34 S MAGAZINE ★ 28 JULY 2019
especially as a mother to teenage
girls. I love designer shoes but
I limit myself to buying one pair
a year, usually around my birthday.
Which are your favourite high-
street stores? River Island is my
favourite. I like Primark for basics
and get jeans from Topshop. Karen
Millen is as expensive as I’ll go.
Do you own anything vintage?
A few things might be vintage just
because I’ve had them so long.
One of my favourite items is a
Jodeci T-shirt from my first concert
when I was 12 years old.
Are you any good at sewing?
Yes. I have started to make my
own clothes and now I’ll see
something in a store and think
about how I could make it myself.
My girls have their own business
making T-shirts, too.
What made you start your own
YouTube channel? I’ve always
been someone people turn to for
advice and I love helping people,
so I created it as a way to share
my tips. I have no desire to be
a “celebrity” but if I can do
something with the fact that I’m
in the public eye, that’s great.
Also, a few years ago I started on
my natural hair journey, which was
a huge thing for me – I’d had
straight hair my whole adult life- so I began documenting that.
What else are you working on?
I performed at the Mighty Hoopla
festival in June, which was my first
time onstage since having my
18-month-old daughter. I was very
nervous but it reignited the flame
and I’ve been in the studio since
then. I’m working on an album. I’m
also in the process of creating my
PHOTOGRAPHS: TESSA HALLMANN own hair products. For the past
In the closet with
Pop star Jamelia, 38, may be known
for three albums and seven UK top
10 singles, including See It In A
Boy’s Eyes and Superstar, but she
has many strings to her bow. She
has been a Loose Women panellist,
taken part in Bear Grylls: Mission
Survive and Strictly Come Dancing,
discusses parenting, style and
beauty on JameliaDotCom, her
YouTube channel, shares podcast
Satin Pillow Talk with her husband
and makes her own clothes. She
lives near Birmingham with her
husband and three daughters.
How would you describe your
style? I made a recent decision to
overhaul my style as, after having
my daughter, I had got into a habit
of dressing frumpy and wearing
my husband’s tracksuits. I read
a workbook, The Curated Closet,
which helped me identify my style
then did a purge. Now everything
I wear makes me feel comfortable
and confident. Onstage, however, I
think, “What would Beyoncé wear?”
Which colours and shapes suit
you? I love greens, reds, blues,
then black, white and denim. I like
bodycon stuff. Wearing form-fitting
clothes helps me make healthier
choices with food and exercise.
Which is your favourite fashion
era? I’m drawn to the 90s. Women
seemed to choose clothing based
on being comfortable – and it
looked so effortless.
Who is your style icon? I love
Rihanna. I love her bravery and
her style is unapologetic and
artistic yet seems very authentic.
She always looks amazing.
Do you own more high street or
high end? Definitely high street.
I think the high street is fantastic,Jamelia
The singer rocks in homemade gear and
designer heels Words and styling by Laura Mulley
Above left: Jamelia
bought this comfy
grey top and
skirt from RepublicLeft: The singer
teams her favourite
Joni jeans with
a shirt, both from
TopshopBelow: She likes to
splurge on designer
shoes occasionally,
like these heels by
Jimmy Choo, Gucci,
Alexander McQueen
and Saint Laurent