Whilst wandering around Xintiandi after lunch with Mum and Dad the other day, we popped by Shanghai Tang – my all time favourite Chinese store. Remember when we went to the Shanghai Tang Cafe? Well, it’s based on the store 🙂 I LOVE Chinese-y designs and would probably wear head-to-toe Chinese style cashmeres and silks clothing with jade jewellery if…. I wasn’t an Asian, living in an Asian country (hello overkill!). Oh, and also they are ridiculously EXPENSIVE! The quality is top-notch, but I feel that since it’s a Chinese brand, it should be heaps cheaper. The massive mark up is due to the fact that all their stuff is catered for foreigners, I bet. So instead, I always go into the store and paw at all their stuff lustfully instead.

Anyway, we were in there and I saw their store mannequin wearing this Silk & cotton drape cardigan. It looked effortlessly chic – very basic and neutral, but with fine tailoring and beautiful stitching and quality. I quickly found it on the rack and when I tried it on, I was sold. It’s perfect for wearing in the office, or for a nice dinner. I just adore the jade bead that clasps the Mandarin collar shut – it’s so cute and gives just a teeny pop of colour!

It actually really matures me. I normally skip around in teenage-girl clothing, so even Chris remarked it was “30’s woman clothing”. I like it, I feel much more mature and this will last for many years for me without going out of fashion. A nice, basic piece – I like investing $$$ in beautiful quality pieces that will last for years. I can already see myself as a Mum with kids and wearing this on a day out with my family 🙂

At Shanghai Tang

Love the colourful, kitschy bag

Shanghai Tang’s silk & cotton drape cardigan

Worn with white pants

Closeup of the cute jade bead and Mandarin-style collar. Freakin’ CUTE!!