As helpful as it was, WinRT lacks the ability to supply a string format, although it appears as though WPF still supports it in .NET 4.5. String format is extremely useful, allowing you to provide a format pattern in your Xaml and not have to jump through hoops.

I've created a converter to provide a fairly simple way to supply a format string.

First, you must define your converter and string format as static resources. To define the string format, place something like this in your app or page resources: <x:string x:Key="currencyFormat">{0:C}</x:string>

Now, in your binding statement, add the converter. For example: <TextBlock Text="{Binding Converter={StaticResource stringFormatConverter}, ConverterParameter={StaticResource currencyFormat}}" >

You can download the converter code here: StringFormatConverter.cs