Anita Da Silva (Yan Yun Wang if you call her by her  Chinese name), is the founder of Chalkboard, the first Shanghai based children’s store selling Western designers. Her assortment includes Kicokids, Hunter, Si tu veux and a nice selection of accessories, toys, home decor. Anita Studied fashion at Esmod Paris and lived in France for 5 years; she travels a lot, very often to the US. Before having her little girl called Sophia Jenna (now 2 years), she worked as an editor for Elle China. A pioneer with international culture and excellent taste, Anita tells us more about her passions, ideas and life.

Can you tell us what is the philosophy behind Chalkboard? I want to offer an artist view to the new generations, help stimulating Chinese children’s imagination and encourage originality in China. That is why I named the store Chalkboard, it’s all about expressing your imagination. The more you draw, the further you go. Chalkboard is a brand, a shop who thinks of the future, of the new Chinese lifestyle.

Speaking of lifestyle, can you describe yours? Busy, always thinking about what’s new, what’s next…like everybody who lives in an up-coming city. Having fun at the same time of course. I love it.

How about your own style? I mix and match, casual and effortless chic…until 2 weeks ago; I had a little accident because of my hairdresser’s assistant; still recovering!

How is your typical week? Phone calls, meetings, solving problems and have some little guilty pleasures…

How about your perfect Sunday? Having brunch with my family and friends outdoor. See the green, see the kids, the most beautiful things.

What are your inspirations at the moment? Today I heard the news about Apple; 600,000 people pre-ordered the new iphone 4 online; I am one of these, I wonder how much work and ideas behind, this is it- the inspiration of very now. The real inspiration is to change people’s life, looking forward to seeing my daughter when I talk to her with Facetime.

The book on your bedside table? The 30 years of Chinese Modern Art.

The music in your ipod? My husband mixed it for me. Mainly house and techno. I plan to buy the Soul Train Series. Love them.

What are your favorite cities in the world? Paris, Paris and Paris. I have so many good memories out there. Friends, restaurants, beautiful shops and French movies…I can’t stop walking, shopping 12 hours in a row in Paris.

And your favorite stores? Bon Marche, Merci and Bonpoint’s falgship in Paris.

What is your favorite child-related online destination? www.milkmagazine.net, especially for the “Look de Rue”, and Pirouette of course

What is your favorite child-related magazine? Milk magazine

Your favorite movie to watch with the whole family? Sophia is still too young to enjoy movies, but I guess she will soon love watching movies about animals. Looking forward to it.

What do you prize most in life? My family

A strong belief? Work hard and love hard

What are you especially proud about? My ideas and my go-get character

Your favorite place for the holidays? Portugal, horse riding and spending time with my family on the beach

I am sure we all played the same tricks to make our sons and daughters eat, around 18 months. A spoon for papa, a spoon for mama, the little train, the little car brings food in your mouth, etc. At Bonton in Paris I found that marvelous neon color spoon shaped as a plane. So crafty!

French brand Wowo just opened a store in Le Marais, Paris. Small but very cute, this boutique is a nice complement to its neighbors of giant size Bonton and Merci. I lived in that street for many years, but it was a long time ago, when it was still part of the garment district with only wholesalers. It is so pleasant to see the changes in this area. A must visit for anyone interested in children’s fashion, in home decor and in art (the best galleries are in the little streets behind).

Founded in 2006 by Carol Chyau (from Taiwan) and Marie So (from Hong Kong), Shokay aims to be China’s first socially responsible lifestyle brand. The products, for adults, children and home, are made from 100% yak down sourced sustainably from Tibetan herders in Western China. Unlike wool, yak down is extremely soft, does not itch, and is comparable to cashmere. Shokay’s flagship store in Shanghai is located in Tianzifang, a popular creative shopping center in lively Taikang Road, and the collection is also carried in over 100 stores in 10 countries. If you visit Shanghai, don’t miss Pin Wei, a fun design store at Art Deco building 1933, formerly an abattoir, and now a Shanghai hot spot where you can eat, drink, see art and shop local products. Pin Wei carries a great selection of Shokay’s home collection.

This 70m² (753 SqFeet) boutique is a rare opportunity for who wants to open a retail space in Paris. Located on Rue du Bac, it is a few steps away from Le Bon Marche and Bonton concept store, in a busy part of Rive gauche, the “passage obligatoire”, or a “must-pass-through” street for a chic local clientele  as well as shopping addicts from all over the world.

I love summer scarves. They are the perfect stylish accessory and they are also quite often a functional, indispensable item. Wether you are switching from baking hot temperatures to freezing cold air conditioned places, or if you are climates where the evenings get chilly, it can really save the little ones from un-necessary throat problems. Belgium brand Bellerose has these long flower and beads ones (170 cm / 66″) in 100% cotton, that you can even borrow, sometimes, if the children let you do so. Available at Lillibulle, €48.

Nothing more energizing than a tour at YoyaMart. The store has great music, a fantastic selection of books, toys, clothes and sneakers. Don’t miss the Ugly Dolls in neon colors, the flower print dresses from Essentiel, the summer light windbreakers from Bellerose, the Dude Toys that can be customized by inserting a photo in their faces, and the 6.0 new line from Nike. For Fall, YoyaMart will introduce Paul Smith Kids as well as a new jeans project by Levi’s. YoyaMart,15 Gansevoort Street, New York - (212) 242-5511.