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Perfect Combination

This popular bags and shoes store is located just next to MRT Kampaeng Phet station (exit 2), luring in shoppers with its colorful leather and canvas goods. With sharp, on-trend designs and affordable prices (men’s shoes from B3,500, women’s shoes from B3,250), it’s plain to see why Perfect Combination has been a shopper’s favorite for almost a decade
Next to MRT Kamphaeng Phet, 083-066-5960

Common-T

Common-T is the brainchild of Songwut Thong-thou, who makes stylish yet affordable t-shirts for all ages. The premise is simple: tees, polos and tank-tops in basic colors (off-white, grey, black) printed with each collection’s different graphics. The latest collection is inspired by Hawaii so expect surf-inspired prints featuring palm trees and girls in hula skirts. T-shirts are from B490, while Common-T now also stock bags, caps and small leather accessories.
Section 2, Soi 3, 02-7113616, www.facebook.com/commontshirt

Plain&Pattern

As the name suggests, it’s all about plain colors and pattern prints, here. Plain&Pattern presents minimal-looking flat shoes, t-shirts and cotton dresses in stripes, polka dots and earth-toned colors. For a more summer feel, they also produce blouses and dresses made from high-quality linen. Prices are B290-650.
Section 4, Soi 50/1, Room 192, 081-499-4995, www.facebook.com/plainandpattern

Backyard

This accessories shop was founded three years ago by budding jewelry designer Nicha “Nan” Iamsakulpanich, whose vintage-style pieces take their cues from nature. Expect plenty of trees and animals, as well as designs influenced by Nicha’s favorite fairy tales, such as wooden rabbit pendants and coral-shaped earrings. Prices are B320-B1,890.
Section 4, Soi 2, Room 225, 086-392-6169. www.in-the-backyard.com

Labyrinth

The labor of love of two friends, Labyrinth’s beautiful bracelets, necklaces, locket pendants, bangles and rings are made from interesting materials like brass, feather, stone, resin and stencils. Their style aims to promote feminine beauty and is clearly influenced by European Rococo art.
Section 3, Soi 2, 081-907-8705

Chuan Pisamai

Nampueng and her elder sister turned their passion for dressing other women into a haven of romantic, vintage-style accessories. Chuan Pissamai was born six years ago when Nampueng started using leftover costume jewelry to decorate hats. Girls can browse the seemingly unlimited range of flower-pattern shoes, bags and accessories, but the real highlights are the headbands (B290-590) and hats (B450-3,000)—Nampueng crafts them herself and vows that each is one of a kind.
Section 3, Room 125-126, www.facebook.com/ChuanPisamai

Pao Bay Fun

Ko, who works in film production, launched this brand in December 2011 in order to showcase his silk-screen canvas bags. But finding the process too tough, and armed with just adhesive tape and fabric paint, the results were something even more homespun. Pao Bay Fan sells various types of bags, each handmade and one-of-a-kind, but the bright, hand-painted ones are the real deal. Bags are from B390.
Section 2, Room 257 (main road-side), https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paobayfun-Shop/378389685505273   

Mazmoizelle

After graduating from college, owner Par joined with her friend Sho to open up this cork and leather accessories shop. Mazmoizelle does messenger bags, school bags and small purses, as well as passport covers made from cork, leather and canvas. Expect preppy designs fusing canvas and leather in tones like brown, black, beige and green, messenger bags made from cork, and leather wallets and notebooks in various colors. The designs here are simple and understated, but what’s really cool is the use of cork as one of the main materials, as well as their tasteful color combinations like the carrier bag in beige and indigo, khaki and green or even beige and ash. Bags start from B690 and notebooks from B150.
Section 3 Soi 43, 085-557-5721

Tomato

The small room of Tomato resembles a revolving door of hipsters, who come here to seek out cool pairs of washed blue jeans. Tomato’s owners promise utmost comfort—even if you opt for their super-tight skinny jeans—as they say they only use high-quality stretchable denim, which stays in proper shape even after a year of wear and tear. The shop stocks boat shoes, ankle boots, oxford shoes and loafers, too.
Section 3, Room 5, 17. www.facebook.com/TomatoWare

The Sleeveless Garden

It all started when three friends were having trouble finding the perfect vintage-style bag at an affordable price, and so decided to take matters into their own hands. The Sleeveless Garden’s bags combine genuine leather with cool designs and fashionable color schemes—and prices start from just B2,000. Highlights include the series of school bags (from B2,900) in different colors, from tanned orange to vintage black, and we’re in love with their new minimal-style Grand Canel tote bag (from B2,900).
Section 4, Soi 47/1, Room 18, 081-456-0315, www.facebook.com/thesleevelessgarden

Cuban cigars are famous, why only select cigars from other countries? Typically, Cuban cigars are produced in facilities owned and run by the government. In the late 1950s most experienced cigar professionals fled Cuba and settled in places like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras. It’s these traditions, experiences, passions and love for the industry that we believe makes non-Cuban cigars better than those coming out of Cuba today.

What are the basics for those who have never tried a cigar before? Firstly, cigars are not cigarettes. Typically, the tobacco that makes up the filler of cigars is aged for 1-2 years. The binder and wrapper can easily be aged for 2-4 years. During this aging process, the tobacco releases ammonia thus releasing much of the nicotine. Cigars are also all tobacco without paper and chemical additives. Secondly, cigars are meant to be a relaxing experience: dedicate up to an hour to unwind and enjoy it. Cigars are not to be smoked quickly for a quick fix. Thirdly, any hand-rolled cigar has been touched by at least 70 hands during the aging and production process. It’s a very meticulous art form and cigars should be respected as such.

How do you tell a good cigar?
It should feel good to touch, with a solid roll and good bunching in the foot. A good cigar should also draw well. Being handrolled, it isn’t always perfect, so even your favorite cigar will have some sort of flaw. Most importantly, a good cigar is the cigar that you enjoy.

What’s your favorite cigar and whisky pairing? If I’m enjoying a scotch that’s a bit on the peaty side I would probably grab an EPM Liga Miami or a PDR Small Batch Habano. If it’s a smokier, heavier scotch, a good choice would be the A. Flores Serie Privada Maduro or EPM La Hermandad. Those are good places to start.