The Traditional Art of Shopping

Shopping in Shanghai… where do I start

Thousands of gorgeous designer clothes from Gucci to Gap.Brands from around the world, boutiques, markets, tailor-made in the fabric market, street sellers and of course the fakes. Beware the big bottomed, the busty, any one over a shoe size 6 or any one remotely hour glass. The Chinese struggle with this in their elongated ironing board figures. Always try it on. However baggy the leg maybe that does not apply for the bum. The Shanghaiese women however have fashion wrapped round their little finger. They love it and fashion loves them, walking down Nanjing Road every woman has her outfit down to a T. Trinny and Susannah look like Pat Butcher in comparison for any Brits reading this. They also are very particular, you can show as much leg as you want, in the summer there is hot pants galore but cleavage is a rare specimen. You’ll struggle to buy anything low cut and will definitely stand out with ‘assets’ on show. It is also completely normal to see women in jeans or even tracksuit bottoms with mid-heels on even shopping, going to work or visiting friends, however you very rarely see heels higher than that even in the ‘massage’ parlours. The best tip I can give you is leave the Gucci, Louie Vitton and Zara alone, you can get it all at home and it is more expensive here as it’s imported. Instead hunt down the alleyways and into the unique boutiques and the rowdy markets to find some real Chinese clothing for a tenth of the price. The Chinese sense of style filters right down to the street sellers so as long as you’re not too brand conscious you can get some real one-off treasures that will remind you of you’re adventures.