Though China seems to have avoided the worst of the global economic crisis, many consumers have become more cost conscious. While the fattest wallets may still succumb to the allure of international luxury brands, and tourists still seek the dubious prestige of fake designer handbags, savvy shoppers are increasingly turning to originals more suited to the casual and dynamic pace of Shanghai.

Among the most attractive and well-crafted options are offered by lifestyle shops that happen to be side-by-side on Xintiandi’s Taicang Lu.