2011 - my friend's style resolutions

Yesterday my Portuguese friend Catarina Feria-Walsh sent me her style Bible for 2011. She reminded me that when we both lived in France a few years ago, I decided one day that I'd wear only camel and go classic. The experiment didn't last very long, and I was soon back to my bohemian ways. In her new Telegraph column, Hannah Betts advises that one should be able to sum-up one's style in three words, and that once the words are chosen, one should be able to sort one's wardrobe and one's look accordingly. I've been giving alot of thought to my perfect threesome - I'll let you know when I've found the right combination. In the meantime, here are my friend's 10 style resolutions for 2011, taking particular inspiration from her elegant and modish Grandmother. Send me your style resolutions and I'll add them to the blog.

1. Stop wearing black until next Winter or perhaps even forever!

2. Wear fun dresses ….fun not frumpy is my new motto.

3. Stop thinking I should wear my hair in a bob or sensible medium length hair because I am "mature", but go with crazy long hair, just brush it more often and style it (like my Granny would have approved of!)

4. Make-do and mend more, making fashion accessories and customising stuff.

5. Wear make-up almost everyday -  at least my pink Estee Lauder lipstick. My Granny wore lipstick every single day, even at 90, even in hospital.

6. Avoid the Mummy trap with frumpy, sports or just practical clothes covered in vomit and food that has been thrown at me.

7. Overdress more than underdress.

8. Wear old stuff that is forgotten in the wardrobe but is still stylish.

9. Say no to buying things I don't need.

10. Wear a piece of jewellery everyday to "air" it and brighten up an outfit.

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!