As the popular host of BBC’s The One Show, Alex Jones, 46, always impresses with her onscreen and red carpet looks.
The Welsh presenter has been at the helm of some major TV moments, including the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Eurovision, and Comic Relief.
A semi-finalist on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and a busy mum-of-three, Alex has unveiled her latest edit with British clothing label Cotton Traders, of which she is an ambassador, with an array of cosy off-duty separates that allow us to steal her style from just £29.
Founded in 1987 by former rugby players Fran Cotton and Steve Smith, the British brand specialises in quality casual clothing for women and men inspired by its namesake fabric. It has 87 stores across the UK and well as the online site.
To celebrate the launch, we spoke to Alex about her refreshingly down to earth approach to parenting, her dream guests for The One Show and her fashion must-haves for busy mothers…
Hi Alex. How would you describe your style?
“Well, right now I am fresh from playgroup and a run! But usually my style is very much inspired by anything French. I like trench coats, blazers and jeans, clothes that are well cut, and wearing good quality basics that you can mix and match. I'm a coat fanatic, I love shopping for jackets and coats.”
What or who inspires your looks?
“I love looking through magazines; it’s a little treat with the weekly shop. I also use Pinterest boards for styling inspiration and then go into my wardrobe to see how to make outfits from what I’ve already got. Plus, there are various people on Instagram who I follow – not necessarily celebrities.”
Do you have a style crush?
“I love Olivia Palermo’s clothes, I think she always looks great. And also Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham – again, their style is quite classic.”
Tell us about your role as ambassador for Cotton Traders…
“The main thing that I love about them is that they are a British company. When I felt the samples, I was blown away by the quality. The price point is also really good, so overall they felt like a really good match for me. It's kind of an extension of the style I already have.”
What are you most excited about wearing from this edit?
"My favourite piece is probably the wool-look pink coat, £65. It's a good smart/casual item, really good with a pair of jeans, but equally lovely over a dress. There’s also a white suit and I love that you can wear the jacket and trousers with something else, or all together. It’s a fab material, really comfortable, but looks great.”
As a mother of three, how do you juggle the work:life balance? What pearls of wisdom can you share with other busy working parents?
“I wish I knew the secret, but I don't. It's chaos most days. I don't know whether the balance really exists. I give myself the hardest time because like a lot of women, I work full time. Although, I'm lucky because I do have some time in the mornings to spend with the children. But when they’re at school, I'm not there then to pick them up or to put them to bed in the evenings.
"We’re all trying our best and if you feel you're giving it your all (and I don't know any mother who isn't), then you can't do any more. Some weeks are better than others and you've just got to go with the flow.”
You’ve been hosting The One Show for over 13 years now, what have been your most memorable moments?
“It feels like a lifetime when you say it like that, but then again, also like I've only been there for a couple of years because every day is so different. There have been so many memorable moments, like when a Dalek fainted on set, but we happened to be interviewing the Head of the NHS on the sofa, so he went over and assisted. Things that you can’t make up!
"I’ve also had a Christmas present wrapping competition with Keanu Reeves and I got to wear one of Marilyn Monroe's old dresses. There have been so many different guests. It's like the best conveyor belt in the world.”
Who has been your favourite guest and who would you like to interview?
“I would love to interview the Prince and Princess of Wales, they'd be really good. The first time I interviewed Elton John I kept thinking “we've listened to so many of this man’s albums on holiday and here he is!”. But he was lovely. As was Dolly Parton. The biggest stars are brilliant at instantly putting everybody at ease. That's why they are so well loved, because they've just got a way with people. Usually the more famous the guests are, the easier they are – and the more low key!”
What would be your perfect day off and what would you wear?
“It would start with successfully dropping the children off at school without any tears. And then Charlie (Alex’s husband) and I would head for a really nice brunch somewhere, maybe in Notting Hill. Then we'd go to a big antiques fair, or the Affordable Art Fair, and afterwards, we’d go for a late lunch with some wine, then finish by going to see a show in the West End. I'd wear jeans, a nice shirt, a trench coat and some ballet pumps.”
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
“I do, but they’re not anything major. Mostly I’d like to do a little bit more cooking (because mine is appalling) and, frankly, I need to extend my ability past fish fingers. Also, I'm going to try and read more books this year. I always try and pick things that are quite joyful, that will enhance my life as opposed to restrict it.”
Shop Alex Jones’ edit for Cotton Traders in stores and online now.
