You'd be hard-pressed to find as transportive a shopping experience as Shanghai Tang. Once you enter this upscale Chinese department store (which also has outposts in Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Bangkok), it's difficult to remember you're on the Upper East Side. Each of the four floors is decorated differently, but the dark, rich wood and jewel-toned colors are constant.
The Goods
The real attractions here are the vibrantly hued Tang jackets, Mao-style suits and cheongsam gowns. Witty gift items like cufflinks featuring Chairman Mao and watches in bamboo dim sum baskets are also big sellers. All this exoticism doesn't come cheap: a pair of silk pajamas will run you around $200. Want just a taste of Tang? Snag a pair of acid green quilted silk slippers with matching case for about $50.
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