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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Live webchat with Mary Portas on Monday 10 May (1-2pm). PLUS, if you're over 40, a chance to take part in her next C4 series

326 replies

HelenMumsnet · 06/05/2010 10:11

Retail guru and television presenter Mary Portas will be joining us for a live webchat on Monday 10 May from 1-2pm to discuss shopping, style and her brand new fashion crusade for women over 40.

As a mother of two, Mary juggles a television career and writing a weekly shop review column in the Telegraph with running Yellowdoor, her successful retail-branding and communications agency.

Mary's about to start filming a new Channel 4 TV series that will follow her quest to fill the gap in the fashion market for fabulous, forty-plus women.

She particularly wants to know:

  • Do you think your fashion needs are served by high-street retailers?

  • When you shop for fashion, is it as fun and easy an experience as it was when you were younger or do you find it a trial?

  • Is there a brand on the high street that gives you what you want?

  • What are the brands that are failing you?

  • Would you rather see a picture of a woman your own age marketing the brands you buy or are you happy to see youthful, perfect faces?

Mary knows shops and shopping better than anyone and she'll be ready to answer all of your shopping quandaries, from where to find the best service to where to shop for the best one-offs.

Television cameras will be following Mary as she takes part in the live webchat. Your comments may be used in the television show but we won't identify you.

As part of the television series, Mary is also looking for opinionated women who will be part of her focus group, advising her on anything from where to buy the best-fitting dress to road-testing whole fashion collections.

This will involve a number of days filming in London over the next six months and will cover travel expenses for these days.

If you're interested in being involved please email [email protected] with your name, your MN nickname, your contact details and why you think you should be part of the show.

Thanks, MNHQ

OP posts:
domesticslattern · 10/05/2010 14:17

I think Boffinmum has a point. When I was younger and thinner I didn't identify with the models then either. It is just that I found it easier to get away with wearing cheap clothing.

It's as I have got older and my shape has changed that it gets harder and harder to carry off flimsy fabrics, poor cuts, lazy finishing, styles which are designed for a "straight-up straight-down" figure. It's more about that than the models, for me.

I think in ten years of buying three fashion mags a month I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen something in the mag and gone out to buy it. The mags seem to inhabit another planet. I wonder why I keep buying them?

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:17

Chimchar: More than happy to back the campaign.

Delighted so many have signed up, hope the rest follow suit. Come on those who are still considering like Next, BHS and Primark it looks really bad for your business - pull your finger out and show us your money.

littlelapin · 10/05/2010 14:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:19

What do you think I should call the shop? Any ideas? If you come up with the perfect name for the shop, I'll dress you in the perfect outfit

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:20

arf a LL mowing the lawn in LOuboutins

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:20

ggirl: The answer is yes they do make you look bigger>

Housemum · 10/05/2010 14:20

How about the whole 80's idea of the "capsule wardrobe"? I can't believe I have so many clothes yet still end up being lazy and keeping things just-in-case, then wearing the same old stuff. Gok Wan's programme promised this idea, but when you analyse what he did, it was basically one or 2 items with tons of accessories. You'd quickly be here-she-is-in-the-same-frock-again. How much is too much? How much do you really need? Sorry, rambling a bit...

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:21

Help the 40's

champagnesupernova · 10/05/2010 14:21

Quite Contrary
(to the rest of the tat on the high street)

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:21

Littlelapin: It is totally about the platform and the make. And Clarks are so good at this, and that's why I want to work on this with them. You are so right

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:22

damn

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:22

contrary mary

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:23

Thank you so much, you've not only been interesting but thoroughly entertaining. You've got great attitude and I could go on all day. If any of you would like to take part in a filmed focus group and be part of my team - please email [email protected]

Thanks again and see you in the shop.

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:23

can you spell out classics I should start acquiring?

Birdly · 10/05/2010 14:23

40 not out!

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:24

thanks Mary
look forward to your shop

tiktok · 10/05/2010 14:24

Thanks, Mary Good luck with the shop.

(never did find out about your hair )

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:25

Oh sorry one last thing Joel at John Freida cuts my hair....

domesticslattern · 10/05/2010 14:26

thanks Mary
I will be an interloper in her 30s in your shop.

chimchar · 10/05/2010 14:26

thanks so much mary!

brimfull · 10/05/2010 14:28

Come back when we're all banging on about finding a good raincoat..should be in a few months time.

littlelapin · 10/05/2010 14:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:31

ggirl and those who asked about the classics.

At the moment a v slim legged trousers - always 2 dresses in your wardrobe to wear casually or with a heel

V difficult to wear separates well if you've put on weight
Always a great jacket can update any look
I have jackets that have been in wardrobe for years

People think baggy trousers look good - but slim trousers with a comfy high shoe...

And ggirl you can buy your breton top, but it will make you look larger - so best if you're tall and can carry off the look with jeans and flats.

MaryPortas · 10/05/2010 14:31

And now I really am gone - goodbye!

squeaver · 10/05/2010 14:40

Name of shop = FFFQ or FQubed (geddit?) or TripleFQ

(for fit, fashion, flattery, quality)