JJ Green, the new open-air mall next to Chatuchak, is set to have its grand opening next month. It’s 150 stores on 21 rai are all air-conditioned, and despite being around since May the foot traffic is still pretty low, offering an experience that’s a lot more civilized than the JJ zoo. Here, we round up a few shops you might want to check out.

Inspire Way

With its rugged and raw vibe, Inspire Way is all about the outdoor man. Wooden barrels are used to stock manga-printed t-shirts (from B190); the owner’s self-designed colorful leather boat shoes for men and women evoke yachting weekends (men B2,250, women B1,800); while Australia’s Billie canvas slip-ons and Chiang Mai’s Rubber Killer bags (made from recycled tyres, from B350) bring a touch of eco-warrior style. Products get updated fast, so you can expect rare imports to hit their shelves before they hit the malls. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.facebook.com/pages/Inspire-Way/249268355146040?fref=ts, 081-690-9359.

Pixie Dust

Pixie Dust is all about the stripes, whether it’s on men’s plain-colored t-shirts, polos or women’s tops and dresses. This studio-like shop focuses on simple design in safe tones like white, grey and navy: think casual pieces like long sleeve tops with a playful touch like a printed collar; a light, breathable, striped blazer; or knee-length dresses with hidden details like camouflaged pockets. The stripes, too, are jazzed up: they’re sometimes big and bold or printed with small details you might not even spot at first glance. T-shirts starts from B200, polos from B300 and dresses from B590. Open 11am-8pm Mon-Fri and 10am-7pm on weekends.

Mix & More

Judging from the random items in the window display, from acrylic saxophones to baby dolls, you’ve entered a zakka shop, those Japanese stores where the objects are curated according to the owner’s whimsy. You’ll find stationery, small gifts, printed t-shirts and lots of Japanese collectibles, from cartoon-themed pencils, figurines and toys, to children’s novels and snacks. T-shirts starts from B250 and stationery from B160. Open daily 11am-7pm.

Bellezza by Worarad

Bellezza’s green décor is home to women’s clothing and accessories focused on a sweet, girly palette of pastel tones. Jerseys, printed tops, understated candy-colored dresses share the space with unique necklaces and bracelets. Each piece is tailored and designed by the owner, Worarad, who also designed some of the necklaces herself. Tops starts from B500, accessories from B350 and dresses from B1,390. Open daily 10am-8pm.

Mama

Don’t let the doodles and drawings of animals on Mama’s windows fool you; this is no scrapbook emporium, children’s toy shop or pet store. Instead, Mama does handmade gifts and accessories, from bird-shaped bottle openers to animal block puzzle pieces. The themes are all animal-related, down to their own t-shirt designs with cuddly creatures like bears, dogs, lions and cats. Thankfully, their animal prints and cute cartoon graphics are contemporary enough to steer clear of utter cheesy cuteness. Prices start from B290 for t-shirts and B20 for gifts and accessories. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-8pm. www.facebook.com/rtna.mama, 083-151-6060.