Carnaby Shopping Party

Anyone with a serious interest in fashion should hotfoot it to Carnaby Street on 2 May when it will be hosting a 20% Off Shopping Party. From 5 to 9pm, shoppers can enjoy a 20% discount in more than 100 shops, restaurants and bars in and around Carnaby. Register for a free ticket here.

Designers at Greenwich Market

A glittering collective of designers will be showing off their talents at Greenwich Market as part of Craft & Design Month. Wood turners, jewellers, knitters, quilters, print makers, felters and blacksmiths will all be available to give inspirational advice and show you how it’s done at A Subtlety of Designers. If you’re feeling creative, you can have a go yourself! 4-6 May

New Shops at Seven Dials

New pop-up shop alert! Accessories and jewellery brand Moxham is hosting a temporary shop in Monmouth Street, Seven Dials in Covent Garden from 29 April until 24 May. Expect leather and metal cuffs, necklaces and body pieces, all of which will be handcrafted at the store. Open on 27 April is Spanish menswear shop El Ganso, which will be stashed with bright shirts, shorts, tailored blazers and smart suits.

Soho Flea Market

Start saving up your pennies for the Soho Flea Market on 2 June, where you’ll find creative stalls aplenty. Hyped as “London’s most glamorous flea market”, shoppers can get their mitts on everything from art prints to vintage clothes, furniture to ceramics. And to top it all off, emerging music and comedy acts will be performing on an outdoor stage. We can’t wait!

From shop openings to designer sales, here are this week’s top London shopping news stories:

New shops for Carnaby Street
Start flexing your credit card because a slew of under-the-radar labels are opening up in Carnaby Street, in London’s West End. Here’s a sneak peak:

Iconic French fashion label Eleven Paris is opening its first UK store on 25 April. Inspired by music and art, the shop is launching with a campaign fronted by brooding rock star and style icon Lenny Kravitz. British design icon Paul Smith is also opening a store in Carnaby Street this month.

Women can treat themselves to a glam-over at make-up giant Benefit’s one-off beauty emporium, which is opening in June with a champagne bar, blow-dry bar, nail bar and treatment rooms offering waxing and spray tanning. Men, meanwhile, can enjoy a touch of old-school barbering at Pankhurst London’s first-ever flagship barbershop in the Newburgh Quarter. With Steve McQueen plastered on the walls and Sinatra providing the soothing soundtrack, men can be expertly groomed in style.

Follow in the dapper footsteps of rock gods David Bowie and Led Zeppelin by swinging by shoe legend Terry de Havilland’s new store, which opens in the Newburgh Quarter on 25 April. The shops homes winkle pickers, bespoke platform picture wedges, 80s platform sandals and stiletto mules.

Designer Labels at Charity Fashion Evenings

Calling all label lovers! Designer and vintage fashion fans can get their mitts on original pieces from the likes of Givenchy, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Dolce and Gabbana and Ossie Clark. The items will be on sale at two special shopping events at the Octavia Foundation’s Charity shops on the Brompton Road and Fulham Road. Guests will be treated to special offers and refreshments. 5-8pm on Thursday 18 April at Octavia Foundation Brompton Road. Thursday 16 May at Octavia Foundation Fulham Road. RSVP info@octaviafoundation.org.uk

Shop Openings at Westfield
Belgian luxury chocolatier Godiva has launched a new kiosk at White City’s Westfield Shopping Centre. Melt-in-the-mouth treats on sale include biscuits, carrés, chocolate spread and gold gift boxes. Also opening this weekend is fashion-forward shoe and accessories brand Mascotte.

Rock Photography Pop-up at Seven Dials
Rock photography store Rockarchive has opened a pop-up shop and exhibition in Monmouth Street. The space is showcasing never-seen-before photos and iconic rock images of legends like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie. Open until 27 April.

Love is in the air in London’s shops and markets in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day on 14 February. If you want to find the perfect gift for your loved-one, London has a whirl of Valentine’s shopping events to tickle your fancy.

The spruced-up William Morris Gallery is hosting the E17 Designers Valentine’s Day Special this Saturday (9 Feb), where 20 artists will be selling their hand-crafted items, including prints and precious gems, corsages and customised cufflinks. Expect wandering minstrels, love poetry and choir singing. Entry £2. Children under 16 free.

In East London’s hip Shoreditch, pop-up mall Boxpark is hosting romantic events aplenty, including macaroon-making classes (from now until 13 Feb) and love-inspired nail designs by Boom Nails (14-17 Feb). Boutique lingerie brand Playful Promises will be offering 20% off its sexy stock, from lingerie sets to risqué satin corsets (14-17 Feb).

Carnaby Street is spreading the love this V-Day with shed-loads of inspirational gift ideas.

Head to the Marshmallow Apothecary pop-up (9-23 Feb) in Kingly Court to be prescribed a bespoke box of marshmallows. Lovers can feast on aphrodisiac flavours including ginger and chilli, which can be taken away or enjoyed in the café with a hot chocolate or cocktail. For handmade gifts, visit Kingly Court for the Craft Jam Fair and Market this Saturday (9 Feb, 12-7pm), which offers everything from cards and accessories to homeware and artisan food.

Sutra Kitchen vegetarian cooking school and deli is hosting a Valentine’s Day cooking experience for couples. Get steamy in the kitchen under the guidance of head chef Jay Morjaria and then enjoy your creations, including wild mushroom and thyme risotto. The class is £25 and includes a glass of bubbly. Email info@sutrakitchen.co.uk to book.

Put a smile on your Valentine’s face by popping into the newly re-vamped British perfume house Penhaligons, in Regent Street. The brainchild of UK designer Christopher Jenner, the plush emporium is all wood panelling, padded walls, onion dome chandeliers and ceiling roses inspired by Westminster Cathedral. Don’t leave without taking a sniff of signature scent Blenheim Bouquet, which was created in 1902 and worn by Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde.

Dr Martens Opens Carnaby Street Store

Selfridges Opens World’s Largest Men’s Shoe Department
Staying with shoes, Selfridges opened the largest men’s shoe department in the world last week. The new 15,000 square foot men’s footwear department features more than 250 brands, as well as a made-to-order shoe salon, a salon dedicated to driving shoes, bespoke brand boutiques and a space dedicated to pop-up shops. One of the first designers set to take advantage of the new set-up is Christian Louboutin, who will showcase his men’s collection in a dedicated boutique next February. I think the idea of being able to create bespoke shoes including selecting the leather, the colour, the sole type and the stitching, from brands such as Church’s, Tods, Tom Ford, Ferragamo, Kurt Geiger and Prada sounds like such a fantastic luxury. Enjoy, boys!

New Alice and Olivia Boutique Celebrates Thanksgiving in Harvey Nichols
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Harvey Nichols with the brand new Alice and Olivia boutique this Thursday. The funky American womenswear brand launched its new boutique earlier in the month, and is now offering shoppers complimentary strawberry bellinis and sweet treats, as well as a limited edition American flag scarf with every purchase on Thursday 22 November between 12-8pm.

Musto Opens in Seven Dials
The London 2012 Olympic legacy lives on as performance brand Musto opens a new shop in Seven Dials. Founded in 1965 by Olympic athlete Keith Musto (after participating in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo) and endorsed by elite athletes including Zara Phillips, Musto have been making sailing, equestrian and outdoor clothing for more than 40 years. The new Musto store will offer collections from their Autumn/Winter Men’s Lifestyle, Sailing and Evolution ranges. As well as the high-tech sailing and rambling stuff, look out for sailing-inspired clothing including chunky knitwear and jumpers, comfortable fleeces and sweatshirts, sturdy coats as well as accessories and luggage. Look out for the new shop at 27 Neal Street in Seven Dials.

Harvey Nichols New-Look Lingerie Boutique
Knightsbridge stalwart Harvey Nichols has relaunched its lingerie boutique. As well as a complete shop-in-shop from Stella McCartney, and the latest collections from Elle Macpherson, Calvin Klein, Wolford and Spanx, the third floor boutique offers complimentary expert fittings to give you a flawless figure. To celebrate, Harvey Nichols is offering 20% off all lingerie until 21 October. Plus Nails inc are treating shoppers to a free shape and paint with every lingerie purchase over £50 or with the purchase of a matching lingerie set, meaning you can match your nails to your knickers.

Floris Opens New London Boutique, from 18 Oct
Perfumers to Her Majesty the Queen, and Prince Charles, Floris is one of London’s oldest retailers. Their first store was established on Jermyn Street way back in 1730. The brand is now expanding, with a second shop opening in Belgravia this week. The eighth and ninth generation of the family are now selling their wares at 147 Ebury Street. A growing waiting list precedes the opening of the new boutique which will offer Floris’ unique bespoke Perfumery Service as well as providing their eclectic range of scents for women, men and the home.

London College of Fashion “College Shop” Returns to Kingly Court, from 18 Oct
After the success of its pop-up shop last September, the London College of Fashion Shop is back. Opening on 18 October on Kingly Court off Carnaby Street, and running for just two weeks, the College Shop will stock unique and one-off creations from the college’s alumni. Pieces on offer are by Ada Zanditon; recent London Collections: Mens stars Joseph Turvey and Domingo Rodriguez; womenswear designer Para Manko; and fashion illustrator Rosie McGuiness. Stock will rotate daily and will also feature designs from recent graduates in womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery, fashion photography and illustrations.

Lyle & Scott’s Campaign for Wool in Covent Garden, 18-21 Oct
The excitement of Wool Week continues in London. Following last week’s news from M&S, this week the promotional campaign moves to Covent Garden. From 18 to 21 October, golf and knitwear brand Lyle & Scott is hosting a “baaa-rmy extravaganza” to show its support for The Campaign for Wool. There’ll be a mini-golf course set up on Covent Garden’s North Piazza, with woollen obstacles and sheep statues in place of the traditional AstroTurf and windmils. Fans of the brand can practice their putting for the chance to nab a 15% discount and a free Lyle & Scott golf ball. Lyle & Scott has also teamed up with a talented design student from the Wool School initiative to create a limited-edition sweater. The marl-stripe jumper is made using high-quality Hinchcliffe yarn and is on sale in the King Street store now.
Visit campaignforwool.org to find out more about Wool Week.

Carnaby Street’s Record Breaking Games
From today, Guinness World Records is challenging the public to become Totally Bonkers Sporting Champions live in Carnaby Street. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, Guinness World Records will unveil an exclusive sporting challenge and offer you the chance to claim a world record title. Forget about the athletes breaking records in the Olympic Park for the moment: here’s your chance to become a world champion at the fastest tying of shoelaces wearing boxing gloves, for example, or the most bounces on a spacehopper. The Carnaby Street Games take place between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Carnaby Street. Every participant will receive a Carnaby canvas shopping bag, so even if you don’t break the record you won’t go away empty handed.

Greenwich Market’s Special Summer
If you’re visiting Greenwich during the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, don’t miss your chance to visit Greenwich Market too. As well as the usual brilliant shops and stalls, there are new heart-shaped art installations and a number of pop-up shops just for the summer. Look out for Pop Up@SE10, a new designer-maker venture on Nelson road, featuring local and London-based designers, makers and artists’ fashion, furniture, jewellery, glass and ceramics. It’s open from 12-8pm during the Games. RN@Greenwich is another pop-up. PO CIS Gunton and I CIS Reffell run and manage the shop on board HMS Ocean for their welfare fund, which is spent on morale-building events for the crew such as barbecues or film nights. The shop will be open daily from midday ’til late, until they sail after the Games.

Get Into the Games at Westfield London
There are even more reasons to visit Westfield London this summer. Every Monday and Thursday, there’s live music in the centre; visit with the kids on Tuesdays and you can meet Fireman Sam, Fifi and Bumble, Postman Pat, Angelina Ballerina and more. There are also arts and crafts activities at the Disney Store for little shoppers with big imaginations. If you hit the shopping centre on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can have a go at various sports in and around the centre, including table tennis, gymnastics and even free running. Shopping hours have been extended until 10pm, Monday to Saturday and til 9pm on Sundays. If you can’t bear to be away from the Olympic Games action, you’ll be pleased to hear there are big screens set up inside the centre too, so you won’t miss a thing!

Read more about shopping in London here: visitlondon.com/attractions/shopping

Travelcard Cushion

In celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, graphic designer Ashley Allen created a fantastic travelcard-inspired cushion. Lined with royal purple and representing a travel ticket to Buckingham Palace, this trendy piece will ensure you can relax like royalty.

Selfridges Pantone 109 Spork

If you miss hanging out in Selfridges‘ many cafés and bars, perk up your mealtimes with this handy spork, coloured in the department store’s signature yellow. Not only does it make forks, knives and spoons redundant, but  its vibrant colour means that you could probably use it to eat in the dark.

Lulu Guiness Phone Box iPhone Case

Available from Fortnum and Mason, this patent leather iPhone case  is a stylish replica of London’s iconic red phone boxes. Don’t leave it lying around, however, lest you return to find it full of tourists cramming themselves inside to take photos.

Samuel Johnson Cufflinks

Carnaby Street’s Things British shop sells these cute cufflinks, which display Samuel Johnson’s classic quote: “when a man is tired of London..he is tired of life.” Sure to be a great ice-breaker at parties!

London 2012 Olympic Games Wellington Boots Pin Badge

While wellingtons are lamentably not part of the Team GB kit, this fun pin badge will ensure you get a gold medal for style.

Hermes Foot from the British Museum

Entering the British Museum’s shop is like stealing into a Pharoah’s tomb: it’s full of wonderful objects but you just can’t take them all at once. We particularly love their plaster cast of Hermes Foot, taken from an unknown statue and which – according to the Museum – makes an excellent door stop.

House of Commons Port

After a tour of the Houses of Parliament, you can check out the gift shop that contains dozens of quirky souvenirs. Grab a bottle of House of Commons port for a delicious taste of power.

Wimbledon Net Measure with Pouch

If you can’t fit Andy Murray in your suitcase, you can at least take your tennis game to the next level with this pretty net measure (used to measure the height of the net from the ground) from the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

Do you have any quirky souvenirs of London?

You’ll see bunting, flags and special displays everywhere, and by the weekend London will be festooned with colour and buzzing with a festive atmosphere that will be remembered for generations. The capital has a long tradition of making a magnificent effort for Jubilee celebrations – check out this photograph of Selfridges preparing for George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935.

We’ve put together a gallery of some of our favourite Diamond Jubilee decorations so far, but if you’ve spotted other great displays around town please let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to stock up on Jubilee merchandise if you’re planning your own celebration!

I don’t think the primary export that comes to mind when thinking of New Zealand in London is cafés, coffee and baristas. But that is what you’ll find when entering one of a new breed of independent cafés populating London these days.

Café culture has been strong in NZ for a long time. We like nothing better than relaxing alone and watching the world go by, or chatting with friends with a flat white or long black in hand. These are served with a healthy dose of love, maybe a bit of quirk, and, dependent on the time of day, eggs on toast, a savoury muffin (we do love a good savoury muffin) or a sweet treat.

Many cafés roast their own beans with strong rivalries between your local favourites. For me, it was always Café L’affare, but that’s an aside. In London, I’m lucky enough to be near Nude Espresso on Hanbury (who roast nearby in the Truman Brewery, I think) run by a guy I recognise on sight from Wellington but can’t quite place. If we spoke long enough we’d sort it out, as is often the way with Kiwis abroad.

NZ barista’s can also be found in many of the best cafés and coffee houses in London. Our twang could serve you in Monmouth; the excellent (but Aussie) Milk Bar, Flat White, and Lantana; or the “Sacred Café line” – six locations including Stanford’s bookshop and Carnaby Street.

I’d love to know more NZ links in London’s coffeehouses: hook me up!

This new seven-day long celebration of all things 1960s includes everything from a look at mod fashion to special film screenings, 60s music from upcoming bands, and architecture tours.

London was at the heart of the swinging 1960s cultural revolution; with Carnaby Street, Soho and Kings Road among the hippest places to hang out.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decade of peace, love, and harmony, the festival provides the opportunity for those who were not around to learn about 60s culture, and for those who were to reminisce.

Chair of London 60s Week, Chris Pleydell, said: “There seemed to me to be a void in our communication between one generation and another. This project’s sole goal is to reach between these two generations…from the ones who are making cultural history now to those that have already put their stamp on the UK’s history.”

Visit www.london60sweek.co.uk for more information on events and locations. Events continue until 25th July.