Bring out the gimp

I am so enjoying wearing this Amma Gyan leather jewellery - a gift from a friend who is very in tune with my lust for quirky handwear. Loyal readers and friends will know that I am a massive fan of Mor Jewellery (in Ganton Street, London). I love Mor for its uniqueness, for fusing textiles and metalwork and it's general spot-on-ness and Amma Gyan, with her use of moulded leather and metal, fits nicely into the same oeuvre.

I very much doubt that it was in Amma's mind when she designed it but I see in these Dot Rings a knowing wink to the ball gag (as modelled by Betty Page below and made infamous in Pulp Fiction). Maybe it's that it was chosen by a dear friend, or the fact that it feels just a little on the naughty side, but it makes me smile when I see it and I look forward to wearing it for years to come.

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Trend: The Statement Necklace

I am great believer in making an outfit work hard and what better way than to accessorise with a statement necklace. I love getting away with wearing a really simple black outfit with a distracting bold piece of jewellery.

The Anton Heunis and Mawi pieces below are both eye-wateringly expensive but I have noticed a real trend for necklaces just like these that combine different styles.

Above: Anton Heunis with a chunky chain and fussy settings

Above: Mawi heap it on with three rows of jewels, gems and chain

I was thrilled to discover the Oh Sew Vintage label at a vintage fair recently (see below). It's designer, Emma Golding, incorporates all manner of vintage fabrics, beading and broaches into gorgeous, one-off pieces at much more pocket-friendly prices. Who needs to take out a second mortgage on a Lanvin necklace when you could get one of these pieces for around the £40 mark?

Above: Oh Sew Vintage

...something old, something new...

Shopping for an outfit for a wedding can be really tricky. Here are a few of my hot tips for getting it right.

New: just discovered a beautiful boutique called May in Notting Hill. Unique, classic pieces ideal for girl who wants to flatter her curves at a formal, city wedding. These are sharp, tailored pieces that are bold and stylish.www.mayshop.co.uk (see below). They even do shoes and bags so you could get the whole outfit here.

Vintage: Avoid the humiliation of turning up in the same thing as someone else by going vintage. Step away from busy Portobello Road into Still, a quiet oasis of clean, lovingly presented and reasonably priced vintage fashion. Owner Sophie is very knowledgeable about her stock and the history of each piece and is a joy to talk to. She has also developed her own line that combines the best of vintage shapes with really individual stitching and dying. Either line is great for a wedding in the country or where you want to impress the women folk by wearing something enviably unique. Lancaster Road, Notting Hill.

Borrow: If you find yourself in the situation where you have multiple weddings why not borrow something. Clothes swaps are an option but you might also consider hiring something from www.girlmeetsdress.com. Browse by size, by label and even pick up hats and bags. It's really easy. You order, try, return within a day and then, once you are happy, order it for the big occasion. GMD will even let you borrow from 2-7 nights. This is a great way to wear a Lanvin, Chloe or Alexander McQueen but paying a fraction of the price. I love this jade Stella McCartney dress (below) for hire at £299 but there are more pocket friendly pieces like this purple, belted Proenza Schouler dress for £69.

Re-wear: If you buy wisely, you can easily wear an outfit more than once if you style it cleverly. Why not go to Mor Jewelry (12 Ganton Street, London, W1F 7QS) to buy a one off statement piece of jeweler at a reasonable price. Semi-precious stone earrings will cost between £40-£60, gorgeous necklaces reminiscent of Connie Nielsen's jewellry in Gladiator for £80-£140. You'll need to save up for this treat but I speak from experience when I say that I am asked where my jeweler is from every time. 12 Ganton Street,W1F 7QS. Very dramatic pieces.