Shanghai is rapidly becoming one of the most eclectic shopping destinations in Asia. Mainstream shoppers still mass along Nanjing Road, where competition is fierce and, if you watch for the sales and bargains, you can pick up top international brands for a steal.
The Westgate Mall (1038 Nanjing Road) is a classic destination for international brands - with constant offers and end-of-season deals. One of the latest is 50 per cent off Cristina Gavioli and Bernini products until the end of the month. But malls are not the only places for shopping.
Cool and trendy boutiques are popping up everywhere in Shanghai, offering the latest Chinese fashions and some unusual concepts from Europe and the United States.
One such place is Velvet+ (7 Lane, 210 Tai Kang Lu, 138 1680 2437). The store is offering laidback, Californian-style casual wear - in an interior that looks more like a man's bathroom than anything else, complete with a urinal and a big bathtub.
Cotton skirts and shirts are priced at 200 yuan to 300 yuan (about HK$190 to $280)and low-waisted trousers and skirt pants for 450 yuan.
For a furnishings in a European flavour made with eastern fabrics, visit Anthony Chao (4/F Tianshan Building, 30 Tianshan Lu, 6259 3060).