"that's just how we do"

Angel Biba shorts. Wittner boots. Seiko watch. 

Thinking and expressing that yesterday was 'hot' was apparently a massive exaggeration because today's blistering heat put yesterday's to shame as we set off for Pudong. Our plans were to head to IFC for some more trend scouting but first, we figured while we were in the area, why not make a little trek to the waterfront for some skyline views. All in all, I'd say we spent a good 3 hours of our day making these attempts to the water and it was safe to say that our little interludes inside for lunch and our task for the day were beyond appreciated.

Ai Wan Ting: Bumping into some friends, we joined them for a leisurely lunch in the Super Brand Mall in-between adventures, feasting on fish and rice. The restaurant, Ai Wan Ting, is actually famous for it’s mix of yummy Cantonese, HuNan, and HaiNan style cuisine at affordable prices and its awesome views. Win!

Pearl Market: After our tasks were done for the day, beyond exhausted, my rookie headed home while I headed off for a tad more shopping (cause we know that was necessary right?!) I've found that making plans in the evening forces me to stay out a little longer and explore (because the round trip home to the hotel just isn't worth it) and the decision ended up being great fun as I hit up the Science and Tech Market a second time, this time channeling my efforts on the Pearl Market they have there (not sure if it's of the same name but it's at the station to, just opposite the entrance to the official Science & Tech market). While the prices in the normal market were starting to get on my nerves as the prices rose from ridiculous to legitimately ludicrous, I found a women in the pearl market more than receptive to my attempts with Chinese and who, after a barter, gave me a great price for some necklaces and bracelets in crystal, pearl and coral. 

Xintiandi: After my efforts at killing time, I headed back to Xintiandi (as promised) to meet some girlfriends for dinner. We did another quick walk through the mall before hitting up a beautifully lit and vibrant street filled with bustling people and wonderful restaurants. While our pick of 1903 Restaurant turned out to be a bit of a bust, we ended up getting a table outside Element Fresh and sipping on delicious happy hour cocktails (9-11pm Monday- Friday) for a few hours, feeling like we were potentially on some kind of relaxing beach holiday as we sipped at mojitos and margaritas. And yep, it was a Wednesday. 

Only real downer on the day is I think I may have contracted the infamous Shanghai cough. I'll let you know if I'm acting a major hypercondriac or it's legit.

Love Jess

xoxo