Finding a tailor to make you a custom suit in Beijing can be a bit tricky if you don't know where you are looking in this vast metropolis. This can be particularly challenging if you have 'Western' measurements so can't buy off the shelf. The best place to go is Gong Ti Bei Lu market right by 'Workers' Stadium'. There you will be able to find various stores catering for your needs. Expect to pay around USD100 a suit.

Ask your hotel to write the address in Chinese - otherwise your taxi driver won't find it!

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It's a short metro ride away from the glamour of high street shopping so was it worth it? While my Parisian friends told me they don't shop there, as the area is not very 'chic', I actually found some very good discounts and, surprisingly, some new season items, slightly discounted albeit with tiny flaws.

I found two great bargains at Cacharel that made the metro ride worthwhile. A cropped wollen jacket, rabbit-fur trimmed lapel €660 reduced to €120 and a frilly high-neck silk blouse reduced from €320 to €90.

There's also a great selection of clothes for children of all ages: girls’ embroidered cardigans at a ridiculous €30, boys' suits from €100 as well as lots of cashmere twin sets around €80-120. The ground floor is dedicated to monsieur.

Also impressive are the two Sonia Rykiel stores which had some wonderful knitted suits at very reasonable prices. As France’s 'queen of knits' you can be assured of quality and pick up tops in bright colours for under €100; her two stores had last season’s stock greatly reduced. You won’t believe the incredibly cute young girls and baby SR range. You’ll also find bags and shoes in those bright trademark colours. If you like these two brands, then ‘bon route’.

A few other stores promised Armani and Dolce & Gabbanna but disappointed. Others had a great selection of French brand names, Gerard Darel, Naf Naf but at the same price as the 5th! I did find some American Retro ‘timeless’ T-shirts for around €30. It is fun bargain hunting and, if I had more time, I would have done more shopping.

Shops are generally open Monday after 2pm then Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 7pm. I found most opened during the lunch hour (however the smaller ones may close).

Cacharel – 114 rue d'Alésia, Métro: Alésia, t: 01 45 42 53 04 or more details at www.myweekin.net

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I got a killer deal on my Vegas trip last month. I was given this email with a promocode 'TripResSun' and it saved me US$50 when I spent US$400 or more. I guess it's good for most of their destinations but I just tried Las Vegas. Hadn't heard of them before but it worked.

Monte Carlo is also right on the Strip, 4.5-star, and relatively cheap. Good luck!

Here is what I have
www.tripres.com/destinations/displayHotels.aspx?cityID=181&dest=Las+Vegas&referrer=17549&ovchn=INH&ovcpn=408&ovcrn=0024408&ovtac=ad&promotioncode=tripressun

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