Becoming a Better Shopper: Nali Patio Stores

People underestimate the shopping scene in Beijing. They peer into a few stores, get distracted by the cheap cloth and glittery diamantes, and write off the city’s retail potential completely.

The truth is, you just need to become a more adept shopper. Adapt to your surroundings. You’re not in America or Europe anymore, though you can still rely on some of the same fast-fashion chain stores (i.e. H&M and Zara). But if you truly want to flourish, give some of the local places a chance as well.

Nali Patio is an excellent place to start. Most people know it as the area wedged in between Crepanini and American Apparel – but it also serves as home to many budding Beijing-based designers.

On the first floor, you can swing by D-SATA (DimSum of all things Asian) for quirky and eco-friendly accessories. The prices are on the higher end, but owner Currie Lee exclusively employs women in Southeast Asian “cottage industries,” and all the bags are crafted by hand.

For more practical everyday finds, however, migrate to the second floor. Remember, the selection varies depending on which store got which shipment. They nearly all show the same discerning taste (with a few exceptions), so you’ll need to explore all of them regularly in order to find the pieces of your liking.

We were stunned and absolutely delighted to find not one, but two Alexander Wang shoes (one below) in a store that doesn’t even have a name, but are available at “stall” A209. We’re almost certain they’re authentic, too – and the prices (RMB 3,000-5,800) reflect that belief. There were also stylish chunky scarves (from RMB 350), oversized blazers and cut-out dresses.

Next door is a place called Coffeel (啡裳衣柜, A205), which stocked tons of on-trend blouses (baggy or cropped) starting from around RMB 300, along with work-appropriate dresses and sweaters, like the Theory camel-colored belted cardigan sweater (RMB 780, below).

We were particularly impressed by Palma (A202-203), which occupied a larger space and offered a more distinctive style of clothing. We fell in love with their baggy sweaters (also available in purple, RMB 390, and silver, RMB 690, below). The jewelry, too, was unique and beautiful. Unfortunately, we have no pictures of those – you’ll just have to go and take a look for yourself. Rings started from around RMB 300.

Finally, at the very end of the hall, you can squeeze into a tiny store, A210. I saw an employee (perhaps the owner) busily shopping online, perhaps trying to bolster up the store’s current collection. Some of the pieces were unremarkable, but then there were also golden finds, like a Standard Workers gray cardigan with brown leather pockets (RMB 890, below).

Non Season is one of this city’s most cherished local brands, and can be found at several nearby stores including BNC (Brand New China in Sanlitun Village North) and Dong Liang Studio (in Wudaoying). Its home store run by founder and designer Ellde Zhang is located on one of the upper floors. Zhang is terrifically skilled at churning out trendy yet classic coats and cashmere knits. Below is one of our favorite pieces from her latest collection: a brown coat (price TBD), perfectly in line with fall's seasonal palette.

Nali Patio. 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6413 1002) 那里花园, 朝阳区三里屯路81号