Syndicated from Shanghai Style File
Last week lululemon athletica opened its first Mainland China showroom in Shanghai’s Xintiandi. As part of the launch, the local lulu team asked me to be featured on the cult brand’s blog, dishing my recommendations for the ultimate ’24 hours in Shanghai.’ Of course I said yes and spent a week figuring out exactly what to write. There are so many sides of Shanghai that I experience on a daily basis – high, low, swanky, street. And, admittedly, on many days, I spend my entire morning in my apartment, pounding away at freelance projects as I inhale the dark, black contents poured from my French press. I wanted to be honest, but also not bore readers to death. I decided to pick my favorite things I experience in one week and jam them into one very long, but very fun day.
Warming up before a yoga class at Y-Plus in Xintiandi.
Here is the result. Ok, so it’s an action-packed day, but I want to give a lot of options for visitors who are keen to see multiple facets of Shanghai – from the fancy hotels to everyday street food. Thanks to my girl Denise Lai of superwowomg for taking the pictures and directing me out of paralyzing, camera-shy awkwardness (I have a totally new appreciation for fashion bloggers… how do yall look so effortless?).
Taking advantage of 2-for-1 juices at Simply Bakery Cafe.
Denise is the unsung hero in this story. She patiently braved the freezing cold, rain and snow and lovingly reminded me to ‘breathe in’ (her sweet way of saying, ‘suck the belly in, Hart!’). So xiexie Denise and thanks again to lululemon for this awesome opportunity!
Pretending it’s spring time in Fuxing Park.
Channeling the Kling in Ferguson Lane.
Trying not to be awkward at Farine.
Wine-ing down at Dr. Wine.
Stretching in the shared garden of my building on Gao’An Rd.