Shopping for BOLD in Thailand
One of my mantras for this year is to live boldly.
The first place I am starting to slip into my new bold comfort zone is with my clothing.
I have always been a very plain and simple dresser, mostly because I have no sense of style. I’m a backpacker, how could I? It’s all about sarongs, thongs and shorts trekking shorts that roll to miniature size.
I’ve always been afraid of bright colours because I fear it draws attention to myself. I feel as if I am speaking too loudly and look far too goofy.
Over the past couple of months I have been working on breaking out of that awkwardness: a little red lippy here, a splash of bright pink nail polish there. I felt ridiculous at first, but when no one laughed at me, I felt a little more comfortable and noticed a slight lift in my confidence.
Bright boldness will do that.
My wardrobe is slowly turning from dark to rainbow. Of course I did some shopping in Thailand and I informed each new vendor I was looking for bold colours and style. Put myself out there to break free from the chains of worrying what others think and being bright instead.
If others can go bold, then surely I can too?
I didn’t do as much shopping as I would like; the budget was standing firm with that one.
But here are a few of my bold items to take me into 2013. All of these I brought for under $100 total. Love Thailand
Love this $3 bracelet I picked up- bargain!!
Chilling on the tour of Phang Nga Bay. This dress is so comfortable
James Bond Island Phang Nga Bay
Love a Thai sarong
Floral fits perfectly with Thai living with my new pink havaianas
Even works with a Thai dinner setting
Bold style for sunsets and night markets
Perfect dress for hot Bangkok shopping
This was my biggest bold stretch yet!! Craig said I was doing it for Australia. I felt like an idiot at first but warmed to it by the end of the day
My new bright orange handbag. I also brought a white one (different design)
I bought the white and pink havaianas- $5 each
Best Places for Shopping in Bangkok and Phuket
Shopping in Soi Rambuttri
Bangkok
Prathunam Market
We found the best bargains for shopping in Thailand at Prathunam market just behind the Paragon shopping center in Siam.
Bring cash, and your bartering skills. You can even buy luggage there should you need it!
Soi Rambuttri
This is where I picked up some fantastic deals. Soi Rumbuttri wraps around the temple which is opposite Koh Sahn Road. It even has amazing street food and is quiet and peaceful. It is my favourite street in Bangkok.
For the men, just down the road is the Bangkoker T-shirt shop. You’ll see Craig wearing his a lot. (check the photos in our new y travel blog header).
Chattachuck Weekend Market
Is also where you’ll pick up all sorts of bargains and possibly get lost as well! It is humongous.
Phuket
You cannot go past the temple night markets in Karon Beach, held every Wednesday and Saturday night. Cheap cheap cheap. I had no shopping money left when we visited here and I was gutted. Terrible place for window shopping!
Two other Bright and Bold Dresses
Even though I did not buy these in Thailand, I wore them and love how happy they are.
This dress can be worn as a dress or skirt. When I carry Savannah she pushes it down to a skirt.
One of my favourite dresses brought from Birdsnest.com.au
And my new fave bright cossie goes well with cocktail by the pool
What do you think?
Do you wear bold colors?
Do you love shopping in Thailand?
Share your experiences or tips?
Comments
Nikki @ Styling You
You know how much I love this, don’t you Caz? And that bargain bracelet? To. Die. For. x
Caz Makepeace
Yes!! I knew you’d love my venture into the bold world of style! Thanks always for the inspiration
Vanessa
Love bold colours! Still being an office-bound person I have so much black clothing and I hate it. Plus bright colours really lift your mood 🙂
I think the brightest I’ve ever been was when I was working in a UK hardware store – bright orange aprons. I forgot that one day and thought “I want to be bright today” and wore a bright yellow long sleeved shirt. Well I certainly was bright!
You look really happy in Thailand!
Caz Makepeace
Oh I hate the job wardrobe, mine was always so drab. I like the bright orange aprons! I’ve been cooking a bit lately, maybe I need to find some!! Thailand connects with my soul really well.
Steph @ Lipstick & Cake
I love every single one of your buys Caz, especially the bracelet! x
Caz Makepeace
Thank you! The bracelet was one of my favourites!!
Travel with Bender (Erin)
HAviannas for $5! ARGH! They are over $30 here in Mexico. I miss my Haviannas so much. P.s. LOVE THE NEW COLOURS, gorgeous!
Caz Makepeace
I know!! I’m regretting not buying more now. I’m not completely sure if they are fake or not, but who cares they look and feel fabulous
Laney | Crash Test Mummy
I love the bright colours and highly approve of your choices! You look so beautiful and relaxed. I really love your Birdsnest dress. Just gorgeous. I’ve never been to Thailand. It looks like a great place to take the kids. One day!
Caz Makepeace
It’s fun for the kids, although I recommend doing it when they are out of toddler age. It was a little stressful with Savannah
Christine Calabria
Love the new outfits Caz! You go for it girl! You know how I love purple. Well this year is my year for change! One of my New Year’s resolutions was to buy NO new purple clothes, so if I want new clothes they’re not allowed to be purple. So far, so good, bought some multi-coloured outfits that may have a smidgeon of purple but are mostly other colours and a couple of aqua, pink and teal ones!!! So far so good!!! But I’m still drawn to purple when I go into a shop or look in a catalogue!