Welcome to another instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.
With love from Amanda x
I thought I’d start this week’s blog with the latest HEART THROBS for 2024…
The first is the (supposed) new James Bond, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, if rumours are to be believed. He’s definitely slick, suave and sophisticated enough to fit the part – but what’s more interesting is his private life.
He is married to the Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is 24 years older than him.
The pair, who wed in 2012, share two children together. They were both at the premiere of Back To Black – the new Amy Winehouse movie, out tomorrow, which Sam directs.
Aaron, 33, rocked a black shirt and pants of the same colour, topped off with a statement leather jacket. They each accessorized with minimal gold jewellery.
The pair met on the set of “Nowhere Boy” in 2009 when he was 18 and Sam was 42. She directed the John Lennon biopic which Aaron starred in. She set her sights on him at a very early age.
Aaron and Sam wed in 2012, and are now parents to daughters Wylda, 13, and Romy Hero, 11, as well as Angelica, 25, and Jessie, 15, from Sam’s first marriage. In other words, Aaron is only 8 years older than his eldest daughter…
Turn away now if you support another team. The next new heart throb on the block is Virgil van Dijk (born 8 July 1991). The Dutch footballer plays for plays as centre-back for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, he is known for his strength, leadership, speed and aerial ability. But more importantly, this picture sums up why he’s so popular to us girls.
And lastly, virtually the last person on earth you’d expect to be a heart throb. The TV gardener ALAN TITCHMARSH, who has had his ‘sexy jeans’ blurred out by North Korean TV, because not only are they perceived to be ‘sexy’ but they’re also a symbol of western imperialism.
The blurred jeans make Alan all the more intriguing, if you ask me.
Onto this week, and we chat about the new Amy Winehouse movie wardrobe, Beyonce’s ‘COWCORE’ fashion movement, the return of 60s fashion and how to improve your sleep during these lighter nights.
Amy Winehouse Movie: How the film’s fashion compares to her real-life style
From sky-high heels to her iconic beehive hair, Amy Winehouse will forever be a fashion icon.
I can’t wait to witness the fashion used in the new movie. The one-minute and 15-second teaser shows MARISA ABELA, who plays Amy, sporting some of her most iconic ‘fits’, but I’m intrigued to see how accurate the parallels are to the late star’s actual wardrobe choices.
From her white hair streak to her over-the-top signature liquid eyeliner look, Amy Winehouse’s style simultaneously reflects those of her beauty choices. Often opting for a bustier, tartan print mini skirt, little black dresses and itty bitty denim shorts, Amy’s wardrobe repertoire was nothing short of iconic.
Here are some of Amy’s iconic fashion looks.
Her Floral Hair Accessories
In one scene from the teaser trailer Amy is seen on stage wearing her beloved chunky gold heart necklace paired with a towering beehive hairstyle adorned with floral detailing and a black corset. This look is extremely similar to what she wore to the 2008 Grammy Awards, but instead of a black corset, she opted for a simple fitted vest.
Her Onstage Ensembles
Another snippet shows the singer performing in a baby blue babydoll dress, fixed at the waist with an oversized black belt. The look was inspired by a 2007 outfit that Amy wore to perform at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Her Casual Wardrobe
A known lover of itty bitty shorts, Amy often wore her micro shorts on stage at festivals. In the trailer, Amy is seen with her partner Blake Fielder-Civil, played by Jack O’Connell, picnicking in a park. The singer sported a stripe bandeau top, low-waisted pink shorts and black heels, striking a resemblance to an actual picnic the lovebirds embarked on in Primrose Hill.
Unfortunately, the trailer only gives us a sneak peek as to what to expect in terms of iconic fashion moments, but we can only hope the yellow dress and heart-shaped Moschino bag combo that she wore to the 2007 Brit Awards makes an appearance.
Back to Black started filming in April of last year and is set to be released in UK cinemas TOMORROW – on April 12th.
As “Cowboy Carter” is released, Beyoncé’s country-themed album is generating waves in cowboy fashion, setting socials alight. #Cowboycore is trending on TikTok, and boots and hat searches are up on Depop.
So, how you can try it yourself? In order to recreate cowboy core at home without looking like you’re about to hop on a horse, try these:
The Canadian tuxedo – or double denim AKA jean jackets and matching pants.
Fringe is also set to be all over the place in 2024, with searches up 58 per cent in the last three weeks alone.
Beyoncé isn’t the only one leaning into the aesthetic. Kim Kardashian donned a cowboy at the Super Bowl and Bella Hadid is dating an actual cowboy – horse trainer.
Even Kendall Jenner got in on the action when she donned a white tank that proclaimed ‘J’adore Cowboys’ while on vacation. Meanwhile, Rhianna is embracing her inner yee haw – the superstar covered Vogue China in a bedazzled cowboy hat.
This isn’t the first time that cowboy-inspired attire has trended – coastal cowgirl and western minimalism were both popular in 2023, with people showing off the niche aesthetics on social media.
If you’re interested in channelling your inner cowgirl, cowboy boots are the first stop in “going country” whilst keeping it cute. You can match them either with an all-black ensemble or a blazer, or try leather leggings tucked into the boots with a tight top and denim jacket. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and allow the boots to make the statement.
Another way to embrace the country trend is to accessorize with a belt featuring a distinctive buckle. It’s an added touch, and any rodeo-inspired belt buckle will be a stylish bonus.
And if you’re interested in donning a Canadian tuxedo, the key to pulling off a denim-on-denim look is to ensure both denim pieces complement one other.
Try incorporating western elements into your existing wardrobe by mixing them with modern pieces, like pairing a classic cowboy hat with a sleek blazer and jeans, or wearing a western-inspired belt with a flowy dress.’
Overall, the current cowboy look resonates with many people, because of its nostalgic charm, versatility and statement-making style.
The clocks have gone forward, so we can all enjoy those light evenings and even lighter early mornings. If you commute to work, your circadian rhythms make it likely you’ve been up since about 6am, maybe even earlier.
Sleep practitioners say there’s a common misconception that we all need eight hours of sleep. This isn’t the case. For most people, eight hours is unrealistic – not even one in five people manage to achieve it. The main thing you should be focusing on is sleep quality.
If you’re getting a good quality night’s sleep, it shouldn’t matter whether you are waking up at 6am or getting your full eight hours every night. However, if you’re getting consistently less sleep, poor quality sleep, your body is very quickly going to become worn out.
NHS GPs and health consultants share some tell-tale signs that the commute is really taking its toll with those early risers. Lack of sleep means a lack of protection of cytokines which makes us more vulnerable to infections. Cytokines are signalling proteins that help control inflammation in your body.
Poor sleep is causing 23 to 45% of the population to lose more than two work weeks’ worth of productivity every year.A tired brain is like a tired muscle that can simply not run the marathon until its rested well enough. Sleep allows your brain to recharge for the next day.
Sleep helps us consolidate our memories, which means the better we sleep, the more likely we are to make those memories stick. The short-term effect of insomnia or poor sleep on memory is increased forgetfulness, as there’s an element of cognitive decline due to brain fatigue.
We also have enough data to be able to say a lack of sleep causes obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Why can we gain weight or get diabetes from a lack of sleep? ‘It adversely affects the metabolism of sugars (glucose) in our bodies
You might want to get yourself some blackout blinds, as a new study has found there are a number of implications of sleeping in a light room. According to researchers in China, leaving the curtains open while you sleep could increase your risk of a stroke by 43%, as light pollution hampers quality rest and puts strain on the body’s organs.
According to the research, exposure to bright light at night ‘could lead to the body’s circadian rhythm suppressing melatonin secretion.’ As a result, triglyceride levels, blood pressure and blood glucose could all increase, triggering vascular conditions.
The best environment for quality sleep
To improve your bedtime conditions for optimum rest, you should keep your room as dark as possible or wear a sleep mask. Darkness is essential for sleep, Even small amounts of light can be disruptive and the lighter your bedroom, the worse the problem.
Also, ensure that your room is the right temperature (around 16-18°C) and you aren’t too warm under the covers. This is because your body needs to lose heat during the night, so being too warm can disturb your sleep.
Beehives and Biba: 60s fashion comes out swinging in 2024
Barbara Streisand once shopped there, Jimi Hendrix was a customer, and John Lennon’s white limo would sometimes pull up outside. Salman Rushdie called it his “60s education in cool”.
Rushdie has written how “to the assorted heads and freaks who hung out there, it was the Mecca, the Olympus, the Kathmandu of hippy chic”.
Inspired by the irreverent spirit of the original, the 2024 digital iteration will work only with second hand clothing and dead stock fabrics. Looking to the brand’s musical roots, excess clothing from the musical merchandising industry will be transformed into limited edition garments.
The retailer’s chief executive, Marlot te Kiefte, hopes to evoke a similar mood as the original and inspire people to “take a step back and appreciate fashion”. She draws a parallel between the 2020s and the 1960s, with widespread political upheaval, a rise in collectivism, as well as an interest in wellbeing, spirituality and psychedelics.
The relaunch comes amid a wider resurgence of 60s culture and fashion. There is a revival of shrunken polo shirts, shift-dress shapes, spacey metallics and short hemlines.
So, beehives are taking centre stage. While in London, a show celebrating all things Biba opened last month at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Founded in 1964, it was one of the world’s first lifestyle brands.
The 60s have come out swinging in high fashion too. At Celine, Twiggy acted as muse for the shift dresses and miniskirts.
The mood seems to be rubbing off on younger generations – on the secondhand site Depop, a favourite with gen Z, searches for miniskirts are up 30%, baker-boy hats by 17% and leopard print by 235%. Polo necks are also trending.
On Pinterest, searches for Biba are up 65% and searches for 60s styles, 60s outfits and shift dresses have risen by 30%. The number of people looking for leopard-print outfit inspiration has increased sevenfold.
What is behind the 60s resurgence? Fashion and the wider world is in a period of upheaval and, perhaps seeking comfort, is in an increasingly nostalgic mood.
The recent deaths of 60s style leaders may also be affecting the mood. Having made miniskirts fashionable, Mary Quant, who died at 93, catalysing a moment of remembrance and celebration of her mark on fashion.
In 2024, a financially strained time in the UK, when “we’re not socialising, not working and not having fun”, the 60s may be particularly appealing. “[Looking back] through rose-tinted glasses, [people] were social, clubs [were] starting, [people were] out and about, exploring new things, [it was] possible … to have fun on little money.”
Welcome to official Summertime, in the UK and around the Northern Hemisphere.
I’m always happier when the days are longer and lighter (who isn’t?) But in my case, I’m especially happier to write about summer fashion.
However, there’s one accessory trending this summer which is unlikely to work its way into my seasonal wardrobe.
Brace yourself…
Shopping trolleys (you know, the kind your granny used to drag down to Tesco’s) are enjoying a resurgence for Summer 2024, minus that ‘grandma’ image. Or so the manufacturers hope.
Shopping trolleys have seen a resurgence in popularity, as Generation Z shuns shoulder bags on the long walk home from the supermarket.
Traditionally the preserve of older women, so-called “granny trolleys” are now being used by younger shoppers, with sales up 78 per cent over the past six months, according to the retailer John Lewis.
Some of the most popular brands include Rolser, which is stocked at John Lewis for £54.95 for a plain black version. A black and white striped “Jet Marina” trolley costs £59.95.
But those looking for an upmarket bag can expect to pay in excess of £170 for a top-of- the-market design, such as those from Sholley – Britain’s “most glamorous shopping trolleys”. For £195 customers can purchase the Victoria Sholley, a lightweight trolley made out of pink ‘mock-crock’ water-resistant fabric that even comes with a matching cape for dogs.
Designs often include an inside pocket for holding purses or mobile phones.
The Spanish clothing retailer Zara launched a £59.95 quilted polyester shopping caddy in grey and khaki.
The brand commented that the trolleys, with zip pockets at the front and back and a snap-button cap for extra security, sold out in Spain within 24 hours of being launched.
Chanel debuted a quilted patent leather trolley for its fall/winter collection. The black design, which cost £6,025, came after the fashion giant Louis Vuitton launched its own trolley, designed by Christian Louboutin for a special.
The LV design featured the fashion house’s iconic monogram combined with Louboutin’s trademark red, alongside golden-brass “trunk” corners and leather ribbons. The trolley is available from second-hand retailers for £20,000.
Regrettably, at whatever price point, I’m not sure I can give this my seal of approval.
Onto this week’s instalment, and we discuss Pheromone perfumes, containing aromas to instantly attract a mate – do they work?
Plus we explore trainers featured in the greatest movies ever and if you’re getting married this summer, it’s all about dressing your bridesmaids in BLACK.
We talk a lot about the most stylish films in existence, but rarely do we ever bring up the besttrainers in movie history. From Michael J Fox’s Nikes in Back to the Future Part II to Uma Thurman’s Onitsuka Tiger in Kill Bill, this is the ultimate list for fans of both movies and footwear.
Aliens(1986) Most sneakers that you see on the big screen can be bought without any dramas. But when Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley was ready to beat the living shit out of some extraterrestrial monstrosity Aliens, she wore a pair of Reebok Alien Stompers that were specially made for the film. Trainer fans loved them so much that they actually dropped, so even if you can’t act like Ripley and you can’t fight like Ripley, at least you can dress like Ripley, which is good enough.
Back to the Future Part II(1989) Ask anyone what the greatest trainer in movie history is, and they’ll probably bring up the Nike Mag from Back To The Future Part 2. Designed by TINKER HATFIELD (the sole-provider behind other Swoosh icons like the Air Max 1 and the Air Jordan 3). Again, these were produced just for the film. But in 2011, NIKE decided to make them a retail reality, and they quickly became some of the priciest on the planet. To put that into context, a size 12 will set you back around £60k.
Batman(1989) Tim Burton’s Batman has got one thing that no other Batman film has: great sneakers. Every single other version of the caped crusader wears a pair of big and rugged boots as part of their suit, but Michael Keaton rocked a heavily-modified version of the Nike Air Trainer 3 instead. It’s difficult to see at first, but if you squint your eyes, you’ll actually see the “Nike Air” logo around the heel.
Do the Right Thing(1989) Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing released in ’89 and was an instant hit with early sneakerheads (and everyone else, to be honest). In the film, Lee – who has an unrivalled collection himself – shone the spotlight on the Air Jordan 4. You might (and you should) recognise the line “He stepped on my brand new white Jordans!,” which is uttered by Buggin Out, who scuffs his ‘White Cements.’
Forrest Gump(1994) Not only did Tom Hanks score his second Oscar for Best Actor (he won his first just the year before), it was also a major moment for the NIKE CORTEZ. Designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in 1972, this was the company’s first track shoe ever. Hanks’ character receives the OG ‘White’ colourway from his love Jenny, and with so much running done in the movie (3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours, to be exact), it’s safe to say that she chose well.
Kill Bill: Volume 1(2003) A cinematic great, Kill Bill: Volume 1 is QUENTIN TARANTINO’S fourth film. Starring Uma Thurman as Widely-regarded as one of the greatest pieces of cinema of all-time about a nameless woman seeking revenge on her former hit squad, the film also has another major star: the ONITSUKA TIGER TAI CHI sneaker. This bright yellow design matches Thurman’s yellow suit, which is in itself a nod to BRUCE LEE’S jumpsuit that he wore in his final film, Game of Death. Oh, and they have “Fuck U” moulded onto the bottom of the soles, too.
Space Jam (1996)
In Michael Jordan’s big screen blockbuster, we are given a glimpse of the Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ in the final scene of the film. Featuring a ballistic mesh base, glossy patent overlays, and an icy blue sole, this exact pair re-released in 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Joe Pytka-directed movie.
Like Mike (2002)
While you might think of Like Mike for Bow Wow’s surprise casting, it deserves remembering as a culturally iconic film thanks to its inclusion of the Nike Blazer. Finding Michael Jordan’s old pair, Bow Wow’s character Calvin becomes an epic basketball player. These white trainers with a blue Swoosh were a unique take on one of Nike’s oldest designs, which first saw the light of day in 1973 and were worn by basketball legend George Gervin, aka, “the Iceman.”
Lost in Translation (2003) Widely-regarded as one of the greatest pieces of cinema of all-time, Lost In Translationa lso happens to have one of the best trainers in movie history. In a scene with Bill Murray’s character Bob Harris, he’s seen in a waiting area wearing the HTM x Nike Air Woven – one of the rarest shoe collabs ever. Short for Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker (the designers and CEO of Nike), these were three of the brightest minds in the footwear industry at the time.
The Terminator(1984) When Kyle Reese faces Terminator, before doing so he needs to be kitted out in, well… clothes. To get them, he robs a department store and leaves with a pair of Nike Vandals. Launched back in the early ’80s when leg warmers were a national craze, the Vandal came complete with a removable ankle strap on the high-top version and adopted a very similar silhouette to that of the Air Force 1.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Although a relatively recent release especially when compared to some of the other movies in this article, The Wolf of Wall Street was filled to the brim with iconic moments, and lest we forget when a drug-filled Jordan has a run-in with his Lambo. During the scene, which sees Leo essentially wreck a supercar worth $118,000 (when it went on sale in 1985), we are given a flash of a pair of Nike Cortezin a white and black colour combo.
Trainspotting (1996)
Based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting is set among working men’s clubs and council estates in Edingburgh. Mark Renton, played masterfully by Ewan and his junkie pals embody ’90s grunge, with his own look consisting of a skin-head, torn cropped tees, drainpipe jeans and the ADIDAS SAMBA SUPER. They were also often spotted on the terraces of big football matches alongside other sneakers like the GAZELLE making it one of the best trainers in movie history.
Picture this: You’re heading out for the evening, ready to mingle. You listen to some jams to get you pumped up, put on your hottest outfit, and, before you leave, spritz on some pheromone perfume. Once you get to your destination, just a mere whiff and a glance cause men and women to fall at your feet. They offer to buy you drinks and beg for your number, hoping that you will bestow the honour of your attention on them.
Can a pheromone perfume really do all that? Hard to say. These perfumes, designed to attract others, contain synthetic pheromones, versions of substances naturally produced by our bodies that can communicate with and entice others.
Pheromone perfume for men is going wild on TikTok. Just one search for the #pheromoneperfume hashtag, and you’ll be bombarded with thousands of videos of people spraying it pre-big night out.
You’ll even find dudes who think it’s a good idea to broadcast to the world that they haven’t washed in three or four days because (apparently) they’re getting laid non-stop. It’s supposed to mix with your own body’s pH and just make you irresistible.
What are pheromone perfumes?
The idea that hormones can affect your sexual attractiveness is nothing new. According to the results of a 2008 experiment, women who were given a specific kind of pheromone found some guys more attractive, while those who weren’t scored the same guys with much lower ratings. But it’s worth noting that this study was small, and similar trials are few.
Pheromone perfumes are fragrances that have been specifically engineered to mimic the effects of natural human pheromone chemicals secreted by the body that influence the behaviour of others, particularly in terms of attraction and social interaction. These perfumes are meant to contain synthetic versions of pheromones like androstenone and androstadienone, aiming to enhance the wearer’s appeal and social connectivity.
Pheromone perfumes for men can come in the form of aftershave, cologne, and oil. And while the biology behind it does make sense, to an extent, TikTok also has the tendency to overhype and exaggerate stuff.
What are the benefits?
Pheromone perfumes claim to aid in enhancing sexual attraction, boosting confidence and improving social interactions. Some people argue they can potentially influence mood, behaviour, and hormone levels, leading to increased perceived attractiveness.
If a person believes it’s working, then they may have a confidence boost and be willing to take more risks, leading to more success.”
Pheromone aftershaves and fragrances can also create a sensorial effect akin to catnip, where they melt into your skin and feel utterly, deliciously addictive,” say fragrance journalists.
Who should avoid using pheromone perfumes?
Individuals with a history of allergies or sensitivity to fragrances should exercise caution. If you’re thinking of using pheromone perfumes as part of your day, it’s worth reaching out to your GP beforehand just to make sure it’s safe for you to use.
Are there any side effects to pheromone perfumes?
Side effects of pheromone perfumes may include skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals. Excessive use or exposure to strong fragrances might trigger headaches, nausea, or dizziness in some users.
These are the top Pheromone aftershaves & perfumes in the UK
Classy And Timeless, Here Are The Best Black Bridesmaid Dresses
There’s something seriously sleek and sophisticated about a bridal party donning black bridesmaid dresses. It’s the colour for 2024 and screams glamour. Black is a colour that is super flattering for allBridesmaids – whist the bride reigns in WHITE. Trust me, your girls will thank you for it later.
For good reason, black dresses hold so much weight in the fashion game (look at the LBD, it’s just so timeless). And due to the versatility of black, these dresses can be worn again and again.
Pretty Lavish knows how to make an affordable yet sophisticated bridesmaid dress. The Amelia Maxi Black Bridesmaid Dress features a flattering one-shoulder detail and can be worn again and again to a variety of formal occasions. What’s not to love?
Club L’s Black Bardot Bow Detail Dress is a sophisticated number that’s great for black-tie events. The gown features a neckline wrapped by a large bow, a sculpting corset bodice and a split-wrapped skirt. Ranging in sizes UK 4-20.
Vintage in silhouette and style, Ghost’s Delphine Satin Maxi Dress is perfect for a more traditional ceremony if you’re looking for a more classic black bridesmaid dress.
You can rely on RIXO – a staple in the world of bridesmaid dressing. The Sandrine V-Neck Midi Dress makes the perfect bridesmaid dress to flatter everyone and can be worn for years to come.
The House Of CB Stefania Black Corset Maxi Dress has got that wow factor, so expect jaws to drop as your bridal party makes its way down the aisle. It has a structured bodice, and lace-trimmed cups and is underwired for full support.
Oh Yes! It’s the END of Winter and the start of British Summer Time.
We’re heading for everyone’s favourite time of the year. I was born on June 21st – Midsummers Day, Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. I am a child of the the Summer Equinox, so you can safely say I’m partial the warmer months of the year. Good riddance winter, and your long dark nights.
But before we leave winter behind us, I just want to flag a current trend that I predicted when I was doing my Xmas shopping late last year.
I bought everyone at Mi-Soul a pair of thermal socks. I don’t think they were truly appreciated because it was a wet winter, rather than cold.
It turns out that thermal socks are actually one of 2024’s Biggest Trends – and this is the proof you need.
Thermal clothing doesn’t exactly scream “style” (which is why nobody thanked me for my gifts). Therefore, it might surprise you to know that a pair of the best thermal socks can actually be the saving grace of your winter outfits. How? Well, whether worn as a discreet option under a pair of trousers, or a knee-high under long boots, thermal socks are versatile enough (and stylish enough) to wear as part of your everyday ensemble.
While we often adopt the mentality that the practicalities of cold weather should outweigh style, thermal socks have come a long way since the days of unsightly pairs you wouldn’t ever want to be on show.
Just look to the spring/summer 2024 catwalks for inspiration. At Victoria Beckham, Givenchy and MSGM, sheer, knee-high socks were on show, adorning everything from pointed pumps to platform sandals, while at Schiaparelli, models worn long white socks scrunched down to their shins with metallic trainers.
Prada’s knee-high socks have been a best-seller for several seasons now – no doubt you’ve seen them all over social media. Models added grey socks to their gold Miu Miu party dresses for the BAFTA Tea Party in January of this year.
Therefore, it goes without saying, if cold feet are restricting your styling choices, they shouldn’t be. Want the ultimate everyday layering piece that’ll keep you warm while allowing you to create a fashion-forward wardrobe? Look no further than Amazon. That’s where I shopped for everyone’s socks.
Moving onto this week’s instalment of Amanda Zips It Up, we discuss some of the awful trends that are back for 2024 and how to wear them. And there’s no escaping chocolate this weekend as we celebrate Easter. I have a list of the most extravagant and luxurious chocolate on the high street right now.
