Agnes B¡¯s eclectic

Agnes B¡¯s eclectic new 2006 Winter Collection treads the line between fashionable and frumpy (the dowdy leather flats didn¡¯t look good even on the slender feet of models). Inelegant footwear aside, the earth-toned leather biker jackets; glam-rock velvet suits; militaristic double-breasted coats and crepe bloomer all-in-ones are hot looks for winter.

deco discovery

Just arrived from Hangzhou, Cozy Home Furnishings makes made-to-measure raw cotton cushions, bedding and curtains in cheery Indian and Mediterranean inspired stripes. The most popular items are the custom-made cushions which add a comfy ethno-fusion touch to outdoor and antique Chinese furniture.
153 Guangyuan Lu (6471 0723)

easy shot

Espresso machines should be mandatory equipment in every home and office (hint ¨C Ed). This unit isn¡¯t quite the sleek chrome Gaggia of our dreams, but it does produce strong brew with a creamy top. Moccona and Philips have joined forces to create a patented brewing system, just released in Asia, using fuss-free coffee pods which deliver a fresh cup in 30 seconds flat. Best of all, once you¡¯re done you can simply throw the detachable parts in the dishwasher. The Senseo machines come in black and cobalt for RMB 998, and coffee pods in Mocca Delicate, Classic and Dark varieties, retail at RMB 25 for a pack of ten.

simple solution

Britain¡¯s number one skincare brand, which champions the use of 100 per cent perfume and color-additive free products for sensitive skin, is now available from the classic green and white ¡®Simple¡¯ stands at Watson¡¯s and select pharmacies in Shanghai. Best of all is the gentle, yet effective, Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. And the ultra- convenient Cleansing Facial Wipes for those nights when you stumble home at 2am too tired to give your face a thorough scrub ¨C if you¡¯re not going to wake with a clear head, you can at least wake up with clean face.

lemony linens

French designer Anne Fontaine, best known for her range of gorgeous white blouses, understands a thing or two about caring for delicates. We love her big glass bottle (RMB 220/1L) of ¡®Ame Blanche¡¯ linen water which, when poured into the iron, has our clothes smelling of bergamot, nutmeg, lemon and mint, instead of like Suzhou Creek.
Shop 2, One Corporate Ave, 222 Hubin Lu (6340 6211)

september saving

One of Shanghai¡¯s best kept spa secrets is the L¡¯Institut de Guerlain China flagship in the Regent Hotel. The pleasantly perfumed treatments and state-of-the-art Vichy rain showers do not come cheap, but until the end of September you can kick back with a friend, don the cuddly Frette bathrobes, and enjoy two treatments for the price of one, plus a complimentary footbath and make-up refresher.
26/F, 1116 Yan¨ªan Xi Lu (6115 9607)

life line

From finding the address of the new fabric market, to translating it to the taxi driver en route, to booking The Lion King tickets, to questions about stinky tofu, Shanghai¡¯s new 24-hour free English-language hotline is firmly on our fast dial.
Shanghai Call Center: 962288

masked beauty

Skinvitals, a skin care brand dedicated entirely to cloth treatment masks soaked in serums of ginseng, ginko, bilboa and lavender, has arrived in Shanghai (at Sasa, Magix, Jialong and Selina stores). Choose from Lift, Soothe, Energize or Eye Lift and enjoy a deluxe facial in a packet at just RMB 88 for a pack of four. (www.skinvitals.com.au)