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Mary Queen of Shops

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Mary Portas, Where to watch: BBC America)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Expert saves boutiques from fashion faux pas; OK for teens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series highlights what small independent clothing retailers need to do in order to make their businesses successful. On the downside, sexist remarks about women’s behavior and attitude are occasionally made by clueless and/or frustrated shop owners.

  • Role models:

    Portas offers blunt but smart advice to help small clothing retailers survive among large high-end retailers. But not all business owners are willing to listen or take her advice.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional arguments between Portas and stubborn retailers.

  • Sex:

    Occasional sexual innuendo related to looking sexually attractive and being able to maneuver during sexual activity in bad outfits.

  • Language:

    Language including curses like “a--hole," “bulls--t,” and "f--k." The version edited for American television bleeps some of these words.

  • Consumerism:

    Given the context of the show, it's not surprising that clothing and fashion brands -- including French Connection, Prada, Zara, and Colette -- are prominently featured. References are also made to magazines like Elle and Hello! and fashion oriented-shows like Sex and the City.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible cigarette smoking. Wine, champagne, and cocktails are frequently served and consumed at fashion events.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Mary Queen of Shops

Parents need to know that, like many British shows, this reality import -- in which independent clothing businesses are made over with the help of fashion retail expert Mary Portas -- has its share of strong language (though the strongest words are bleeped for American broadcast), as well as some sexual innuendo, smoking, and drinking. Not surprisingly, major clothing labels (Prada, French Connection, Zara, etc.) are prominently featured. Because of its subject matter, the series will probably appeal to teens interested in fashion and/or fashion retail.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about fashion trends. Who determines what's “fashionable”? How is the media used to communicate these trends to consumers? Does the media have an impact on the way trends change over time?
  • What are some of your favorite fashion trends? Least favorite? Why do some clothing trends come back over time?
  • What kind of training do you need go into the fashion retail industry? Is it just about knowing the latest trends, or do you need to study business and marketing in order to be successful?
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