Appetizers, cupcakes, wine and deeply discounted shoes: it rarely gets sweeter than this.

Swing by the “Day of the Diva” (yes, we cringed at the title too) this week, where you can munch on cupcakes by Butterfly and sip on wine courtesy Chez Moi while trying on skyscraper heels from the Veruschka label, which will be discounted by up to 60%. Cakewalk, indeed!

Trip Club

Trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Payal Kothari launched Veruschka in 2005, and stocks at stores like Aza and Amara. While many of her designs are too Bollywood-y (and also dangerous – she doesn’t seem to believe in practical footwear), we did find some toe-stoppers: look out for sequined pumps embellished in gold and silver sequins, and an adorable pair of retro polka-dot peep-toes. She also makes handbags, often to match her shoes.

So go ahead, step inn – even if you don’t find the pair of your dreams, you’ll at least have cupcakes and wine to heel your afternoon!

Getting there: Shuubham Art Gallery, Waterfield Road, near Moti Mahal, Bandra (W), on March 9 and 10, from 11 am to 8 pm, visit www.veruschka.in for designs or view the Facebook page here.  

What:The Shop, 57/116, ground floor Drego House, Ambedkar Road, Bandra (W), view Facebook group here, start at Rs 20.

Why: Block printed shirts for men, mal kimonos, antique furniture and paisley print furnishings will be the new tenants at Pali’s ancient Drego House, where Delhi-based The Shop is setting up, well, shop. Store partner Sandhya Gorthi recommends the mal curtains, but bpb’s eyeing a wooden Brainvita set with marbles.

When: Opens next week. Look out for the full review!

What: V Heart Art launch exhibition at The Art Loft, Valentino Rest, next to Mehboob Studio, Bandra (W), to order directly from designer call 9820570712 or view Facebook page here, start at Rs 800.

Why: After sixth months of toiling in her workshop, NIFT graduate Vihal Mehta has a whole (lot) in her Heart: framed scrabble tiles, pretty world maps, snow-white chandeliers and art benches. She takes custom orders as well.

When: Art-ery block on March 6 and 7 from 1 pm to 10 pm.

This just inn: Radhika Dhawan, Mumbai’s Sultana of sample sales takes First Row online with the launch of her new website, where you can buy designer wear at discounted rates and go wild during monthly flash sales. A blouse through the e-boutique reveals that the current stock is being fuelled not by the flock of super designers (Gaurav Gupta, Rajesh Pratap Singh) we’re so used to seeing on her roster, but young talent, some worth keeping an eye out for. It’s comforting to know however, that as we speak (and shop), Ms Dhawan is on her way to roping in some big wigs, starting with Gayatri Khanna “who’s already on board.”

She’s Taut Me Well

For two months starting today, an apartment above a book store on one of Bandra’s busiest streets will retail sexy Brazilian gym wear for women. Don’t sweat the random location; bizarrer haunts have been discovered by the Scouters.

Retailed by fitness-instructor-to-the-stars Deanne Pandey, this lithe and lust-worthy stock from Bia Brazil (www.biabrazilusa.com) is usually sold by appointment at a Khar bungalow, but is currently on sale at a new location with discounts of up to 50%.

Nagpur is no longer just about the oranges. Here you can pick conical bra-inspired Madonna jackets, shift dresses named Betty Boop, box pleat pants and other juicy, juicy couture.

Manning this newfound orange county is 24-year-old Farah Sanjana, a recently returned London School of Fashion graduate who launched her self-titled label (prêt, couture and bespoke) for men and women’s Western wear (December 2010), ships all over the country and is plotting her Mumbai invasion as we speak.

What: Sunglass-shaped picture frame, to order email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , view the Facebook page here, also available at Sobo, Hughes Road, Rs 1,400.

Why: You can fit not just one but two BFFs in this bi-focal picture frame. Hold that pose, smile, clique! Available in technicolours.

When: You need to think about you-we rays.

What: Fire Bucket barbecue grill from HitPlay, buy it at www.hitplay.in, call 26052297 for more information, Rs. 2,999.

Why: Bros before hose? This super cool and portable barbecue set is made to look like a bright red bucket and can be fired up just about anywhere. Comes with grill, server and cleaner. All you have to do is bring the beer.

When: You want to put out.

What: Picture frame locket, call bauble designer Sheena on 9920012122 to order, Rs 700.

Why: Have more than one main squeeze? Fit up to three in this vintage picture locket that comes with multiple pendants. Beau concept! Also available are key, owl, elephant and other charm necklaces.

When: You need to pro-file pictures.

Even though winter (such that it is) has left our fair city, we suggest you swing by Bombay Electric and check out their new collection of structural, stand-alone collars, designed by Harvard-educated newbie Payal Luthra who launched her fashion label just last year.

Necking Techniques

Cut from cashmere, these collars come in smooth finish and thick knit, studded with buttons or edged in pompoms, in natural hues like camel and black. They can be worn in a bunch of different ways, over everything from winter coats and sweaters to blazers and tube tops.

Cut Throat

Sick of the chunky necklaces currently choking the fashion set, we love the freshness of these collars, enough to contemplate swallowing the whopping price tag (the one we liked best costs Rs 10,000). You can however, take comfort in the fact that in this rare instance, buying from Bombay Electric or ordering from the designer directly will cost you around the same amount, and give you the added benefit of instant gratification. Drape and pillage!

Getting there: Payal Luthra neck warmers, visit www.payalluthra.com, available at Bombay Electric, 1 Reay House, Colaba, start at Rs 8,000.