case the weather doesn’t hold up – March is the wet season) and some suitable clothes you’ll be able to comfortable explore in. The most important part of all though, because no trip to Spain is complete without them, is a pair of ‘knock-em-dead’ sunglasses. Stella McCartney, Chanel and Mui Mui all have one style in common for the Spring-Summer 2018 collection: that’s an oversized, ski-mask type look. It sounds strange, but hear us out.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/sunglasses-trends-spring-summer-2018

Big, reflective lenses that keep the sun out and your identity in. These ultra-dark sunnies give you that femme-fatale look, by keeping some things hidden, whilst also being super on-trend. Keep an eye out for these types of specs to come to a store near you and invest whilst you can. We predict them to be a hot topic for 2018.

Nice, France

 

Crowds may flock to the French Riviera in the warmer months, but if you aren’t feeling prepared to travel far, there is a small slice of paradise right on your doorstep. Roughly 2 hours from most UK airports, the South of France can be idyllic at this time of year. Although some of the shops are shut, this is a savvy way to avoid tourist hubbub and explore quaint towns and French cafes in peace and quiet.

With the highflying destination of Monaco only a 35-minute car trip away, you can also observe and shop amongst some of the world’s most elite and fashion conscious. But how should you dress to impress for these French fashionistas?

With the average temperature 11°C, it will feel warmer than the UK’s temperatures which are currently struggling to get above 0°C! However, as you can imagine, we’re not talking heat wave weather. This sort of climate is perfect to try out your spring wardrobe, making the most of layers and stylish, oversized jackets.

Our fashion suggestions for Nice are to match the canary coloured streets and pastel colours synonymous with European towns. Invest in patterns that incorporate these yellowish and green hues within the careful designs and blend in seamlessly with the locals with an abundance of accessories: take at least one new scarf or pashmina for every day you are visiting, it’s simply a must! Something like this which oozes both luxury and style: www.heelsboutique.co.uk/collections/scarves

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

From one extreme to another, from near-to-far, from mild-to-heat wave, the warm weather all year round makes Punta Cana a popular destination for winter getaways. Whilst you have to be prepared for a longer flight, if you have the time to spend it’s definitely worth it, and an absolute must on most people’s bucket list. Currently 27°C, you will get a chance to trial your summer wardrobe in a region famed for its 32km stretch of beaches!

Match the colours of the Coconut Coast with bright oranges, yellows and turquoises – colours all very typical of tropical collections. Make the most of being able to dress casually all day, every day. Even in the evenings, you won’t find anybody dressing up too much. Breezy dresses, playful romper suits and some cute shorts are all you’ll need.

Well… and a swimsuit.

Obviously, if you plan to enjoy what the Dominican Republic really has to offer, you’ll need to pack a couple of signature swimsuits. Last year we really saw the beginnings of the statement swimwear pieces coming into fashion and we expect that to return with a punch in 2018.

From Bay Watch copy-cozzies and strappy barely there pieces to simple off the shoulder one pieces, there’s plenty to choose from. Check out Vogue’s piece on the best swimsuits of 2017 for some inspiration:

www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/best-swimwear-2017

Our top tip: we foresee a season of extra monochrome and plenty of straps and laces in the swimming pool of 2018.

Well, there you have it. Our top 3 places to visit this season paired with some Spring/Summer 2018 fashion tips. We hope you book something ASAP, for the sake of getting some Vitamin D as well as some peace and quiet – it’s safe to say 2018 has been hectic so far and we know we’re not just talking for ourselves, here. Hopefully you’ll be back in time to see the snow melting and the crocuses blooming.

www.heelsboutique.co.uk 

… a word from the Editor

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Welcome to this instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

Spring is in the air and the days are getting longer again.

I think now is the best time to take up a diet and exercise regime – not January 1st, like everybody assumes.

These are days with perfect running conditions and I have just received the ultimate coffee to fuel my runs. My very good friend Claire Bennett has sent me a fabulous new product called Revital U, which is just 2 calories per scoop and also lightens the appetite, so you can literally kill two birds with one stone – run for longer and feel hungry far less.

It tastes delicious and I find one cup a day is sufficient. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone embracing a weight loss plan. Contact www.revitalu.co.uk for more details.

 

In this issue we check out London Fashion Week, The ‘Merkin’ and the return of the perm… enjoy. x

The Queen At LFW

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Last week, I touched upon the importance of the Frow.

This week, London Fashion Week took place, and the Queen was right there in the FROW. No, not Vogue editor Anna Wintour – the ACTUAL Queen of England.

Anna adorned her shades as she sat next to Elizabeth II to watch the Richard Quinn runway show. QE2 looked genuinely delighted to be there.

Super loud punk music deafened the room, as Queen Elizabeth sat there probably trying to make sense of what the hell was going on, whilst crash helmet-adorned models strutted on by. No forced smiles and no yawns, I think QE2 was genuinely captivated. Random, I know.

Her Majesty was the surprise guest at the runway show, her first ever visit to London Fashion Week. It only took 65 years. It was a huge coup for designer Richard Quinn, and his LFW show.

Quinn showcased his colourful prints and headscarves – not a million miles away from the Queen’s own personal style. Anna Wintour failed to remove her trademark sunglasses, despite being seated next to the Queen. A bold statement of lack of deference.

Later in the fashion extravaganza, QE2 presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award from British Design to Quinn, cementing his place as one of the hottest new talents in the industry.

The award was created by the Queen’s personal designer, Angela Kelly, at the monarch’s request. It is awarded to designers who “show exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies.”

The Queen’s visit to London Fashion Week comes just a day after fashion designers and artists accepted an invitation to Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Commonwealth. Yet another acknowledgement by the establishment of the importance of the British fashion industry.

 

The Return Of The Perm & Cardi

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So you think I may have lost the plot, I’m guessing?

If you’re imaging a wet-look poodle frizz with a frumpy cardigan, then imagine again.

The curl is back in demand , with salons adding perms to the menu right across London.

But the new incarnation is more about the ‘I Woke Up Like This’ wave. It is much softer, adding more volume and soft curl, rather than the bubble look that we associate with perming. This is tousled, beachy waves, adding texture to limp hair and lasting three to five months.

The benefit is the no-fuss styling regime after washing. Literally air-dry and go.

The treatment takes two hours with sections of hair twisted around large rollers, for looser waves. The chemicals used are a world away from the damaging products we used to have back in the 80s.

If you have bleached hair (like me) then take it easy and invest in Olaplex conditioner, to get your hair into optimum health first.

So once you have the perm, it’s time to dress down in this season’s long slouchy cardi. Sounds dreary as hell doesn’t it? But we’re talking bright preppy hues with stripe detailing, embellishment and logos – as seen at Gucci and Burberry.

Think oversized dressing gown, ideal for Sundays after the huge lunch, paired with crayola coloured trews for work, belted with skinny jeans or hanging loose with a short pleated mini skirt.

Cosy, cute and multifunctioning, the cardi is back.

Vagina Wigs

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These intriguing ‘wigs’, also known as ‘merkins’, date back to the 15th century.

At the time, some women who had public lice opted to shave their pubic hair and cover their intimate area with a merkin. Prostitutes also resorted to the “toupees” to hide the fact they had syphilis and gonorrhea, in an effort to conceal the symptoms.

But now, they are ‘thing’.

Kaimin, a South Korean brand based in New York City, had its models step on the catwalk with triangle-shaped patches of fur on their crotches during NY Fashion Week show earlier this month.

Along with the intriguing ‘wigs’, they donned mohawks, thigh-high boots, and metallic jackets, as part of what the team described as a ‘futuristic punk aesthetic’.

The furry accessories, which came in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, were strutted on the catwalk as part of Kaimin’s Spring / Summer collection, titled Oriental Garden. It featured a range of other cutting-edge designs, including a completely see-through dress that wrapped around a model’s face, colorful ensembles made out of shimmery, voluminous fabric, and a plunging bright red jumpsuit.

Kaimin’s spokespeople commented that the collection has a huge central theme of pride in your body and sexuality. “We really wanted to push the futuristic punk aesthetic of this season’s collection, and having matching hair and merkins was perfect.”

For years women have been whipping off their lady gardens, and now we have to rely on hairpieces to put them back on. Is this consumerism gone totally bonkers?

 

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

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It’s been a busy week. Firstly, for all you lovers out there, Valentine’s Day dominated the agenda

I spent mine in the scenic Balearics. It was all about a shared grilled fish platter and Spanish rosé. Although it was chilly, the skies were blue and the sun glistened overhead. No heart-shaped chocolates or ‘two for one steak’ at The Harvester -it was shellfish heaven for us. The advantage was that I managed to fit into my skinny leather Freddys, all day.

For the less romantic amongst us, it was Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday. Whichever way you live out this day, be it for religious reasons, ie Lent, or one for the children, it’s all a bit too calorific. Thankfully, being in Ibiza and Mallorca allowed me to escape the batter, lemon and sugar.

The date also signalled the end of New York Fashion Week and the beginning of London Fashion Week.

Despite being English, Victoria Beckham has only ever showcased her collections in New York. However, as of 2019, she comes home and will show in London.

This week will see the British Designers such as Burberry, Topshop Unique and Henry Holland reveal their upcoming collections, which we’ll be wearing this time next year. Of course, I’ll bring you the very latest news and gossip next week.

In this week’s instalment of Zips It Up we check out the importance of the FROW – the Front Row – during this all-important fashion spell. Plus we check out the new sports range for Generation X by ASOS, perfect for the pub!

And equally exciting this week is the launch of the new Clockwork Orange Jewellery collection, which went on sale yesterday (15th). For those who follow the iconic club events, it’ll be a must-buy.

So, relax and enjoy this week’s Zips It Up.

Clockwork Orange Jewellery Collection

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LL LOVES & Clockwork Orange Jewellery Range

It was only a matter of time before the reinvention of Clockwork Orange resulted in merchandise for the loyal clubbers known as The Orange Army.

The brains, heart and soul of Clockwork Orange are Danny Gould and Andy Manston. Clockwork was established as far back as the early 90s, at infamous clubs from The Camden Palace to Es Paradis in Ibiza.

It’s fair to say that most of our generation – 25 – 55 year olds – have either experienced Clockwork Orange, or at the very least, heard of it. Clockwork Orange was my very first Ibiza clubbing experience back in 1996 and I’m still attending their events over 20 years later. We’ve all donned the colour orange to go there, from T-shirts and bikinis to Nails and towels.

Now, an exclusive Jewellery collection has finally dropped.

The collaborating designer behind the range is LL Loves. Claire Cox, inspired by her love of motherhood and travelling, founded LL Loves in 2014. 

Wanting to produce something luxurious that was also affordable with excellent craftsmanship, Claire, a mother of four, saw a gap in the market and set about creating her brand. Her pieces are designed and crafted with love and support and signify freedom of adventure.

Each piece is handcrafted to order in the UK. Carefully designed Sterling 925 Silver, Yellow and Rose Gold Vermeil, crystals and Semi Precious stones are combined to create the luxurious bohemian brand of LL Loves.

The styles created allow the wearer to express their own individuality and elegance.

LL Loves’ new collaboration with the legendary club event is just in time for the 25th Anniversary celebration this year and with a huge line up of events throughout 2018.

The idea first came about when Danny’s wife Mrs Gould, a huge LL Loves fan attended one of their parties. Also attending the party were some Clockwork fans who were already discussing outfits for the upcoming events. What better than to coordinate your jewellery with your outfit for the party nights?

Founder Danny Gould and LL Loves decided to create a range of jewellery to mark the quadranscentennial birthday. The collection is launched today – so exclusive is this news, that the guys have organized pre-orders to be taken, to ensure that Clockwork fans attending the first event of the year on March 17th at 338 will have arms filled with orange!

The first part of the collection is a mix of Sterling Silver, Orange Swarovski Crystals as well as a Neon Nappa leather wrap. The bracelets are designed for stacking with more pieces being added throughout the coming months, ready for the parties in Ibiza in July. LL Loves will be attending the Ibiza events with their jewellery to display and  Clockwork fans will be able to add to their collection. The Neon wrap is perfect for both sexes and comes in a multitude of sizes, displaying a Sterling Silver Clockwork tag. The jewellery will come complete with a signature Clockwork Orange / LL Loves collaboration pouch.

This collaboration is one not to be missed with a huge buzz of excitement already starting before the launch. It’s bound to be a huge hit with all Clockwork fans and as a great reminder that they were part of this historical year for Clockwork Orange.

www.LLLoves.co.uk

Facebook: LLLoves

Instagram: LLLovesUK

Twitter: LLLoves_uk

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