Entranced of London...

I am completely enraptured by Christian Dior's S/S 2011 Paris show. Seeing a glimpse of these dreamy dresses in someone's magazine on the tube today (yes, I'm one of those annoying people who piggybacks on other peoples' reading material) I felt as though I'd woken with a start from hibernation. It was something about the clash of hazy colours with red lips and the feel of gossamer lightness strapped in by snakeskin that did for me. I felt a jolt. The sort of sensation I had when I first saw Venice or that slightly faint realisation that you've fallen in love. You can't help but be transported. I relished every detail; the shiny coiffured locks; the dusting of antiqued metals; the faded elegance. For me, it's these sorts of images that make fashion so exciting. I can feel the transformative power in Galliano's vision - his ability to make magic, to conjure up a narrative. I'm in this story, and it's heady with perfume, with power and potential. It's New Look meets the 80's meets Dita Von Teese. I love it!

£10 WEDDING DRESS CHALLENGE

As you'll have read a few posts back- I was challenged to make a wedding dress for a tenner by BBC Breakfast TV. Well - I did it and had to pop onto the sofa to prove it! Have a look at the results here at BBC on-line and check out the report I did for The Guardian.

One day in London - two top hats

Sometimes I like living in London. It's fun being surrounded by hats!

The £10 wedding dress

Coming up this Saturday on BBC Breakfast TV: I've taken up the challenge to create a wedding dress for a tenner. Tune in to see what I managed to achieve! All will be revealed.
PS
If you're organising a shoestring wedding this year - I'd love to hear your story.
Drop me a line!

Biscuits by post

I was lucky enough to receive a lovely box of biscuits over Christmas from a very generous friend. They're from Biscuiteers - who produce delicious and delightful treats like the ones featured here. You can order biscuits in all sorts of styles and for loads of different occasions - and prices start from around £8. There's also a book so you can learn how to make these stylish biscuits yourself- a great budget option. I love the idea of an alternative to flowers - and the tins are great for keeping things in afterwards. I think I know what all my friends will be getting this year!

Name change

Sorry to confuse everyone but I've decided the New Year merits a change of blog title as well as of design. Goodbye Make Your Way Around Britain - hello Chic on a Shoestring! Similar content - but more emphasis on style on a budget. If the book's about that - then why not the blog too? Streamline and simplify. I feel it's a good way to start 2011 whether it applies to on-line outlets, life or your wardrobe!

Chic on a Shoestring

Happy New year everyone....let's hope 2011 is going to be fulfilling, kind and creative. It's a while since I've posted, as I've been trying to recover from the end of last year - it was a bit of a tough one. I'm back though and am starting off with an announcement (clears throat and coughs a little..!)...

My first book is being published in May. I was working on it all last year, and didn't want to say too much about it - but now that you can pre-order it on Amazon, I might as well go public! So here it is - CHIC ON A SHOESTRING (published by Kyle Cathie) is stuffed full of vintage-inspired accessories to sew yourself. I've designed over 40 projects to help you get glam on a budget - and they've been beautifully photographed by Claire Richardson and illustrated by Sam Wilson, whose work I first fell in love with a few years ago. You'll hear more about the book as the year progresses - but suffice it to say, I think it's turned out pretty well! Do tell all your friends to order a copy! It'll be £14.99 well spent!