I’m back in Asia on business and currently in Shanghai. Wow, what a city! So far I am finding it hipper than Hong Kong and more alluring than Beijing. After forty years of stagnation, the city dubbed the Pearl of the Orient is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions you can imagine. With decadent new bars, state of the art spas and exclusive restaurants, the city seems set to recapture its position as East Asia's most thrilling metropolis.

Sadly, I’ve not got time to test as many bars and restaurants as I would like due to work commitments but I can’t complain - among my work meetings I’ve had a whale of a time and I’ve even been invited on a corporate day to watch the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday.

Going to the Formula One has left me with a dilemma, what do you wear to such an event? I mean, I need to look my best if I am to snag myself a millionaire driver or millionaire team owner!

I certainly don’t want to look as provocative as the pit girls but I certainly need to make an entrance, so I’ve set myself an afternoon shopping trip to go and pick up an I’m-going-to-end-up-being-married-to-an-F1-driver-if-I-wear-this outfit.

Lucky for me Shanghai is hailed as 'Shopping Paradise' and according to many native co-workers, shopping should not be missed any more than its other charming attractions. The city provides the very best shopping experience and shopping has become an indispensable part of Shanghai's tourism industry. So what’s a girl to do, eh?

First on the list for an outfit are the local markets, which are known for their value as well as their atmosphere. I’ve been told to haggle furiously and in return for my bartering skills will be met with unimaginable bargains. Chinese silks and brocades cost next to nothing at markets and even less to have made up. River pearls go for nothing at the Old Town's pearl market on the Li Shui Road, the women behind the counter will even string them while you wait. The outdoor antiques market on Dong Tai Lu Road is renowned for old lacquered boxes, colourful china and communist memorabilia.

When it comes to brands, there's little that Shanghai cannot offer. Nanjing Lu Road, around the corner, is where you'll find labels such as Dior and Cartier, mostly in Plaza 66, Shanghai's second tallest building. Giorgio Armani has just opened at the base of Three on the Bund, and Bund 18, opening soon, will house other designers. Huaihai Road is the next rung down you’ll find Maison Mode, located at No.1312 – it claims to be the aristocrat on this street. You will find the leading designer brands such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Bally and Kenzo here.

Xiang Yang Lu Fashion Market is where you'll find the fakes, if you can face being hassled, not to mention jostling with the crowds.

Xintiandi looks like London, and among its many bars and restaurants sit shops like Shanghai Tang and X, which is the ultimate for party outfits and is where I found a perfect dress to wow the F1 crowd. I honestly can’t wait to showcase it at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Now that I’m all shopped out I plan to recover at Jingbin Blindman's Massage Parlour, 370 Hua Shan Road (00 86 21 6248 1888) and hopefully fall asleep under the expert thumbs of a masseuse with dreams of F1 husbands racing around my brain…