A look at the lookbook: the debut collection by Mary Portas

Of her collection, Mary says: 'I’m going to get straight to the point about what we are doing here. As a generation, us grown-up women are modern, cool and want contemporary fashion that works for our lifestyle and comes in at an affordable price' Photograph: PR

She says: 'My fashion needs began to change at around my 43rd birthday. Fashion that worked for me in my 30s stopped giving me the look I wanted. I remember clearly...' (Utility Shirt, Peony £95.00; Low Rise Jean, Poppy £75.00; La Wesley Court, Gold £89.99; Cleopatra Bracelet £125.00) Photograph: PR

Portas continues: 'I was at a famous store trying on boho gear and far from looking cool, I looked like a drowned lampshade. From that moment on, the mantra 'edit your trends carefully' was seared into my brain' (Cobalt Antonio dress £200) Photograph: PR

Leather features in Portas' collection, something which prompted Janet Street Porter to ask whether any woman over 40 can get away with such an unforgiving fabric. Mary clearly thinks so. (Leather dress £300) Photograph: PR

Portas also emphasises the importance of 'grown-up fashion' for women, a clear inspiration behind this blazer (Whistles Ashley satin double breasted blazer £195) Photograph: PR

To find out more about the Mary Portas collection, click here (Mary Five Hundred Shift Dress, Green £150.00; Holloway bag in orange £129.00; Almost Opaque 40 Indigo tights £9.50;v La Antoinette shoes Animal £110.00) Photograph: PR