Urban Outfitters

Style: Boho glam meets edgy ‘90s grunge.
What: We really envy Hong Kong as the first (and only) country in Asia to have Urban Outfitters. If COS is the true calling for minimal hipsters with heavy pockets, then Urban Outfitters is for rich hipsters whose wardrobes mainly consist of quirky, stylish bohemian pieces for both sexes—apparel, (awesome) footwear and accessories. There's also cosmetics, music, tech, books and home decor. We can spend hours just browsing around the trendy store.
Our favorite piece: We’re a sucker for everything when it comes to this brand, but their slouchy, chunky cardigan (around B1,880), graphic tees (from B920) and anything from their Urban Renewal vintage selection top our list.
www.urbanoutfitters.com 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: Pull & Bear, Stradivarius

All Saints

Style: Chic rock ‘n’ roll mixed with a grungy, industrial aesthetic.
What: This one falls into the category of “love, can’t often afford to buy.” Most of the stuff from this high-end British retailer has an edgy look: shades of black, dark gray and brown, as well as other neutral autumnal colors. While their men’s and women’s apparel offers T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, coats, footwear and bags, their most well-known pieces are definitely the leather jackets in timeless silhouettes, whether biker, shearling or bomber styles.
Our favorite piece: The Tassel Balfern Biker Jacket for women and Theo Suede Biker Jacket in like khaki for men (both around B14,910).
www.allsaints.com 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: Rag & Bone, John Varvatos

River Island

Style: Trendy, glitzy-glam and feminine. 
What: At first glance, this London high-street brand may look very Topshop, but the target here is more office girls—mid-20s to early 30s—who know the latest trends and party on the weekends. Dresses range from fun-and-flirty to smart-casual and even evening dresses. They also have menswear, mostly smart-casual, everyday pieces like T-shirts, sweatshirts, blazers, jeans, chinos—you get the picture. 
Our favorite piece: The green floral sweetheart bodycon midi dress (around B3,020).
www.riverisland.com 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: H&M, Topshop

United Arrows

Style: Sartorial meets street.
What: A high-end multi-brand label from Japan with clothes that if styled to perfection will make any man look like they just stepped off a Pitti Uomo street-style photo-shoot with Scott Schuman. A major force in Japanese menswear, United Arrows gathers everything from dressed-up classics to street-style essentials, catering to quality-conscious customers in their early 30s to early 50s. Coveted Japanese brands like Mountain Research and Beauty & Youth come as standard, along with Italian shirt-maker Salvatore Piccolo and familiar names like Levi’s, Adidas Originals and The North Face.
Our favorite piece: The United Arrows Combat Jacket in beige (around B4,425) and Stile Latino soft wool jacket and slacks (around B79,000).
www.store.united-arrows.co.jp 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: Beams

Elizabeth and James

Style: Sophisticated everyday pieces with a minimal aesthetic.
What: If you grew up as a teen in the early 2000s, you’ll know that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were every girls’ ultimate fashion idols. That’s why we were all pretty stoked when they launched  this clothing brand in 2007. Chic, minimal everyday pieces are stylishly feminine yet smart enough for most occasions. From flowy, sophisticated dresses and clean-cut button downs, to sleek leather bags and statement sunglasses, this brand perfectly shows that the secret to a sharp-dressed woman is the “less is more” approach. 
Our favorite piece: The Drew Crop Sleeve Kimono (around B14,593) and Huxley 40mm Geometric Sunglasses (around B7,382).
www.elizabethandjames.us 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: COS, Celine

J. Crew

Style: Classic, All-American fashion staples.
What: Think traditional striped sweaters, gingham poplin midi-dresses for women and crisp cotton oxford shirts, chinos and boat shoes for men. This American brand has been making classic wardrobe staples since 1983, and they’re still going strong. With their unexpected color blocking, bright trench coats, pastel knits, fun layering, and oversized hipster sunglasses, J. Crew sure knows how to keep things playful and fresh. After looking at their sunny and optimistic campaigns, it kind of makes us want to give our monochrome wardrobe a colorful makeover.
Our favorite piece: The Ruffle Chino Jacket for women (around B3,190) and Navy, woven-collar polo in pima cotton for men (around B1,937).
www.jcrew.com 

Bangkok alternatives while we wait: Ralph Lauren