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How to be more like Amanda from Motherland?

103 replies

xmas1990 · 05/12/2023 11:28

How to be more like an Amanda when I'm very much Julia?

Using for context, if anyone watched the show you'll get what I mean!

OP posts:
Bringonthesunforthewashing · 09/12/2023 18:28

@Delatron thank you for not spoiling it 😊.

I just kept expecting something funny to happen, like Marion was in a deep sleep or something, but no! 😔.

RIP Marion

Delatron · 09/12/2023 19:08

Bringonthesunforthewashing · 09/12/2023 18:28

@Delatron thank you for not spoiling it 😊.

I just kept expecting something funny to happen, like Marion was in a deep sleep or something, but no! 😔.

RIP Marion

Me too! I couldn’t quite believe it.

I did think it was very well done but I wasn’t expecting to have a cry on Christmas Eve (or whenever it was aired!!).

MeinKraft · 09/12/2023 19:16

AppropriateAdult · 09/12/2023 14:56

It's really interesting how people are describing Julia's clothes as more fashionable than Amanda's - this may be true, but the end result is that she generally looks (very deliberately) terrible. I think of her as spending most of her time in mom jeans or tracksuit bottoms and a stained sweatshirt. Lots of what is fashionable isn't at all flattering - Amanda's clothes may be behind the times but she knows what looks good on her and sticks to it. Style >> fashion every time.

Well it's that middle class thing of throwing together an expensive but not very matchy outfit and looking kind of stylishly rumpled. Bit like the kids who's parents dress them in clashing scandi type clothes and never brush their hair.

IMO Meg is the most stylish. I love the block colours and nice coats she wears, she almost always looks put together.

AppropriateAdult · 09/12/2023 20:00

I think it's a step beyond the stylish middle-class rumpled look - Julia often looks as if she's rolled out of bed and straight out the front door. (That's not a dig at AMM, obviously - I think it's a very deliberate character choice.) I do think Meg looks the most put together without looking try-hard, as Amanda often does.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 13:17

I'm just rewatching just for the outfits and on episode 4. Julia's outfits are trendier up to yet. I wouldn't wear any of Amanda's clothes but you can see her figure in them so doesn't look really frumpy.

Just realised episode 4 is the pool party one. Julia doesn't look like normal Julia 😂.

Maireas · 10/12/2023 13:31

Nope. I've watched it from the start. Julia always looks a mess. Not even in a trendy/relaxed/stylish way. I thought it was deliberate.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 13:58

Maireas · 10/12/2023 13:31

Nope. I've watched it from the start. Julia always looks a mess. Not even in a trendy/relaxed/stylish way. I thought it was deliberate.

She doesn't in the first few episodes.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 14:00

I've seen them all too.

She's got a pink t-shirt, jeans & pink loafers in this episode which I'd prefer to a lace mini dress.

Amanda is prettier and well put together though.

Maireas · 10/12/2023 14:01

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 13:58

She doesn't in the first few episodes.

Show quote history

Well, taste is subjective of course.
I think the character is supposed to be a bit of a mess and it's reflected in her unflattering choice of clothing.

reallyfedup123 · 10/12/2023 14:03

Amazing thread!

SlothOfDespair · 10/12/2023 14:13

Completely irrelevant... but when Julia goes swimming, she takes my (M&S) towels.

Maireas · 10/12/2023 14:18

SlothOfDespair · 10/12/2023 14:13

Completely irrelevant... but when Julia goes swimming, she takes my (M&S) towels.

Now that shows good taste!

happyandhopefull · 10/12/2023 14:23

I'm neither stylish like Julia or styled like Amanda, but what I have tried recently and is helping, is having my morning essentials in the same place. Sounds simple but I'm much more likely to put some moisturiser and make up or perfume on, when it's right there, when I get out the shower (even on the days I don't get time for a shower).

FKATondelayo · 10/12/2023 14:32

Just a reminder that Motherland pilot was 2016, Season 1 was filmed in 2017, Season 2 in 2019, Season 3 in 2021 and Xmas special last year. It doesn't make sense therefore to sit at the end of 2023 and call any of the looks 'dated' given that at the time they were height of fashion for each of the 'mum' types. Liz - primark skinny jeans, fast fashion; Amanda - Boden & Lush Yummy Mummy and Julia PR edgy / man repeller insta look.

FKATondelayo · 10/12/2023 14:33

It's like complaining about Sybil Fawlty's hair being a bit 70s.

AppropriateAdult · 10/12/2023 14:38

In the first few episodes she's still working outside the home so her outfits are more corporate. Once she stops having an office to go to it's drawstring trackies all the way.

Delatron · 10/12/2023 14:38

Good point! I didn’t realise it started 8 years ago.

They nailed pretty much everything with this series, different fashion styles included.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 14:43

AppropriateAdult · 10/12/2023 14:38

In the first few episodes she's still working outside the home so her outfits are more corporate. Once she stops having an office to go to it's drawstring trackies all the way.

Yes, she definitely let's herself go in later episodes.

MrsVeryTired · 10/12/2023 15:02

I think the main thing with Amanda is she is very much dressed for the male gaze (not dissing this, its a way of dressing), so clothes that show off her (fab) body, no wacky v trendy fashions, very much each item chosen to be flattering, look attractive.

Agree with those who have said Julia has some v trendy pieces but throws them together v haphazardly to fit her more chaotic character.

WhickDittington · 10/12/2023 15:27

Why would you want to be like Amanda? She’s awful, nouveau-riche and without taste.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 16:22

Season 2 it happens. Julia is wearing over sized sweatshirt and joggers with socks & crocs.

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 16:24

GonksAreNotJustForChristmas · 10/12/2023 16:22

Season 2 it happens. Julia is wearing over sized sweatshirt and joggers with socks & crocs.

And an awful massive blazer.

Meg's clothes are gorgeous.

BananaSplitsss · 10/12/2023 16:27

cuthbertthecat · 06/12/2023 07:54

Surely being PR in FMLG means Julia would have to be bang on trend? I love how her look changes.

I love how Liz seems to basically wear what was cool before she got pregnant and hasn't changed since except when she tried on Amanda's coat.

I love Meg's stuff (that's closest to my taste).

But most of all surely it's Mrs Lambs jumpers?

love Irene’s, sorry, Mrs Lambs jumpers 🤣

Hotttchoc · 18/05/2024 22:26

I'd like to be an Amanda but it would involve straightening my hair daily and I don't have the time or inclination to frazzle my hair

unfortunately I just don't look polished with my natural hair

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 18/05/2024 22:54

Hotttchoc · 18/05/2024 22:26

I'd like to be an Amanda but it would involve straightening my hair daily and I don't have the time or inclination to frazzle my hair

unfortunately I just don't look polished with my natural hair

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