First published on 7 Sep 2011. Updated on 23 Nov 2011.
Internet shopping giant Taobao lists more than 800 million products, so how do you know where to begin? Three key figures in Shanghai fashion tell
Selena Schleh how to get the best out of the sprawling site
Top Tip You generally get better quality items and more reliable service from
Taobao Mall compared to the regular Taobao site, because sellers have to pay a higher fee and provide full company details to register there.
Recommendation one Yoho! Why This is Yoho! magazine’s Taobao store, which also stocks popular menswear brands, accessories and fragrances. It might not be as cheap as you expect, but the service is great and more importantly, it’s all good quality stuff.
Recent purchase ‘Sugar Cane’ fragrance by Demeter.
Time Out’s verdict We like the mix of Chinese and Western designs here, from futuristic flip-flops by foot specialist Dopie (199RMB), to antique print cardholders (86RMB) and stone-washed denim cut-offs (439RMB). They offer free shipping and frequent discounts, too.
Recommendation two LoomooWhy You can find unusual little gifts at this lifestyle concept store, and there’s a much bigger range of products available here than at their Shanghai-based showroom.
Recent purchase A grey felt rucksack by lovely French brand Cote et Ciel.
Time Out’s verdict Unlike most cluttered Taobao stores, this cleanly-presented shop is easy on the eye. Search by object, brand or designer to find goodies like gel-filled ‘Dr Cool’ bags (150RMB), multi-purpose mugs (95RMB) and giant light bulb lamps (1,380RMB).
Top Tip The easiest and safest way to pay for stuff on Taobao is by using a pre-paid card from a convenience store like Alldays. You just enter the PIN from the back of the card and the amount is deducted from your available credit.
Recommendation one Monkey Nana Why You can buy quirky shoes in the markets for next to nothing, but if you don’t like haggling, this is a fantastic alternative.
Recent purchase A pair of beige Jeffrey Campbell-style wedges.
Time Out’s verdict This shoe haven is handily divided into categories like wedges, heels and flats and boasts a huge range of designs, like flatform plimsolls (70RMB), polka-dot peep-toes (76RMB) and Acne-esque sandals (52RMB). Our only gripe is the sizes – if you’re more than a 39, you can forget it.
Recommendation two XiaowoWhy I love the leggings at this women’s clothing store – they come in every print, colour and fabric imaginable. A lot of the designs are in the vein of Black Milk (Australian designer), but they’re much more affordable!
Recent purchase Neon leggings.
Time Out’s verdict This is truly the holy grail for hosiery fans, from funky striped ankle-socks (45RMB) to graphic-print leggings (125RMB) and vintage style seamed stockings (18RMB).
Top tip Check the icons on the seller’s rankings for an indication of their reliability. The top ranking is a golden crown, followed by a blue crown, a diamond and finally a heart, which indicates a new seller. We’d never buy from a new seller unless it was a personal recommendation.
Recommendation one SukiiredWhy This is a great shop for womenswear and accessories, with a good range of sizes. New stock comes in all the time and it’s all really affordably priced.
Recent purchase A cute black mini-skirt – the perfect wardrobe staple.
Time Out’s verdict There’s a wide selection of on-trend, keenly-priced designs on this stylishly presented site, like chic chiffon blouses (58.50RMB), knife-pleat midi skirts (65RMB) and unusually draped, cut-out T-shirts (55RMB).
Recommendation two Season BeautyWhy The jewellery here is super cheap and a great way to update your look on a budget.
Recent purchase An adorable necklace with an apple core pendant.
Time Out’s verdict Despite our initial impression of a street-side bric-a-brac stall, this kitschy little site is worth a trawl for a dirt cheap fashion fix. We found Gothic-inspired skull jewellery (from 8.99RMB), quirky make-up bags (16RMB) and a fabulously OTT cocktail ring (10RMB).