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.

Using a bit of his Christmas magic, Santa is appearing at spots all over the capital this month, sometimes even at the same time!

Santa’s Grotto in Duke of York Square
Kids can have their photo taken with Santa and receive a gift at Duke of York Square’s free grotto, where there’s also a special post box to send your Christmas lists to Lapland. On some dates in December, Liz Earle will provide complimentary hand and arm massages in the back of the grotto, so parents can get pampered while the kids chat to Santa. Advanced booking recommended. 
Until 23 Dec

Santa’s Grotto at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City
Seeing Santa in the flesh is exciting enough, but at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City he’ll be appearing in 5D. Every child will see their name and picture appear in a personalised film, which sees Elbow the Elf save Santa’s presents. Visiting also lets you download the “Elbow Saves Christmas” mobile phone game, so you can take him away in your pocket. Tickets are £3 per person or £10 for a family.
Until 24 Dec

Santa Baby
Santa will be popping into this pop-up Christmas cocktail bar, tucked away in the arches under the railway lines at 347 Old Street in Shoreditch. Indie Christmas tunes provide the soundtrack and top mixologists have designed treats like mulled champagne and molecular Santa Baby Eggnog, using techniques like high-pressure distillation. Santa Baby has a vintage feel - the venue is modelled on a 1950s American suburban living room. 
Until 23 Dec

Santa and His Reindeer at London Zoo
Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen and of course Rudolph are all at London Zoo this Christmas. You can visit them in their paddock, as well as meeting Santa and telling him your present list (as long as you’ve been good). Cheeky elf photographers will be on hand to take a picture and each child will receive a gift to take home. Tickets are £7.
Until 24 Dec

Winter Wonderland
Every Winter, Hyde Park becomes more festive than a penguin in a Christmas jumper. Winter Wonderland is back in the park with a Christmas market, ice skating, observation wheel and a kingdom of ice and snow sculptures. Santa Land includes a free visit to Saint Nick, as well as the new “Santa’s Factory” where the elves are making gifts ready for the big day.
Until 6 Jan

Find Christmas grottos all over London with our Christmas grottos guide

By Janine Kelso

Calling all fashion lovers! If your wardrobe is in need of an autumn update, there’s no better place to rev it up than with a trip to Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush, with more than 300 shops. I visited the mall last week and was wowed by the hot buys for autumn 2012.

Label lovers can find the latest trends in Westfield’s The Village where you’ll find all manner of luxury lines, from Burberry to Versace, but I made a beeline for the more wallet-friendly shops.

Those in the know are saying that black is back and that it’s time to show your rebellious side by going gothic with studs and crucifix details – or keep it feminine by sticking to velvets, feathers and silk. My top picks included a sumptuous black faux fur coat by Biba at House of Fraser and a rock chick-style studded black bag at Karen Millen.

Also making fashion waves right now are digital prints, with geometric and precision patterns leading the way. I popped into River Island where I found lashings of leopard print and tartan, with stand-out pieces including tartan trousers with black leather-look side panels and black boots with a zebra print heel. Fierce! “Leopard print has been popular for a while and everyone’s wearing lace and black at the moment,” River Island Shop Assistant Loren-Jai told me.

I swung by super-cool bimba & lola where I found a whirl of gorgeous brocades and embroidery, inspired by different cultures. Famed for its edgy designs, this Spanish fashion brand had some particularly gorgeous animal print fur coats and embroidered jackets, as well as scores of lovely leopard print loafers and ballet slippers, making it my favourite shop of the day.

When it comes to footwear, opulence is the order of the day with bejewelled shoes in fashion favour right now: think pointy studs and plenty of bling that will give any outfit instant wow-factor. I sneaked a peek at Dune’s footwear offering and was dazzled by polka dot court shoes embellished with sequins,  heels covered in metal studs, and crystal beaded court shoes for a truly bling-tastic look. There was even a spiked studded toe cap court shoe, which I wouldn’t like to encounter down an alleyway on a dark night!

Preferring to wrap up my tootsies in something cosier in the upcoming chilly months, I checked out UGG Australia, home to what is probably the world’s most famous comfy boot which I was told is like “wearing a teddy bear on your foot” by shop assistant Rudy. My fave shoes were fluffy flip-flops and bejewelled fluffy boots that Rudy said were “inspired by the Queen’s Jubilee and the Royal Wedding”.

And as for men, Reiss appear to have nailed the English gentleman look this season with its stylish suits and range of pocket squares – a handkerchief folded in a special way that’s placed in the breast pocket of a suit. “Old school stuff is coming back and our suits are very James Bond-style,” shop assistant Dewayne told me, working the accessory du jour himself with a fetching pink pocket hankie dashingly peeping out of the breast pocket of his dark blue suit jacket.

So if your wardrobe needs a refresh, head to Westfield London – or Westfield Stratford City if you’re based nearer East London – and you’ll be hot to trot!

Janine was a guest of Westfield

Here are some further highlights of the big Fashion’s Night Out parties taking place in London on Thursday. (See our previous highlights here.)

Carnaby
Head to Carnaby on Thursday where there’ll be plenty of fab fashion fun. Diesel female are giving away a free tote bag with every purchase, while there’ll be discounts in Peekaboo Vintage and the Lash Perfect Lash Bar; free drinks in The Lingerie Collective, free express transformations in Illamasqua and free tapas to FNO visitors in Tapas Brindisa. Look out, too for the live dance performances at Lomography and live music at Aint Nothin’ But.

Covent Garden
Get ready for a night of K-pop extravagance with make-up vending machines in Covent Garden for Vogue’s annual Fashion’s Night Out. There’ll be Korean street food, DJs, and a pop-up winnebago salon from Dalston’s finest “Bleach London” recreating K-Pop music video looks at Opening Ceremony. Look out for the Chanel pop-up vending machines, dishing out coveted nail and lip colours. There’ll be traditional fish and chips plus other refreshments at Ted Baker, while Burberry Brit is offering classy canapes and drinks for customers perusing the new Autumn collection. King Street will be closed to traffic for London’s most sartorial soiree to help London’s fashionistas get their new season’s wardrobes sorted.

Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols London are celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with 10% off fashion and accessories in store between 6 and 10pm. Browse the new Autumn/Winter collections, check out the must-have bags and accessories, and don’t forget the designer jewellery to add that finishing touch to your new outfits.

Westfield London
For the first time, Westfield London is also getting in on the FNO action, with a 20% discount at many stores on the night (Accessorize, French Connection, Miss Sixty, Ghost and more). In addition, there’ll be complimentary in-store refreshments at American Apparel, Guess and Diesel, plus free tote bags from Mulberry, free gifts from TopShop and a free 30ml bottle of new Boss Nuit fragrance if you spend £200 or more on Boss womenswear in Boss. In the Atrium, Westfield London are hosting a spectacular fashion show starring Yasmin and Amber Le Bon and Lizzy Jagger, showing off all the best new autumn trends. Fashion festivities continue at Westfield until Sunday 9 September. There’ll be daily catwalk shows, beauty makeovers, competitions and discounts, including free a NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil worth £17.50, when you spend £75 on fashion or beauty.

Follow all the latest Fashion’s Night Out updates on facebook or on twitter with the #FNO hashtag

And now, the search is almost over for the capital’s hottest new busking star. Some of the capital’s most talented unknown musicians and singers will be battling it out in the city’s biggest busking competition today at the Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush.

More than 1000 young Londoners aged 11 to 25 applied for the GIGS: Big Busk competition (part of the Mayor of London’s summer events programme) and 18 of them will be trying to impress a panel of judges today. Expect to see an eclectic bunch – from rappers to rock bands. The winning act will scoop a much-coveted London Underground busking licence, music equipment, training and support to help them develop their careers.

The event starts at 12pm with the winning act being crowned at 5.30pm. See www.molpresents.com/gigs for more details.

Selfridges Destination Denim: Until 8 Sep
If, like me, you’re on a near-constant quest for the perfect pair of jeans (I had them once: a pair of 7 For All Mankind, plucked randomly from a sale rail in New York; wore them till they fell apart), Selfridges may offer a solution. This month, they’re celebrating their longest denim wall in Europe with Destination Denim, an exciting store-wide denim event, including exclusive product launches, designer appearances, style advice and special events. Just this week, there’s a 12-hour online jean-a-thon with giveaways on the hour, every hour on Thursday. Women can get advice from Stylist magazine’s fashion editor on Thursday afternoon; while men can distress their denim with Denham between 30 August and 2 September. Find out more at denim.selfridges.com

Biscuit Decorating Demonstration at Fortnum & Mason: 23 Aug
If you need a new excuse to pop into the hallowed halls of Fortnum & Mason this week, here’s my suggestion. With the Great British Bake Off turning everyone crazy for cakes and barmy for biscuits, don’t miss this free decorating demonstration in store. Ellie, an artist-cum-baker creates Fortnum’s stunning animal decorated biscuits. She’ll be showing off how she works her magic powers with piping bags in the Demonstration Kitchen on the First Floor from 2pm. You’ll be wowing your tea party guests in no time.

Soho Arts Fair in Kingly Court: 24-25 Aug
This weekend, the Soho Arts Fair come to Kingly Court for the very first time, showcasing artworks by young adults produced in Art-Alive workshops. The Art Alive Arts Trust is a charity that works with children and young adults to develop creative skills through art. On display will be a variety of works ranging from fine art to fashion. If you’re inspired by the works on show, you can also get involved as there’ll be workshops on Mosaic and Ceramic art, Painting, Fashion Photography, T-Shirt printing and more. In a packed weekend of activities, there’ll also be live dance and music performances as well as street artists. Don’t miss the fashion show on Friday between 6pm and 9pm. This is the culmination of three months’ worth of workshops taking place in Kingly Court, giving young people the chance to explore their skills in photography, fine art, fashion design and ceramics.

Foyles Children’s Events at Westfield
Why not head to Westfield London this summer holiday as there are some special children’s events taking place in Foyles. On 25 August between 2 and 4pm, hear sea shanties and look for treasure with Hannah, the Queen of the Seven Seas: don’t forget to dress up as your favourite sea creature: Mermaid, Pirate, Squid… On 28 August between 2 and 3pm, Paddington will be in store, where the booksellers will be throwing a party to celebrate the end of the Great British Sumer. There’ll be storytelling, activities, and a chance to meet the great bear himself. Both events are free.

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

If you find a giant javelin piercing your local park, or a 3m tall shot-put sinking into the pavement outside your closest Tube station, don’t worry, these aren’t Olympic-related hallucinations.

Part of “Gifts of the Olympic Gods”, these 12 sculptures – including javelins, shot-puts, and bows and arrows – have been installed around the city, evoking the Greek gods in whose honour the original Olympic Games were held.  And up-close, the impressive sculptures really do look like they have been dropped from a great height! Unsuspecting pedestrians beware.

You can see the giant sculptures at the following locations:

Shot-Put

• Archbishop Park, SE1
• Sloane Square, SW1
• Royal Naval College, Greenwich,SE10
• Shell Building Plinth, York Road, SE1
• Kennington Park Triangle, SE11

Javelin

• Westfield London, W12
• Lewisham roundabout, SE13
• Canada Water Plaza, SE16
• Jubilee Park, E14

Bow and Arrows

• Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1
• General Gordon Square, SE18
• King’s College, Guy’s Hospital, SE1

The gifts are part of the Mayor of London’s Summer Like No Other programme. Find out about other “Wonders” cropping up over London during the Games at www.molpresents.com/wonder

Have you seen any of the Gifts of the Olympic Gods? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

As of this morning, an additional 2,700 docking points have been added in Tower Hamlets, and in north Shoreditch, Hackney.

You can also cycle further west, as 600 new docking points have been provided at Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherds Bush.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

“Our wonderful blue bikes have changed the face of London and introduced a new form of public transport that has eased getting around our great city for thousands of Londoners and made the capital even more attractive to visitors. I am delighted to have kept my promise to provide a cycle hire scheme for the people of London and today we have made it even bigger and better than ever before.”

Find out more about Barclays Cycle Hire

Get everything on your Christmas wish list (for once!) on a festive shopping spree at Westfield.

Enter our competition and you’ll win a £250 gift card to spend at Westfield London or its sparkling new sister mall, Westfield Stratford City.

And thanks to Westfield’s hands-free concierge service, you won’t have to lug your bags around – just pick them up on your way out.

After you’ve indulged in all the fantastic shops Westfield has to offer, you and a friend can skate under the twinkling fairy lights of Westfield London’s ice rink or under the stars at Westfield Stratford City’s outdoor rink – for free.

This competition closes on 8 December 2011 - just six days away – so enter now, before it’s too late…

Enter now to win a Christmas shopping spree at Westfield