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Instant Authority

It’s amazing what an impact a few accessories can do for an outfit. Glasses: a sexy librarian. Bandana around the neck: a hustler for life. Suspenders: a man with power. Pick up a pair from H&M and keep your pants hung like a boss.

RMB 99. H&M (flagship store). 645-659 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Sinan Lu. Tel: 5383 8866. Web: www.hm.com

Use the Force

Star Wars-themed novelties are the height of nerd chic. Embrace your geekiness and get a Star Wars-themed Moleskine journal that scoffs at the mundane and unpersonalised. This year, don’t just set the trend – leave your mark.

RMB 248. Moleskine. 245 Madang Lu, near Zizhong Lu. Web: www.moleskine.com

Well Heeled

Winter has a way of making the toes of even die-hard fashionistas shrivel up into flats or furry boots, but don’t give in. A smart and practical platform boot from Chloe Chen will keep you stylish without sacrificing the warmth.

RMB 1,980. Chloe Chen. 174 Xiangyang Nan Lu, near Huaihai Zhong Lu. Tel: 6375 6822. Web: www.chloechen.com

Bright & Bold

Black and white are so boring — why not wear a colour that shouts ‘fun’? This Purple Kiss poncho is the perfect remedy for the drab winter attire blues. Mix and match it with other pieces for a fresh spin on an old look.

RMB 1,500. Bubble Mood. Tel: 186 0213 0394. Web: www.bubble-mood.com

Timely Tees

Nothing is cooler than a dragon spitting hot fire. Now picture that on a T-shirt. BOOM! Chick magnet, right there. Plastered T-shirts makes 'em, Shanghai’s got 'em. It’s the year of the dragon, be the dragon.

RMB 138. Plastered T-shirts. 49 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Lu. Tel: 187 2153 9477. Web: www.plasteredtshirts.com

LBD

The little black dress is known for breaking hearts, but this leather piece is meant to crush them. Nix the nice girl façade and indulge in the relentlessly sexy. Men will be eating out of your hand in no time.

RMB 2,395. Griss BCN. 614 Julu Lu, near Xiangyang Lu. Tel: 6247 2964. Web: www.grissbcn.com

Shop of the Month: Alan Chan Creations

Designer Alan Chan’ s new store is located in the renovated buildings of Tianzifang Terrace. A reprise of vintage Chinese pop art, the boutique includes basic sundries, such as plastic document sleeves, wooden pencils and tea canisters, that display nostalgic images of China in the 50s and 60s. In addition to stationary and kitchen goods, ACC features a collection of limited edition T-shirts displaying graphic designs from Chan’s academic studies during the 70s.

Chan adds a bit of personal charm to his highly-curated store with framed portraits of himself during his growth as a designer. The music in the background is a selection of past hits that have been remade using string instruments, such as the violin and guitar.

Alan Chan Creations. Taikang Terrace, Room 106 – 109, 2 Jianguo Zhong Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu. Web: www.alanchancreations.com