Mental (Colour) Block

Trend CBT: Slowly and surely widespread exposure to AW11's gorgeous colour combinations are changing my behaviour. These gum-drop colours, blocked within one key piece are re-programming the stripe addict in me. As someone once said to me 'you can't have the same favourite flavour of ice cream your whole life' and I'm getting a bit bored of stripes. And this could just be the solution.

Above: Sonia Rykiel AW11

Above: Jonathan Saunders AW11 scarf

The moodboard for this look, and what it means to me and my waning relationship with stripes, is perfectly encapsulated in both the blocked colours of the 80s shutdown screen of the BBC and all those hours I spent as a child optimistically staring at it hoping for something to change...

Style note to self: Wear with black wardrobe staples and gold or brass jewellery (from Mor Jewellery)

...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.