What girl doesn't love a pair of 'bang bang' shoes? You know; the kind that make you feel like you're Queen of the world.

Londoner Aruna Seth has been designing 'It' shoes for celebrities and women with exceptional taste for several years. Her luxury embellished footwear has earned her the title of the 'pretty' shoe designer. I've been a huge fan since discovering her work at the start of 2009, so it was quite an honour to chat with Ms. Seth and discuss her love affair with shoes, her plans for 2010 and why she's inspired by the city.

When did your love affair with shoes begin?

My love for shoes began at a very early age. I was surrounded by shoes day in, day out. I remember doing work experience with my dad and it was fascinating to go into the factory and sample rooms where I'd see the drawings right through to the actual production.

When you're going through the design process who is your muse?

I have to say that I base my shoe designs on what I personally love, I have to passionately adore the shoe I'm designing.

Your ballerina shoe Rochelle was picked up by stylist to the cast of Gossip Girls - Eric Daman. How exciting was that for you?

It was very, very exciting - a big highlight for me. Actress Goldie Hawn recently wore my Cinderella shoe to the Nine premier in New York and that was an amazing feeling.


How does the city of London help inspire you?

London is a very diverse place with different cultures, I love that fact that you can experience totally different things on any given day. I think that's why a lot of designers reside in London actually. A good example of the way cultures intertwine is my background; my mother is Jamaican and my father Indian, so it's definitely the merger of all experiences, all together that influence and inspire my work.

If you had to pick one design from your collection, which would you choose as your favourite?

It would have to be the one that I wear the most - the Cerise; it's a wedge covered in Swarovski crystal. I love it because it's a real head turner; if I wear it any where in the world, no matter where I am, I'll be paid a compliment. But even though they have wow factor, they are still wearable; that's what I aim for; I want my shoes to have elegance, wow factor and remain comfortable.

2009 was a major success for you, what's next for Aruna Seth?

The first Aruna Seth boutique will be opening in Chelsea just in time for the Summer and we'll be busy with award ceremonies such as the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The shoes will be stocked by Browns and also in a US department store very soon.

Web: www.arunaseth.com
Become a fan of Aruna Seth on facebook


Web: www.arunaseth.com
Become a fan of Aruna Seth on facebook

Wow how time flies?? It was exactly a year to this day that I set about creating a blog dedicated to notes on fashion, beauty, and the buzz of my hometown London.

I remember the day vividly; I spent hours that Sunday evening making the blog look pretty and feeling excited about publishing my first post. Now more than 100 posts later, I sit here again reflecting on the journey so far, and feel compelled to say a huge thank you to all my readers and blog supporters.

It might sound cliché, but the fact of the matter is that without you stopping by, leaving me a comment or two and being the lovely people that you are, this blog wouldn't have the following it does and this blogger wouldn't have the enthusiasm that I still possess!

Stick with me for 2010, spread the word on Pretty Stylish London and look out for more exciting developments in the months ahead, I won't say too much now, but I just know that you'll love it.

In the meantime, I'd really appreciate your feedback on the blog thus far, it will help me to continually improve, post by post.

Thank you, Hugs!
xx

Brown's was the first ever hotel to be opened in London. I recently had the pleasure of visiting to learn more about the legendary location and rich history.

Stepping into the grand building what immediately grabbed me was the unique blend of historical features juxtaposed with the contemporary additions from its 24-million renovation in 2005. With soft colours, chic artwork and statement furniture throughout, the hotel exudes elegance.

Founded In 1837 by hotelier James Brown and his wife Sarah, I wonder if they ever imagined the magnitude to which their small but perfectly formed townhouse hotel would expand and be rooted in the milestones of London. Impressively, the hotel has had many a pioneering personality stay; Alexander Graham Bell who made the first ever telephone call from within the hotel, the likes of Franklin Roosevelt honeymooned there, and it is believed that authors Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie penned bestsellers during their stays.

A hotel so rich in English history can risk being stuck in a time long past, but not so with Brown's; its services and interior meet the demands of contemporary living very well. From its award-winning Tea Room to The Donovan Bar, the atmosphere is far from dated and you won't be pushed to find gliterati sipping on cocktails whilst discussing the photography of Terence Donovan whose prints line the walls. It's a pretty trendy spot.

The bedrooms designed by director of design Ola Polizzi are pure luxury; expect 300 thread count Egyption cotton bedding and all the essential amenities for a restful experience. It's no wonder that royalty from across the globe have flocked to stay at the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th century. Fast forward to 2010 and the attraction of Brown's is still strong with 117 rooms, a acclaimed restaurant and indulgent spa.


Ah yes the spa (I do love a good beauty treatment); a hot stone massage by Brown's expert therapists will leave you positively floating. As the aches and stresses of my day were melted away with every stroke, I experienced a buzz that can only be matched by my love of chocolate. The food at the Albemarle, Brown's in-hotel restaurant, was quintessentially English with a gastronomic offering that didn't disappoint.

Executive chef Lee Stretton has devised an accomplished menu featuring Treacle-cured salmon, a savory-sweet starter that's so good it will leave you wanting another bite. The Swainson House corn-fed chicken was equally mouth-watering, and as for dessert; the Amedei Chocolate pudding with brandy ice cream was an intense burst of flavour that adequately satisfied my sweet tooth.

The hotel's Mayfair location makes it easy to reach sought-after shops and other London attractions, so for an experience that is enjoyable and enriching, Brown's deservedly earns its place as a luxe spot - in my view, it's the definition of sophistication.

Brown's Hotel
Albemarle Street
London, W1S 4BP
Tel: 020 7493 6020
Web: www.brownshotel.com

The Real Greek restaurant situated on the South Bank is a popular venue for alfresco dinning. Unfortunately for me, it was pouring with rain when I visited this week, making it impossible to enjoy the view.

That said, the decor and atmosphere largely made up for the poor weather. The surroundings are inviting with low modern lighting and an American diner feel. Admittedly, the interior was not what I expected to see from a restaurant boasting a 'real Greek experience' but it definitely works.

The menu offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean food - there was everything that you'd expect to see on a Greek menu; from Souvlakia to an extensive selection of Meze. If you're Greek you'd probably decide that the food isn't as good as your grandma's homemade dishes, but in terms of authenticity, it's probably not far off. With so much to choose from it's easy to get carried way with the number of dishes to order, (I certainly did) everything sounds so scrumptious, but with each dish ranging between £2.25-£5.50, you can afford to order generously.


The Greek Flatbread was served deliciously moist and warm; matched with Htipiti (Greek feta dip with roasted red peppers and onion) it was simple, fresh and very moreish. I also enjoyed a medley of seafood including Grilled Sardines and Anatolian Spiced Gambas (Prawns). The Saganaki Kefalotyri (Grilled goats cheese) on a bed of Horta Salad was divine. The dishes were all served on tiered racks, which in my opinion was a novel and clever idea; because it meant that the table didn't become overcrowded and it made serving yourself so much easier.

The staff were very attentive; they explained the menu and provided recommendations, thus helping me make an informed decision on which dishes to try. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I'd definitely go again. The venue is about to undergo a major renovation come February, so it will be interesting to see the difference it makes, I just hope that the venue doesn't loose its charm in the process. For now, I highly recommend you head to the Real Greek and sample yourself some Saganaki Kefalotyri, it's a winner.

The Real Greek
Units 1&2 Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7620 0162
Web: www.therealgreek.com