Wedding Stress: Dresses for Guests

Aaaaargh. Wedding season is officially upon us and, as an unprepared guest, I haven't got a stitch to wear. It's not too bad if you know the crowd who'll be there on the day but when all you have to go on is the look of the wedding invitation, knowing what will be 'appropriate' can be tricky. My trusty Helene Berman silk leopard print shift is showing severe signs of wedding fatigue after last year so I'm having to buy something new which means ruling out entire shops before you even start for fear of social death by the dreaded outfit jinxsies, eg. what if the other guests are all super trendy? *crosses off Net-A-Porter, Selfridges, Liberty, Zara and Dover St Market *, or what if they're a more 'mumsy' or young mum type of crowd? *also removes Coast, Debenhams, M&S, Principles, French Connection, Top Shop and ASOS from list*. Hmmm. All I want is a pretty dress that no-one else at the wedding will be wearing; something I can wear again, that won't break the bank, but can be dressed up or down and will be suitable for the occasion. And if it goes with my gorrrrrgeous electric blue suede ankle strap wedges so that I don't then have to buy more shoes too, then so much the better. IS THAT REALLY TOO MUCH TO ASK???? "Not at all.." says Fitzrovia's finest crowd pleasing boutique, Almost Famous, "...and would you like 20% off too?". This eclectic little label has a fine eye for detail and stocks dresses (and tops, jackets etc) in every shape, style, colour and a wide range of sizes too. True, the label is favoured by WAGs and X Factor types but don't let that put you off, they really do have something for everyone. Even better, they almost always have some kind of special offer or sale on if you sign up for their mailing list in store or via the website www.aflondon.com. For those who can't get to their flagship store at 3-4 Percy Street, London W1, it would be handy to have back views of the clothes shown on the website but they have a decent enough returns policy whereby you can get a refund or an exchange (check the website T&Cs for full details) if you're not happy. To get 20% off Almost Famous online between 24th-31st May 2010, enter the code: summertime10 at the checkout. You can also follow them on Twitter at @almostfamousldn. Now, which one to choose....??

N-N-N-N-Nineties

Take That were reunited with Robbie, Whitney Houston is touring again, even INXS are back in the charts thanks to some slick sampling on the brilliant Professor Green's 'I Need You Tonight', and Snow's 'Informer' can be heard blasting from the trendiest hairdressers and bars (but this time the kids actually think it's cool). While 80's trends still linger, the 90's revival is now in full swing my friends, but how far should you take it this time round if you've already been there, done that and got the scrunchie?

Marc Jacobs' classic 90's grunge looks are always an easy winner - plaid mixed with military and a trusty pair of doc martens (try the 50th anniversary ltd edition 8 hole boots with pebble finish in the original black or cherry red colourways - £110) or luxed up with some tough looking heels - think Givenchy's ruched black leather wedge sandals (£925),Alexander Wang's peep toe 'Frejal' army boots (£470), or Alexander McQueen khaki canvas fold over boots (£650) - for cheaper high street versions try Urban Outfitters, Kurt Geiger and Aldo. Accessorise with a well scotchguarded slouchy leather handbag - a Jerome Dreyfuss messenger is PERFECT - add can of Batiste, then you're set for the festival season. Just make sure your combats are the skinny versions that Zara and Miss Selfridge are doing so well at the moment unless you want to look like one of All Saints.

Trickier to pull off is bodycon but if you want to unleash your inner En Vogue leave the spendy Herve Leger bandage dresses to Cheryl Cole and grab one of these TopShop versions for a fraction of the price. Similarly, pay a visit to American Apparel for all your body con and other 80s/90s wardrobe needs - you can always spunk the difference on a pair of the ultimate Louboutin's - black patent Pigalles (£375) - to complete the look.

Hammer Pants aka Hareem Trousers are all over the shop(s) and even if you remember the originals, don't think that this is a look - uh - you can't touch (sorry...). As a general rule, just go for more muted shades, structured fabrics and steer clear of anything shiny unless they're cropped, worn with heels and you've got the legs and confidence to carry it off, after all, no one wants their memory lane mutton moment ending up tagged on Facebook. These Picasso trousers, £120 from Reiss, are a more grown up way to work this trend and, as you'd expect, TopShop is all over this one with plenty of versions to choose from, whilst this £90 French Connection Hareem jumpsuit is a chic alternative.

The fashion mag fav trends for double denim and fringing (not necessarily together) doesn't have to mean looking like Tiffany or one of Wilson Phillips. For a nod to fringing try one of these great handbags or the Minnetonka Tramper Tassle ankle boots (£80 from Office) which look at lot better on. Check out how double denim was done at William Rast for a grown up approach - if you're wearing a denim jacket with jeans that are the same shade, do it up and break the monotony with a hint of t-shirt/shirt poking out in the middle or, if you're wearing a fitted denim shirt, throw a contrasting blazer over it. For a more relaxed feel, wear a pale denim overshirt as a jacket (like this oversized one from Whistles, £75) over eg. a breton top with skinnys/jeggings in a darker shade of denim or wear with a denim playsuit like this acid wash one from TopShop (£35). Check out Primark for some super cute, cheapo pale denim bow hair accessories too.

Also on a denim tip, I've been eyeing up Dexy's style cropped dungarees in Uniqlo recently (£29.99) and secretly I'm also a little bit in love with these stars and stripes denim cut offs from Top Shop (£32) that are reminiscent of quiff-era Vanilla Ice, or something Dannii Minogue would have worn for a Smash Hits story about her breaking America, back when she had a round face. While we're looking back, top of my reminisce wish list would be for Naf Naf to release an archive collection featuring their fab cotton jumpsuits with the mulitcoloured jigsaw/dice patterns on (anyone got a pic??). I was never a fan of their puffa jackets and suede varsity style bombers but the blogosphere tells me a lot of you are so if anyone at Naf Naf is listening... In the meantime, I found this brilliant US company, Stewart & Strauss, where you can design your own varsity/baseball jackets - they ship internationally and have a sale on until Sunday 9th May. I wonder if they could make me look as cool as Salt n Pepa...

I fear a line must be drawn before we start getting into the realms of reversible duvet jumpers, baggy and britpop. So, let's hold the bandanas, the tie dye hoodies and the Wallabees, but if anyone knows where I can get my hot little hands on a pair of these Travel Fox high tops that Neneh Cherry and the model girl who mimed for Black Box used to wear, PLEASE get in touch...!