def str_format(s, *args, **kwargs):
    """Return a formatted version of S, using substitutions from args and kwargs.

    (Roughly matches the functionality of str.format but ensures compatibility with Python 2.5)
    """

    args = list(args)

    x = 0
    while x < len(s):
        # Skip non-start token characters
        if s[x] != '{':
            x += 1
            continue

        end_pos = s.find('}', x)

        # If end character can't be found, move to next character
        if end_pos == -1:
            x += 1
            continue

        name = s[x + 1:end_pos]

        # Ensure token name is alpha numeric
        if not name.isalnum():
            x += 1
            continue

        # Try find value for token
        value = args.pop(0) if args else kwargs.get(name)

        if value:
            value = str(value)

            # Replace token with value
            s = s[:x] + value + s[end_pos + 1:]

            # Update current position
            x = x + len(value) - 1

        x += 1

    return s