Jennifer James is an actress probably best known for her role in Coronation Street. The 35-year-old lives with her husband, the actor Lee Boardman, and two young children, in Knutsford. As if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, Jennifer is also a patron of the Beechwood Cancer Care Centre in Stockport.
What do you wear to work?
Day to day, because I’m a busy mum and my husband and I are launching an acting school for children, comfort is my main aim. I like to be relaxed and don’t think too much about it, so I would normally team a pair of skinny jeans, with a vest top and layer it with either a shirt or loose top, and flat boots.
What do you wear for a big night out?
Because most days I’m in casual wear, I LOVE to dress up for a big night out. If it’s a really special occasion I go to an indie boutique called ‘Fabric’ in Monton, where the owner Leigh James always helps me find something truly amazing to wear. She’s a stylist and a designer. She dressed me in a floor-length black corseted dress she’d designed, for one of our charity balls. I felt phenomenal. She’s so lovely, and always goes that extra mile.
Your biggest fashion mistake?
In 2003 for some reason, I convinced myself that I should buy a full-length flared black leather coat with a zip that stopped mid-thigh. I look back at photos and cringe. I look like something from The Matrix, but not in a good way.
Tell us about the last occasion you stepped out feeling fabulous.
I went to a ladies’ lunch last month in aid of the amazing Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, as Lee and I have just become patrons. I wore a fitted black bodycon dress from ASOS and even though it’s a really simple dress, I teamed it with some high heels, had my curls loose and felt just right for a lunchtime event.
Your favourite labels?
I don’t really buy many designer clothes, preferring high street clothes. But on a few occasions I have been loaned gorgeous designer dresses. I wore a beautiful red full-length Diane Von Furstenburg dress for the National Television Awards that I adored, and a green Vivienne Westwood corset and fitted black skirt for another awards night, which was really special. My favourite high street store is probably Zara, as I like the wide range of classic styles you can get there at a reasonable price.
Who do you consider to be the most stylish man and woman of the past century?
Audrey Hepburn had such a graceful, classic style and always looked impeccable. The man I find a bit harder, maybe George Clooney or David Beckham.
What fragrance do you wear?
I adore Emporio Armani-She and Calvin Klein’s -CKOne. They’re both quite light fragrances that can suit day or night.
What are your favourite beauty products?
About four months ago I started using the new Avon Anew Clinical pro line corrector cream, and have been genuinely impressed with the results on my wrinkles. I would also be lost without my MAC eyelash curlers and ‘Lancôme Hypnose Drama’ mascara, as the combination of the two help me look like I do have long eyelashes, when I don’t really.
Are you a gym body?
I used to go to the gym a lot, but now I run outside as it’s easier to fit in, rather than a whole gym session. I’ve also committed to doing the 2014 London Marathon for Marie Curie, so have got some very long runs ahead of me.
How do you unwind after a busy week?
Life is manic at the moment being a mum, actress and setting up our own children’s acting school (www.actortribe.co.uk). To be honest, even just a long bath, and having chance to read a book, feel like the best things in the world, and they really help.
Do you have a grooming tip you swear by?
My hair is naturally curly and gets knotty easily. I used to hate trying to get a brush through it, until I discovered the ‘Tangle Teezer’. It’s fantastic, I use it when my hair is wet with conditioner on it, and it glides through it. Then I apply ‘Paul Mitchell sculpting foam’ to make my hair curl beautifully and smell of coconut. n
For information about Beechwood Cancer Care Centre and how it supports patients and their families, please visit www.beechwoodcancercare.org.uk
