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.

This February some fabulous new musical theatre productions have come to London’s stages. Here are a few of the best I’ve seen recently that are worth checking out:

Company
A new staging of this Sondheim favourite is underway at the Southwark Playhouse. We meet single party guy Bobby as he quizzes his coupled up friends about the pros and cons of married life. On his 35th birthday should he really still be without a wife? This is a lively show, with numerous great songs, the cast are vocally extremely strong and make the best of the tricky music. A must see for Sondheim fans. Until 12 Mar

The Last Five Years
This rarely performed gem from talented American composer, Jason Robert Brown is one of the best contemporary musicals out there, in my opinion anyway. The dynamic score combines a variety of musical styles, with memorable melodies and funky creative harmonies. It tells the sad tale of Cathy and Jamie who have broken up after an epic five year relationship. We hear the journey from both characters. Lauren Samuels as Cathy and Christopher Pym as Jamie are both confident and witty in this thoughtful piece. Until 5 Mar, Tabard Theatre

Shoes
Transferring after a sucessful run at Sadler’s Wells, Shoes is now at The Peacock Theatre. With toe-tapping tunes and incredible costumes this is a brilliant night out for everyone and anyone. Hilarious shoe stories, entrancing singing and best of all, unbelievable dancing. Until 3 Apr

Forget the rain and grey skies and book yourself a jolly night out this February. Let us know which one you like best

This month London designer Aruna Seth has been launching her Swarovski crystal-encrusted shoes at luxe West End venues The Ritz and Whisky Mist.

Last week’s invitation-only launch at Whisky Mist attracted a bevy of beauties and Z-list celebs (Ralph from The Apprentice, anyone?) to view and try on Seth’s range of stilettos, wedges, ballerina flats, boots and bridal sandals. All displayed to glittering effect in the VIP room among the club’s top-shelf whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs.

There were also complimentary tequila rose cocktails, chocolate cupcakes and displays of So Chic crystal jewellery and Susan Posnick cosmetics, against the club’s sexy-yet-classy dark decor.

Whisky Mist was opened last June by Mahiki founders Piers Adam and Nick House in the former Zeta Bar at the Park Lane Hilton as a hangout for the Mayfair crowd “between China Tang and Nobu”. Like Mahiki, it is smart and fashionable but not members-only (although membership is available) but even mid-week if you rock up after 11pm the queues will likely be right down the street.

Highlight of the Aruna Seth range is the Cinderella shoe (price on application) totally encrusted with some 3,000 Swarovski crystals, which takes 10-12 weeks to make.

For the more budget-conscious, the Cerise black or red snakeskin wedge (£725) has crystals overlaying the heel only and is one of Seth’s top sellers. The “Farfalla” (£435) is a fuchsia-pink satin heel with a crystal butterfly on each toe.

My personal favourite was the “Russia”, a stiletto-heeled ankle boot in black patent with a crystal “collar” around the top (£525) – although even that would require some dedicated saving!

The truly unconventional person who wants to mix the bling with the great outdoors may opt perhaps for the crystal-and-fur-trimmed “Elisabeth” aprés ski boot (£1,010). All are handmade in Italy and incorporate internal cushioning of soft quilted leather.

The entire range is currently available online (www.arunaseth.com) or by appointment at the Cadogan Hotel on Sloane Street. Other stockists include bridal boutique Caroline Castigliano. A standalone boutique in London is scheduled for 2010.