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Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Mary Portas: Queen of Frocks



People, guess who that is in the stripey A.L.C dress chatting to Mary Portas on last night's episode of Queen of Frocks? I'll give you a clue: forty-something style blogger with the initials TNMA. Yes. It's me! And after reading all the tweets about Liz Jones' cosmetic enhancement and Robert Smith-inspired eyeliner, I'm relieved that you only get to see the back of my head. Not that I have a scary, frozen face to hide. No, I like to keep it natural. Wrinkles, wonky teeth and all. Anyhow. In August, That's Not My Age was invited to preview the Mary & House of Fraser shop-within-a-shop, Channel 4 were filming and as predicted most of the footage ended up on the cutting room floor. Phew. But you can read my review of the collection here.

You know how much I love Mary Portas because I've told you so, here and here. I find her mesmerising. Brilliant, talented and funny. And she looks amazing. Portas-tic. Though I disagree with her comments on female politicians and old biddies, I know she's right about Kate Middleton. Right to focus her new business venture on women over forty. Portas admits she's no designer - so there's definitely an element of risk involved in this project - though having Antonio Berardi on speed dial and a three hour-long TV series certainly helps!

Have you seen Mary Queen of Frocks? Or the Mary & House of Fraser collection? What do you think?
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16 comments:

  1. Susan B12 October 2011 at 14:06

    Wow, congratulations! I wish we could get her shows here... :-(

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  2. sylvia @ 40PlusStyle12 October 2011 at 14:39

    I love Mary Portas and always watch her show while travelling! Unfortunately not much of her on television here in Singapore! How great that you got to meet her.

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  3. Sharon S12 October 2011 at 14:58

    Hi there! I love her 7 piece collection that I viewed online and I do love watching her programmes too, hope she does well at House of Fraser.

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  4. mispapelicos12 October 2011 at 15:20

    I would love to be able to.
    Perhaps I could try in internet.
    You are fabulous and always so kind.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  5. materfamilias12 October 2011 at 15:29

    Looks like a great line -- wish it were available here!

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  6. Ellen12 October 2011 at 15:50

    Loved it and her. And if I'd known that was you, I'd have been much more excited.
    I spent much of the episode trying to explain to the Panther of News what was good about Mary. Not sure he got it.
    I did take a tiny bit of issue with her saying that "most women read the Daily Mail". But I'll forgive her.

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  7. Vix12 October 2011 at 16:56

    I love her although those comments are a bit harsh!
    Haven't seen the show, it clashes with that Keith Allen thing on the beeb. I'll have to catch it online just so I can admire your back. x

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  8. amanda12 October 2011 at 17:46

    Generally I like Mary but the thing I am finding most interesting is her interaction with the focus group or "real women" that she is using to test her range. It seems to me that ignoring the body suit they sent in the first episode because she doesn't like its shape or size makes them rather irrelevant to the whole process! On a positive note though I do like the fact she's using "older models" in the ad campaign.

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  9. finchleygirl12 October 2011 at 17:47

    I spotted you, even from the back!! Might go and check out the clothes myself.

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  10. Semi Expat12 October 2011 at 18:56

    Yaaay! Well, you already know how much I love Mary P. and this latest tv prog. - really, really happy that they are airing it whilst I am here and you know what? - I THOUGHT it was you in the stripes last night on tv!! How exciting. (not loving how Liz Jones looked / came across though last night I have to admit!) Congratulations TNMA !x

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  11. Style At Every Age12 October 2011 at 19:57

    I knew you had gone there to meet her as you mentioned it at the time I think, but I didn't realise it was you last night. I thought Liz Jones looked weird and her hair was a mess and all that Benefit High Beam (or similar from a higher end brand) on her cheeks was not good on a woman her age! My husband actually said he is mesmerised by MP and could watch her programmes all day, every day. Praise indeed.

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  12. the nyanzi report12 October 2011 at 22:21

    she is a force to reckon with. i also like the collaboration she has done with clarks.

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  13. That's Not My Age13 October 2011 at 09:22

    Amanda - yes, I like the real women - particularly Pen - and I'd like to see more of them!

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  14. Penny Dreadful Vintage13 October 2011 at 13:41

    Ooh you met Queen Mary, fabulous! xx

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  15. Make Do Style13 October 2011 at 19:16

    Well you know how enthused I am! Also it is working in that for me her collection offers a host of solutions for my clients & I love 2 pairs of the Clarksville collection - well designed and good price point.

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  16. Anonymous17 October 2011 at 23:33

    Wow. So happy to have found you...

    Mary is the living embodiment of dressing to suit your style, not your age - our favourite!

    www.coolstylepost50.wordpress.com

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