Bond Street is home to the majority of the most elegant and exclusive shops in London. It begins at Piccadilly as narrow, rather inconspicuous Old Bond Street and runs northwest widening as it goes into New Bond Street. The expensive part is Old Bond Street, lined with the world’s top designers and jewelers. Within a cut diamond’s throw of each other are De Beers, Cartier, Asprey’s and Tiffany, for those who like their bling to be real and heart-stoppingly expensive. If gems don’t attract your eye (or your credit card), the glittering designs of Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel will be hard to resist. The famous auctioneers Sotheby’s are also here. Sotheby’s auctions some of the world’s greatest art, as well as surprisingly affordable items in their regular sales. Anyone can go to an auction, but sit on your hands and keep still unless you want to buy. Further up, into New Bond Street, prices become much more affordable at Fenwick’s, a department store with chic fashion bargains hidden among its warren of sales floors. For the shoe fanatic, dismayed by the prices lower down the street, this is the start of a walk in heaven. Classic shoes by Russell and Bromley or Bally give way to the gaudy exuberance of the shoes in Ivory, an explosion of color and sequins that irresistibly draws you to cross the street. Go ahead and try some on; who said shoes had to be sensible?