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.
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.
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 1st?
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?
Following the massive hype around the Eubank / Benn fight last month…The latest news in footwear? Boxing boots are in again, seen on the catwalks at Loewe, Stella McCartney and Dior, are having a moment this year. Even fashion-focused retailer Net-a-Porter has invested in a range of styles for 2025/26.
Boxing trainers, recognisable by their high collars and flat soles were originally created for sparring and boxing matches, with lightweight and supportive elements to ensure easy movement. But they’ve now been adopted as a fashionable shoe outside of the ring, as an athletic alternative to boots.
Adidas’s takes have been some of the most popular styles, but multiple brands within the fashion sphere (not just sportswear giants) have also jumped onboard. However, in my view, I don’t think they flatter the female silhouette.
Resale sites and platforms have been inundated with requests for pre-loved boxing trainers – Depop, for one, reports a 40 per cent spike in searches since the start of the year.
As with any “trend” it’s important to remember that you should only buy into looks that actually resonate with your own personal style, so if boxing trainers stray slightly too far from your favourite sneakers, this is probably one to appreciate from the sidelines.
HERE’S A SELECTION OF THE BEST OUT THERE RIGHT NOW – FOR BOTH GIRLS AND BOYS.
Zara Launches a Disney Themed Collection with Harry Styles’ Stylist
There are few brands that count fashion editors, the A-list and even a Royal or two as fans, and Zara consistently delivers for everyone.
So, when news of the brand’s latest Disney-themed collaboration with stylist Harry Lambert landed – I was all over it. For those in the know, Lambert’s work has always been about finding the fun in fashion, whether he’s draping feather boas on Harry Styles or creating cheery collabs with Zara.
Launching last month, the collab features a mix of cosy knits, timeless basics and a few festive pieces thrown in for party season. You’ll find an array of pared-back essentials – in vibrant shades emblazoned with beloved Disney characters and their well-known phrases.
For more fashion-forward items, there are balloon-hem skirts, a short suit with a faux fur trim, polka dot jumpers, puffball satin dresses sculpted to the body and even bulbous shoes.
This being Zara, the collection is as affordable as it is stylish, so it’s likely to sell out quickly. Whether you’re after the pink satin dress for Christmas parties or you’re keen on the patterned knits to add a nostalgic Disney twist to everyday dressing, I suggest you shop the collection before it’s all gone.
Welcome toAmanda Zips It Upand it’s suddenly FREEZING.
Yes, winter has landed – and for many of us, so have the winter blues. How do we deal with that?
Well, over half of all Brits are likely to turn to comfort foods during winter, a study has found.
What’s your go-to comfort food when you’re feeling seasonal blues?
Interesting research was commissioned by bakery brand Baker Street, whose spokesman said: “Besides a cosy blanket and candles, food is a huge help for people during the colder months” – with 90% of Brits agreeing that food can be a comfort at this disliked time of year.
Nearly seven in ten (69%) of those who find food comforting said it is because it lifts your mood, with 41% turning to these types of food when it’s cold, while 36% blame the dark evenings – and 41% eat comfort foods after a stressful day.mOne in four (24%) spend more on food during winter months, with most doing so because they eat more when it’s cold.
TOP 20 WINTER COMFORT FOODS:
Bar of chocolate
Cup of tea
Bacon sandwich
Fish and chips
Full roast dinner
Biscuits
Ice-cream
Cheese on toast
Hot chocolate
Apple crumble
Cookies
Toast with melted butter
Chips (without cheese)
Sausage and mashed potato
Lasagne
Shepherd’s pie
Sausage roll
Beans on toast
Pie, mash, and gravy
Cottage pie
Onto this week’s instalment, and we look at Men’s Winter Fashion – looking good whilst the temperatures drop. Also, we investigate the worst Xmas presents to give – useful advice before you start your Xmas shopping – plus, we look at what you wear to bed says about you.
As many of us both relax on the sofa and snuggle up in bed wearing pyjamas, a survey has revealed that choice of nightwear style could suggest something revealing about an individual’s personality.
UK-based clinical psychologists working with retailer Mattress Online have revealed what your sleepwear really says about you. The findings suggest naked sleepers are more likely to be at a stage of ‘contentment’ with their life, while ‘ambitious’ personalities tend to opt for silky or satin styles.
Elsewhere, the experts claim ‘organised’ people opt for buttoned pyjamas while wearing a dressing gown to bed can indicate that you ‘lack confidence in your personal life.’
Here’s more detail regarding what your preferred style says about you…
Flannel/button pyjamas
According to the survey, a flannel, buttoned set of pyjamas can indicate that you value your health and hygiene. Many of those who wear buttoned pyjamas display strong organisation skills, but can also fear that they possess only small levels of control of situations.
They went on to observe that flannel and buttoned sets are subconsciously in our psyche as nightwear choices that are worn within hospitals. This association can give comfort to those who value health and hygiene most.
Satin/silk shirt + shorts
The psychologists comment that satin or Silk pyjamas can indicate that you are both aspirational and a traditionalist. Those who opt for satin or silky sleepwear are often ambitious to achieve more in life and outperform the status quo. You place stronger emphasis on your career than happiness.
They comment: ‘Satin and Silk are aspirational items. Through history they have reflected grandeur and success, whether this is in bed sheets, curtains, clothing or pjs.
Fleece pyjamas/oversized jumper/cosy pyjamas
Wearing cosy pyjamas, or an oversized jumper, especially those that are branded with cartoons or characters from our youth can indicate that you are a ‘person of nostalgia,’ according to the experts.
For many of these people, family comes first with loyalty and integrity both key personality traits.
‘It is often found that people who wear oversized clothing are subconsciously wanting to go back in time; often to a time when they were happier in life or happier in their body.’
Negligee/baby doll
Those who prefer a babydoll set are often focused on ‘self-love and self-confidence’ and are ‘striving’ to get recognition for their achievements in life’.
You are most likely to find solace in being the centre of attention. ‘People often make their buying and clothing choices in response to subconscious biases that have been built over time’.
The psychologists went on to explain how sexy lingerie such as baby doll pyjamas have been popularised as glamorous and for those who yearn to be admired and adorned.
Big t-shirt and pants
An oversized t-shirt can indicate that you are a free-spirited individual who doesn’t lack confidence. You’re comfortable in your own skin, your goals are to live life on your own terms. Big t-shirts are a reflection of your lack of care for the opinions of others.
The experts went on to say that those who prefer to sleep in big t-shirts and pants are confident that they are who they are and look the way they do, without the need to prove it to others.
Dressing gown
According to the experts, a dressing gown can indicate that you ‘lack confidence in your personal life.’ Those who wear dressing gowns are ‘seeking an envelope of protection away from issues that are worrying them.’
‘These are amazing things to have when you are cold, but if we delve deeper into the subconscious, we see that those looking to wrap up are looking for protection from the world. This can be particularly true if you wrap and tie the dressing gown tightly around your waist.
Nothing – sleep nude
The experts say sleeping completely starkers could indicate that you are at a stage of ‘contentment’ with your life and comfortable with your body
‘Many of those who sleep naked are unafraid of judgement, and value their own opinions at a higher regard than others.’ Those who regularly sleep naked may describe themselves as “go-getters” and “glass-half-full’ types.’
Just like the mindset of naturists and nudists, those who sleep in the nude are unashamedly proud of their flaws, as equally as they are proud of their strongest features.
Whilst it might not be my favourite season for weather, winter is my favourite season in a fashion sense. I just love layering and accessorising outfits with hats, scarves and coats.
This week, let’s outline those all-important essentials that all guys need to see you through the next few chilly months, keeping warm whilst still looking stylish and on-point.
1. A voluminous puffer jacket
Come winter, leaving your duvet behind each morning is always challenging. The solution? Get yourself a wearable duvet. The best Puffer Jackets are among the most warming garments on the market, characterised by their thick, insulated design and voluminous silhouette. You can leave your quilt guilt at home: just invest in a good puffer.
2. Some wide-leg trousers
Just like your everyday go-tos, but a little more flared. Wide Leg trousers are key for balancing out big, bulging layers and voluminous top halves. Plus, a secret bonus to the wide-leg is it leaves room for hidden layering. Just pop some thermals underneath for those extra-cold days and nights.
3. Face-framing sunglasses
Thought Sunnies were just for summer? Think again. That winter sun can be glaring, and UV protection is never something to ignore. Plus, there’s no denying that a big-shades-big-coat combo is super stylish.
4. A warming dressing gown
Need I say more? After a hard day being a grown-up in sub-zero weather, we all deserve to swap one of Puffa for a thick, fleecy dressing gown. Be it layered over your Pjs or leisure-wear, the cosier you can get in winter, the better.
5. A high-quality cashmere jumper
Softer and lighter than their woollen counterparts, a cashmere jumper is just about as opulent as knitwear can get. Lightweight but deeply insulating, this is a pick that slots in naturally among your other basics, as well as bringing a simple foundational layer to match with your slightly more statement-making wide-leg trousers and coat of choice.
6. A cosy pair of joggers
Never does loungewear have more intrinsic importance than in winter. Work day over, the second you’re in your own space you ought to be slipping into something a little more comfortable; specifically, a hearty pair of joggers.
7. A Pea Coat
The chic, academic alternative to the streetwise puffer, every wardrobe deserves a classic Pea Coat. For those guys who have to wear a suit to work, a Pea Coat makes for a more formal take on everyday outerwear… because a blazer and a Puffa were never meant to meet.
8. Fleeces are officially cool
Much like their preppy cousin, the quarter-zip Fleeces are enjoying a major resurgence. The humble fleece has taken on a more stylish form thanks to the good people at brands such as Uniqlo and The North Face.
9. Boots, but Chelsea boots
Introduced to the world by the Victorians before being donned by such dons as The Beatles and Mick Jagger (as well as most of Shoreditch) – no one can resist the charm of a good Chelsea Boot. Go for BROWN this year.
10. A pair of BLUE or Animal Print trainers
Winter is grey enough, so it’s time to put your trad white trainers to one side and instead embrace this year’s ultimate colour – BLUE. There are some great options out there, from the much-hyped New Balance, to the more budget-friendly Adidas Spezials. They simply have to be blue. Animal print is also trending.
