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'70s Style

Floppy hats held sway over spring-summer 2011 runways, in conjunction with a come-back in the carefree style of the 1970s. This wide-brimmed hat from Zara is the ultimate beach accessory, offering comfortable, chic protection from the sun. Wear it with one of the '70s other style icons, such as the maxi-dress or the romper, to achieve a completely glam package.

Price: RMB 399. Zara (flagship store), 1193 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu. Tel: 6279 3282. Web: www.zara.com

Sexy Texture

Local fashion retailer of note The Villa recently celebrated the arrival of its latest spring-summer stock, including an array of instant classics from Derek Lam. Case in point, the 'Ume' bag, made from bleached python skin and topped off by Lam's signature ram horn hardware in distressed metal. This small, cross-body style is perfect for Shanghai's summer. After all, when the heat is this heavy, carrying a burdensome handbag is simply insane.

Price: RMB 6,915. The Villa, 1 Taojiang Lu, near Yueyang Lu. Web: www.shopthevilla.com

Make a Splash

Whether you are lounging by a swimming pool or frolicking around South Bund Beach, Jog Swimwear offers Shanghai's women a stylish home-grown style. Their summer 2011 collection features suits named after different districts around the city. The Jing’an (pictured) is a reversible bikini sold with two bottoms (one short and one brief) in colour combinations of grey, blue, orchid and white.

Price: RMB 500-650 (exclusive showroom prices, visit by appointment). Jog Swimwear, Room 1, Lane 163, Changshu Lu. Tel: 3461 7307. Web: www.jogswimwear.com

Wild Child

No longer the staid and sensible sister of the sexy stiletto pump, mules have undergone a reinvention of late, with a new generation of bright colours and wild patterns breathing new life into the silhouette. The iconic French shoe brand Roger Vivier epitomises the trend with this 'Mule Miss Understanding Barrée' design from their spring-summer 2011 collection.

Price: RMB 7,900. Roger Vivier Boutique, Unit 121 & 132, Plaza 66, Nanjing Xi Lu. Tel: 6288 6477. Web: www.rogervivier.com

Mellow Yellow

Here's one for the fellas. This 'Flying Retro Panda' t-shirt from Plastered was inspired by Chinese memorabilia. According to the designers, “only Plastered pandas can fly”... hmmm.

Price: RMB 158. Plastered T-Shirts, No. 49, Lane 248, Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Lu. Tel: 187 2153 9477. Web: www.plasteredtshirts.com

White Out

H&M recently unveiled their Conscious Collection of clothing made from environmentally-friendly materials, including organic cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester. White is summer's coolest hue and in this dress, accented at the neckline by romantic lace, you'll be sure to turn heads day and night.

Price: RMB 379. H&M (flagship store), 645-659 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 5383 8866. Web: www.hm.com