The real shopping in South East Asia - meaning places like Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Japan, South Korea and so on - is on the streets. Every one of these countries, no matter how developed, has street markets where you can find the best bargains clothing wise. However if you fancy going into a store every now and then, here are a few brands you can check out when you're there.
A few words of warning:
1. Sadly Indians are not very popular in these parts. Combined with the dislike of darker skins most South East Asians have, Indians have made themselves notorious for crappy behaviour. Don't expect to be welcomed.
2. South East Asians have a completely different body type to the rest of the world. If you're above a size 0 US, you will need the large or the extra large. If you happen to be a size 0, you will fit into medium...usually. This is not your cue to go on a starvation diet. Just accept that there are all shapes and sizes in this big wide world of ours.
3. Cutesy is the norm - not the exception. You will see an abundance of frills, ruffles and pink in the women's section. Yes, that's right, this is NOT moody, edgy Zara. This is bright, colourful, and dare I say, childish. Innocent and cute is prized in this culture - not sexy and edgy. If your style veers more into Kardashian territory, it's possible you might leave empty handed.
Speaking of cutesy, there's a whole industry in Japan (also the rest of SEA) around the 'living doll' culture. (Go look it up) Liz Lisa is one of the biggest brands dedicated to the whole Lolita thing.
As you can see, cutesy it is. However, not everything is so twee. And if you choose to pair these items with other pieces - and not together - you could have some very nice outfits. I think these jeans would be perfect for the monsoon.
This blouse with formal trousers would be such a good work outfit. And the skirt with a strappy cami top would be perfect for a dinner.
Even this, arguably the most twee of the lot, when separated would give you two really nice outfit options. The blouse with a black miniskirt is clubbing worthy. The skirt with a formal blouse can take you to a meeting at work.
There's a clothing brand in Japan called Candy Stripper - yes, I kid you not. Fortunately, their clothes are far more normal than their name would suggest.
This tee for example would look great with jeans or a skirt.
And this pinafore-esque dress is also a great choice. You'll get a lot of use out of something like this.
If in Japan, don't forget to go to Tokyu Hands. It's the place for all sorts of odd stuff.
I seriously want one of these lights!!
And for the Harry Potter fans in your life, a Slytherin Pop Socket anyone??
South Korea's most famous brand - and you'll find them all over SEA - has got to be Style Nanda. They're trendy and cheap, and loved even by celebrities.
I adore this gingham, ruffled, wraparound dress. Seriously, how much does it scream 'summer vacay'??
This particular combo might not be for everyone, but I do love the top. I think it's made for our insanely hot summers.
If you're more of a Boho person, this outfit is made for you. You can swap the jeans for some culottes or a maxi skirt, and you're all set.
Chuu is another South Korean clothing brand worth checking out.
This jumpsuit is really sophisticated. With heels and some good jewellery, you could rock it at a formal event!
Of course, cutesy never strays far. Still, this dress is very summery, and extremely wearable back home. Although I'd suggest that you pair it with sandals. Leather, open-toed, stiletto heeled boots are never a great option in our weather!
This lace dress and long tee is honestly just a girlier version of something you'd find in Zara. And if I'm being honest - shhh, whisper it - I actually like this one better!
An honorary mention must go to Charles & Keith. Yes, I know they retail in India. However, their prices in Singapore are out of this world cheap! Also, the variety is much, much better. I bought a pair of shoes for Rs 2000. (When they eventually arrived in India - four months later - they sold for Rs 3999) Aside from the blush pink bag at the beginning of this post, I also like these shoes.
They have such a vintage feel to them. They look so sophisticated.
If you haven't yet bought a pair of slides - or are in the market for new ones - these pinstripe ones are amazing. They'll go with everything - dresses or shorts, and will work with office wear too.
I'm a huge fan of Charles & Keith's wallets. They (along with Kate Spade) are the only brand which seems to understand that we need tiny wallets to go into cross body bags, but they still have to be able to hold our multitude of cards and all the change we randomly collect. This pink number checks all the right boxes. (Yes, I only buy pink wallets. Always. For the last three years.)
While this is the least practical thing ever, I just had to include it cos it's so pretty!! I doubt it'll hold much more than some cash and cards, and if you're lucky - and have a tiny mobile - your cell phone. But how gorgeous is it?? It's seriously a case of 'want, but never actually need'
Also, don't forget that SEA has the Bath & Body Works, Lush and Victoria's Secret. None of which retail in India. They're all worth a stop by if you're not headed to the US, Canada or the UK.
Happy shopping, peeps!!
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl
IG: @maryannecp
Photo Credits: All pictures are taken from the brands own websites.
Everything is from their current / new in collections.
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