From markets to malls, Taobao to international chains, Shanghai offers the dedicated shopper a wealth of ways to supplement their wardrobe. For more unusual brands and one-off pieces, however, the city's many boutiques will be the destination of choice for the fashion savvy – here's just a few of the latest to hit the boutiqu-iful Shanghai scene.

Roomate

Open since April, Roommate is the place to go for funky pieces by Korean, Japanese and Swedish designers that aren't going to break the bank: t-shirts start from 300rmb, for example, whilst dresses go from 500rmb. Denim – featuring cute polka dot shorts and leather patched jeans – is by owner and Shanghai fashionista extraordinaire, HeeJung Jun. Men are catered for too, with Fleur de Soleil offering tailored shirts in either Korean or Italian cotton for an eminently reasonable 498rmb. There's also iPhone cases in crocodile and ostrich leather in a dazzling array of colours, as well a bright array of preppy socks and ties. Pretty handmade jewellery comes courtesy of Korean brand Sofira and is priced from 200rmb, whilst designer sunglasses (Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Karen Walker, et al) are generally around the 1,500rmb mark. Run by possibly the friendliest, smiliest and certainly chicest staff you could ever hope to meet, there are plans afoot to introduce shoes and bags sometime next month, as well as an online shop due to launch any day now.

I Prefer

Where Roommate is all whitewashed brick work and big, sunny windows, their upstairs neighbours, Taiwanese brand I Prefer, take a more sultry approach, with dark Chinese furniture, wooden floors and elegant silk screens. Loose-fitting, casual pieces in high quality fabrics and a muted palette abound, with prices starting at 700rmb or so for tops, and 1,000rmb for skirts. Versatility is the buzzword here, with pretty printed pleated skirts transforming into dresses at the buckle of a belt, or indeed wrap of a hand-dyed Balinese silk scarf (628rmb).

Helen Lee

Over to Fumin Lu now, where Shanghainese designer Helen Lee has just opened her new, eponymous store. The founder of casual chic brand INSH recently debuted her own-name label at Shanghai Fashion Week, and both are on sale in her French Concession boutique. Perfectly off-setting the colourful clothes within, interiors are bright white with accents of lime green and origami birds flocked in the large, street-side window, whilst changing rooms sport quirky, knitted light holders, the simple bulbs suspended like fruit from a tree. From the more affordable, younger INSH collection, t-shirts emblazoned with If You Are The One's Ma Nuo's now notorious put-down, 'I'd rather cry in the back of a BMW...' come in a variety of colours and are priced at 368rmb, whilst cute skull print dresses go for 1,880rmb. The designer's latest collection is available too, a highlight being an elegant organza trench (1,980rmb), or else a luxuriously soft silk coat dress in bottle green for 2,580rmb.

Lolo Love Vintage Boutique and Cafe

For secondhand chic, be sure to check out Lolo Love Vintage's new store. Previously housed in the now deserted 696 Weihai Lu arts complex, they've upgraded to a beautiful lane property, complete with leafy garden on Wuyuan Lu. The extra space houses yet more retro-clothing, mainly from the 60s, 70s and 80s just waiting to be rummaged, as well as a quaint café, currently serving drinks only from pretty, dainty teacups. There are dresses galore, with the simpler hovering around the 380rmb mark, as well as cocktail and evening pieces. For the dedicated label hunter, there's some great finds to be had – Dior bags, on our visit, as well as a couple of pairs of Ferragamo shoes (around 1,000rmb). Vintage hats, jewelery, sunglasses and a good selection of woolen and silk ties make for a happy hunting ground no matter what you seek, and when the sun's shining, outdoor seating offers a peaceful spot for a coffee.

ULTRA

Finally, eco-minded followers of fashion might like to check out ULTRA. Co-founded by Shanghai's very own Anita Hawkins, the Malaysian start-up creates simple, versatile clothes from sustainable materials such as soy and bamboo fibres, salmon skin leather and biodegradable tencel. Designed by Jonathan Liang, Tengku Jamidah and Tengku Syahmi, the edgy, monochrome pieces are created at the label's atelier in Malaysia, and are already creating quite a buzz on the international scene. Each item is made-to-order and can be bought online here with prices starting at around 500rmb.

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Front and top picture are of Helen Lee's wares.

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