Winter Woolies
(City Weekend)
Updated: 2005-01-17 16:09

If you hadn't noticed, the nights are getting darker and the weather colder. With average temperatures in the minuses not to mention the wind chill factor, keeping warm has become a burning issue. So to stop the chills from multiplying, why not try out some of these hot ideas.

Top of the list

Xiangyang market is a must for many cheap and warm winter items, selling a plethora of designer and retro gear like earmuffs. Many stalls sell these brightly colored items in the designs of rabbits, ducks, kittens, footballs and other fancy shapes. A silly but practical way to keep ears warm and decorate your head, a real favorite with the kids costing as little as Y20.

There you can also buy designer hats and scarves, leather gloves, woolen and fleece mittens in a variety of colors, sizes and styles that will keep the winter chills at bay; a Burberry hat, gloves and scarf set will set you back about Y40. Another blast from the past is a Hip flask. Though not exactly an item of clothing, it can be secreted into a coat pocket carrying brandy or whisky to sip on a chilly day, approx Y60 depending on your negotiating skills.

Middle of the road

All the rage with skiers, mountaineers and trendsetters, fleece tops are soft, warm and easy to wear; buy them at Uniqlo stores Y59 -Y99. And to make sure that you're not left out in the cold, buy an old faithful - the body warmer. Always a favorite in cold weather, the sleeveless padded jacket that insulates your core is much in demand. Worn as standard by market traders, rap artists and celebrities, this cool piece of kit will keep you hot in winter. Buy them at Tommy Hilfiger shops and most department stores for around Y100 upwards.

If you are looking for something more glamorous, look no further than Xavier for their fantastic goose feather and rabbit fur jackets in vibrant colors. They also sell 1920's inspired faux fur muff and stoles that make you want to don some ice skates to complete the look; prices start at Y300.

Bottom of the pile

Thermal underwear is a much-needed addition to most wardrobes in China, and a fairly inexpensive item that will never go out of fashion. An assortment of knee length socks and tights, stretchy tops and bottoms in a cotton-lycra mix will add that essential extra layer, keeping the whole body warm. They come in cream, navy and red but be warned they are known to be a passion killer, so best get undressed in the dark. Buy them at most department stores and Threegun stores from as little as Y59.

If you haven't already got a pair, Shanghai is the place to buy your winter boots. There are numerous shops down Shaanxi Lu selling a good selection of ankle, calf and knee high boots to suit all tastes. Most department stores such as Pacific will have a good range, usually at the higher end, though some still have winter discounts. Buy at Trend (Y100 - 300) for a cheaper option.

Alternatively go to shops around Yuyuan Gardens and purchase a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep body parts warm. In addition thermos flasks Y10 - 50 and heating pads bought from any supermarket, camping or outdoors shop will keep your spirits highs. If that's not for you, Ikea sells a good selection of appealing winter blankets Y99 to keep you toasty at night.

So whether you are wearing green bunny earmuffs with a rabbit fur hat, designer body warmer with gigantic thermal underpants, when it comes to keeping warm in Shanghai - anything goes!

Threegun
100 Tianyaoqiao Lu, Xujiahui

Trend
Corner of Huaihai Lu / Shaanxi Lu

Tommy Hilfiger
Orient Plaza, Xujiahui

Uniqlo
Grand Gateway, 1 Hongqiao Lu, Xujiahui

Xavier
Unit 2, Xintiandi

Xiangyang market
Xiangyang Lu nr Huaihai Lu

Yuyuan Gardens

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