Shanghai Nights

 Mornings Sportsanistas! After a short stint in Shanghai, and
no time for jet lag, I have returned to Chicago with much to share regarding
what I wore during my trip! As I traveled to Shanghai on business, my thoughts
initially were “what is culturally acceptable in China”, “would I be required
to wear a business suit out of respect at all times”. What I learned was that
Shanghai, in particular, is very westernized and business attire etiquette is
very similar to that of the USA….phew….I was worried there for minute…..no one
likes to dress as if they are going to a funeral everyday!

I started the trip off with an informal meeting right off
the plane…..yeah talk about interesting. I said to everyone at the meeting
“apologies for how I look, I was just on a 14 hour flight”. The response I
received “you look as good as you can”. ….Ill take it. Since comfort was my
main objective, I paired these new salmon colored legging jeans from GAP with
this gold blouse from Ann Taylor; I love the back of the blouse especially as
it has a slight cutout….so risqué.

My first full day in Shanghai I met with local colleagues
for the first time. My first impression needed to be a good one and a
respectful one at that. I went neutral with my color palette and stuck to
normal business attire. These SUPER comfortable cropped pants from GAP, which
by the way I got on sale for $22 bones, I paired with a fitted blazer from
Banana Republic. Underneath the blazer I added a tank from Mossimo Dutti, a
store only in Europe…boo hiss….the tank had a sheer overlay with polka dots to
add a littttttle spice to my business casual outfit. Side note….shoes are from Ann Taylor circa 2011. 

I feel like I’m signing that Christmas carol…on the third
day of Shanghai, my wardrobe brought to me…..A Burberry blazer, a neutral color
block dress by L.A.M.B and Steve Madden bluuuuuuuuue suede shoes. The blazer
and dress were both purchased some time ago, but here is a similar idea of a dress and blazer if
you die for them like I do. I added a yellow beaded necklace and blue suede shoes by Steve Madden to give my outfit a slight edge,
all while still being respectful and mindful of what my purpose was there.

 

On my last day, comfort and mobility was key as I was
walking all over town.  I figured on the
last day, lets go big or go home with color….and I did. I don’t think Ill ever
travel anywhere with out this $15 skirt from H&M. I paired it with a sheer
navy polka dot tank by Banana Republic, while this snake print cardigan from
Ann Taylor kept me warm. My go to accessory for life, the turquoise necklace
from H&M. Here is a similar necklace from J.Crew and H&M; for real I
could sleep in that necklace I love it so much. Since comfort of the feet was
necessary, I packed these nude patent flats by Me Too. I bought them last
season, but they must have been uber popular because they are still available
at Nordstrom!

Welp that’s its for me today! Time to crash and enjoy the
Holiday weekend! Cheers!